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 provides a step by step explanation on how you can start calculating and offsetting your carbon ..read more

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 second time around on the "Making it in the Toy Industry” podcast where he unpacks what he wish he knew before ..read more

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 ThinkFun who is back on the podcast to highlight her latest work in the toy industry. Rachele's got the lowdown on something ..read more

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 stores to uncover what really makes packaging pop. In the second half our our chat, this creative duo shares the packaging effec ..read more

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 packaging design with Brittany and Ivan Wesley, the masterminds behind Anchor Creative. With over two decades of ..read more

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 veterans, you'll gain invaluable knowledge about what's hot in the toy and game space right now. Fr ..read more

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 collaborati ..read more

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 art, play, and developmental learning into unique toys for children. Ehi shares the challenges ..read more

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 to unexpected opportunities. Azhelle shares firsthand experiences and insights gleaned from her three-yea ..read more

In this special edition of "Making It In The Toy Industry," we follow the journey of Cathy Tenaglia, co-founder of Race to Stupid, as she shares insights into her entrepreneurial venture and the impact of TCA on her business strategy. Cathy 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 confidence. Throughout the interview, Catherine discusses the transformative impact of TCA on her understanding of industr ..read more