Jacqueline Dunbar, founder of African Darlings was born in Cape Town, South Africa in 1965. She came to
New York City in 1997 and then moved to California in 2000. Many years before, while working as a nurse at
a hospital in Cape Town, she had decided to adopt.
This dream became a reality in 2003 when she adopted her son, Jesse Sipho "gift", from an orphanage just
outside of Johannesburg, South Africa. Jesse was 2 months premature and weighed just 1½ pounds at birth.
He spent the first month of his life at the Johannesburg General Hospital and was then moved to TLC, the
orphanage. When the Dunbar's adopted Jesse at 8 months, he weighed just 8 pounds.
During the adoption process Jacqueline realized how difficult it was for orphanages in South Africa to raise
money. It was alarming to her that none of the adoption costs went to the orphanage. Surviving completely
on donations, and not receiving any help from the South African government there is a constant struggle for
funds.
After much thought, she decided to start importing children’s clothing from South Africa. The clothing is
designed and manufactured in South Africa. The clothing is 100% fine cotton, adorable, and range between
0-3 months and 10 years old. Jacqueline believes that by importing clothing made in South Africa, it
supports the people of South Africa and brings the African story to America.
Tracey Gamley, a fellow South African living in Portland, Oregon, is now assisting Jacqueline with the sale of
her clothing line and is the main contact for purchases.
Thank you for your support!
children's clothing designed and made in South Africa
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