More than Barbie's mother90% of girls aged three to ten owned at least one Barbie doll. Ruth Handler's idea that children could live out their adult fantasies through a toy was brought to life in a large, beautiful blonde doll. Barbra Millicent Roberts, or Barbie for short, is named after Handler's daughter. Barbie was originally cast after the European Lilli doll which was designed to be a fun gift, but Handler turned that idea into so much more. The first Barbie doll was created in 1959, changing the toy manufacturing industry forever. This simple idea turned into a huge success. The sponsor of the phenomenon was Mattel Inc., founded by Ruth Handler and her husband. Ruth Handler's original idea for Barbie was revolutionary because of the many impacts this little doll created on society. Some of the most popular toys today came from Mattel Inc. Handler, her husband and partner Elliot Matt, started this organization without any idea of ​​what would come of it. he. Shortly after Barbie's debut, Mattel was catapulted to the top of the toy manufacturing industry. "Since her 'birth,' approximately 1 billion Barbies have been sold in four decades, making Handler's 'child' the best-selling fashion doll in every major global market." (Karen). The Barbie brand is valued at over $2 billion, making it the most successful brand of all time. Each year, between 150 and 200 different Barbies are released to the market, making this product one of the most durable products ever created. It's amazing how an invention could become such an icon. Another of Handler's inventions, much less popular but just as important, was his phrase "near me." Handler was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1970, which inspired him to create a line of breast prostheses. “Can't find a satisfying arti... middle of paper ......s to give girls the inspiration to live and aspire to their dreams. Ruth Handler's invention came to life exactly as she imagined. Even after the Handlers era, Barbies still play an important role in girls' childhoods. This simple idea became the first toy manufacturing industry and the most popular doll in the world. Even though her body proportions are not ideal, she is still a part of common childhood. Ruth Handler believed in herself and her ideas. She was a successful entrepreneur, businesswoman and inventor. Work Cited Martin, Melanie. “Negative Effects of Barbie on Girls.” eHow. Media on demand, and Web. February 14, 2014. “Ruth Handler.” Encyclopedia of World Biography. Flight. 25. Detroit: Gale, 2005. Student Resources in Context. Internet. February 11, 2014. “Ruth Handler.” Journalists. Detroit: Gale, 2003. Student Resources in Context. Internet. February 14. 2014.