Janet Crescenzo Caudle
Hi! I’d love to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Janet Crescenzo Caudle, born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and just across the bridge in New Jersey and a proud Texas since 1977. I’ve been happily married to my sweetheart, Mike, for 48 wonderful years. Together we’ve been blessed with two sons, Daniel and Joey, and two grandson's Carson & Alex who continue to bring joy to our lives.
Born in the year of Barbie, my passion for dolls, sewing, and creativity has truly been a lifelong journey. My late mother, Janet Crescenzo, taught me to sew for people, children, and dolls — along with countless lessons that shaped who I am today. After her passing in February 1999, I returned to sewing for Barbie later that year, knowing how proud she always was of my doll fashions. I still smile remembering how, back in 1978, she would take my handmade Barbie outfits to work and sell them within minutes. We shared so many joyful moments, and I like to believe she is still my little angel, guiding my hands as I create fashions for one of my favorite 1970s dolls — Dawn.
My journey with dolls has been long and full of adventure. I began by making Barbie outfits and selling them locally, then learned to repaint faces, re-root hair, add eyelashes, and eventually create and sell One-of-a-Kind Barbies. Over the years, I’ve received Barbie fashion awards, OOAK awards, been featured in doll magazines, made special bookstore appearances, written doll articles, and even became a dealer for the reproduction Dawn and friends line. I’ve donated OOAK Barbies for charity events and attended many conventions. I could talk for hours about those memories — but I’ll spare you the full novel and share just a little more.
In February 2003, I created a few Dawn fashions and listed them on eBay. To my surprise, I received a flood of emails from collectors asking to be notified whenever new designs were available. One lady was especially persistent — she wanted to see every outfit before it was listed. I created them, she bought them all, and before long I had a “first to know” list. One of the most exciting surprises was when Pippa fans joined in. I knew everything about Dawn but very little about Pippa — and wow, did they give me a quick education. What a joy it was to merge those two doll worlds together.
I continued designing for Dawn and Pippa until Spring 2008, then took a break. In January 2014, I reopened the Fashion Boutique. I’m not entirely sure what the future holds, but I do know this: I have many friends here. After all these years, they never gave up on me. Their support is the reason I’m back, creating and enjoying myself again.
One day, I hope to publish a pattern book featuring my designs — a little piece of my journey preserved for future collectors and creators.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your ongoing support of me and my creations.
“I have been fortunate to form many friendships along the way, with new ones waiting to be discovered.”
With Love, Janet xxxx
Me, working on a Barbie convention donation in 2002
Email: janetsdolls@janetsdolls.com
