x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

Making It in The Toy Industry

Azhelle Wade | The Toy Coach

How do I bring my toy ideas to life? How can I pitch my toy concept to top toy companies like Hasbro, Mattel, or Goliath Games? What does it cost to make a prototype, and where can I get one made? Are there toy manufacturing options outside of China? These are just a few of the questions that will be answered on this weekly podcast, Making It In The Toy Industry. In addition to mini toy masterclasses, and step-by-step guides, each episode is designed to help you take immediate action toward

business entrepreneurship

All Episodes

45:21

#223: Unlock Your Game Design Potential with April...

Making It in The Toy Industry ·

2024/06/05

Have you EVER had an idea for a game? This episode is for you. 🫵 Well, don't miss this Part 2 continuation from episode 221, an interview with April Mitchell! April, a licensed game inventor and co-creator of the Tabletop Game Design Masterclass shares her journey from toy industry newbie to a game design expert. Get ready to giggle along as April shares the story of finding her pitch theme song and why she plays that song before every pitch to this day.April dives into the game design

en-us

38:53

#222: Licensing Expo 2024 Recap: Reasons to Mark Your...

Making It in The Toy Industry ·

2024/05/29

Curious about how to make the most out of your trade show experience? In this episode, The Toy Coach shares her experience and reason for attending the Las Vegas Licensing Expo even though she didn’t have anything to license. By the end of this episode, you’ll know if you should attend the Las Vegas Licensing Expo next year, and how you can make the most of it. Learn how to save $$ on lodging, network with class, manage your time, and stay comfortable while walking 10,000 steps a day.Stick around

en-us

41:23

#221: Should You Partner With Another Toy or Game...

Making It in The Toy Industry ·

2024/05/22

Are you thinking about teaming up with a partner for your toy or game invention? But what if it isn’t the right move for you? Tune into this episode of "Making it in the Toy Industry," where Azhelle Wade chats with April Mitchell about the ins and outs of partnering up in the world of invention. April is a licensed inventor and the co-creator of the Tabletop Game Design Masterclass. In this episode, she shares key considerations you should keep in mind when choosing a partner for your next

en-us

30:37

#220: Ensure Your Toys Meet Legal Safety Standards or...

Making It in The Toy Industry ·

2024/05/15

Did you know that even if you're selling a toy product on Etsy, you are required to have it safety tested and certified? In this episode, dive deep into the crucial topic of toy safety and compliance. The first half of the episode focuses on the legal requirements set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in the US. Gain an understanding of critical standards like ASTM F963 and ASTM D4236. Learn the potential financial consequences of non-compliance with real-life examples. With

en-us

27:44

#219: Why He Went From Mattel to TCA and Launched His...

Making It in The Toy Industry ·

2024/05/08

Q: Could TCA be valuable to you if you already have corporate toy industry experience? A: YES! Perhaps you think that having professional toy industry experience guarantees success in your entrepreneurial ventures. But this episode turns that notion on its head, featuring Gerardo, a former toy industry professional turned toy entrepreneur, charting his own course through the toy market with a little help from the Toy Creators Academy.From his previous role managing commercial operations in Latin

en-us

35:08

#218: Safe Social Media? The World's Largest Social...

Making It in The Toy Industry ·

2024/05/02

Ever wondered if there's a social network tailored just for kids where fun meets learning in a safe environment? Yes, you heard that right, and it's called Zigazoo. What if there was a platform where kids could engage, learn, and interact without the usual worries of social media? Or, if there was a social media platform dedicated to connecting your brand directly with its target market? Well if either of those possibilities pique your interest, then our latest podcast episode is a

en-us

40:52

#217: How To Make Your Toy Brand Climate Friendly...

Making It in The Toy Industry ·

2024/04/24

In the face of a looming climate crisis, can the toy industry lead the charge towards a sustainable future? Well today’s interview guest believes the toy industry has a responsibility to address the environmental impact of our industry. Helen Townsend, co-founder of the B Corp certified toy company Sustained Fun, dives into the critical role that toy companies can play in reducing emissions and increasing environmental education.Even if your toy company isn’t an eco-first brand, this episode

en-us

59:31

#216: The Hidden Challenges and Opportunities in Toy...

Making It in The Toy Industry ·

2024/04/17

Ever wondered why brands like Barbie have products in unexpected categories? Or, why licensed products often come with a premium price tag? Well, you might just be intrigued by the lesser-known complications and exhilarating opportunities that lie within the licensing labyrinth. In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade interviews Anita Castellar to unveil the complex dance of toy licensing, where every step—from initial outreach to the final signature—matters immensely

en-us

31:52

#215: How He Launched an Action Figure Line from...

Making It in The Toy Industry ·

2024/04/10

Ever wondered how a simple idea can transform into a toy that's flying off the shelves? Perhaps you've been toying around with a concept, but the thought of kickstarting it into production leaves you feeling majorly overwhelmed. Well, then today’s episode is the perfect fit for you. Brandon Braswell, founder of 9 to 5 Warriors is sharing the ups and downs of developing and producing his own action figure line.In this episode, our guest host Virginia Lette welcomes back Brandon on his

en-us

43:43

#214: Everything You Need To Know About MESH...

Making It in The Toy Industry ·

2024/04/03

Is your latest toy design capable of teaching kids valuable life skills? Creating a toy that's both a blast to play with and packs a punch in the personal growth department isn't child's play. So, how do you shake things up and make a toy that's not just another shiny object in the toy box but a true game-changer in a kid's development? Get ready to level up your toy-creating game with some insider knowledge from this must-listen episode.Welcome Rachele Harmuth, Head of

en-us

27:01

#213: From Empath to Entrepreneur with Jana Hallam of...

Making It in The Toy Industry ·

2024/03/27

Kids today are facing a kindness crisis. From the playground to the classroom, loneliness and bullying run rampant. But there's hope on the horizon, thanks to one toy designer's mission to spark empathy through play. Meet Jana Hallam, TCA alumni and the visionary founder of Wonderwell Toy Co.In this inspiring episode, Jana opens up to guest host Virginia Lette, about her journey from an emotionally attuned child to a kindness crusader for the modern age. You'll discover how a

en-us

20:18

#212: Why Your Toy Package Deserves More Than Matte...

Making It in The Toy Industry ·

2024/03/20

Are you giving your toy's package the attention and budget it deserves? If your answer isn't an immediate "Heck yes Azhelle, ALWAYS." then it's time to listen to part 2 of of Ivan and Brittany's interview on this podcast.At the top of the episode, Ivan and Brittany share their secret on staying up to date with trends and spotting what's exciting in packaging. They remind us to step out of our comfort zones and to explore everything from boutique shelves to big-box

en-us

29:44

#211: How To Efficiently Communicate Your Toy's Value...

Making It in The Toy Industry ·

2024/03/13

Your toy package should be the 24/7 salesman for your toy product. Is your packaging putting in the work? If you have ever wondered how to make your packaging communicate the value of your product, I’ve got a new episode that you just can't miss. As one of our guests today will attest, often toy packaging is an afterthought, but what if I told you it's one of your most powerful communication tools?In this episode, I had the privilege of diving deep into the art of communication in

en-us

25:41

#210: An Insider Look at A National Toy Trade Show in...

Making It in The Toy Industry ·

2024/03/06

Have you heard about the Toy Trade Show that happened in Las Vegas? It’s called Toy Fest and I just dropped an episode all about it in case you missed it! In this episode I’m sharing quotes from the diverse range of attendees, breaking down emerging trends and highlighting innovations showcased on the floor and in the showrooms.Discover why Toy Fest should be at the top of your list if you're considering bringing a new toy line to market. With insights from exhibitors, buyers, and seasoned toy

en-us

18:42

#209: How Women in the Toy Industry Are Building...

Making It in The Toy Industry ·

2024/02/28

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

en-us

25:37

#208: When Motherhood Inspires Toy Invention with Ehi...

Making It in The Toy Industry ·

2024/02/21

Have you ever wondered what drives the passion behind toy inventors? In this compelling episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, we dive deep with Ehi Oviasu-Kahn, the dynamic chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Women in Toys Licensing and Entertainment, and the creative mind behind Little Art. Discover how the quest to entertain and educate her daughter during the pandemic led to the birth of a new toy company. Ehi shares her journey from attorney to toy inventor, driven by the desire to merge

en-us

33:16

#207: The Secrets To Networking in The Toy Industry

Making It in The Toy Industry ·

2024/02/15

Are you struggling to crack the networking code in the toy industry? Tune in to episode #207 of The Toy Coach Podcast: Making It In The Toy Industry as Azhelle Wade, unveils the secrets behind successful networking. Spoiler? It's easier than you think. The host debunks myths surrounding industry connections and shares invaluable tips for building meaningful relationships that drive professional growth.When you listen to this episode, you'll discover how genuine connections can open doors

en-us

29:26

#206: How “No” Led This Game Creator To Unexpected...

Making It in The Toy Industry ·

2024/02/07

In this special edition of "Making It In The Toy Industry," we follow the journey of Catherine Tenaglia, co-founder of Race to Stupid, as she shares insights into her entrepreneurial venture and the impact of TCA on her business strategy.Catherine reflects on her TCA experience, highlighting the invaluable guidance provided by the founder of The Toy Coach. She emphasizes how Azhelle’s expertise and structured approach helped her navigate the complexities of the toy industry with

en-us

26:33

#205: Turning Ideas into Top Sellers with Robert Yusim

Making It in The Toy Industry ·

2024/01/31

In this episode of Making It in The Toy Industry, we delve into the world of consumer product marketing and licensing with special guest Robert Yusim. We open with a captivating discussion on the value of ideas versus inventions and the crucial steps needed to turn an idea into a marketable product. Robert shares his journey into the toy industry and how he's helped launch numerous successful consumer products, including the iconic Thighmaster, Pixicade, and more.Discover the magic behind

en-us

28:15

#204: Exploring the Secrets, Surprises, and History...

Making It in The Toy Industry ·

2024/01/24

Do you remember the original tiny world of Polly Pocket? In this week’s episode, we dive deep into the history, secrets, and surprises behind this iconic toy with Maude Campbell, author of the upcoming book The Legacy of Polly Pocket: Mattel's Micro Moneymaker. Join us as we explore how a simple button inspired inventor Chris Wiggs to fashion an iconic toy out of a makeup compact. Learn about the transition from Bluebird to Mattel, the ups and downs of Polly's size changes, and the

en-us

304 results

Similar Podcasts

TaxTalent.com The Golden Rule Podcast

Adam Golden

TaxTalent.com Podcast

Tony Santiago

Handelsblatt Crime - spannende Streitfälle der deutschen Wirtschaft

Ina Karabasz, Solveig Gode, Sönke Iwersen

Deffner und Zschäpitz – Der Wirtschafts-Talk von WELT

WELT

Black Box - La scatola nera della finanza

Guido Brera e Gian Luca Comandini -...