Jess Ellis, a woman from East London, has taken an unconventional hobby to extraordinary levels by becoming the proud “mom” of 13 hyperrealistic reborn dolls. While some people might scoff at her $7.5K investment, Jess stands by her decision, claiming it has brought her peace, joy, and even prepared her for future parenthood. Let’s delve deeper into Jess’s fascinating journey, her growing collection, and the psychology behind this unique pastime.
From Loneliness to Love: The Start of a Unique Collection
Jess’s reborn doll journey began in May 2020, during a period when she felt a void in her life. Struggling with loneliness, she stumbled upon reborn dolls, which are lifelike replicas of real babies, designed to look and feel eerily authentic. Intrigued, she purchased her first doll, Rebecca, a one-month-old replica baby, for $300.
This first purchase sparked a passion that grew rapidly. Jess found the act of holding and caring for the dolls incredibly soothing. Over time, her collection expanded, with each doll representing a different stage of infancy or childhood. She now owns 13 dolls, each one meticulously crafted to mimic the tiniest details of a real child.
A Pricey Hobby: The $7.5K Investment
Jess’s collection is not only impressive but also expensive. Her most costly doll, Cookie, designed to resemble a premature baby girl, set her back over $2K. Alongside Rebecca and Cookie, Jess’s collection includes Sam, Brooklyn, June, Manuela, Zain, Lilly, Annalese, Aria, Charlie, Pippa, and even another doll named June, aged four years.
Despite the steep price tag, Jess views her reborn dolls as much more than just collectibles. To her, they are companions that provide comfort and joy. She even dresses them, changes their diapers, and takes them out in prams—mirroring the routines of real parenting.
Partner Support: A Shared Passion
Jess isn’t alone in her unique venture. Her fiancé, Avery Raassen, a 33-year-old pastry chef, has fully embraced her hobby. Initially unfamiliar with caring for infants or changing diapers, Avery learned through his interactions with the dolls. He now actively participates in their “parenting,” from dressing the dolls to taking them on outings.
While some might find this dynamic unusual, Avery’s support has strengthened their bond. Jess acknowledges that these dolls are not real babies, stating, “I often leave them in places you definitely should not leave a real baby—like a table or sofa.” However, she appreciates how the experience has prepared both her and Avery for the responsibilities of parenthood.
A Passion Turned Business: Creating Reborn Dolls
Jess’s passion has evolved into a part-time business. Four months ago, she began creating and selling her own reborn dolls to others in the community. She describes the process as labor-intensive yet rewarding, often taking three weeks to complete a single doll.
Initially, Jess faced challenges, but her determination paid off. She even stripped and repainted her first doll to achieve greater realism. To date, she has made a few thousand dollars from her creations, which she views as a way to give back to the reborn doll community.
The Psychology Behind Reborn Dolls
For Jess, reborn dolls are more than just a hobby—they’re therapeutic. She finds comfort in caring for the dolls and enjoys the sense of calm they bring. Interestingly, researchers have noted that reborn dolls can have psychological benefits for certain individuals.
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, helping individuals feel emotionally connected. Psychologists like Gail Saltz have also suggested that reborn dolls can be valuable for those not ready for parenthood or for grieving parents processing the loss of a child.
Additionally, reborn dolls have shown therapeutic benefits for the elderly. Dr. Ian James of Newcastle General Hospital observed that holding these dolls has a calming effect on elderly residents, promoting a sense of serenity.
Preparing for Parenthood: A Practice Run
Jess and Avery are open about their plans to have a baby in the future, but they acknowledge that they’re not ready yet. In the meantime, their reborn dolls serve as a sort of placeholder, allowing them to practice caregiving routines. Jess frequently changes their outfits, and the couple often takes the dolls out in prams or carriers, mimicking real-life parenting scenarios.
During their outings, Jess has encountered mixed reactions. Some passersby mistake the dolls for real babies, leading to curious conversations. For Jess, these moments are opportunities to educate people about her unique hobby.
Criticism and Misunderstanding: Overcoming Judgments
Despite the joy her hobby brings, Jess has faced criticism from those who view her passion as obsessive or strange. However, she and Avery remain unfazed. To them, the dolls are a source of happiness and a way to prepare for the future.
Jess emphasizes that she fully understands the dolls are not real. She appreciates their role in helping her cope with baby fever and alleviate anxiety. For her, the benefits far outweigh any judgment from others.
Conclusion: Love, Comfort, and Acceptance
Jess Ellis’s journey into the world of reborn dolls is a remarkable story of self-discovery, love, and resilience. What began as a way to combat loneliness has grown into a full-fledged passion that brings joy, comfort, and even income.
With the support of her fiancé, Jess has turned what many might see as an unconventional hobby into a meaningful part of her life. Her collection represents more than just a fascination with lifelike dolls—it’s a testament to the power of finding solace in unexpected places.
Whether seen as a therapeutic tool, a hobby, or preparation for parenthood, reborn dolls have proven to be a significant part of Jess’s life. Her story challenges societal norms, encouraging us to embrace what makes us happy, no matter how unconventional it may seem. In the end, it’s not about what others think—it’s about finding joy and fulfillment on your own terms.
