In East London, Jess Ellis has found a unique and unconventional passion that has transformed her life. As the proud “mom” of 13 hyperrealistic reborn dolls, Jess has created a world filled with comfort, creativity, and joy. What began as a way to combat loneliness has blossomed into a fascinating journey that not only brings her happiness but also sparks curiosity and even criticism. Jess’s story is one of resilience, love, and the power of embracing what makes you truly happy.
From Loneliness to Love: How It All Began
Jess’s journey into the world of reborn dolls started in May 2020, a time when she felt isolated and disconnected. Searching for a way to fill the emotional void, she stumbled across reborn dolls—astonishingly lifelike replicas of real babies. These dolls are designed with intricate details to look and feel like real infants, down to the tiniest features.
Intrigued, Jess made her first purchase: Rebecca, a one-month-old replica baby, for $300. That single purchase opened the floodgates to a newfound passion. Holding and caring for Rebecca brought Jess an unexpected sense of calm and fulfillment. Over time, her collection grew, each doll representing a different stage of infancy or childhood. Today, Jess is the proud caretaker of 13 reborn dolls, each one crafted with extraordinary detail and personality.
A Hobby That Comes with a Price: $7.5K and Counting
Jess’s love for reborn dolls is not just a sentimental journey—it’s also an investment. Her collection, which includes dolls named Cookie, Sam, Brooklyn, and Zain, has cost her a staggering $7,500. The most expensive doll in her collection, Cookie, is designed to resemble a premature baby girl and came with a price tag of over $2,000.
While some may balk at the expense, Jess views her reborn dolls as more than just collectibles. To her, they are companions that bring peace and joy into her life. She lovingly dresses them, changes their diapers, and even takes them out in prams for strolls around town. These routines mirror real parenting, but Jess emphasizes that she understands the dolls are not real children. To her, they are a source of comfort and a meaningful way to explore her maternal instincts.
A Partner’s Support: Sharing the Passion
Jess is not alone in her unique venture. Her fiancé, Avery Raassen, a 33-year-old pastry chef, has fully embraced her passion. Initially unfamiliar with caring for infants, Avery learned through Jess’s dolls how to dress and handle babies. Over time, he became an active participant, helping Jess care for the dolls and even taking them out for family-like outings.
Avery’s support has strengthened their bond, turning what might seem unusual to others into a shared hobby. Jess appreciates that the experience has prepared them both for the possibility of becoming parents in the future. She acknowledges the humor in the situation, saying, “I often leave the dolls in places you’d never leave a real baby—like on the sofa or a table.”
Turning Passion into Profit: Crafting Reborn Dolls
Jess’s love for reborn dolls has evolved from a personal hobby into a part-time business. Just four months ago, she began creating and selling her own reborn dolls to others in the community. Crafting these dolls is no small feat—it’s a labor-intensive process that can take up to three weeks to complete.
Her journey into doll-making wasn’t without challenges. Jess recalls stripping and repainting her first doll several times to achieve the realism she envisioned. Now, her efforts are paying off. She has earned a few thousand dollars from her creations, which she sees as a way to give back to the reborn doll community while pursuing a passion she loves.
The Psychology Behind Reborn Dolls
For Jess, reborn dolls are more than just a pastime—they’re a form of therapy. Caring for the dolls brings her a sense of calm and emotional fulfillment. Psychologists and researchers have noted that reborn dolls can have therapeutic benefits for certain individuals, offering comfort and a sense of purpose.
Dr. Raj Persaud, a consultant psychiatrist, explains that nurturing a real baby releases oxytocin, the “bonding hormone.” He theorizes that reborn dolls may trigger a similar effect, providing emotional connection and reducing anxiety. Additionally, reborn dolls have been used to help grieving parents cope with the loss of a child or to prepare individuals for parenthood.
The therapeutic benefits extend to elderly individuals as well. Studies by Dr. Ian James of Newcastle General Hospital have shown that holding reborn dolls can have a calming effect on elderly residents, promoting relaxation and emotional well-being.
Preparing for Parenthood: A Practice Run
Jess and Avery are candid about their desire to have children in the future, but they acknowledge they’re not quite ready yet. In the meantime, their reborn dolls serve as a form of preparation. Jess often changes their outfits and mimics real-life parenting routines, such as taking the dolls out in prams or carriers.
These activities have led to mixed reactions during their outings. Some passersby mistake the dolls for real babies, while others are intrigued by the hobby. Jess uses these moments to educate others about the world of reborn dolls, helping to dispel misconceptions and share her passion.
Facing Criticism: Standing Strong Against Judgment
While Jess finds joy in her hobby, she has also faced her fair share of criticism. Some people view her passion as eccentric or obsessive, but Jess and Avery remain unfazed. To them, the dolls are a source of happiness and a valuable way to prepare for the future.
Jess emphasizes that she fully understands the dolls are not real. She appreciates the way they help her cope with baby fever, manage anxiety, and bring a sense of calm to her life. For Jess, the benefits far outweigh any negativity or judgment from others.
Conclusion: Finding Joy in the Unconventional
Jess Ellis’s journey into the world of reborn dolls is a story of resilience, creativity, and self-discovery. What began as a way to combat loneliness has grown into a meaningful passion that brings her joy, comfort, and even income. With the unwavering support of her fiancé, Jess has turned an unconventional hobby into a lifestyle that enriches her life and prepares her for the future.
Her story challenges societal norms and encourages us to embrace what makes us happy, no matter how unconventional it may seem. Reborn dolls, for Jess, are more than just lifelike replicas—they’re a source of love, peace, and fulfillment. In a world that often judges by appearances, Jess’s journey reminds us that happiness comes in many forms, and the only opinion that truly matters is our own.
