Conversations with CJ Charles

Today we’d like to introduce you to CJ Charles.

Hi CJ, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is CJ Charles; I am the inventor of the Justine Doll. The Justine Doll began from a very personal place. After years in the classroom, I noticed that my students were not reflected in the toys and stories around them.
That’s when the character of Justine was born.

She first came to life as the main character in my book, My Mother Is a Superhero, a story that celebrates the everyday strength, love, and resilience of mothers through a child’s eyes. As readers connected with her, it became clear that she deserved to exist beyond the pages of a book. That vision led to the creation of the Justine Doll. I wanted her to be more than a toy. I wanted her to represent confidence, imagination, and the idea that heroes often look like the people we love most.

The journey hasn’t been simple. I learned along the way—about product development, storytelling, and entrepreneurship—while balancing family, work, and purpose. Each step reinforced why I started: to create something meaningful that affirms children and honors the powerful role of mothers.

Today, the Justine Doll and My Mother Is a Superhero together form a growing world centered on empowerment, love, and identity. What began as a story is now a mission—and I’m excited to continue expanding Justine’s journey and impact.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—and honestly, I don’t think meaningful journeys ever are. Every stage of building the Justine Doll and My Mother Is a Superhero has come with its own set of challenges.
One of the biggest struggles was bringing a deeply personal vision to life in a very practical world. Turning a story and a character into a physical product meant learning new skills—from manufacturing and production to branding and distribution—often through trial and error. There were moments when things moved slower than expected, when plans had to be reworked, or when I had to make tough decisions with limited resources.

Perhaps the biggest struggle was overcoming the fear that comes with putting something so personal into the world—wondering if people would connect with it or understand its purpose. But every challenge reinforced my commitment to the mission: creating something that reflects love, empowerment, and real-life superheroes—especially mothers.
Looking back, those struggles weren’t roadblocks; they were building blocks. They shaped the Justine Doll into something intentional and meaningful, and they continue to guide where the journey goes next.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I create purpose‑driven children’s stories and products that center on empowerment, love, and representation. I’m the creator of the Justine Doll and the author of My Mother Is a Superhero, where Justine is the main character. Together, the book and the doll form a connected world that celebrates imagination and the everyday heroes in children’s lives—especially mothers.

I specialize in meaningful storytelling that goes beyond play. Everything I create is rooted in emotional connection and real-life experiences. Justine isn’t just a doll—she’s a character with heart and intention.

What I’m most proud of is building something families truly connect with. Children see themselves in Justine, and parents see their love and strength reflected back at them.

What sets me apart is purpose. I don’t create just to entertain—I create to inspire, affirm, and start conversations. For me, storytelling and impact always go hand in hand.

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memories are the simple, everyday moments with my family. Dancing, listening to stories, laughing, and feeling completely safe and loved. Looking back, those moments shaped everything I create today. They taught me that the smallest memories often leave the biggest impact, and that love is the real superhero.

Pricing:

• Justine Doll $24.99
• My Mother is a Superhero Hardback Book $14.99

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mymotherisasuperhero.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/my_mother_is_a_superhero/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mymotherisasuperhero/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-charlesauthor