This Black Mother-Daughter Duo’s Video Game Celebrates Afro Hair— Now, It’s Gone Global
Every UK Black History Month, we shine a light on Black British-owned businesses making a difference. This year’s standout is Frobelles, a UK-based dress-up game championing the beauty of afro hair.
Created by mother-daughter duo Yvonne Ottley and 12-year-old Alyssa Ottley, Frobelles has over 100,000 users and recently made its debut in the US.
The Birth of Frobelles
The idea for Frobelles was sparked by a simple question from Alyssa, who was just six years old at the time: “Why don’t any of my game characters have Afro hair like mine?”
This question led Yvonne to realize the severe lack of representation in children’s games, particularly when it came to diverse hairstyles, according to a press release shared with POCIT.
With Yvonne’s background in graphic design and Alyssa’s vision, they set out to create a game that would fill this gap, allowing young girls with curly and coily hair to see themselves reflected.
The result was Frobelles, featuring three main characters—Coco, Kelli, and Krista—who proudly wear their natural hair.
With styles like Bantu knots, puffs, and Fulani braids, the game not only offers players a chance to dress up their characters but also celebrates the versatility of Black people’s natural hair textures.
Empowering Through Education and Representation
Representation in the media plays a crucial role in shaping children’s self-esteem and identity.
A study by Dove found that 53% of Black mothers reported their daughters experienced hair discrimination as early as five years old.
Frobelles offers a space where Black girls can embrace their natural beauty and learn how to care for their hair through the game’s new “story mode,” which teaches children about Afro hair care, styling, and even skincare.
A Growing Community and Global Expansion
Frobelles has grown beyond its humble beginnings at the Ottley family’s kitchen table. The game now boasts an active fan club, regular offline events, and major campaigns with the Apple AppStore and GooglePlay.
Alyssa herself has won the Young Entrepreneur Award at the 2024 FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards, proving that age and marginalization are no barriers to success.
With its recent US launch and growing international interest, Frobelles is set to reach even more children worldwide. The brand is also expanding into toys, apparel, and hair accessories, with big licensing deals in the works.
Feature Image Credit: Frobelles
