If you've felt that AI complicates your workflow instead of streamlining it, this episode is your game-changer! Azhelle breaks down how specific AI tools can simplify workflows, support creative brainstorming, and even enhance customer engagement. What are you waiting for? Listen to the full episode right here!

Ever wondered how a simple idea becomes an iconic toy? In this episode, we dive into the creative process of Aaron Muderick, the genius behind Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty. Aaron reveals the journey from initial concept to full-scale production, sharing how he transformed Thinking Putty into a beloved product.

Thinking of launching your toy idea through crowdfunding? 🤔 Join us in a conversation with Lisa Ferland, crowdfunding consultant, and author, who has helped raise over $1 million on platforms like Kickstarter, BackerKit, and Indiegogo! In this episode, we break down the essential steps to prepare for a successful campaign and how to keep backers engaged throughout your campaign and for your future projects!

Get ready for a storytelling showdown with our guests, Tres Patton and Rachel Jones! 🎉 We’ll cover how sales reps and vendors approach things differently, plus the secrets to crafting pitches that go beyond a quick sale and build lasting customer relationships. If you’re in toy sales and ready to take your sales to the next level, this episode is a MUST-LISTEN and will transform your storytelling game!

In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade sits down with Richard North, founder of Wow! Stuff, to dive into his incredible journey from a 19-year-old entrepreneur to one of the most innovative figures in the toy industry. 🌟 Richard shares the highs, lows, and what it took to thrive in a competitive market, and how he continues to create "wow" moments with his toys. If you're curious about what it takes to build a successful toy business, this episode is packed with insights and stories

In this exciting episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade interviewed Mary Couzin and Greg Ahearn, two top leaders in the toy world. They discuss the recent merger between The Toy Association and People of Play, revealing how this sets up innovation and creativity in the toy industry. LISTEN to this episode and get the inside scoop on the upcoming ChiTAG event, POP Week, and the TAGIE Awards, plus tips for inventors looking to make their mark!

If you’re thinking about launching a toy line in a newer category that may not be getting much love right now, this episode is a must-listen! Azhelle Wade sits down with Marina Khidekel, founder of Hugimals World, a brand known for its weighted plush toys that target anxiety and sleep challenges. You’ll hear how Marina transitioned from a health and wellness journalist to a toy industry entrepreneur, taking every bit of feedback from Hugimals' pilot program and working it into the early marketing materials to ensure each detail reflected the love and care behind the product!

In episode 239 of 'Making It in the Toy Industry,' Virginia, a student at Toy Creators Academy, takes over hosting duties and interviews Chrissy Fagerholt of EAP Toys and Games. Chrissy, one of the first graduates of the Toy Creators Academy, shares her transition from a 17-year career as a floral designer to becoming a successful toy entrepreneur. The episode covers Chrissy's journey in licensing her games, her experiences with the Toy Creators Academy, the challenges and rewards of self-publishing, and the financial realities of the toy business. Highlighted is her latest success with 'Girls in Bar Bathrooms,' a game recently licensed by Mattel. Chrissy offers insights and valuable lessons about navigating the toy industry, combining creativity with business acumen, and turning passion into profit. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring toy inventors and entrepreneurs.

Have you ever wondered if it were possible to sell your toy idea instead of the finished product? Today’s podcast episode follows one creator, who does just that.

Today’s guest Joanna Paul, shares her journey of developing Moodles (formerly known as "What's Its Face?"), a patentable plush invention designed to help children understand and express their emotions. From the initial concept inspired by her own experiences as a mom to the challenges of patenting and licensing, Joanna's toy story is a testament to the power of persistence and adaptability in the toy industry.

Tired of Toy Companies Ghosting you? You're not alone! You know the toy industry needs fresh ideas, and you're confident you've got the next big thing. But here's the truth: your amazing concept is only as powerful as your network and pitch skills. So in this episode, we're breaking down: The real reasons toy companies might not be responding to your submissions (and it's not what you think!)Step-by-step strategies to finally get noticed and get a response, How to access toy company wish lists (yes, they exist, and they're game-changers!)

Is Your Pitch Ready For The Toy Industry? Pitching your innovative toy idea to industry giants can be as daunting as a job interview. In this episode of "Making it in the Toy Industry," hosts Azhelle Wade and Lee Allentuck demystify the art and science of pitching, with insider tips that will revolutionize your approach to securing those golden licensing deals. Whether you're a seasoned inventor or a newbie in the toy world, there's a nugget of wisdom here for everyone.

Discover how Ehi Oviasu-Kahn's journey from attorney to toy inventor was inspired by her daughter's birth during a pandemic. In this episode, Ehi shares how motherhood fueled her passion for creating educational toys and how she navigates the competitive toy industry with creativity and data.

Have you been considering joining Toy Creators Academy to develop your toy or game idea? Do you still have a few questions about how the program works, when it starts, or what it covers? This episode is perfect for you! In today’s podcast episode, The Toy Coach addresses the most frequently asked questions about this 12 week group coaching program. Toy Creators Academy is the only toy education and implementation program of its kind that not only shows you how to fully develop your toy or game idea like a pro — but also how to properly pitch that idea to buyers and toy companies. Are you ready to bring your toy and game ideas to life? Make it happen with the guidance and support provided by Toy Creators Academy.

Which comes first? Your product or your mission? In today’s episode you will learn the benefits of creating your mission before your toy or toy brand. Defining the purpose of your brand will guide you on the creative journey, and can give you a powerful reason to invest so much time and money into your toy ideas. Today’s podcast guests are Janene Russell and Ms. Monica Sutton, also known as Ms. Monica. Janene is the key lead in preschool brands and preschool brand manager at Educational Insights. Ms. Monica is an early childhood educator and child behavior specialist with a hit YouTube channel with over 500,000 subscribers. In today’s episode, you will learn some valuable lessons about how to develop your mission. You’ll learn the power of saying no, how sticking to your mission can lead to more opportunities, and how things that didn’t go so well can actually help to define and guide your mission.

Have you ever struggled with the idea of promoting your brand on social media? Well lucky for you, today’s podcast episode focuses on how to make social media marketing fun! Our guest is a graphic designer, and all around creative gal who knows the power of creativity and playfulness in marketing. Deanna uses humor and empathy to help her clients feel more comfortable being themselves while marketing their business and connecting with their ideal clients.

In today’s podcast episode we talk about the wonderful world of GIF’s and why they may be your next marketing tool for your toy business! During this episode we ideate on ways to get creative with the use of GIFs so you can potentially rack up a million views on your GIF’s like Deanna. By the time you finish listening to today’s episode you’ll know that it’s not about how fancy your design tools are, but it’s all about how you use them. Tap play to listen and learn with the latest podcast episode featuring The Toy Coach and Deanna Seymour!

Today’s podcast guest has been called The Godfather of Toys and is a social media icon in the collectors toy space. Jeremey’s journey in toys started at a clothing and toy store called Only Kids in Memphis, Tennessee. In today’s episode Jeremy provides advice on “making it” in the corporate toy world and what it takes to be an entrepreneur. You’ll learn the difference between collectibles both physical and digital, and yep that means we talk about NFTs! The consistent theme in today’s episode is resilience. We explore moments in Jeremy’s past where his resilience helped him move forward and we discuss the relationship between that never-give-up attitude and success.

If you’re at a place in your toy journey where you need a little inspiration to push you forward, listen to this episode. At the end of our conversation Jeremy shares two of the best pieces of advice he received in his career. The first helped him feel empowered when taking on a challenging new role, and the second prepared him for the man he is today. Ready for a little toyspiration from a major leader in the toy space? Tap play and give this episode a listen.