Curious about what happens when major toy industry players team up?

In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade cracks open the toy box on the epic merger between The Toy Association and People of Play. You’ll hear straight from the toy legends — Mary Couzin and Greg Ahearn—as they give us backstage passes on their big plans for events like POP Week and ChiTAG, and how this merger is shaking things up for the toy industry. The guests shared what sparked this merger and the opportunities that await toy creators, inventors, and enthusiasts in the long run.

You’ll also get to hear solid tips on how to make the most of toy fairs and events like pitching, networking, and thriving in an industry that's always leveling up. Whether you're a toy biz vet or just starting to dip your toes in the toy industry, LISTEN to this episode because it is packed with everything you need to level up your toy game!

Listen For These Important Moments

• 01:36 The Major Merger: The Toy Association and People of Play
• 08:27 Maintaining the Spirit of POP
• 13:11 Immediate Changes and Future Plans
• 20:00 Nostalgic Toys and Their Comebacks
• 21:35 ChiTAG and POP Week: Coming this November 2024!
• 24:15 Young Inventor Challenge and Industry Opportunities
• 25:57 Networking Tips for New Inventors
• 29:52 How to Make the Most of ChiTAG and POP Week
• 32:55 Encouraging New Toy Inventors

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Ever wondered how a toy brand can also serve as a wellness tool? In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, Azhelle Wade interviews Marina Khidekel, the founder of Hugimals World. Discover how Marina transitioned from a successful health journalist to a toy entrepreneur on a mission to address anxiety and stress with weighted plush toys. Marina shares personal life experiences that inspired the creation of Hugimals, which has been featured in prominent media outlets such as, Time Magazine, Parents Magazine, Good Housekeeping’s Best Toys, and the Today Show’s It List. During this chat you’ll learn a bit about product development and distribution, the brand's marketing strategies (plus how to make them your own), and the power of thoughtful media engagement.

Marina Khidekel details her unexpected journey into the toy industry, highlighting the importance of aesthetic appeal and emotional connectivity in product design. Walk through the challenges and triumphs of launching a plush line, and creating a whole new category in the toy industry.Marina shares her experience working with experts to ensure product efficacy, and how grassroots efforts led to media success. If you are considering launching a toy line in a newish category that may not be getting a lot of love right now, this episode is a must listen.

Listen For These Important Moments

• 02:51 Marina’s Journey: From Journalism to Toymaking
• 04:49 Creating a New Toy Category During the Pandemic
• 05:55 Aesthetic and Design Story of Hugimals
• 08:12 Hugimal’s Recognition in Big Publications
• 12:19 Role of Pilot Programs in Product Validation
• 25:46 Leveraging Media Expertise for Brand Success
• 29:55 Changes in the Media Industry
• 35:27 New Products from Hugimals World
• 38:49 Importance of Experts & Research in Toy Development
• 49:37 Marina’s Favorite Toy as a Kid

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Have you ever thought about switching careers and diving into a completely new industry? In this episode of 'Making It in the Toy Industry,' student host Virginia takes the reins to interview Chrissy Fagerholt, a former floral designer turned toy entrepreneur. As one of the first graduates of the Toy Creators Academy (TCA), Chrissy shares her incredible journey, discussing the challenges and triumphs she experienced while getting her products licensed by heavyweights like Mattel and Goliath. From her initial licensed game, Friend or Faux, to her newest hit, Girls in Bar Bathrooms, Chrissy provides a backstage look into what it takes to succeed in the toy industry.

In this episode, listeners will gain valuable insights into the nuances of the toy business including the critical role of industry education, the financial realities of self-funding, and the power of social media marketing. Chrissy also gives an honest account of balancing creativity with business management and what aspiring inventors can expect if they choose to follow in her footsteps. Whether you’re an inventor, entrepreneur, or someone with a keen interest in the toy industry, this episode offers a treasure trove of insider tips and inspirational stories.

Listen For These Important Moments

• 02:03 Chrissy's Journey to Toy Creation
• 03:09 The Toy Creators Academy Experience
• 03:43 From Licensed Products to Self-Publishing
• 08:52 Chrissy's Success Stories
• 10:03 The Story Behind 'Girls in Bar Bathrooms'
• 14:08 Chrissy's Social Media Presence
• 16:01 Discussing Business Structure and Origins
• 17:26 Balancing Work and Personal Life
• 19:15 Financial Realities of Running a Business
• 21:24 Navigating Business Challenges and Growth
• 24:10 Inventor vs. Entrepreneur: A Personal Reflection
• 26:20 Exploring the Game 'Girls in Bar Bathrooms'
• 30:24 The Joy and Value of Games

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Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps
>> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass <<

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. Azhelle and Amy discuss the evolution of Amy's business, the significance of clear partnership expectations, and tips for creating effective lead magnets for building email lists. The conversation offers valuable insights for toy industry entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses through digital marketing strategies.

Listen For These Important Moments:

• 00:33 On the Road: Astra Board Meeting
• 01:04 Introducing Amy Porterfield
• 04:13 Amy's Journey to Entrepreneurship
• 17:48 The Value of Partnerships
• 20:21 The Importance of Affiliate Partnerships
• 21:08 Lessons from a Business Partnership
• 25:17 The Power of Email Marketing
• 33:10 Creating Effective Lead Magnets
• 38:20 Childhood Inspirations and Final Thoughts

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Popular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy Ideas
Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps
>> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass <<

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!

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Popular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy Ideas
Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps
>> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass <<

What Can a Pediatric Occupational Therapist Teach Us About Toys?

In Episode 236 of "Making It in the Toy Industry," host Azhelle Wade chats with pediatric occupational therapist, Keri Wilmot, who has a treasure trove of insights from her nearly 25 years in the field.

Keri uses toys to help children improve fine motor skills, coordination, and overall performance in self-care tasks. Her work with kids facing ADHD, autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy is testament to the transformative power of play.

Want to help your child master the art of tying shoelaces? Kerri’s got a tip for that—use toy tools like tweezers to build up the necessary hand strength. Is your kid's sensory processing a roadblock to engaging in play? Keri’s got that covered too in her book “Wired Differently.” And if you’re worried about how tech has sidelined physical activities, her new book “Fine Motor Foundations” addresses this head-on with practical advice.


Episode Cliff Notes:

• Learn the secret to using household items for enhancing your child's fine motor skills. (Timestamp: 10:15)
• Find out how AI can creatively assist parents in developing engaging activities for their kids. (Timestamp: 15:45)
• Find out the unique toy recommendations Kerri shares for developing fine motor skills, and how you might already have these items in your kitchen. (Timestamp: 18:42)
• Hear expert insights on the impact of sensory regulation and how to improve your child's focus through play. (Timestamp: 22:30]
• Hear Keri Wilmot’s personal stories about memorable toys from her childhood. (Timestamp: 30:05)

Mentioned In This Episode:

For the links mentioned in this episode visit www.thetoycoach.com/236

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Popular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy Ideas
Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps
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Is Your Email Marketing Consent-Compliant, or Are You Just Spamming? In digital marketing circles, consent in email marketing has never been a hotter topic. Before the toy industry gets left in the dust on what constitutes as "consent" in email marketing, you NEED this episode.

Today on Making It in the Toy Industry, The Toy Coach shares a conversation with email marketer Tarzan Kay to break down why getting clear, informed, and revocable consent is more important than ever. With the rise of regulations in email marketing it's essential to ensure that your email list is not only compliant, but engaged.

How many times have you come back from a toy show only to be bombarded by random newsletters you never signed up for? Not only is this an annoying reality, but it’s a surefire way to tank your reputation, deliverability, and those all-important open rates.

Tarzan joins the show to get real about to build a valid email list—whether it’s with lead magnets, trade show contacts, or discount codes. In this episode learn tips on how to keep your list engaged, rather than running for the unsubscribe button.


💡 EPISODE CLIFF NOTES:

• Want to keep your subscribers happy? Find out how informed consent can transform your email game. [08:23].
• Learn the secret to avoiding legal issues and ensuring high email deliverability by understanding the power of genuinely informed consent.
• Ever thought a toy company email could be... fun? Tarzan rewrites one with a killer opening line using non-linear storytelling. [15:07].
• Azhelle Wade and Tarzan Kay ideate email marketing strategies specific for the toy industry, such as humanized brand representation [18:00].
• One simple trick to reduce your unsubscribe rates and improve the subscriber experience—don’t miss it. [23:45].
  
  

For the links mentioned in this episode visit: www.thetoycoach.com/235

Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail!

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Popular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy Ideas
Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps
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Time for a little tough love toy-coaching: If you're struggling to develop a pre-production sample of your toy that you're proud of, the problem might be you! This week on the podcast, you'll learn 3 common mistakes that new toy creators make when working with overseas factories. This episode includes insights from my full time work in the toy industry and my 1:1 client work. When applied correctly, the 3 lessons taught in this episode will save you time and money in the toy development process.

Why You Should Be Pantone Obsessed
Being Pantone-obsessed can make or break your toy design. In this episode, I’ll break down the magic of Pantone color matching and why having a Pantone booklet in your toolkit is non-negotiable.

Get Specific or Get Ready to Pay Another Sample Fee
Vague instructions are the kryptonite of successful toy production. I’m sharing a personal story of how such nonspecific language led to a production disaster.

Slow Down On Pre-Production Approvals
Pre-production samples should be approved SLOWLY and with care. In this episode, I’ll tell you why. This episode will transform your view of pre-production samples to avoid production mistakes.

Episode Cliff Notes:

• Discover how a universal color standard can save you time and money in your toy production. [00:01:44]
• The major pitfall of using vague language in your product development requests. Learn how to be specific and clear to ensure your toy comes out exactly as you envisioned, without unnecessary delays. [00:14:09]
• Why it’s crucial to always review a physical pre-production sample, rather than relying on photos or videos, to catch any overlooked issues and ensure your final product is flawless. [00:21:24]

After this episode you'll be aware of the top 3 mistakes most new creators make when working with a factory and how to avoid them.

Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail!

Support the show

Popular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy Ideas
Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps
>> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass <<