How Women in the Toy Industry Are Building Dreams and Connections with Ehi Oviasu-Kahn
Right now you might feel like an outsider in the toy industry. But it’s important to remember that we ALL started out that way. The goal of today’s podcast episode is to show you how you can go from zero connections in the world of toys, to thousands! Yep, thousands.
To teach that lesson, I’m bringing you part two of my interview with Ehi Oviasu-Kahn, where you’ll hear how she went from the spark of an idea in her kitchen, to becoming a pivotal figure at Women in Toys, Licensing, and Entertainment (WiT). Ehi's narrative is one of discovery, highlighting how warmth, mentorship, and collaboration fuel success in the toy industry.
In this episode you'll learn about the transformative power of networking and the essential role of communities like WiT and of course Toy Creators Academy but we’ll also tease why 2024 is an exciting season of change and what you can expect.
Episode Cliff Notes
Find out what Surprised Ehi most about the toy industry. [02:46]
Discover how Ehi first discovered and became a part of WiT? [03:47]
How your WiT Membership compliments your experience in Toy Creators Academy, listen to find out the latest included in your WiT Membership! []
Already a WiT Member? Ehi shares how to make the most of your membership. [05:43]
Find out how to join the 5,000 WiT Community Today Hot tip: check with your HR manager to find out if your company already has a membership available to you! [07:31]
Hear The Toy Coach share HER favorite part of Women In Toys [9:24]
2024 will be the first ever Wonder Women Everywhere event, find out what that is by skipping ahead to…[10:13]
Find out why Ehi and Azhelle agree that 2024 if the year of change, and what that means for WiT [12:02]
Find out what Ehi is manifesting for 1 year from now. [12:46]
Are you an inventor relations manager at a toy company looking for a doll or construction toy innovation? Jump to [ ] to find out what Ehi is working on and how you can get in touch. [13:36]
Curious what toy or game blew Ehi’s mind as a kid? [15:00]
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This episode is brought to you by www.thetoycoach.com
Check out Ehi Oviasu-Kahn’s website at: www.littleartdesign.com
Connect with Ehi Oviasu-Kahn online by clicking here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ehioviasukahn/
Email Ehi at: ehi@littleartdesign.com
Learn how to build a market shift mind map in this episode.Join Women In Toys by clicking here.
Support the show when you buy the toy that blew Ehi’s mind as a kid from our Amazon Link by clicking here. -
[00:00:00] You are listening to making it in the toy industry episode number 209.
[00:00:04] Azhelle Wade: How did you first find the toy industry?
[00:00:08] Ehi Oviasu-Kahn: I, I found you!
[00:00:09] Was in my house in my kitchen spinning my wheels and I was googling and I was like, gosh, I have no idea what I'm doing. If only, if only there was some kind of like toy advisor or toy expert or toy,
[00:00:24] Azhelle Wade: coach. [00:01:00]
[00:01:02] Well, Hey there, toy people Azhelle Wade here and welcome back to part two of my interview with Ehi Oviasu-Kahn as promised today's podcast is going to dive into a little bit of her work with women in toys, licensing, and entertainment.
[00:01:18] But first to kick things off, we have Ehi's answer to the question of what surprised her the most about the toy industry. You've waited long enough. Let's dive right into the rest of this interview.
[00:01:32] Azhelle Wade: Ehi, you've made a lot of progress in the toy industry in the short time that you've been here. You've learned a lot. I know when we first met, you were not into this industry and now you are embedded.
[00:01:42] You are a mainstay.
[00:01:44] So I, I would love for you to finish this sentence for me. The thing that surprised me most about the toy industry was
[00:01:52] Ehi Oviasu-Kahn: How warm everybody is,
[00:01:54] Azhelle Wade: Oh.
[00:01:55] Ehi Oviasu-Kahn: warm everyone is. I mean, I, I have to tell people, I mean, that's, that has been my experience and I consider [00:02:00] myself very lucky. And I think it has to do with the fact that so many people come into toys, at least the people I have met coming to toys, having done so many different things just because there's like two toy design programs in America, first of all.
[00:02:12] So if you work in
[00:02:13] Azhelle Wade: heard there's more now. I've
[00:02:14] Ehi Oviasu-Kahn: There's more.
[00:02:15] Yes. Yes. There's more. There's more coming. But, you know, for most of our lives, it's not in the case. So people have done lots of different things, and almost everybody here has elected and worked very hard to work in this industry.
[00:02:28] And it just I think it just changes your perspective. So when you are networking, when you're reaching out, when you just have questions for the warm and honest and supportive and encouraging, and that's just really Again, it's, it just, it's like the wind at your back helping you, helping push yourself forward, helping you think about more of what you want to do.
[00:02:46] Azhelle Wade: How did you first find the toy industry?
[00:02:50] Ehi Oviasu-Kahn: I, I found
[00:02:51] you was in my house in my kitchen spinning my wheels with my calculator saying like, okay, I have a vague idea because I was going to manufacture my product myself.
[00:02:59] That [00:03:00] was always my goal. I just, I'll just do it myself because I love to do things myself.
[00:03:03] And, but then I'm like, no, seriously, how am I going to do this? And I got out this calculator. And I was googling and I was like looking at manufacturers and I was like, gosh, I have no idea what I'm doing. If only, if only there was some kind of like toy advisor or toy expert or toy,
[00:03:20] Azhelle Wade: Coach?
[00:03:21] Ehi Oviasu-Kahn: And I
[00:03:22] googled it
[00:03:23] Azhelle Wade: and
[00:03:24] Ehi Oviasu-Kahn: and your name popped up. And what did I, what did I say when I first talked to you?
[00:03:28] Azhelle Wade: You said I had really good SEO or something.
[00:03:30] You do.
[00:03:30] Ehi Oviasu-Kahn: It was perfect. Like, it was like, I'm so glad like you are the, your trademark registered trademark, the toy coach. Cause it like, you know. Good
[00:03:38] Azhelle Wade: That was not an
[00:03:39] Ehi Oviasu-Kahn: finding anything else like, you know, all roads lead to, so basically, yes, I found you and you're like, let me tell you something about manufacturing versus licensing.
[00:03:46] I'm like, what? Oh,
[00:03:46] did
[00:03:47] Azhelle Wade: when did you discover WIT?
[00:03:48] Ehi Oviasu-Kahn: you Said there, there's this organization called Women and Toys. You've gotta join the gun empowerment. And I was like, okay. Got my little credit card out, like bought a membership. Like, hopped on the Zoom. I think I was wearing this [00:04:00] sweater, you know.
[00:04:01] Azhelle Wade: Full
[00:04:01] Ehi Oviasu-Kahn: For real, I think I was. And I just like, like a big smile on my face.
[00:04:04] I was like, and I was, and it was just, like, I had, and it's the kind of thing, it was like the perfect time in my life where I was like not, I was nervous but not too nervous. You know, it was just like, I was very much in a like, I'm just thrilled to be here kind of mood.
[00:04:15] Azhelle Wade: I,
[00:04:16] I always feel weird when people join TCA and then I have to tell them to do something that's like join something else because I'm gonna be real with you I'm glad you're here, but I see your goals and I also think you should be here as well.
[00:04:28] I just
[00:04:29] Ehi Oviasu-Kahn: I'm glad you did because your WIT membership, and again, I am the chairwoman of WIT, but I used to not be the chairwoman of WIT. I used to not be a member of WIT. So I can say this from both sides of that equation with your WIT membership is enormously valuable. Why? You get part of this get to be part of this enormous, wonderful, supportive community of women and toys who, again, come from all walks of life and are always ready to offer advice.
[00:04:50] And, you know, those exclusive mentorship opportunities, both formally through the Ruth Handler Mentorship Program and informally. We have ongoing educational series throughout the year. We're going to be [00:05:00] expanding into several areas, including IP .
[00:05:02] Multiple opportunities for small business mentorship, both again, formally and informally. We have this ongoing roundtable with Amazon. They have their Black Business Accelerator program. It's great. And they really put their money where their mouth is in terms of providing that vital education.
[00:05:15] We have Empowerment Day, obviously, where you get to do a face to face sit down rapid pitch competition with, you know, direct access to toy companies, which by the way, you know, submitting online much better to do this in person. Wonder Woman awards, Wonder Woman every year.
[00:05:27] I mean, the list goes on and on, but fundamentally you get access to this, like, you know, a thousand years of collective toy experience and professional expertise, but it's how you add it all together. You know, that's, that's really special. So please join if you are listening, if you have not joined.
[00:05:43] Azhelle Wade: When I first joined WIT and I was so excited to be a part of it. When I join a new thing. I just get really into it. So I read all the paperwork and I was like, I'm going to be a chapter chair. I was like, yeah, I'm like, I was so excited. But I did have a hard time [00:06:00] connecting with people and it wasn't until I built my, the platform I have today that I caught the eye of some people in wit and then they reached out to me and I was like, Oh my God, I'm so excited that you reached out to me because I didn't know who to reach out to.
[00:06:13] I didn't know who to talk to. How do you advise somebody who may be joined WIT but doesn't know how to make the most of their membership? How do you make that first outreach? Is it that you just go to the member directory and email someone? Is it that you go to a virtual event? Is that you go to an in person event?
[00:06:27] How many times should I try to see if I can make a friend before I give up? what advice would you give there?
[00:06:31] Ehi Oviasu-Kahn: I say try all of the above, and we're also, we're really, most members I know are very active on LinkedIn, like we're really, you know, use LinkedIn for its intended purpose, it's very much a social professional networking website. If you have a, if you have a lead on somebody who's in the WIT directory, you know, they're cold emailing, that's a different story.
[00:06:48] I always advise that because you never get if you don't ask. Your chapter chairs are a great resource. And also we have committees where those are some of our most dedicated members devote their time to particular interests. [00:07:00] So if you are particularly interested in something, you're a young professional and you want more mentorship.
[00:07:04] If you have questions about membership, you have questions about programming, questions about scholarship Reach out to a committee member because those people have a direct channel to the board. And of course, the board, you know, is composed of people who have deep ties within the industry. So the people are there.
[00:07:17] It's just a question of figuring out exactly who to target. I mean, we do have, you know, over 5, 000 members. So there's going to be people there who are more or less responsive, but there are plenty of people who will be very happy to talk to you.
[00:07:27] Azhelle Wade: For somebody listening, how can they get involved with Wit today?
[00:07:31] Ehi Oviasu-Kahn: Okay, well, I think that you can first, first step is, you know, sign up for a membership. womenintoys.com you know hit login or register sign up for a membership if you are employee at a large company You might actually have one we do do corporate memberships if you think your company would be interested So if you're interested in a corporate membership, you do get certain benefits when your, when your business does sign up and buys a membership for its community, we can partner on lots of special activities, a special [00:08:00] exclusive giveaways and programming of that nature.
[00:08:02] So, you know, please be in touch about that. But the first step is really to become a member. And once you're a member, you'll get clued into our newsletter with Insider and our socials and find out about discrete events that happen throughout the year that you can participate in. And, you know, just.
[00:08:17] Observe. If you wanna just take a webinar and listen, if you wanna go to an in-person event, that's, there's just, there are like many options in between in-person and virtual. Or if you wanna just reach out to someone and get a coffee. No. If you are in an urban center that has a local chapter, often doing things, a lot of chapters are very, very active.
[00:08:35] You can always pull a member aside. Maybe you do an office visit and just hash it out. Talk about your experience in the toy business and get to know someone. Most people. are really, really interested in getting to know more of their peers within this business. And that's that's something I really urge people to take advantage of.
[00:08:50] Azhelle Wade: If someone's listening and they're not sure if their company has a WIT membership, how can they find out if their company has a membership available to [00:09:00] them?
[00:09:05] Ehi Oviasu-Kahn: I'm at, you know, if you're at a large, if you're at a large toy company, chances are you might, and if you don't. Please get that process started. We're always happy to work with you.
[00:09:12] We can, you know, that's, that's part of packages. We do for, for companies, large and small. I'll add just, just join.
[00:09:18] Azhelle Wade: I want you to ask me what my favorite part of Wit
[00:09:22] Ehi Oviasu-Kahn: What is your favorite part of WIT?
[00:09:24] Azhelle Wade: It's the Wonder Woman Awards.
[00:09:27] Ehi Oviasu-Kahn: ha ha
[00:09:27] ha. I just think it's so fabulous. Even when I'm not nominated, I just love it. The energy there is so positive. It's all women supporting women.
[00:09:36] Azhelle Wade: The last one I went to, I don't know what her name was. I think she works for Mattel all of her colleagues were saying these wonderful things. I was crying. Like it was beautiful. I really love the Wonder Woman Awards dinner. It's one of those things that reminds you to be happy for everybody.
[00:09:52] It makes you feel like their win is your win. And when you're nominated, the butterflies, oh my gosh, is just fun and also terrifying. [00:10:00] And there's always famous people there. Like they always get, like, I think Stephanie McMahon was there one year I went. I love the Wonder Woman Awards. I think it's so cool.
[00:10:08] Ehi Oviasu-Kahn: It's, my first Wonder Woman awards were actually the one we had in October of 2023. And it's, you're right, there's nothing like the energy in that room. There's something very different, you know, we're not competing against each other. We're just, we're all taking a chance to celebrate each other.
[00:10:21] uplift each other and note the, note the special contributions you've made. This year, we actually have a really fun opportunity to do Wonder Woman Everywhere, because the Wonder Woman Awards are traditionally tied to Toy Fair, and as we know, there's no Toy Fair in 2024, but we are taking an opportunity at the end of August through September and I think up to the beginning of October to celebrate Wonder Woman everywhere and that is to mingle with your local superstar, you know, rub shoulders with your local hero.
[00:10:50] You know, the people in your community and these sort of these local chapters, you've got Seattle, New York, South Florida, Los Angeles.
[00:10:56] Some of our more active centers and recognize the people there [00:11:00] and their contributions. And it will be like just a really fun cocktail party where we'll get to, you know, we're not going to give an award.
[00:11:05] There will be nominations for Wonder Woman Awards 2025. But this, you know, the one thing that is really incredible about this community is just how like for every incredible person whose story you hear, who wins a Wonder Woman Award, there is a legion of talented and devoted women. Behind her. So we wanted to take a chance to underscore, celebrate and highlight their contributions, tell their stories, uplift that narrative at a local level.
[00:11:30] And this way we all get to celebrate in the win..
[00:11:33] Is this virtually or you're saying it's
[00:11:35] Ehi Oviasu-Kahn: No, these are in person. These are
[00:11:37] Azhelle Wade: are they going to be close together in dates or are they going to be spread out so someone could go to all four?
[00:11:42] Ehi Oviasu-Kahn: I think about a week, a beat of a week, a week to ten days between. We don't have the calendar set yet
[00:11:48] Azhelle Wade: we'll stay up to date with the Wonder Woman Awards. Just go to womenandtoys. com, go to the awards at the very top, click on Wonder Woman Awards.
[00:11:56] I am so excited to see this new Wonder [00:12:00] Woman format for 2024. 2024 is definitely the year of change,
[00:12:03] Ehi Oviasu-Kahn: Change and opportunity for change and really leaning into the winds of change. I think that you're going to see with time, you know, as it expands to reach out to, you know, making deeper ties in the gaming industry, both tabletop and video games. We have some very exciting conversations upcoming in that arena embracing those communities and all that.
[00:12:21] They have ushered in, particularly when you talk about video games and licensing, how that has kind of gone back and forth and how that informs certain trends within the within the business. Just want to watch the evolution is pretty fascinating. I would say more. I don't want to give away that conversation, but that is that is definitely coming down the pipeline.
[00:12:37] Azhelle Wade: Let's dive into our closing questions. Now we're, we're reshifting our focus back to you. We love women and toys, but this is your moment. So you personally, what are you hoping to achieve one year from now?
[00:12:50] Ehi Oviasu-Kahn: I would love, and I don't know how realistic this is, but I'm going to put it out there. I'm going to manifest it, okay? I would love to have something I made on a store shelf [00:13:00] somewhere. That would just, I would be over the moon. I would be so happy.
[00:13:03] Azhelle Wade: And what piece of advice do you wish that more people knew about inventing their own toys? Hmm.
[00:13:27] Ehi Oviasu-Kahn: that applies.
[00:13:28] But the drive to create something new and useful, you've always had that. You just need to learn how to cultivate it.
[00:13:35] Azhelle Wade: Love it. Can you give us an idea, even maybe in category, a little teaser of what kind of inventions you currently have under your belt in case there's a company listening that is looking for something in that arena? And then again, reiterate how they can just reach out to you to invite you to pitch.
[00:13:54] Ehi Oviasu-Kahn: I've got a few. I've got a really interesting doll idea. I won't say much more, but it has to [00:14:00] do with how little girls like to change up their appearances. That's, that's that. I've got a, you know, it's construction meets accessories idea, which I can share more about, but it's the putting the.
[00:14:12] Like a glam face on building and things you can wear and have fun with. Let's say more than that I just got a brainwave during the session about a like an early developmental babies touching surfaces program You can see a sort of a preview on my website with the tummy kind of mat, but that idea can be expanded into wood plastics in some cases and certainly plush.
[00:14:31] I do have I have plenty of that in the workshop under the hood ready to go
[00:14:35] Azhelle Wade: the first idea, the doll, and then the building STEM inspired concept, are those both patentable ideas, just to be
[00:14:42] clear. Fantastic. And where could people reach out to you if they want to invite you to pitch either one of those ideas?
[00:14:48] Ehi Oviasu-Kahn: I'm available at ehi at littleartdesign. com. I check that pretty frequently. If you want to check out the website, littleartdesign. com has a contact form if you want to see [00:15:00] just sort of more context about me, but ehi at littleartdesign. com. Please get in touch. I'd love to talk.
[00:15:05] Azhelle Wade: Fantastic. And my final question for you today, Ehi, is my favorite question. What toy or game blew your mind as a kid?
[00:15:13] Ehi Oviasu-Kahn: Ooh, the super soaker.
[00:15:13] soaker.
[00:15:14] Azhelle Wade: Really?
[00:15:16] Ehi Oviasu-Kahn: I've always got that answer for You girl. There's a question, because there's toys I loved, right? There's toys I loved. And I was actually just, because my daughter's, she's, we're into the Barbie years. We've just started the Barbie doll years. All the clothes, and like, she and I were playing with Barbie yesterday, and she's like, Mommy, let's put on this clothes, and let's do this outfit, and it just took me back.
[00:15:33] And I was so happy. That wall, you know, I'm remembering that wall of pink when you go to Toys R Us, right? Nothing like that. I love that toy. But the question was, blew me away?
[00:15:43] Azhelle Wade: Yeah.
[00:15:43] Ehi Oviasu-Kahn: Stoker. Because first of all, who knew a water gun could do something like that?
[00:15:47] It's like a WMD you get to play with. Like who wouldn't, right? Like what seven year old isn't like over the moon about an idea? Like that just, I'm so sorry. Like Lonnie Johnson, now and forever, my favorite American hero. Just, just, just cause. Please. [00:16:00]
[00:16:00] Right?
[00:16:00] Azhelle Wade: I love it.
[00:16:01] Ehi Oviasu-Kahn: It was, and it was also like, like four feet long and you weighed like 70 pounds and it's got like two soda liter bottles full of water on it.
[00:16:09] And I was like, honestly, I was like, did mom know that I have this?
[00:16:14] Do our parents know that we have access to this
[00:16:16] thing? This is awesome. So that, that's the answer to that
[00:16:21] Azhelle Wade: When's the last time you played with a super soaker?
[00:16:24] Ehi Oviasu-Kahn: 1994,
[00:16:25] Azhelle Wade: I've got to encourage you maybe to buy one off of eBay, because recently I went and touched a Polly Pocket, and my whole life changed. Like, I, I, like, was sent back to, like, seven years old, I got emotional, it was a whole thing, so I've got to push you to go get your hands on a Super Soaker.
[00:16:43] Ehi Oviasu-Kahn: I'm going to, every once in a while I remember I'm an adult with my own money
[00:16:46] and
[00:16:46] I can just
[00:16:47] Azhelle Wade: right, Yeah,
[00:16:48] Pick up the one that you remember playing with as a kid and just remember. And that, I bet you will inspire you so much more even in your toy journey.
[00:16:55] Ehi Oviasu-Kahn: I think, I think you're right. I think that's great advice. Everyone should go do that. Everyone who's creating something now, [00:17:00] just think back to your favorite toy as a
[00:17:01] kid, put it in your hand, and just the memories come flooding back. Great idea.
[00:17:05] Great
[00:17:06] Azhelle Wade: Ehi, it was a pleasure. This is an amazing two part episode.
[00:17:10] I'm so happy to have you on the show and for my listeners and viewers on YouTube, as always, thank you so much for spending your time with me today.
[00:17:17] I know that your time is valuable and that there are a ton of podcasts out there. So it truly means the world to me that you keep tuning into this one until next week.
[00:17:25] I'll see you later, toy people.
[00:17:27] [00:18:00]
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