Boston Brand Media brings you the latest - TikTok is abuzz as women proudly exhibit their vast and awe-inspiring Lego collections. Through captivating videos, these enthusiasts share their passion and creativity with the world, showcasing intricate builds and cherished pieces. From nostalgic sets to custom creations, each display reflects dedication and ingenuity, captivating audiences with the endless possibilities of Lego. Explore the vibrant community on TikTok and immerse yourself in the colorful world of female Lego collectors.
A community of Lego enthusiasts discovers comfort in the hands-on hobby, finding camaraderie through sharing their brick creations on social platforms.
Alyssa Evans is unable to provide an exact figure for the amount she has invested in her Lego sets since she began the hobby in 2021. Nevertheless, she firmly believes that the expenditure has been worthwhile. Evans' TikTok profile is solely focused on her passion for Lego, thus she enthusiastically embraced a recent trend. This trend involves Black women, and occasionally men, showcasing their completed build-and-display sets and extensive Lego collections in videos featuring the viral hit "Mr. Pot Scraper" by rapper BossMan Dlow.
At the age of 23, Evans possessed an array of Lego sets, including flower arrangements, cars, the Vincent van Gogh "The Starry Night" set, the Pac-Man Arcade set, and more. Her video, one of the first to participate in the trend, has garnered over 14,000 views.
Reflecting on the trend, Evans expressed surprise at its reception. She didn't anticipate the strong community engagement, particularly since Lego collecting is typically associated with non-POC males. Witnessing other women of color of various ages sharing their Lego experiences warmed her heart.
Boston Brand Media also found that over a dozen Black TikTokers have shared similar videos, with singer Chlöe Bailey also joining in by posting photos of herself alongside some of her completed sets. These Lego enthusiasts told NBC News that they've discovered a sense of community online through the viral videos and are delighted to find other Black individuals who share their hobby. Many mentioned spending hours completing Lego sets, often finding it cathartic and a way to alleviate anxiety and stress.
This aligns with Lego's recent efforts to market its sets as stress-relievers for AFOLs (adult fans of Lego), providing a means to tune out distractions, engage in hands-on activities, and relax the mind.
In 2020, the Denmark-based company temporarily halted advertisements for its police-related sets amid protests against police violence in the U.S. Concurrently, Lego pledged to donate $4 million to organizations that support Black children.
"We are thrilled to witness the engagement of Black women utilizing LEGO bricks as a creative outlet to celebrate their passions," stated Alero Dawn Akuya, Lego's vice president of brand development, to NBC News. "The Black community is teeming with creativity, inspiration, and positivity, and we are honored that they are embracing our products to express themselves and share their personal narratives."
Jazmin Towe, 31, embarked on building Lego sets in January 2023, when her husband gifted her a set to unwind and alleviate stress after work. Over a year and a half later, Towe has completed numerous sets. In her TikTok video, viewed over 260,000 times, she showcased her finished Nintendo Entertainment System, piano, jazz quartet, and typewriter sets.
"It's incredibly calming. It just soothes my nerves. I'll spend hours at the end of the day working on them," Towe enthused. "Completing them brings me joy. It's also a bit bittersweet because I love the process of assembling them. When I finish one, I'm already eager to start the next!"
Towe occasionally collaborates on smaller Lego sets with her 7-year-old son, yet primarily, it remains a personal pastime. "For me, it's a way to unwind," she explained. "I turn to Lego to soothe myself, to clear my mind, to unwind. I'll grab a nice glass of wine and some snacks, and I'll spend three or four hours straight on Lego."
Even though Lego building is often a solitary pursuit for individuals like Towe, there's a broader community of Black enthusiasts who find solace in the knowledge that others share their passion. Long before the recent trend — and before the advent of TikTok itself — Ghanaian Canadian artist Ekow Nimako was using Lego to craft Afrofuturistic sculptures. CNN reported that Nimako devotes 50 to 800 hours to meticulously constructing these sculptures entirely from black Lego pieces.
Lego showcases Nimako's work on its website, featuring videos, images, and statements from the artist. Nimako doesn't view his creations as part of the Lego fandom or merely a hobby; he considers them fine art. "My aim," he told Lego, "is to propel Black and Ghanaian culture forward." He believes Lego pieces are ideal for this purpose due to their intelligent and adaptable design.
Alero Dawn Akuya commended this diversity and innovation facilitated by Lego's initiatives in diversity, equity, and inclusion. "We are dedicated to fostering a more compassionate, empathetic, and inclusive society now and for generations to come," Akuya remarked. "Ensuring that everyone feels welcomed into the Lego universe is fundamental to our purpose, and we actively strive to ensure our products and marketing endeavors reflect this aspiration."
Evans sees her involvement in the Lego enthusiast community as a source of pure joy. Recalling her childhood experiences with Lego, she finds delight in revisiting this hobby. Participating in the latest TikTok trend has facilitated connections with fellow Lego enthusiasts, bringing her a sense of belonging. "I've truly discovered a sense of community," she expressed. "I no longer feel isolated. Previously, it was a solitary pursuit; now, I realize there are others like me. It's a healing experience for my inner child."
Regarding the cost of Lego, Towe acknowledges it as an expensive hobby, with adult sets often carrying hefty price tags. She hopes that as more individuals join the Lego fandom, the company will explore avenues to alleviate the financial strain. "I believe that if it were more affordable, more people would engage with it," she remarked.
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Source: nbcnews