Mashable: Bettina's love for Barbie began in her childhood when she received her first doll at the age of five.

Barbie, the iconic doll, has been capturing hearts since it first hit the toy stores, and one superfan from Germany has taken her passion for Barbie to a whole new level. Bettina Dorfmann, a 62-year-old collector, now holds the Guinness World Record for owning the largest Barbie collection in the world, with a staggering 18,500 dolls.

Bettina's love for Barbie began in her childhood when she received her first doll at the age of five in 1966. Since then, her passion for these fashion-forward dolls has only grown stronger. In 2005, she first set the Guinness World Record for the largest Barbie collection, surpassing the previous record-holder with her collection of 2,500 dolls. Over the years, her collection has grown exponentially, and she now proudly owns a jaw-dropping 18,500 Barbies, including some from the Barbie movie.

What's remarkable is that Bettina has turned her passion into a career. She not only exhibits her beloved dolls but has also authored books about Barbie. Additionally, she runs a unique "doll hospital" where she repairs dolls for other enthusiasts.

She shares the story of how her repair business came to life. In the '90s, she started fixing her own dolls and sourcing replacement parts, like arms and legs. As collectors saw her skills, they asked for her help in restoring their dolls' hair, and makeup, or even replacing missing eyelashes. The repair hobby gradually evolved into a thriving business.

From quick on-the-spot fixes that cost around $5.60 to more complex repairs that may charge up to $336.01, Bettina brings life back to these cherished dolls.

Her love for Barbie has even passed down to her daughter, who, too, enjoyed playing with these iconic dolls during her younger days.

Bettina's impressive collection and dedication to preserving Barbie's legacy make her a true Barbie enthusiast and a record-holder in her own right.