Making It in The Toy Industry

Have 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.

Throughout the episode, Joanna discusses key aspects of her success, including:

1. The importance of understanding your strengths and weaknesses as an inventor and entrepreneur
2. Navigating the complexities of patenting and licensing to protect your intellectual property
3. Adapting your product based on feedback from buyers and embracing changes for marketability
4. The emotional rollercoaster of pitching, rejection, and ultimately seeing your toy on store shelves

Joanna's background in branding and design, combined with her personal experiences as a parent, have shaped her approach to toy invention. Her creation, Moodles, not only serves as a fun and engaging toy but also has the potential to make a fundamental impact on childhood development by promoting emotional learning, imagination, and problem-solving skills.

Hit play on this episode to listen in on Joanna’s early days of prototyping and pitching to the exciting moment of finally seeing Moodles available at major retailers like Walmart, Kohl's, and on Amazon.

Episode Cliff Notes:

• Learn how one mom's experience in the suburbs inspired her to create an emotional learning plush toy. [05:10]
• Discover how a toy with six different facial expressions can help kids learn about emotions and express themselves without electronics. [03:38]
• Find out how persistence and facing legal challenges led to the success of Moodles, a toy that became particularly relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic when childhood mental health problems were on the rise. [09:54]

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About My NEW Podcast Art:
The podcast art for Season 6 of Making It In The Toy Industry features product illustrations of toys and games I helped guide in Toy Creators Academy and TCA Accelerator. Tap the brand name below to check them out!

Playcor by Courtney Smithee
9 to 5 Warriors by Brandon Braswell
Catoms by Kieche O'Connell
The Lunch Room by EAP Toys and Games founder, Chrissy Fagerholt

Branded Giveaways Are Dead! 😵  It's time to ditch the tired swag bags and discover the magic of themed experiences that truly connect with your audience. In this episode, our toy industry insiders reveal how to skyrocket your brand loyalty and sales through unforgettable brand experiences.

Branded giveaways at trade shows are passé. Instead, themed giveaways tailored to your brand’s identity or your consumer’s persona create a more lasting impression. In this week’s podcast, The Toy Coach explores why this shift is crucial and how you can transform your approach.

Diving into the specifics, Azhelle takes you on a journey through her experience at the Hasbro Game Room in New Jersey—a spectacular activation reimagining classic games like Connect Four and Twister at an oversized scale. This isn’t just about big games; it’s about big emotions and deeper connections to unforgettable brand experiences. 

To bring these insights down to earth, the episode breaks down actionable steps, from visiting dynamic pop-up museums to meticulously planning trade show experiences that resonate emotionally with consumers. You’ll learn how swapping outdated photo ops for video moments can amplify your reach.

By the end of this episode, you’ll be ready to rethink how you use trade shows and events to create more compelling, emotionally resonant brand experiences.

Episode Cliff Notes:
[Timestamp: 5:24] Learn how to make your brand giveaways unforgettable! Find out why Azhelle Wade considers traditional branded giveaways at trade shows dead and discover her strategy for turning themed giveaways into memorable brand experiences.

[Timestamp: 15:47] Find out what makes a video op more engaging than a photo op! Azhelle Wade breaks down why video opportunities are now the go-to for social media engagement and how to use them to your brand’s advantage.*

[Timestamp: 22:13] Discover the secret to successful brand tagging on social media! Learn why Azhelle Wade believes asking people to tag your brand is ineffective and how inviting them as a collaborator on your next IG Reel can 5x the results on your trade show marketing strategy.

For episode links, visit thetoycoach.com/229

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About My NEW Podcast Art:
The podcast art for Season 6 of Making It In The Toy Industry features product illustrations of toys and games I helped guide in Toy Creators Academy and TCA Accelerator. Tap the brand name below to check them out!

Playcor by Courtney Smithee
9 to 5 Warriors by Brandon Braswell
Catoms by Kieche O'Connell
The Lunch Room by EAP Toys and Games founder, Chrissy Fagerholt

In this week's episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, we're taking a brief pause from our regular programming. Our host, recently out of the hospital after a minor procedure, needs a bit of recovery time to ensure the quality of future episodes.

But don't worry, your toy education and inspiration fix isn't far away. Head over to learn.thetoycoach.com/playlist to download a comprehensive guide featuring the top 10 things you need to know before developing your toy or game idea. This guide includes a specially curated playlist of 10 essential podcast episodes that delve into these key topics.

Take this opportunity to catch up on these crucial insights, and we'll be back next week with more invaluable content. Thank you for your understanding and continued support, Toy People!

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Popular Masterclass! 5 Foolish Mistakes 🚩 New Toy Creators Make and How To Avoid Them. >> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/foolish <<

Tired 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:

1. The real reasons toy companies might not be responding to your submissions (and it's not what you think!)
2. Step-by-step strategies to finally get noticed and get a response
3. How to access toy company wish lists (yes, they exist, and they're game-changers!)

But that's not all! I'm also sharing:

• The different submission methods toy inventors can use (because options are power, right?)
• A serious backup plan for when you're ready to take control of your journey as a toy inventor

Here's the thing: becoming a successful toy inventor isn't just about having great ideas. It's about knowing how to navigate the industry, and that's exactly what we're covering today.

Stop waiting for toy companies to discover you in a pile of submissions—hit play and learn how to stand out.

Cliff Notes:

• [00:04:01]: Discover the various submission methods toy companies use to review inventor ideas. From email etiquette to online portals, learn practical tips to get your foot in the door and present your innovative concepts effectively.
• [00:11:22]: Are you targeting the right companies with your invention? Learn how crucial market research can elevate your pitch and improve your chances of getting noticed by aligning your ideas with the right companies' product offerings.
•  [00:24:32]: If traditional approaches aren't yielding results, it might be time to consider entrepreneurship. Learn about effective crowdfunding strategies and how launching your toy idea independently could turn your dream into reality, even attracting attention from larger companies down the line.

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About My NEW Podcast Art:
The podcast art for Season 6 of Making It In The Toy Industry features product illustrations of toys and games I helped guide in Toy Creators Academy and TCA Accelerator. Tap the brand name below to check them out!

Playcor by Courtney Smithee
9 to 5 Warriors by Brandon Braswell
Catoms by Kieche O'Connell
The Lunch Room by EAP Toys and Games founder, Chrissy Fagerholt

Transforming Math Test Prep With Educational Play
Can studying math be as fun as playing a game? In this episode of Making it in the Toy Industry, Kelly Clement shows us that it CAN be. With her innovative product, Watermelon Math, Kelly turns the tedious task of studying into an engaging experience. Her journey from a middle school teacher to a successful toy creator offers an inspiring look into the world of educational toys.

Kelly Clement, the creator of Watermelon Math, shares her unique journey into the toy industry. Combining her background in education with her passion for making learning enjoyable, Kelly designed a set of flashcards that make math study surprisingly sweet. This episode dives deep into her process, challenges, and successes, providing invaluable lessons for anyone aiming to make it in the toy business.

Revolutionizing Test Prep
Kelly Clement, founder of Watermelon Math, takes us through her career transformation and the inception of her innovative educational product. Using her extensive background as an educator, Kelly designed cheerful and effective flashcards to help children prepare for standardized tests. Her journey offers invaluable insights for educators and toy creators alike.


Key Points Covered In This Episode:

• From Educator to Toy Creator: Discover how Kelly transitioned from teaching middle school to developing a product that’s winning awards and kids’ hearts alike.
• The Concept of Watermelon Math: Learn why Kelly chose the theme of Watermelon Math and how it helps make studying less intimidating for children.
• Challenges in Product Development: Kelly discusses the hurdles she faced in developing a high-quality product, from finding the right illustrator to ensuring the tactile and visual appeal of the flashcards.
• Achieving Recognition: Hear about the process Kelly followed to enter and win industry awards, and how these recognitions have bolstered the credibility of Watermelon Math.
• Expanding a Business: Understand Kelly’s approach to growing her offerings while managing her educational services and her strategies for distributing her product effectively.
  
  

For the links mentioned in today's episode, visit thetoycoach.com/227

Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail!

Support the show

About My NEW Podcast Art:
The podcast art for Season 6 of Making It In The Toy Industry features product illustrations of toys and games I helped guide in Toy Creators Academy and TCA Accelerator. Tap the brand name below to check them out!

Playcor by Courtney Smithee
9 to 5 Warriors by Brandon Braswell
Catoms by Kieche O'Connell
The Lunch Room by EAP Toys and Games founder, Chrissy Fagerholt

Can 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 began with her son's reluctance to engage in reading, which sparked the innovative idea of mailed letters from his beloved stuffed animals. This led to the creation of "Sunny the Mail Snail" and "Mailbox Mutts," engaging children with weekly personalized letters that spark joy and imagination.

Key Insights for Aspiring Toy Entrepreneurs
This episode dives into Wendy’s transition into entrepreneurship, detailing her initial challenges and creative breakthroughs. Listen to her firsthand experiences and learn how she balanced a full-time job with her startup aspirations, leveraging her TCA education to navigate the complexities of the toy industry. Wendy’s story is a blueprint for anyone dreaming of turning a simple idea into a thriving business in today’s competitive toy market.

3 Key Takeaways From This Episode:

1. Necessity is the Mother of Invention: Wendy creatively used letters to engage her son, proving that necessity can drive the most innovative solutions.
2. Validation through Community: Wendy stresses the significance of mentorship and peer validation for bolstering confidence and refining one’s product.
3. Slow and Steady Wins the Race: Her mantra, inspired by her character Sunny, is all about focusing on quality and taking thoughtful steps rather than rushing to the market.

For the links mentioned in today's episode, visit thetoycoach.com/226

Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail!

Support the show

About My NEW Podcast Art:
The podcast art for Season 6 of Making It In The Toy Industry features product illustrations of toys and games I helped guide in Toy Creators Academy and TCA Accelerator. Tap the brand name below to check them out!

Playcor by Courtney Smithee
9 to 5 Warriors by Brandon Braswell
Catoms by Kieche O'Connell
The Lunch Room by EAP Toys and Games founder, Chrissy Fagerholt

Is 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 relationship-building in the pitch process. Learn how showcasing your background, even outside the toy industry, can play a critical role in catching a company's eye. Lee Allentuck likens the pitch process to job interviews and emphasizes the necessity of a brief yet impactful self-introduction.

Stop playing with your toy idea, and learn to create a seriously impactful pitch in this episode. Tune in, take notes, and prepare to conquer the toy industry.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Discover the Secrets to a Successful Licensing Deal [Timestamp: 15:42]  Find out the keys to negotiating a winning licensing agreement for your toy inventions! Lee Allentuck shares invaluable insights on being realistic about product value, ensuring fairness in negotiations, and protecting intellectual property.
2. Learn About the Essential Connection Between STEM Toys and Creative Development [Timestamp: 21:30]  Learn how working with Blue Marble's STEM-focused products has influenced innovative toy development and discover Lee Allentuck's personal passion for STEM education, which fuels his professional journey.
3. Unlock the Professional Approach to Pitching Toy Ideas [Timestamp: 10:56]  Learn the importance of a brief self-introduction and professional presentation in the toy industry's pitch process. Lee Allentuck compares it to a job interview, emphasizing marketing, experience, and credibility to stand out, just like top stars in the entertainment industry.
   
   

For the links mentioned in today's episode, visit thetoycoach.com/225

Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail!

Support the show

About My NEW Podcast Art:
The podcast art for Season 6 of Making It In The Toy Industry features product illustrations of toys and games I helped guide in Toy Creators Academy and TCA Accelerator. Tap the brand name below to check them out!

Playcor by Courtney Smithee
9 to 5 Warriors by Brandon Braswell
Catoms by Kieche O'Connell
The Lunch Room by EAP Toys and Games founder, Chrissy Fagerholt

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 get noticed on the show floor.

Once you've got the inside scoop on these media events, Azhelle shares five game-changing tips to transform your booth into a social media sensation. Hint: it’s all about engagement and fun! You'll learn how to captivate your audience with interactive experiences, leverage strong branding and social media presence, and lay the groundwork for future collaborations with influencers and media moguls.

This ONE invite-only toy industry event could make your toy brand go viral. Find out how to create an unforgettable booth that stands out, why these events are crucial for your brand’s visibility, and where you can maximize your exposure.


What's In This Episode:

• Discover why trade shows might not be the only way to get your toy noticed.
• Learn about exclusive influencer and media events like Sweet Suite and Holiday of Play. 
• Find out the key tips to create an engaging booth that stands out at these events. 
• Explore creative social media strategies to maximize your event presence. 
• Understand the importance of strong branding and how to implement it effectively. 
• Get insider advice on how to plant seeds for future collaborations with influencers and media attendees.
• Hear the ultimate bonus tip to calculate the ROI of attending these media events.

For Links Mentioned In This Episode, Visit:
https://www.thetoycoach.com/224

Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail!

Support the show

About My NEW Podcast Art:
The podcast art for Season 6 of Making It In The Toy Industry features product illustrations of toys and games I helped guide in Toy Creators Academy and TCA Accelerator. Tap the brand name below to check them out!

Playcor by Courtney Smithee
9 to 5 Warriors by Brandon Braswell
Catoms by Kieche O'Connell
The Lunch Room by EAP Toys and Games founder, Chrissy Fagerholt

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 process, emphasizing the importance of having a minimum viable playable and demonstrable prototype before pitching your game. April insists that playtesting your game dozens of times is more important than making your prototype look pretty.

This episode reveals insider tips on game mechanics, cost-effective playtesting, and the nuances of pitching to both large and small companies. April and Azhelle discuss the rapidly growing trend of self-publishing and how it’s democratizing the game design industry, creating new opportunities for aspiring designers. They also share personal stories on maintaining a positive outlook and self-worth in the competitive world of game design.

If you’re ready to change up your approach to game design, visit https://www.thetoycoach.com/gameon to join the Tabletop Game Design Masterclass!


Episode Cliff Notes:

• Find out how many times April’s mentor told her to playtest her game.
• Learn April Mitchell's strategies for positive self-talk and how she aligns her thoughts with her faith.
• Discover the secrets behind the Tabletop Game Design Masterclass, created by April Mitchell and Ed Garten, and how it can revolutionize your game design journey.
• Hear Azhelle Wade discuss her belief in manifestation and how it shapes her professional and personal life. 
• Find out why having a playable and demonstrable prototype is crucial, and get their top tips for cost-effective playtesting without overspending. 
• Learn about the democratization of the game industry and how smaller companies are creating new opportunities for game designers.

Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail!

Support the show

About My NEW Podcast Art:
The podcast art for Season 6 of Making It In The Toy Industry features product illustrations of toys and games I helped guide in Toy Creators Academy and TCA Accelerator. Tap the brand name below to check them out!

Playcor by Courtney Smithee
9 to 5 Warriors by Brandon Braswell
Catoms by Kieche O'Connell
The Lunch Room by EAP Toys and Games founder, Chrissy Fagerholt

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 until the end of the episode for a rare opportunity to walk the next show side by side with The Toy Coach, to answer your questions and help you grow your network. Tune in, take notes, and elevate your trade show game!


Episode Cliff Notes:

• Why The Toy Coach attended the Las Vegas Licensing Expo and why you might consider going as well even if you’re a toy inventor or toy entrepreneur with nothing to license yet
• The major RED flags I saw at the licensing expo from other toy entrepreneurs
• The networking tip that integrates tech with tradition.
• Discover the rare opportunity to join The Toy Coach for a guided trade show experience at your next toy trade show.
• Hear the crucial etiquette advice for promoting your brand at marketing events.
• Learn why arriving a day or two before the Licensing Expo can significantly enhance your experience.
• The comfortable footwear that The Toy Coach recommends if you’re in the market for a new trade show shoe.
• A list of goals for you to aim for when attending your next show. Visit thetoycoach.com/222 to download the checklist.

Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail!

Support the show

About My NEW Podcast Art:
The podcast art for Season 6 of Making It In The Toy Industry features product illustrations of toys and games I helped guide in Toy Creators Academy and TCA Accelerator. Tap the brand name below to check them out!

Playcor by Courtney Smithee
9 to 5 Warriors by Brandon Braswell
Catoms by Kieche O'Connell
The Lunch Room by EAP Toys and Games founder, Chrissy Fagerholt