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By: Olivia Jones
As many other twenty-somethings about to enter the workforce, I am filled with excitement, dread, anticipation, and most of all anxiety. Getting a “big-girl job” has been pushed to the back burner for me ever since I began college in 2019. As someone with low future focus and high adaptability, I have always ensured myself that I have another year or at least another semester to figure it out. However, with nothing but a few weeks and a dream separating me from the adult world, my nerves have never been higher.
However, there is something that has been keeping me hopeful, something that has encouraged me since a child – toys. I know it sounds silly and easily dismissible but colorful, little plastic creatures can truly be a source of joy for me and plenty of other people in their twenties. A hugely popular example of this can be found in Sonny Angels. Sonny Angels are three inch kewpie doll-esque figures with varying hats and outfits that have been gaining traction this year, mainly amongst women in their twenties. They were “designed to be a tiny companion for working women in their mid-20s dealing with the stresses of adulthood.” (O’Neill) I have been slowly collecting these dolls for about four or five years now and have accumulated more than I’d like to admit. I would hypothesize their increase in popularity can be attributed to their ability to bring back a child-like wonder in so many. Sonny Angels, along with so many other toys and stuffed animals, have been creeping their way back into the lives of young adults as a form of encouragement and comfort.
My deep dive into the world of toys was spurred by my job at Terra Toys, a family owned toy store here in Austin. I worked there for two years from when I was 19 to 21. I always considered this to be my college job and that my collection of toys would come to an end with it. However, after starting what I deemed to be a “more adult job” at the children’s museum in Austin, I quickly realized I did not have to be embarrassed of my growing toy collection. Walking into the office for the first time, I saw countless colorful trinkets and toys lining the desks of my coworkers. After this, with every job or internship I have had, I haven’t been afraid to share my love for toys and trinkets and, more often than not, the people around me reciprocate this passion.
From both of these jobs, I not only discovered the joy and encouragement toys bring me but they also uncovered and reinforced my values when it comes to living and leading. I strongly believe that fun, playfulness, and joy are an essential part of education, creating and maintaining a community, and everyday life. Printed on every Sonny Angel box is the slogan “he may bring you happiness” and I think for so many twenty-somethings (including myself) stressed by the concept of entering the adult world, toys do just that.
About The Author:
Olivia Jones '23
Asian Studies and Asian Cultures and Languages
Entrepreneurial LeadHERship Fall 2023 Student
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