Making It In The Toy Industry is your secret weapon for showing up like a pro in the toy and game industry.
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Learn how to unlock your creativity, find a factory for production, negotiate deals, and industry-proven sales techniques.
New episodes are released weekly on Wednesdays. Each episode is a step-by-step guide to help you take immediate action toward developing, manufacturing, licensing, or selling your next big idea.
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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.
Want to learn secrets to growing your toy brand online? In episode 238 of Making It In The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade revisits an extended interview with her mentor, Amy Porterfield, a multi-million dollar online business owner and expert in email marketing. During the podcast, Amy shares her journey from corporate life to becoming an entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of list building and personal storytelling in email marketing.
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.
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.