Meet Sherri.

Self-love x Self-care = The Ragbaby Exchange

The Owner Narratives | Meet Sherri Roberts Lumpkin and The Ragbaby Exchange

MRBA presents a closer look at the businesses who serve the City of Mount Rainier.

The Ragbaby Exchange is a 501(c)(3) that developed specialized programs to build self-love and self-care in women and children. Our unique program leverages doll making combined with art therapy and unique general therapeutic practices to create a sense of self-worth and self-love in the participant.

Though open to all, the Ragbaby Exchange focuses on BIPOC women and youth as this is a public that is largely neglected in representation and media. We run two programs: our signature workshop, Your Inner Doll, in addition to producing our Raising A Superhero workshop and facilitating international outreach programs to AfroLatinas.

Sherri Roberts Lumpkin, Executive Director, talks about her best Mount Rainier moments, why she loves doing business in Mount Rainier, and reveals what makes Mount Rainier special to her.

1. What is the most memorable moment you have had during your time as a business owner in Mount Rainier?

My most memorable moments were launching The Ragbaby Exchange at an event at the Gateway Media Arts Lab. So many people from the community were able to come and learn more about what we do.We also did a workshop and many people enjoyed it.Another time was when I was included as a model in the Mount Rainier Mural Reveal and Fashion show.That experience showed the pride and support the city has for its businesses.

2. Best customer or client experience since being a business owner in Mount Rainier.

My best customers were 13 year old twins who’s mom gave them a birthday party doll-making workshop within the Gateway Media Arts Lab.They thought it was just silly, but as they began the inner work of adding love notes within, they softened and their whole demeanor changed. At the end they had such pride in their dolls.

3. Why do you love owning and operating your business in Mount Rainier?

I love the connections to all of the other businesses within Mt. Rainier and the opportunities for collaboration. I love the support we give each other, purchasing from each other or sending a customer to your business if it helps them.

4. What makes Mount Rainier special to you?

I love the close knit community that is Mount Rainier.We are able to get to know other business owners and our clients personally.We are able to collaborate and help one another. During covid pandemic I was touched by how the Mayor and community reached out with helping to provide food and PPE and being sensitive to the lack of funding businesses were experiencing.

5. Why should people continue to support your business and the city of Mount Rainier?

I think supporting a business like mine helps to support the mental health and diversity of the community.We work on not only the inner self esteem of out customers/clients but also the narrative of what is believed about them.

With so many suicides that have happened just in the last few weeks of people that seemed to have everything, the Mayor of Hyattsville, the first Black Ms. USA and the son of a well know actress, it is important to work on the mental health of a community. People can seem to be okay but especially during covid times we need to check in with our friends and neighbors.The Ragbaby Exchange checks in with its participants. Supporting us will help Ragbaby Exchange to support Mt. Rainier to have a mentally healthy city.