A spooky-cute monster toy, a $49K Kickstarter goal, and nearly $19K raised… but pledges have stalled. In this episode, I coach Toy Creators Academy alum Michael Harring through what’s working, what’s missing, and how to move forward with a small email list and a big idea. You’ll hear the kind of real strategy and mindset shifts we focus on inside Toy Creators Academy, the ones that turn love into sales and help your toy brand grow with purpose.

For years, international toy sellers had a semi-secret shortcut to ship goods under $800 tariff free. That shortcut? Gone. And if you’re not prepared, your business could feel it fast. As of August 29th, the De Minimis Exemption was officially eliminated for many international shipments to the U.S. Using a mind map, I’ll guide you through the four big areas impacted by this shift: the immediate chaos it’s caused, what strategies and tools are suddenly more valuable, what old tricks are now holding brands back, and who’s rising to the top as this new landscape takes shape.

Factory communication can make or break your toy project and one vague comment or rushed approval can lead to costly mistakes. In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, I’m breaking down the three biggest slip-ups new toy makers make when working with overseas factories, from skipping Pantone colors to approving samples too soon. Tune in to learn how to avoid these pitfalls and level up your production process like a pro.

Even with the recent increased tariffs on India, many of my clients and students have been seeking out new factory partnerships in this country. For decades, China has been the go-to destination for toy production, and they are indisputably the best at producing high quality goods quickly,  but what happens when rising costs, shipping delays, and shifting global policies force toy makers to look elsewhere?

Messy blanket forts are out! Meet the toy that makes forts gorgeous. Architect and TCA Accelerator student Carrie Shaked turned the messy blanket forts of childhood into stunning, buildable cardboard domes you’ll actually want in your living room.

In this episode, you’ll hear how she designed a toy unlike anything else, made families cry (in a good way!) during playtesting, and found confidence to manufacture overseas. Plus, we share tips for collecting emails, marketing when you’re camera-shy, and why the current manufacturing climate can favor small startups.

Are you a new mom who’s tired of your home looking like a daycare? In this episode of Making It in The Toy Industry, interior designer turned toy creator Courtney Smithee shares her journey designing neutral-toned toys that double as stylish home décor. We explore how her brand, Playcor, is redefining baby play with two-in-one silicone toys and decor, and how she’s building a toy business that works for her life as a mom of three. Tune in to learn how to market toys with Instagram and email, even if you’re not always “on” and how design-forward toys are winning the hearts of modern parents.

Some of the most innovative toy ideas come from outside the industry and Dr. Kieche O’Connell is proof. As the creator of Catoms, she blended her love of science and the periodic table into a collectible plush line with characters inspired by real chemical elements.

In this episode, we dive into her journey from scientist to toy creator, how Toy Creators Academy helped her bring Catoms to life, and why authentic storytelling is key to marketing educational toys.

Ever feel like your toy or game idea is too niche or wonder if you’ve got what it takes to break into the industry? Maybe you’ve been sitting on a killer concept or already knee-deep in prototypes and second guesses.

In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, I’m chatting with TCA alum and current Accelerator student Manish Punwani, who proves that with the right guidance and passion, even unexpected game themes can thrive. Manish shares his journey from merchandising to launching Cricket or Nothing, a suspense-filled card game that turns cricket into a poker-like duel.

You’ll hear why he walked away from his first concept and how TCA coaching helped him see his idea and audience in a whole new light.

If you want to be a part of Toy Creators Academy and get the opportunity to join the Accelerator as a graduate, visit toycreatorsacademy.com today.

Have you ever had a game idea pop into your head and thought, “This could be huge… but how do I even pitch it?” Or maybe you’ve been sitting on a prototype, wondering if it’s really “good enough” to show a big toy company. If you’ve been dreaming of getting your game on store shelves, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, we’re bringing back an oldie but a goodie conversation that I had with Tanya Thompson, Senior Director of Inventor Relations and Innovation for Hasbro Gaming. Tanya started out as a math teacher before making her way into the toy industry, and now she’s the gatekeeper for inventor-submitted game ideas at one of the biggest companies in the world.

Tanya shares what she looks for in a prototype, what your sizzle video must include, and how long it really takes to get feedback after a pitch. You’ll also hear why being first matters  and the #1 mistake new inventors make.

If you're ready to pitch like a pro, grab a notebook and hit play!

If you've ever wished you could sit in on a real coaching call inside Toy Creators Academy, today’s your lucky day. This episode brings you inside the TCA Accelerator for a one-on-one strategy session with Joanna, the creator of Fren Forest.

Joanna is a sculptural artist with a love for cozy characters and dreamy desk décor. She went from crafting mini clay creatures in her studio to fully funding a collectible toy on Kickstarter.

You’ll hear how she turned her hand-sculpted characters into a toy brand without a business degree or marketing team, the smart moves that helped her hit 50% of her Kickstarter goal on day one, and why she scrapped flocking but kept her fan-favorite toe beans.

We’ll also chat about balancing creativity with business and how small media wins can build big brand momentum. Joanna’s journey proves that with the right tools and support, your toy dream is possible.

Can your hobby become the next best selling board game? If you've ever dreamed of turning your weekend passion into something both magical and marketable, this episode is for you.

I’m recapping the best insights from my chat with Elizabeth Hargrave, the creator of Wingspan, and trust me, you don’t want to miss what she shared. We dive into why real-life experience is the key to immersive game design, how Elizabeth’s love of birding shaped her hit game, and how the right creative community can give your project a serious boost.

You’ll also hear the pitch strategy that helped her land her very first game deal, plus a fun brainstorm where I turn my salsa dancing hobby into a game concept that might just get your wheels turning too!

What are your hobbies? I personally enjoy dance, specifically latin dance and often I wonder, “What if I could translate salsa dancing into a toy or game?”. Well today, we’re going to explore that possibility. Today my guest shares how she turned her hobby into a best selling board game!

In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, I’m joined by Elizabeth Hargrave, award-winning board game designer and co-founder of the Tabletop Game Designers Association. You might know her from her hit game Wingspan, which turned the world of nature and birdwatching into one of the most beloved engine-building games of all time.

Licensing a tabletop game doesn’t require years of experience or a perfectly polished prototype. What it really takes is a strong idea, a strategic approach, and the confidence to put yourself out there.

I’m sitting down with April Mitchell, motivational speaker, licensing expert, and founder of 4A’s Creations, LLC. With years of product development and coaching at inventRight, April has helped countless creators bring their ideas to life. This past year, she licensed 6 tabletop games, and today, she’s sharing how.

You’ll hear how a name like “Pizza Pie” sparked a licensing deal, why having a pipeline of ideas helps you move faster, and how in-person pitches can make all the difference. We’ll also cover how to handle playtesting feedback, collaborate effectively, and keep momentum going with the right systems.

If you’ve got a tabletop game idea, this episode will help you take it from concept to contract.

👉 Hit play and take the first step into making your tabletop game a reality.

It started with a fuzzy little monster from a picture book inspired by Nordic fairy tales. No fame, no movie deal. But when a K-pop star hugged her on Instagram… everything changed.

This week on Making It In The Toy Industry, I’m diving into how Labubu, the “ugly-cute” character from POP MART, went viral and sparked a global toy craze.

One Instagram Story from BLACKPINK’s Lisa led to sold-out stores, TikTok buzz, and $1.6 billion in sales. We’ll unpack how POP MART turned that moment into a worldwide movement. From city-exclusive drops to fashion collabs, this case study is packed with lessons on scarcity, branding, and building community.

Launching a collectible or planning your next drop? This episode will help you build hype, grow your audience, and be ready for your viral moment.

Are you sleeping on the money-making magic of your email list? If you've been pouring all your energy into TikToks, Reels, and likes… hold up. Because while social media might be where the buzz is, your email list is where the buying happens.

In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, I’m showing you why email marketing is still one of the most powerful ways to grow your toy or game brand when it’s done right.

You’ll hear highlights from a special masterclass where I share a few of my favorite strategies to turn your list into a sales-driving, brand-building powerhouse. Oh, and yes... we’ll talk about subject lines that actually get clicks.

👉 Hit play, take notes, and let’s level up your email marketing game together!

What if your toy’s price point was the only thing standing between you and a “yes” from a major retailer? You’ve got the product, the mission, and maybe even a booth at Toy Fair—but if buyers are walking by without placing orders, it might not be your toy that’s the problem… it might be the price.

I’m sharing a powerful conversation I had at Toy Fair with Samantha Ong, founder of Joey Dolls — the World’s Most Diverse Asian Doll brand. Before launching her toy line, Samantha was a professional photographer, and now she’s built a brand that's not only beautiful, but mission-driven and retail-ready.

You’ll learn how to use trade shows to gather feedback that helps refine your pricing and packaging strategy, the exact price point that helped Samantha grow her product line, and which packaging details buyers actually care about. We’ll also get into how working with reps and consultants can seriously boost your visibility at trade shows.

Hit play and find out how a smart pricing pivot and trade show prep made all the difference for this toy creator.