When the pandemic started and she found herself bored and lonely, Ilana Volain, a first-grade teacher in the School District of Philadelphia, turned to her old friend Barbie for help, writes Wendy Grossman Kantor for People.

Volain had always felt a connection with the classic toy that is currently going through a renaissance of sorts thanks to the mega-popular movie, especially since they share the same birthday, March 9.

“Barbie is really the only toy I played with,” says Volain. “I was always a girly girl. I loved sparkles and colors.”

The 31-year-old decided she wanted to rebuild her childhood collection of the classic toy. Thanks to the many options available online, she now boasts a collection of 350 Barbies in her Philadelphia home.

They are placed on shelves and cabinets in the Barbie room in her basement.

Through her hobby, Volain met other Barbie collectors and formed friendships with them. She also started visiting conventions and posting on her Instagram.

“It brings joy,” she said. “That’s what makes me happy, sparks joy, gives me life.”

Read more about Ilana Volain in People.

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