Shows
Toy Federation PodcastWe Had Our Grand Expansion! - Toy Federation PodcastJoin Ryan, Andy, and Travis on the latest Toy Federation podcast, a must-listen for YouTubers interested in toys from the 1980s to the 2020s, offering a deep dive into toy collecting, nostalgia, and the current market. In this episode, the hosts recount the incredible success of their store's grand expansion, highlighting record sales and surprising insights into what vintage action figures and modern toys sold best. Discover their observations on popular lines like Star Wars, G.I. Joe, Inhumanoids, Toxic Crusaders, Silverhawks, Master of the Universe, DC Superpowers, Battle Beasts, Transformers, Power Rangers, and Marvel Legends. They also discuss...2025-06-0656 minToy Federation PodcastDid You Miss Us? - Toy Federation PodcastThe Toy Federation Podcast is back, offering a blend of expert insight and conversational discussion about the world of toy collecting. Primarily focusing on action figures, the podcast dives into topics like navigating complex toy variations found in lines such as Star Wars and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles while examining the impact of major toy company license changes like those involving DC Comic properties and Power Rangers. The hosts share experiences from running a busy toy store, discussing the challenges of buying and selling toy collections from across the country and even the world, dealing with variations in packaging...2025-05-3142 minToy Federation PodcastThe Golden Age of Toy Hunting - Toy Federation PodcastThe Golden Age of Toy Hunting: The Thrill of the Chase at Walmart and Toys "R" UsIn the era before online shopping became the norm, toy hunting was a thrilling adventure that involved physically scouring the aisles of big-box stores like Walmart and Toys "R" Us. This golden age of toy hunting, spanning from the late 1970s through the 1990s and early 2000s, was characterized by the excitement of the hunt, the joy of discovery, and the camaraderie among fellow collectors.The Quest for TreasuresDuring this time, toy collectors were on a constant quest for the latest and most...2025-05-1603 minToy Federation PodcastWe Expanded the Toy Store!Toy Federation Expansion & Vintage Toy Line Spotlight | He-Man, G.I. Joe, MOTU, Star WarsDescription:Welcome to another exciting episode of the Toy Federation Podcast! In this episode, the Toy Federation crew takes you on a journey through the recent expansion of our beloved toy store. We’ve been working hard to bring you an even more incredible selection of vintage and modern toys, and we can't wait to share all the details with you.First up, we'll give you an exclusive look at the new sections of our store. From additional display areas to new shelving setups, we've made si...2025-05-1645 minToy Federation PodcastWhat Happened to Toy Stores!? - Toy Federation PodcastWelcome to the Toy Federation Podcast! In this special episode, recorded live at JoeFest 2024, Ryan and Tony take a nostalgic journey through the history of toy stores in America. Join us as we dive deep into the rise and fall of these beloved retail havens, exploring what made them magical and why so many have disappeared from the landscape.The Golden Age of Toy StoresRyan and Tony kick things off by reminiscing about the golden age of toy stores. Remember the excitement of walking into a Toys "R" Us or KB Toys, where the aisles were filled with the...2025-05-1652 minToy Federation PodcastI TOOK OVER HIS TOY STORE! - TOY FEDERATION PODCASTThe Toy Federation Story: How We Met & Started Our Toy Store Journey!Description:Join us in this special episode as the Toy Federation team takes you on a nostalgic trip down memory lane! 🎉 Discover how our passion for toys brought us together and led to the creation of the Toy Federation store you know and love today. In this heartfelt discussion, we share our origin stories, the serendipitous moments that connected us, and the exciting journey of taking over and transforming an existing toy store into our very own haven for collectors and enthusiasts.Get an insider look at:How...2025-05-1648 minToy Federation PodcastDo We Remember Our Childhood Comics and Toys? - Toy Federation PodcastToy Federation Podcast: Nostalgic Dive into Childhood Toys - Star Wars, Batman, He-Man & More!Welcome to the Toy Federation Podcast, where we take you on a nostalgic journey through the iconic toys and action figures that defined our childhoods! In this episode, our passionate team of Toy Federation employees shares their personal memories and stories about the classic toys they cherished growing up. From epic Star Wars battles to heroic adventures with Batman, He-Man, GI Joe, and the lesser-known but equally beloved Tiger Sharks, we've got it all covered!🎙️ In This Episode:Star Wars: Relive the magic of the galax...2025-05-1638 minToy Federation PodcastThe Toy Store Isn't the Same Now - Toy Federation PodcastThe Hardest Toys to Get and Keep, Original He-Man Movie, Planet Hollywood Collectibles, and Vintage Star Wars Figures! | Toy Federation Podcast🎉 Welcome back to the Toy Federation Podcast! 🎉In this exciting episode, our dedicated Toy Federation staff dives deep into the world of elusive toys, classic movies, and vintage collectibles that make every collector’s heart race. Join us as we share insider stories, expert opinions, and nostalgic memories that make toy collecting such a thrilling hobby.🎙️ In This Episode:🔹 The Hardest Toys to Get and KeepEver wondered which toys are the most challenging to find and keep on the shelves? Our...2025-05-1626 minToy Federation PodcastWhat are the Worst Action Figures EVER MADE! - Toy Federation PodcastWelcome to the Toy Federation Podcast, your ultimate destination for all things action figures, collectibles, and pop culture! In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating world of action figures and collectibles, highlighting some of the worst action figures ever made, sharing behind-the-scenes stories of celebrity signings at our store, and exploring beloved franchises like Batman, G.I. Joe, Transformers, Vintage Star Wars, and Marvel Legends.Join the Toy Federation staff as we embark on a nostalgic journey through the world of action figures, shining a spotlight on the toys that didn’t quite hit the mark. In th...2025-05-1654 minToy Federation PodcastWe Made Our Own Action Figures . . . - Toy Federation PodcastExploring the Wicked Warriorzz: Behind the Scenes of The Beanie Bubble's Custom Action Figures | Toy Federation PodcastWelcome back to the Toy Federation Podcast! 🎙️ Join us in this episode as we delve into the fascinating world of custom action figures with a special focus on our very own creation, the Wicked Warriorzz.In this episode, the dedicated team at Toy Federation Vintage Toys Store takes you on a journey behind the scenes of The Beanie Bubble, a thrilling movie available on Apple TV, where our custom action figures took center stage. These meticulously crafted figures were not just props but integ...2025-05-1650 minToy Federation PodcastIs Selling on Ebay Worth It? - Toy Federation Podcast🚀 Welcome to the Toy Federation Podcast – your ultimate destination for all things toys, collectibles, and nostalgia! Join us on an exciting journey as we delve into the world of toy culture, sharing our experiences, insights, and stories that make our passion for toys come alive.In this episode, we're thrilled to share with you the exciting news of our expansion into a bigger toy store! It's been an incredible journey filled with ups and downs, but through dedication, hard work, and the unwavering support of our amazing community, we've reached this significant milestone.Joining us are some of the passi...2025-05-1629 minToy Federation PodcastWhy We Hate Funko Pops... And What We Do Like! - Toy Federation Podcast"Why We Hate Funko Pops and Our Favorite Toys | Toy Federation Podcast"Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Toy Federation Podcast! In today’s episode, the Toy Federation team dives deep into a topic that’s been brewing for a while: why we hate Funko Pops. We know this might be controversial, but stick with us as we break down our thoughts and feelings about these ubiquitous vinyl figures.Why We Hate Funko PopsFirst up, we get into the nitty-gritty of why Funko Pops don’t make the cut for us. While they have their legion of fans...2025-05-1640 minToy Federation PodcastThe Problem with Comic Con . . . - Toy Federation Podcast🎙️ Welcome to the Toy Federation Podcast! 🎙️Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of vintage toys and explore the excitement surrounding our annual event, Retro-Toy Con, held right here in Greenville, South Carolina!In this episode, our passionate team at Toy Federation shares exclusive insights and behind-the-scenes stories about Retro-Toy Con, the ultimate gathering for vintage toy enthusiasts. From nostalgic childhood favorites to rare collectibles, we cover it all!🔊 Special Guests:Get ready to geek out as we reminisce about past Retro-Toy Con events featuring iconic guests such as the voices of the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles carto...2025-05-1542 minToy Federation PodcastThese Cause Problems… - Toy Federation Podcast🎙️ Welcome to the Toy Federation Podcast Channel! 🎙️Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of vintage toys on our weekly podcast series. At Toy Federation, we're not just a store; we're passionate collectors, historians, and enthusiasts of all things toys. In each episode, our knowledgeable staff members gather to discuss various topics ranging from the rarest finds to the most elusive toy lines in history.In this week's episode, we're diving deep into the realm of collectibles to explore the hardest toys and toy lines to get your hands on. From limited edition releases to discontinued favorites, we'll expl...2025-05-1552 minToy Federation PodcastWhat Really Happens With Our Trades - Toy Federation Podcast🎙️ Welcome to the Toy Federation Podcast, where vintage toy enthusiasts gather to discuss all things retro and collectible! In this episode, join us as we dive into the heart of controversy and revisit some of our most contentious moments on the Toy Federation YouTube channel.From heated debates over the authenticity of rare collectibles to passionate discussions about the cultural impact of beloved toy franchises, our team leaves no stone unturned. Join hosts [Host Names] and the rest of the Toy Federation crew as they reflect on the episodes that sparked controversy, challenged perspectives, and ignited the imagination of toy e...2025-05-1541 minToy Federation PodcastWhy We Don't Ship Toys! - Toy Federation PodcastThe Toy Federation JourneyJoin us in this special episode of the Toy Federation podcast as we take a nostalgic trip down memory lane and reflect on our journey since launching our YouTube channel. From humble beginnings to skyrocketing success, our team discusses how embracing the digital world has transformed our business and connected us with toy enthusiasts worldwide.Tune in as we share behind-the-scenes stories of filming, unboxing, and reviewing the latest toy releases. Discover the secrets behind our viral videos and how they've fueled our growth both online and in-store. We delve into the fascinating world of toy...2025-05-1534 min
Making It in The Toy Industry | Start A Toy Business#269: Thinking Differently About Toy Production with Lisa Doiron of Basic FunBefore we dive into one of the most creative plush lines I’ve ever seen, we need to talk about something serious — TARIFFS.In this episode of Making It in The Toy Industry, I’m kicking things off with an urgent update about the current U.S.–China tariff situation and how it could affect your toy business. I’m sharing what I would do right now if I were launching a toy brand from scratch and why diversifying your manufacturing isn’t optional anymore, it’s essential.Then, I take you inside my exclusive Toy Fair inter...2025-05-1416 min
Making It in The Toy Industry | Start A Toy Business#267: Winning a TOTY Award and Scaling a Toy Business Through 3D Printing with Solobo ToysCan 3D printing really replace traditional toy manufacturing? One founder says “absolutely” and she’s got the award to prove it.In this episode, I’m chatting with the amazing Courtney Peebles, founder of Solobo Toys, about how she won a TOTY Award for her hit plush toy, Emotional Baggage, and how rising manufacturing challenges pushed her to transform her business using 3D printed toys.Courtney gets real about the challenges she faced with manufacturing overseas, and how jumping into 3D printed toys...2025-04-2348 min
Making It in The Toy Industry | Start A Toy Business#265: Navigating the Tariff Changes in The Toy Industry | April 2025Is it time to stop manufacturing overseas? Or are these tariffs just temporary chaos?In this episode we're talking about the massive new tariffs shaking up the toy industry and what they mean for your bottom line. With import costs from China jumping up to 54% April 2nd, and a potential 104% threat looming over the horizon, toy creators everywhere are wondering what to do next. Should you absorb the cost? Raise prices? Cancel a launch? Shift production? I’ll walk you through what’s really happening, what’s coming next, and how to make a smart move without panick...2025-04-091h 04
Making It in The Toy Industry | Start A Toy Business#261: NY Toy Fair 2025 Exclusive Interview with Thin Air BrandsAre tariffs here to stay or not? That was the hot topic at New York Toy Fair 2025, and trust me—it’s still got the toy industry buzzing. In Q1 of 2025, the Trump administration announced a 20% tariff on Chinese imports, and with 80% of all toys made in China, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers are all bracing for impact.So, who's really going to absorb these extra costs? Will factories take the hit? Will retailers adjust their pricing? Or will consumers end up paying the price?Inspired by a thought-provoking LinkedIn post from Mike Searls, founder of Thin...2025-03-1241 min
Making It in The Toy Industry | Start A Toy Business#260: NY Toy Fair 2025 Exclusive Interview with Jayson Esterow & Gavin LawlerAfter four days of running (literally) from booth to booth, taking meetings, and soaking in the latest trends, I’m here to give you an inside look at what went down at New York Toy Fair 2025. If you missed New York Toy Fair or couldn’t see everything, check out this first episode of NY Toy Fair 2025 Exclusive Interview Series.Over the next month and a half, I’ll be taking you inside the show floor for exclusive interviews with toy designers, licensors, CEO’s, entrepreneurs and inventors who are Making It In The Toy Industry!In thi...2025-03-0629 min
Making It in The Toy Industry | Start A Toy Business#259: How to Maximize Your Experience at Toy Fair New York 2025So, you’re going to Toy Fair New York this year, but you aren’t sure you’re making the most of your trip? It’s true, without a solid plan, walking into Toy Fair New York can be completely overwhelming. You can easily get lost in a few friendly conversations, pass too much time playing with toys at welcoming booths, and end up missing opportunities to grow your business, or sell your ideas. Once you walk through the doors of the Javits Center, the impact of the show is bound to hit you. So...2025-02-2643 min
Making It in The Toy Industry | Start A Toy Business#258: 3 Ways To Grab Buyer Attention and Land More Deals at Toy FairLet’s be real—Toy Fair is chaotic. Buyers are rushing from booth to booth, seeing hundreds of products. If you want them to stop, pay attention, and actually care about your toy or game, your pitch needs to do more than just explain your product—it needs to demand attention.In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, I’m breaking down 3 simple strategies that will help you:✨ Grab buyer attention in seconds (without feeling salesy)🎉 Make your pitch an experience they won’t forget👀 Spot buyer body cues so you know when to pivot...2025-02-1921 min
Making It in The Toy Industry | Start A Toy Business#257: How To Win Over Buyers at Toy Fair with Barry & JasonNew York Toy Fair is just around the corner and if you’re preparing to launch your toy or game at this event, learn this lesson: it WON’T sell itself! Buyers see hundreds of pitches, and even the best ideas can get lost in the noise.The real secret? It’s not just what you pitch, but HOW you pitch it. So, how do you make buyers stop, pay attention, and want to play? That’s exactly why I’m bringing back an episode with Barry McLaughlin & Jason Lautenschleger, who share how to pitch and stand o...2025-02-1248 min
Making It in The Toy Industry | Start A Toy Business#252: How One Company’s Bubble Toy Got Nominated For A Major Toy Award with Ron WeizmanThe highest honor your toy can get in this industry is the Toy of the Year® (TOTY®). This award is so coveted, that just a nomination alone has been said to boost sales and recognition of the brands lucky enough to earn one. A TOTY win can trigger a flood of retailers knocking on your door, desperate to get your product on their shelves.So what does it take to get a TOTY nomination? That’s what we’re breaking down in today’s episode.In this episode, Ron Weizman, co-founder of South Beach Bubbles shares h...2025-01-0137 min
Making It in The Toy Industry | Start A Toy Business#250: The Art Of Toy Photography with Mitchel Wu: ExtendedEver wondered how toys come to life through photography? 🎨✨Mitchel Wu, an acclaimed toy photographer known for his brilliant use of motion and emotion in toy imagery, joins Azhelle Wade in this episode to unravel the magic behind his spectacular work with major clients like Marvel, Disney, and Hasbro. Learn how he transitioned from a mundane consumer products career to mastering the niche of toy photography, and get insights on making your own products come alive through powerful visuals. Tune in to hear Mitchel’s tips on creating engaging toy stories, using practical effects, and carving...2024-12-1848 min
Making It in The Toy Industry | Start A Toy Business#246: How AI is Making Toy Innovation and Pitching Easier Than Ever Before with Azhelle WadeAre you skeptical about integrating AI into your toy business?In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade, also known as The Toy Coach, shares her AI expertise from this year's People of Play Innovation Conference and ChiTAG - Toy and Game Fair in Chicago, where she presented her talk on 'How AI is Making Toy Innovation and Pitching Easier Than Ever Before.' You’ll see firsthand how AI can significantly 10x your toy development process with a custom GPT solution. Azhelle talked about identifying bottlenecks, researching AI tools, and...2024-11-2038 min
Making It in The Toy Industry | Start A Toy Business#234: Avoid These 3 Common Mistakes When Working with a Toy FactoryTime 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 ObsessedBeing Pantone-obsessed can m...2024-08-2829 min
Making It in The Toy Industry | Start A Toy Business#230: How She Invented A Plush Toy and Licensed The Idea For Passive IncomeHave you ever wondered if it were possible to sell your toy idea instead of the finished product? Today’s podcast episode follows one creator, who does just that.Today’s guest Joanna Paul, shares her journey of developing Moodles (formerly known as "What's Its Face?"), a patentable plush invention designed to help children understand and express their emotions. From the initial concept inspired by her own experiences as a mom to the challenges of patenting and licensing, Joanna's toy story is a testament to the power of persistence and adaptability in the toy industry.Thro...2024-07-3144 min
Making It in The Toy Industry | Start A Toy Business#228: Why You're Not Hearing Back from Top Toy Companies and What To Do InsteadTired of Toy Companies Ghosting you? You're not alone! You know the toy industry needs fresh ideas, and you're confident you've got the next big thing. But here's the truth: your amazing concept is only as powerful as your network and pitch skills.So in this episode, we're breaking down:The real reasons toy companies might not be responding to your submissions (and it's not what you think!)Step-by-step strategies to finally get noticed and get a responseHow to access toy company wish lists (yes, they exist, and they're game-changers!)But that's not a...2024-07-1029 min
Making It in The Toy Industry | Start A Toy Business#226: This Toy Delivers Real Mail Every Week To Kids Across The Globe with Wendy LattimoreCan Snail Mail Still Captivate Today's Tech-Savvy Kids? Are today's digital-native children still charmed by the simple pleasure of receiving a physical letter? In Episode 226 of the "Making It in the Toy Industry" podcast, Virginia Lette engages with Wendy Lattimore, a successful graduate of the Toy Creators Academy (TCA), to explore this fascinating topic. Wendy's inspiring journey from traditional mail to innovative toy creation will challenge your perceptions of outdated communication methods.From Executive Assistant to Innovative Toy Creator Meet Wendy Lattimore, an executive assistant and innovative toy entrepreneur. Her journey beg...2024-06-2625 min
Making It in The Toy Industry | Start A Toy Business#225: The Secrets of A Successful Toy Licensing Deal with Lee AllentuckIs Your Pitch Ready For The Toy Industry? Pitching your innovative toy idea to industry giants can be as daunting as a job interview. In this episode of "Making it in the Toy Industry," hosts Azhelle Wade and Lee Allentuck demystify the art and science of pitching, with insider tips that will revolutionize your approach to securing those golden licensing deals. Whether you're a seasoned inventor or a newbie in the toy world, there's a nugget of wisdom here for everyone.What are the secrets to a successful toy pitch?Episode 225 zeroes in on the nuanced...2024-06-1947 min
Making It in The Toy Industry | Start A Toy Business#224: This ONE Media Event Could Make Your Toy Brand Go Viral 📈Toy trade shows are NOT the only way to get your brand noticed. Your toy brand could go viral after attending a toy industry media event. In this episode of "Making It in the Toy Industry," Azhelle Wade shares the juicy details behind influencer events and media showcases like Sweet Suite and Holiday of Play. These industry gatherings are hidden gems for toy and game creators looking to snag media attention and make lasting impressions without the hustle and bustle of traditional trade shows. Already planning to attend Sweet Suite? Hit play on this episode to learn how to...2024-06-1221 min
Making It in The Toy Industry | Start A Toy Business#219: Why He Went From Mattel to TCA and Launched His Plush ToyQ: 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 America for Mattel to launching his own line of guardian angel plush dolls, Gerardo’s journey is nothing short of in...2024-05-0828 min
Making It in The Toy Industry | Start A Toy Business#217: How To Make Your Toy Brand Climate Friendly with Helen TownsendIn 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 emissions. This i...2024-04-2441 min
Making It in The Toy Industry | Start A Toy Business#214: Everything You Need To Know About MESH Accreditation For Your ToyIs 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...2024-04-0344 min
Making It in The Toy Industry | Start A Toy Business#213: From Empath to Entrepreneur with Jana Hallam of Wonderwell Toy CompanyKids 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 frustrating Christmas tradition kickstarted her quest to create The Kindness Mouse - an engaging plush toy, storybook...2024-03-2727 min
Making It in The Toy Industry | Start A Toy Business#211: How To Efficiently Communicate Your Toy's Value Through Packaging with Anchor CreativeYour 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 ma...2024-03-1330 min
Making It in The Toy Industry | Start A Toy Business#210: An Insider Look at A National Toy Trade Show in Las VegasHave 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...2024-03-0626 min
Making It in The Toy Industry | Start A Toy Business#209: How Women in the Toy Industry Are Building Dreams and Connections with Ehi Oviasu-KahnRight 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 na...2024-02-2818 minMaking It in The Toy Industry | Start A Toy Business#208: When Motherhood Inspires Toy Invention with Ehi Oviasu-KahnHave 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....2024-02-2126 minMaking It in The Toy Industry | Start A Toy Business#202: Gender Neutral Toy Sections Are Now Law In CaliforniaHow does the recent California law mandating gender-neutral toy sections in large retail stores impact the toy industry? This episode takes a deep dive into the nuances of this legislative change and its potential ripple effects on manufacturers, retailers, and consumers.The episode revisits a critical discussion from October 2021, examining the intricate details and recent amendments of the bill turned into law. We explore the initial intentions of the bill, which aimed to encompass childcare items, children's clothing, and toys, and discuss the significant changes it underwent before becoming law. One of the notable alterations...2024-01-1041 minMaking It in The Toy Industry | Start A Toy Business#201: 12 SMART Goals To Launch Your Toy Idea in 2024Are you ready to transform your toy idea into a market-ready product by the end of 2024 but unsure where to start? Then you’ve chosen the perfect episode to dive into! In just 26 minutes, get a month-by-month blueprint, detailing 12 SMART goals to lead you into a soft launch of your toy or game by Q4 of 2024. With guidance from The Toy Coach, you'll discover the critical importance of understanding the toy market and setting specific, achievable goals. Learn the acronym for SMART goals and how to directly apply them to your toy development process. This episode is pac...2024-01-0327 minMaking It in The Toy Industry | Start A Toy Business#200: Virginia Lette Interviews Azhelle Wade The Toy CoachTo celebrate Episode 200 of Making It in The Toy Industry, something special is underway. Joining The Toy Coach, also known as Azhelle Wade, is Virginia Lette, an accomplished Australian radio and television presenter. She is renowned for co-hosting Eclipse Music TV for three years and serving as a Weekend News and Sport Presenter for WIN News Tasmania. Virginia has also hosted over 500 episodes of the Morning Kids Podcast. Beyond her professional achievements, she is a dedicated mother, entrepreneur, and an aspiring toy creator.Azhelle Wade is thrilled to have her on the show, picking up where the 100...2023-12-2050 minMaking It in The Toy Industry | Start A Toy Business#199: Speed Up Your Toy or Game Promotion Process With AIHow is AI reshaping the toy industry? In this eye-opening episode, we delve into the world of AI and its transformative impact on toy design and creation. Discover how tools like Adobe Firefly, Canva, and Amazon are integrating AI to enhance their services and change the game for how consumers experience products and how professional toy creators promote them.In episode 199, The Toy Coach explores the practical applications of AI in the toy industry, from speeding up the toy invention process to navigating legal considerations. Learn about Adobe Firefly's approach to copyright issues and get tips on...2023-12-1327 minMaking It in The Toy Industry | Start A Toy Business#198: Speed Up Your Toy or Game Invention Process With AIHave you ever wondered how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the toy industry? From speeding up the toy invention process to comparing traditional and AI-assisted methods, AI is transforming how we create and innovate. Dive into this engaging exploration of AI’s role in the toy industry.In this episode, join The Toy Coach as she shares insights from her talk at the People of Play Innovation Conference. Discover how AI can enhance market research, ideation, product visualization, and even prepare you for your next big pitch. Get ready to be amazed by practical AI applications that ar...2023-12-0631 minMaking It in The Toy Industry | Start A Toy Business#196: Instant Insights Into The Toy Industry Uncovered at ChiTag Part 2 of 2Listen in as The Toy Coach conducts several mini interviews for a deep dive into the heart of toy innovation at CHITAG, part of the People of Play Week and Innovation Conference. Episode 196 offers a unique blend of playful interviews and insightful discussions with industry innovators.In this episode, we feature a dynamic duo, Michael and Melissa Giles, founders of Chiki Chaka, who reveal the secrets behind creating a game that's as simple as it is engaging, proving that the essence of play lies in joy, not complexity. They share their journey of starting a t...2023-11-2238 minMaking It in The Toy Industry | Start A Toy Business#195: Instant Insights Into The Toy Industry Uncovered at ChiTag Part 1 of 2Are you passionate about toy design and eager to learn from the best in the toy industry? This episode of Making It In The Toy Industry takes you inside the Chicago Toy and Game Fair (ChiTag), a hub of innovation and creativity in the toy and game industry. Learn tips from show attendees who specialize in toy marketing, toy sales, and game innovation. Whether you're an aspiring toy inventor, a game design enthusiast, or simply fascinated by the world of toys, this episode includes 3 mini and action packed interviews.Listen in as Azhelle challenges her guests to...2023-11-1633 minMaking It in The Toy Industry | Start A Toy Business#191: Game-Changing Connections for Toy Inventors at People of Play WeekAre you "toying" around with an idea for a toy or game that you want to license? Don’t miss the chance to pitch and playtest that idea in 2023 at POP Week. In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, Azhelle Wade aka The Toy Coach, highlights a beloved toy industry event that is designed to create opportunities for toy inventors and entrepreneurs like you. Act fast because registration for this once a year in-person event is STILL OPEN.Pop in your earbuds and listen as Azhelle explains what to expect from the 2023 People of Pl...2023-10-1825 min