Ever wondered how to turn your toy idea into a fully-funded product without breaking the bank?

In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, Azhelle Wade sits down with two crowdfunding experts from BackerKit, Lafia and Maddie, to spill all the secrets behind running a successful crowdfunding campaign.

They dive into how BackerKit helps creators manage backers, collect pledges, and fulfill rewards (without losing their minds in spreadsheets). You’ll also hear about "Topias"—group launches where multiple creators team up to support each other’s campaigns—and how to build an audience that will help you hit your funding goals in no time. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your toy product to the next level, Lafia and Maddie share real success stories, smart strategies, and tips for growing your email list and marketing your campaign like a pro.

If you’ve got a big idea and want to learn how to make it happen with crowdfunding, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss!

Are your kids really benefiting from that tablet time, or is there more to play than keeping them entertained? In this episode, The Toy Coach is joined by The Toy Queen who shares how the right toys can boost your child's developmental progress.

Our guest today is Kerri Wilmot, an occupational therapist with nearly 25 years of experience in pediatric development. Kerri uses her expertise to guide parents and caregivers on choosing toys that help children fine-tune their motor skills and sensory processing abilities.