Meet Yolanda Sadighpour | Creator & Designer of Yoli’s Dolls

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yolanda Sadighpour and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yolanda, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am from Iran

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My creative journey began when I was just seven years old—painting, sewing dresses for my dolls, and making purses from fabric. I later attended the University in Tehran, but when the Iranian Revolution broke out, I had to leave the country at 19 to continue my education in the U.S.

I arrived alone in 1979, barely speaking English. Life in America was difficult. I faced financial hardship, culture shock, and even eviction during the hostage crisis, simply for being Iranian. Despite it all, I stayed resilient. I completed a degree in interior and graphic design at San Diego State University while working as a graphic designer for Navy News and other local firms.

When my student visa expired, I received a deportation order. But as a Jewish woman, returning to Iran was not safe. My faith gave me strength, and I found a way forward.

Years later, after starting a family, I was disheartened by how the media portrayed Iranians—especially women—as silent, hidden figures dressed in black hijab. That wasn’t the Iran I knew. So I turned to what I’ve always known: art. Through my dolls, I began recreating the vibrant beauty, culture, and humanity of my homeland. It was my way of reclaiming the narrative and giving my children, grandchildren, and other young people abroad a true picture of where they come from.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Yoli’s Dolls would not exist if it weren’t for the non-profit organization ARM-HIBM Group (Advancement of Research for Myopathies), which sought to honor my grandfather—a charitable and highly respected man—at one of their fundraisers. My grandfather, Abollah Sadighpour, was from the city of Kermanshah, and in his honor, I created centerpieces featuring dolls dressed in traditional attire from that region. The dolls were auctioned off, and that night we raised approximately $150,000 to support people suffering from myopathy. This was the beginning of my journey with Yoli’s Dolls.

I also want to acknowledge my father, Dr. Morad Sadighpour, who has always supported me in every endeavor and creative pursuit. He was my greatest source of encouragement and consistently stood by my side.

Website: https://www.Yolisdolls.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yolijoon?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: Yolanda Moradzadeh

Facebook: Yolanda Sadighpour

Youtube: Yolanda Moradzadeh

Image Credits
Mehrdad Rahimi
Andy Production