Meet Robin Meyer of Mission Viejo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Robin Meyer.

Hi Robin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Dolls, never been a fan. Their porcelain “skin” and lifeless glass eyes always staring, never blinking. Of course growing up I had my Barbies and my beloved Mrs. Beasley, but never had the honor of having a tiny Victorian woman silently judging me from a shelf. I really didn’t embrace my strange and unusual side until I was much older, although I did enjoy the horror genre from a young age – Creature Feature on Friday nights, Stephen King stories for some light bedtime reading. This drastic change of direction did come as a surprise to everyone though. I had attended many craft fairs sharing my stained glass and sand blasting creations. A different kind of art most people appreciated and preferred. But what started as an innocent trip to the local swap meet, and the discovery of some child sized mannequin heads, soon became an obsession for doll makeovers. All I needed was what I had, paint and a very active imagination. Fast forward a few years and my collection has come full circle to including those unsettling porcelain dolls.

Although my friends and family were a little concerned, but also my biggest supporters, no one really wanted a doll of their own. So my dilemma was, were they good enough to put up for adoption? I posted a few “headshots” and donated one for a gift basket. But I had a room full of little nightmares with nowhere to go. A friend took me around to local horror conventions to show me I had what it took to be one of them. Some seemed too big for me, a little overwhelming. I felt I needed something more intimate but with big energy. After some online research, and attending one of their amazing events, I discovered Creep It Real OC. I had found my people!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I can honestly say the path that has led me to this point in my small business endeavor has been amazing. Early on the only thing that I found hindering was my lack of confidence in myself and my abilities. “I wish I would have/should have started when I was younger.” Quite a few “woulda, shoulda, couldas” But after all this time, I’ve come to accept there will always be someone more talented, more creative, smarter, and farther along. But there is only one me and I’m excited to share how my brain works in the art I create when re-imagining these dolls. Most people do not see what I see and that’s what makes creating them so much fun!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
When I was younger I thought I’d become a vet, or a teacher, or a journalist. I attended California State University Long Beach not knowing what I was going to be when I grew up. I earned a BA in Graphic Arts. I fell in love with the creativity it offered and the fact that there was minimal math. After graduation I married and started my family and my focus changed to them rather than me. Although my professional career did not include animals or graphic arts or journalistic endeavors, it did lead me to some amazing opportunities – Hershey, Disney, and the most fulfilling – education, specifically special education. I’m most proud of my work with children on the spectrum and the way they teach me something new every single day. I would like to think I’m known for my dedication to the children in my care, my love for my family and friends, and the ability to find joy in the weird and wonderful.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
This may sound cliche but surround yourself with positive people. Did I doubt myself and my ability to reimagine these dolls for all to see? Absolutely! Would anyone like them? Will they think any of these little wonders worthy of taking home? I had no idea but I do have people in my life to support me, even when they don’t understand me or how my brain’s right side works. (Not sure I do either). When a guest comes in to my Littlest Creep Shop and I hear them say “Nope” and they walk out, that’s a huge compliment. Not everyone will like or understand what you do or why you do what you do. But you never know when you may meet that one person who absolutely loves what you have to offer and then you’ve made a new friend. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, you’ll find your people as I did, like the four year old little girl that loved my work and carried her new friend everywhere.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @littlest.creep.shop
• Other: @littlest.creep.shop tiktok