Jan comes from an artistic background. Her grandmother was a sculptress and her mother was a portrait artist. As a child she was given dolls her grandmother made in the 1950's. They had wonderful faces made from fine papier marche modelled from the faces of children, very like the dolls made in Europe in the 1940's.
Jan never forgot the dolls, and while researching her family history, decided to make a doll for her only daughter to be passed down through the generations.
She studied dollmaking in 1983, and initially made reproduction dolls, learning her craft as she taught others.

In 1985, the wonderful German doll artist, Hildegard Gunzel visited New Zealand. Her dolls were the most exciting creations Jan had ever seen and inspired her to try sculpting her own. Her first dolls, Chloe and Phoebe were "born" in 1987 and were followed by Poppy and Pansy. It was not until 1991, that Jan's talents were discovered, when she exhibited her dolls for the first time at the great New York Toy Fair. She became an overnight success winning her first DOLLS AWARD OF EXCELLENCE for Pansy.

Today, Jan's dolls are widely sought after and receive many international awards placing her among the top doll makers in the world. Her limited edition porcelain beauties continue to bewitch and entrance the most discerning art and doll collectors worldwide. "Each has her own cheeky or alluring expression, precocious or demure and innocent, an attitude that exudes personality."

She employs the skills of a mouldmaker, cobblers, milliners, a beader, and a jeweller. Her happy and enthusiastic team of eight work in a bright airy workshop with mezzanine floor at the many tasks involved in doll-making. It is here that Jan paints every face and with her team assembles each of her very limited Original Dolls for her discerning collectors.

To tour the premises is a revelation, with cupboards overflowing with rich luxurious fabrics and superb laces, boxes brimming with headwear, furs and leathers, bright blooms and plumes, shining beads and bows, along with custom-made jewellery pieces which adorn her top-end dolls. For those who travel to Dunedin, it is an experience to visit her elegant store on the main street where many of her dolls are showcased along with collectable bears.

In an effort to make her dolls more accessible to more people, Jan designed and moulded a collection of prototypes in her Dunedin studio which are now produced in larger numbers for offshore. Jan maintains full [and strict!] control of quality, spending many weeks at a time, working alongside the artists and seamstresses reproducing her designs down to every last detail. Collectors are assured that Jan's reputation for superb quality and design is maintained.

	Jan Position: International doll designer and creator extraordinaire Why I love working at Jan McLean Designs: Old habits die hard. Creative people have loads of stuff, laces, moulds, fabrics, for doll design and fashion design. I can operate under one roof, five minute from home and yet my designs and creations get shipped all around the world. Proudest moment at Jan McLean Designs: Receiving my First Dolls awards of Excellence for Pansy. I still remember the day, Celia from Celia and Suzanne’s Dolls phoned with the news. We shrieked and screamed, probably the sweetest glass of Moet I have ever had Favourite Jan McLean Doll: It’s like asking who is your favourite child. Each has special qualities and memories of their own; I have bonded with each in different ways. Not every design has been successful, although each has taught me something On a Sunday I Love to: First I love to read the Sunday paper. I love to cruise down the Bay to my beach house. It’s made even more special when the little people (my grandbabies) can share the experience and hang and play down at the bay with me Won’t leave home without: Jack our dog, my handbag, lipstick, instant tan and a good book, I’m a real book worm Favourite Quote: ‘We are what we eat’
	Graeme Position: General Manger. The token male surrounded by doll-loving females Why I love working at Jan McLean Designs: I enjoy the variety. The job enables me to utilise the skills learnt with the New Zealand IRD over the past 30 years. Proudest moment at Jan McLean Designs: Jan winning several DOTY awards at the New York Toy Fair Favourite Jan McLean Doll: Marilou, plain and simple, she won DOTY in 1995 On a Sunday I Love to: Play golf, go fishing and have a few well-deserved beers Won't leave home without: Jan and Jack, my golden retriever
	Aron Position: Jack of all trades, Jan's eyes and ears. Designer, painter, sculptor, administrator, etc etc etc Why I love working at Jan McLean Designs: I remember Jan asking me where I would like to go after a very busy week at the New York trade fair. Los Vegas was the town I picked, I had a glorious week staying at Caesars Palace playing the pokers shopping sight seeing and seeing the odd movie star, OOOOh so lucky and that's not all, I had a week cruising around the Bahamas with Jan and her daughter Kimberlee and son Hayden, OOOh again a glorious week. We were pioneers and one of the first to travel on the Chunnel from London to Paris under the sea. I loved Paris. Trade fairs in Birmingham (Yorkshire pudding to die for). Trade fairs in Nuremberg, Germany (I loved the people and sausages there). Shopping in Harrods London. Spending 5 weeks in China, what an experience, after the initial culture shook I loved it. The list just goes on and on, Australia twice a year. Where else could you get such a great job. (Sorry everyone out there - I'M NOT LEAVING!) Proudest moment at Jan McLean Designs: I remember standing in the middle of Trump Plaza New York City, where Jan had been invited along with other world famous doll artists to exhibit her magnificent one of a kind doll Favourite Jan McLean Doll: Of the Jan McLean Design dolls my favourite would be Desire. She is in fact the only doll I have on display in my house, nothing else compares. My favourite Jan Mclean original doll is Angelica. On a Sunday I Love to: I love to lay in a little longer then the rest of the week. Weather permitting I love to go out fishing for Blue cod mmmmm. Won't leave home without: My driver's license - just in case I get asked for ID - only kidding. Was caught out once and got a fine, so now it is my first essential. Favourite Quote: 'Men, Chocolate and coffee are all better rich'
	Beverly Position: Designer, dressmaker Why I love working at Jan McLean Designs: Each day brings a new challenge for me Proudest moment at Jan McLean Designs: Proudest moment is looking back on all the creations I have been a part of. Favourite Jan McLean Doll: Kathleen On a Sunday I Love to: Relax Won't leave home without: my car Favourite Quote: 'so to speak'
	Pat Position: Doll maker Why I love working at Jan McLean Designs: I love the variety of tasks I get involved in. It is exciting being part of the creation process and seeing things through to a completed doll Proudest moment at Jan McLean Designs: Receiving trophies at San Jose for original dolls, Primrose, Marigold. The two were voted best dolls at the show. Favourite Jan McLean Doll: Calypso, she was exquisite, dark and beautiful with her velvet beaded dress, I felt a special connection with her. I also have a soft spot for Hannah, Isabelle and Harriet as they were all names after my grand daughters. On a Sunday I Love to: Some days I like to do my own thing like gardening. Other days I like to spend time with near and dear family and friends. I also enjoy Sunday drives. Won't leave home without: My handbag Favourite Quote: 'Make new friends but don't forget the old. One is silver the other is gold'
	Dorothy Position: Personal Assistant Why I love working at Jan McLean Designs: I love the friendships I have made with the people I work with. I also love the clients and customers I get to talk to and help everyday. I have built up a some wonderful relationships with a lot of people from all over the world. Proudest moment at Jan McLean Designs: Travelling to Shows all around the world Favourite Jan McLean Doll: Has to be Amelia and Amy as they were names after my two beautiful granddaughters On a Sunday I Love to: rest my feet from Dancing on a Saturday. Weather permitting, I love to get out in the garden. I also love to pick up the grandkids and take them somewhere special Won't leave home without: money, I am an impulse buyer
	Antoinette Position: Marketing Manager Why I love working at Jan McLean Designs: The people here are truly great people and a good laugh. The job is very flexible and close to home. Each day is a new challenge, designing and being creative. We have lots of laughs here! Proudest moment at Jan McLean Designs: Returning back into my new role of Marketing Manager. After being away for four years, it is a great opportunity for me that I am very excited about. I am loving the challenge of marketing and branding for Jan McLean Designs, building the Lollipop Girl brand and the fashion ranges. Favourite Jan McLean Doll: The Lollipop Girls, but the favourite is definitely Cissy of Sydney. On a Sunday I Love to: At the moment I am making the most of being able to sleep in before the baby arrives. I love waking up to my view over the harbour and having breakfast in bed Won't leave home without: Sunglasses, wallet and house keys Favourite Quote: 'If you smile a lot, eventually your smile will come back to you'
	Dawn Position: Shop Manageress Why I love working at Jan McLean Designs: Meeting people and selling dolls. It is not just a job it is a hobby as well, and I get to buy really nice dolls Proudest moment at Jan McLean Designs: Just working for Jan, she is more than a boss to me she is a good friend as well, and our trips away are really special Favourite Jan McLean Doll: All my dolls are special. But if I had to pick one it would be Lucy then Lilly Marlene and many others On a Sunday I Love to: Spend with family. I have two wonderful grandsons Mathew and Daniel which I love to catch up with them Favourite Quote: Treat others as you would like to be treated your self and a smile doesn't cost anything
	Nessie Position: IT Guru 'in training'. I'm actually lucky enough to be getting work experience at Jan's. I am currently not employed by Jan but as I self teach myself the world of IT and cyberspace I am able to put it into practice at Jan McLean Designs. Why I love working at Jan McLean Designs: Love the fact I can gain hands on experience as I grow my IT skills. Her amazing, funky designs enable me to extend my creativity in the IT environment Proudest moment at Jan McLean Designs: The first time I rescued the team after their systems had shut down. I was able to get everything back on track with no information lost Favourite Jan McLean Doll: Alani and Ally from Auckland. The reason is obvious, my baby girls name is Alani. On a Sunday I Love to: Go to the beach with Alani and our dog Rusty Won't leave home without: My Flip Flops / thongs / Jandal's, (depending where your from) I love Summer!! Favourite Quote: 'Keep smiling it makes people wonder what your up to :-)'

	Jan begins sculpting
	Details are added to the doll's face
	Jan adding the final touches...
	Peter making the moulds for the new doll
	Peter filling one of the moulds
	Peter removing bust from a mould.
	Gloria applying the first of 4 layers of china paint before firing
	Jan painting the details...eyebrows, lashes and lips
	Audrey creating clothes
	Bev creating clothes
	The finished (but not yet dressed) doll! One-off and original!
	Ingrid, complete in all her glory!