A logo is not the most important part of your toy business. A logo holds NO meaning without a strong product or service behind it. Knowing that is true, should help alleviate the pressure of designing or selecting the perfect logo for your toy brand. Your logo can evolve and change as your company evolves, and it can still maintain the brand recognition of powerhouse brands like Barbie, Hasbro, and Google.

In today’s podcast episode The Toy Coach dives into the meaning of a Logo. You’ll learn what the purpose of your toy brand logo might be, and how to best execute that purpose for your stage of business. Learn the 9 traits of good and bad toy logos that will help you design your next iconic brand look OR help you improve the look your brand currently has.


MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

For the links and resources mentioned in this episode, head over to the episode page at www.thetoycoach.com/120

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Are you struggling with developing the perfect package for your toy or game product? As toy or game creators you spend a lot of time thinking about the amazing toy idea you have and the innovative game that you will create, but you likely don’t spend nearly enough time thinking about the packaging of your toy or game idea. Well today that changes! It’s time to learn toy and game packaging 101 with The Toy Coach. 

By The End Of today’s Episode You will know the anatomy of great toy and game packaging. This episode will teach you the 5 different sides of toy and game packages and what the purpose of each side is. You can have a clear understanding of what is essential on ALL great toy and game packages, and what is simply a luxury add on. If you're ready to improve your toy or game package for retail sales, then this is a podcast episode that you simply cannot miss.


EPISODE CLIFF NOTES

• Learn the the 5 sides of a toy or game package
• Find out the most important element of a front panel of a box
• Discover the money making difference between side panels and bottom panels of packages
• Do you know the difference between a beauty shot and a lifestyle shot? Find out which is more expensive and why!
• Find out how to improve the likelihood a potential customer will purchase your product by 50%
• Learn the one lesson that changed the way The Toy Coach approached packaging and product design through her entire career.
• Find out why an when QR codes are useful on packaging
• Discover what packaging windows replace

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

For the links and resources mentioned in this episode, head over to the episode page at www.thetoycoach.com/119

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Visit for The Toy Coach's toy of the year picks at thetoycoach.com/toty for the link to vote before January 7th.

Wondering if there are any manufacturing options for you that are outside of China? More and more toy makers, toy creators, and even toy companies want to expand their manufacturing resources beyond China, but they don’t know where to start. Major toy companies and retailers have announced goals to move 30%-60% of their manufacturing of toy products out of China by 2023. And where will they move them? Likely India. India is an emerging country for manufacturing in general, but especially is a current hotspot for toys, in part thanks to today’s guest.

Today on the podcast, I chat with Joshua Punin, the owner of Source 4 India. He and his business partner created this manufacturing resource for toy and game companies in the beginning of the pandemic by partnering with India based factories and educating them on the needs of the toy industry. His company is bringing new manufacturing opportunities to the toy industry and helping alleviate stresses and limitations of focusing manufacturing efforts on China alone. Joshua connects both small toy creators and large toy companies to factories in India that can help manufacture their toy or game ideas.

Find out how he has helped factories shift from car parts to toys and the surprising origin story of Source For India. You will also learn more about current and future manufacturing capabilities in the region, the benefits and major differences between working with factories in India VS Chinese factories, and why Wal-Mart’s website listed a directive to move 30% of their manufacturing to India by 2027. If you’re looking for new options to manufacture your toy products, today’s episode is a must listen.


EPISODE CLIFF NOTES

• Learn about the policy changes that inspired Joshua and his business partner to consider creating toy manufacturing opportunities in India. [24:08]
• Find out just how much sweat it took to create amazing relationships with Indian manufacturers while working from home during the pandemic [28:13]
• Learn how many Indian toy factories Joshua is currently working with [30:30]
• Find out the current limitations for Indian toy manufacturing, what India is doing really well, and what it will be doing even better in a year or two [31:18]
• Learn how manufacturing in India can be more cost-effective [36:38]
• Find out how communications with Indian toy factories compare to China [38:28]
• Learn how long it may take to develop a toy with an Indian factory [43:02]
• Find out which major toy brands are already manufacturing in India [50:22]
• Learn about policy changes in 2022 that may make toy sourcing in India even easier [52:29]
• Find out why you should toss out your preconceived notions about India [56:50]

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

For the links and resources mentioned in this episode, head over to the episode page at www.thetoycoach.com/118

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Visit for The Toy Coach's toy of the year picks at thetoycoach.com/toty for the link to vote before January 7th.

Do you know how to play? It seems like a simple question and your first thought might be, “of course I do!” but many adults today have forgotten how to play. As toy people, we know that play is necessary for the growth and development of children…but what about play in adults? Play is proven to help ease stress and inspire creative problem solving. So what do you do when the stresses of life stop you from playing or worse yet, you forget what play is to you? Well that’s where my guest today might be able to help.

Today’s podcast guest, Emma Worrollo of The Playful Den is focused on the importance of play and teaching how to play. Today on the podcast, we also touch on market research techniques and compare the differences and value of qualitative vs quantitative research. We dive into Emma’s process and success of building her own company and growing it into a multi million dollar business. This episode offers great insights for entrepreneurs and inventors who are starting to test their products with consumers. This episode is also great for parents and corporate executives who want to infuse more play in their everyday lives.


EPISODE CLIFF NOTES

• The difference between qualitative and quantitative research. [02:00]
• Find out how Emma built a 2.5 million dollar business from a freelance agency. [ 05:00]
• Learn how you can use your sense of play…and how do you get it back? [20:50]
• Find out if you might be a fun facilitator vs fun participator? [22:30]
• Does play have to be physical and so far removed from work? Can you play in your work? [27:00]
• What inspired Emma to develop her own toy products. [44:00]

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

For the links and resources mentioned in this episode, head over to the episode page at www.thetoycoach.com/117

Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail!

Support the show

Visit for The Toy Coach's toy of the year picks at thetoycoach.com/toty for the link to vote before January 7th.

Do you have an idea, and maybe even a prototype for a toy invention, but are wondering how to get it in front of toy industry executives? You’re not alone. This is something some toy inventors struggle with. Today’s episode is all about some things you can do to make that happen, and they might be surprising to you.

I interviewed Daniela Valenzuela Bomchil, a recent student of the Toy Creators Academy. When Daniela came to the academy, I noticed that her prototypes were impeccable, and she was so prepared with amazing presentation materials. Daniela shares with you how her experience in the TCA helped her to build the confidence to pitch to large toy companies, how she got into toys from graphic design, and how she did her first pitches for the TCA Virtual Pitch Event from her car because her whole city was experiencing a power outage!

You’ll also find out what she learned from the TCA and how the pitch event helped get her products in front of top toy industry executives to begin fostering an ongoing relationship. This episode highlights the importance of building relationships in the toy industry. Toy company executives want to work with you so you really need more than just a name and an e-mail address to start building a relationship.


EPISODE CLIFF NOTES

• Learn why you need more than a name and e-mail address to build a relationship with a toy industry executive. [00:01:55]
• Find out how you can “borrow” a relationship in the toy industry to build rapport with toy executives. [00:02:40]
• Learn how the Toy Creators Academy Virtual Pitch Event can help you build toy industry relationships on your own [00:03:23]
• Learn how the confidence she gained in the TCA transformed Daniela’s outlook on pitching to toy industry professionals. [00:14:36]
• Find out one of the most important qualities of a good sizzle reel. [00:15:07]
• Learn how the TCA Virtual Pitch Event helped Daniela to gain the potential of working with Hasbro and Mattel. [00:16:59]
• Find out how the TCA helped Daniela feel more confident to pitch to American companies even though she is located in Argentina. [00:19:18]
• Learn why pitching was Daniela’s favorite part of the Toy Creators Academy. [00:21:38]
• Hear why Daniela recommends the Toy Creators Academy for toy inventors and toy entrepreneurs. [00:23:40]
• Learn why you need to know more than just a toy company’s name in the toy industry. [00:25:12]

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

For the links and resources mentioned in this episode, head over to the episode page at www.thetoycoach.com/116

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Visit for The Toy Coach's toy of the year picks at thetoycoach.com/toty for the link to vote before January 7th.

Wondering what toy entrepreneurs like you do to get their product placed in retail? In this episode, The Toy Coach sits down with Nicole Hawthorne, student of Toy Creators Academy and co-founder of Jaylas Heirlooms dolls. Nicole is a researcher at heart, and her devotion to the craft of Googling helped her find the roadmap that she so desperately wanted.

Nicole shares how she devoured the podcast way back in season one, enjoying episode after episode. A few years and a few grants later, Nicole Joined Toy Creators Academy to get the full picture of what it takes to take her toy product to the next level.

If you are a toy entrepreneur who is curious about what Toy Creators Academy can do for your toy business, then this is an episode you want to dive right into. We focus on the importance of research, and the steps one entrepreneur took from concept to prototype to in store. Pop your earbuds in and give this episode a listen.


MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

For the links and resources mentioned in this episode, head over to the episode page at www.thetoycoach.com/115

Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail!

Support the show

Visit for The Toy Coach's toy of the year picks at thetoycoach.com/toty for the link to vote before January 7th.

Did you recently discover the Toy Coach and are looking for help on how to break into the Toy Industry? Well this is the perfect episode for you. Today, The Toy Coach is sharing a presentation and step-by-step roadmap on How To Break Into Toys. The lessons taught in today's episode are applicable if you are hoping to be a toy inventor, entrepreneur or find a corporate toy job. 

In today’s episode you’ll learn two ways to educate yourself in the toy industry from traditional to digital. The Toy Coach shares mindsets that hold aspiring toy people back including the inability to think outside the box when looking for toy companies to work for. As much as we love our toy industry titans, we can’t all work for them! In this episode find out what other options are available to work alongside the toy industry and still have the joy of work on children’s products. This episode covers everything from branding yourself, finding a mentor, landing a dream job and checking in on your toy goals. Are you ready to break into toys?

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

For the links and resources mentioned in this episode, head over to the episode page at www.thetoycoach.com/114

Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail!

Support the show

Visit for The Toy Coach's toy of the year picks at thetoycoach.com/toty for the link to vote before January 7th.

Does this sound like you? You have a life outside the toy industry, but you have ideas. Maybe you are a lawyer, a baker, or even a mechanical engineer. But there’s something from your daily life or playtime with your family that has inspired an idea for a toy or game. How do you take that from inspiration to product?

In today’s episode, I share stories from my students who took their products from idea to reality with the help of The Toy Creators Academy. Learn how a developmental child psychologist, a TV producer, and a “dragon lady,” all conceptualized, developed, and pitched products that stemmed from an idea from their daily life. I hope this episode will inspire you to get that idea you have in your notes app into the real world.

After 11 years in the Toy Industry and working with more than 100 students as The Toy Coach, I’ve seen so many different kinds of people turn their background or expertise into a toy or game. Listen to this episode to find out what kinds of ideas have worked and why, and hear a few inspiring stories of toy industry success.


EPISODE CLIFF NOTES

• Learn the inspiration behind the early childhood education toy line, Ruby Rae Society  [00:05:09]
• Find out how an illustrator student of mine went from creating IP products like characters to designing mechanical products. [00:07:58]
• Learn which stores a student got her products placed in after doing a mini-pitch at the TCA Pitch Event. [00:12:59]
• Learn how experience in other industries can translate to the toy industry. [00:14:20]
• Find out how you can create a product even if you never have before. [00:17:01]
• Learn how it’s possible to focus on one specific product and find success. [00:20:34]
• Learn how just walking into a store can help sell your product. [00:23:10]
• Find out how one student used qualities from her cultural upbringing to create a unique product. [00:24:31]
• Find out how one of my students turned a fun idea between friends into a licensed game. [00:25:36]
• Learn ideas for everyday activities that could be turned into a toy or game. [00:29:32]

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

For the links and resources mentioned in this episode, head over to the episode page at www.thetoycoach.com/113

Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail!

Support the show

Visit for The Toy Coach's toy of the year picks at thetoycoach.com/toty for the link to vote before January 7th.

Listener Erika wrote in asking how you can “Make It” in the toy industry when you’re just starting out with ZERO contacts. So, for today’s episode we will dive into 3 networking strategies that will help you jump start your toy network to connect with toy brands and toy people. Networking is best done when you don’t need anything because Networking is essentially lending a helping hand, making another person's day a little brighter or their load a little lighter so that they hold you and your name in high regard. But the hardest part of Networking is just finding the right people to network with! So where do you begin?

In this podcast episode The Toy Coach dives into the top 3 networking strategies that you can start using and implementing TODAY to grow your own toy network. All you need to start doing this work is an honest interest in being a part of the toy industry, getting to know your fellow toy creators and helping in any way you can even if that help utilizes your non-toy skills. To learn how to make the most of your non-toy skills, your unique toy story, and free toy communities online, tap play and listen to this episode.


EPISODE CLIFF NOTES

• Find out how one of the students of toy creator's academy first grew her toy network [07:08]
• Find out why you might want to wait until you’re a little further along in your toy journey to start networking with networking strategy #1 from today’s episode [10:59]
• Swipe a script on exactly what to say when you have unique non-toy skills that you can offer a toy brand when the opportunity arises. [12:54]
• Learn about the different toy industry organizations you could join and how you can contribute to these organizations through committees. [13:38]
• How to harness the power of your unique toy story to grow your toy network through content creation. [15:23]
• The definition of your toy journey [16:43]
• How to set yourself up for success even before you start developing your toy or game idea. [18:10]
• How to structure your heroic toy story by looking back on your toy journey. [20:30]
• Find out where and how to connect with fellow toy creators like yourself online for free [27:20]
• A list of free online communities for toy creators on Linked in and Facebook for toy makers, inventors, entrepreneurs, and corporate toy people [31:22]

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

For the links and resources mentioned in this episode, head over to the episode page at www.thetoycoach.com/112

Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail!

Support the show

Visit for The Toy Coach's toy of the year picks at thetoycoach.com/toty for the link to vote before January 7th.

Whether or not you’re completely addicted to Wordle, the simple online word game that recently got bought by the NYTimes for 7 figures, you’ve probably heard of it. Even if you haven’t heard of it, you’ve probably seen people posting cryptic social media statuses about it with green, grey, and yellow squares. It’s the latest viral fad that everyone is talking about.
But, this isn’t the first time a toy or game has had it’s moment in the sun or 15 minutes of fame.

In today’s episode, I examine 3 toys and games that went “viral” Wordle, Pokemon Go, and Silly Bandz. In just 2 months, Wordle had 300,000 players. Pokemon Go saw even more exponential growth with over 100 million users the month after it launched. Shortly after they launched, Silly Bandz were so popular that they got banned from many schools because kids played with them too much. Besides getting a little jolt of nostalgia for the fads of the past, in this episode you’ll learn about 3 of the toyetic principles that helped these products succeed with such a big burst of energy. Even though these products are very different on the surface, they actually have a lot in common.


EPISODE CLIFF NOTES

• Find out the history of Wordle, who made it, when, and why.
• Learn how bringing a scarcity element to a toy or game can help with success.
• Find out the “joke” commercial that went on to become a game that earned over $1.2 billion in revenue.
• Find out the 3 toyetic traits that Wordle, Pokemon Go, and Silly Bandz share, they’re similar to our toyetic principles!
• Learn how building authority and community can play into the longevity of a toy or game.
• Find out what other than timing contributed to the success of these three products.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

For the links and resources mentioned in this episode, head over to the episode page at www.thetoycoach.com/111

Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail!

Support the show

Visit for The Toy Coach's toy of the year picks at thetoycoach.com/toty for the link to vote before January 7th.