Pleasant Thiele Rowland, born on August 3, 1941, in Illinois, is an American entrepreneur best known for creating the iconic American Girl doll company. Her passion for creating dolls was ignited when she found it difficult to find suitable dolls for her nieces. This drive and determination would eventually lead her to create a company that would revolutionize the toy industry.
After graduating from Wells College in 1962, Rowland embarked on a diverse career path that included roles as a teacher, news reporter, anchor, and children's textbook author. Her experience in various fields helped shape her entrepreneurial spirit and laid the foundation for her future endeavors.
In 1986, Rowland founded the American Girl doll company with a $1.2 million investment she had earned from royalties as a textbook author. The company quickly gained popularity for its historically themed dolls and accompanying books that aimed to empower young girls and celebrate diversity. Rowland's vision for creating dolls that reflected the unique experiences of American girls resonated with consumers and made American Girl a household name.
In 1977, Rowland married philanthropist Jerome Frautschi, with whom she shares a commitment to giving back to their community. Their partnership has not only been a source of support for each other but has also allowed them to make a positive impact through their charitable efforts.
Pleasant Thiele Rowland's contributions to the toy industry have left a lasting impact on generations of children. Her entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and dedication to empowering young girls have made her a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere. As one of the most successful toy entrepreneurs, Rowland's legacy continues to inspire and educate future generations.
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