Suki Yume in Cleveland, Ohio

How many collectors of BJDs dream of somehow turning their love of dolls into  a career?  Paula Osbun took the leap when she opened Suki Yume, a brick and Mortar store in Cleveland, Ohio.

Paula Osbun first became interested in asian ball-jointed dolls when she spied pictures of them online. “I saw photos of BJDs on DeviantArt and had never seen a doll like it. I was intrigued, so I asked about the doll. I bought my first ABJD about two years ago; an Elfdoll Soah named Sukilala. The name was from a doll I had when I was four.”  Sukilala was soon joined by an Elfdoll Wu that Paula named Elijah.

After Paula became unemployed, she decided to take a chance and open her own business. She decided to try running a brick and mortar store for BJD lovers in the historic Tremont section of Cleveland.  Paula named her shop Suki Yume, ‘Suki’ after her first BJD and ‘Yume’ which is the Japanese word for ‘dream’. The former owner of Dolls and Friends, Kathy Notenboom, who had recently retired from the business, became a mentor. “I contacted her back in October when I was in the planning stages. She has given me lots of advice and answers any questions I have. She has been great.” Another important contact for Paula was Ms. Cholong who represents ElfDoll in the US.  Through Ms. Cholong, Paula became a dealer for one of her favorite line of dolls. Suki Yume sells or can order any item that ElfDoll carries.

The best part of a doll business for Paula has been working with dolls and the people who collect them. “it’s been fun meeting people in the area who collect the dolls. I love it when customers bring in their dolls. Actually, it’s a good idea if you’re looking at accessories because you’re welcome to try them on your dolls.” the store plans to have regular meet-ups, the first of which is scheduled for January 25th. “This one does not have a theme but I have asked people to bring a simple pattern to share with everyone. I would like to have regular meet-ups, maybe once a season.

An online store for the shop has been Paula’s latest project.  She also hopes to expand her store’s offerings with the work of talented clothing designers and craftspeople.  “I would love to find people to make clothing and furniture for the dolls. I’d like to have more variety and a larger price range for customers. The items will definitely be available on line. I did commission Aimee Rose Formo to make Romeo and Juliet costumes for my February window display. They will be available for purchase. I’ve also been talking with a local artist about doing face-ups for the store. I am thinking of doing some one-of-a-kind BJDs.”

The hardest thing about having a physical store is bringing in foot traffic.”Not many people have heard of ABJDs or think they are something else. The economy is probably affecting people’s decisions to invest in an ABJD as well. The store is located in the historic neighborhood of Tremont; there are many art galleries and good restaurants here as well as a few retail shops. There is more foot traffic in warmer weather so I’m hopeful people will discover the store when the weather improves!”  The store is currently  open Thursday through Saturday from 12 noon to 8PM.

Suki Yume has plans to expand offerings in the future “ I would like to offer customers a wealth of ABJD items, anything your doll could possibly want or need. It would be fun to host classes to learn how to do face-ups or make an outfit or wig. If anyone is interested in doing this at the store, please contact me!  I welcome comments and suggestions from customers. I’d like to offer whatever it is they want in a store for ABJDs.”
Suki Yume Website