You’ve got a product idea that means the world to you… maybe it’s cultural, personal, or rooted in your own childhood traditions. But making it retail-ready without losing your mission? That’s the challenge. In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, I’m coaching Durratussharaf, Toy Creators Academy alum, Accelerator grad, and founder of Dcraftsource, a culturally-inspired craft kit brand built to celebrate every kid and every culture. If you're trying to figure out how to go from maker to brand, or you're wondering how to bring more authenticity into your product line, this episode will inspire you to stop waiting and start building.

Your toy is 90% done… again. In this episode, Toy Creators Academy alum Melanie Palmer shares how perfectionism stalled her launch, what finally helped her move forward, and why she's building a purpose-driven toy brand without being the face of it. If you're building something with purpose and wondering, "Am I doing this right?", Melanie’s story is proof that you don’t need to rush, and you don’t have to figure it out alone. Enroll today at thetoycoach.com/tca

Big feelings can be tough for little ones to handle but what if play could make those emotions easier to understand? 

In this episode, we’re sitting down with licensed therapist, entrepreneur, and new mom Melissa Brody, who turned her passion for emotional wellness into Emotipals, a plush toy line that helps kids express their feelings through mix-and-match faces. Inspired by her late father, a pediatric neurologist, Melissa shares how she went from private practice to product creation, what motherhood taught her about balance, and why narrowing your niche might be the key to growing your brand.

In this episode, you'll hear Jana Hallam share the origin story of The Kindness Mouse and why kids instantly connect with this unlikely hero. We dive into how empathy, SEL, and the idea of “wiring them young” became the foundation of Wonderwell Toy Co. Jana shares how trusting her gut (and even starting over) was key to moving forward, how Toy Creators Academy helped her navigate product safety, playtesting, and manufacturing, and why community is essential when you're building a brand from scratch.

In this episode, toy industry veteran Gerardo Davila shares how, despite his years at Mattel, he turned to Toy Creators Academy to bring his own heartfelt toy brand to life. You'll hear how he created Angelitos Mágicos, a magical plush line that comforts kids at bedtime with positive messages, and how TCA gave him the tools to refine his packaging, boost his website, and break into retail with confidence. If his story sparks something in you, it might be time to start your own toy journey with Toy Creators Academy. Learn more at toycreatorsacademy.com. 

In this episode, we're celebrating the incredible full-circle journey of TCA alum Chrissy Fagerholt of EAP Toys and Games! From her first pitch at our Virtual Event to landing a game in Barnes & Noble and launching her own product line, Chrissy's growth is nothing short of inspiring. This highlight reel pulls together key moments from past episodes and a new interview with fellow TCAer Virginia Lett to show just how far she’s come. If her story sparks something in you, it might be time to start your own toy journey with Toy Creators Academy. Learn more at toycreatorsacademy.com. 

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.

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.

If you’re thinking about launching a toy line in a newer category that may not be getting much love right now, this episode is a must-listen! Azhelle Wade sits down with Marina Khidekel, founder of Hugimals World, a brand known for its weighted plush toys that target anxiety and sleep challenges. You’ll hear how Marina transitioned from a health and wellness journalist to a toy industry entrepreneur, taking every bit of feedback from Hugimals' pilot program and working it into the early marketing materials to ensure each detail reflected the love and care behind the product!

In episode 239 of 'Making It in the Toy Industry,' Virginia, a student at Toy Creators Academy, takes over hosting duties and interviews Chrissy Fagerholt of EAP Toys and Games. Chrissy, one of the first graduates of the Toy Creators Academy, shares her transition from a 17-year career as a floral designer to becoming a successful toy entrepreneur. The episode covers Chrissy's journey in licensing her games, her experiences with the Toy Creators Academy, the challenges and rewards of self-publishing, and the financial realities of the toy business. Highlighted is her latest success with 'Girls in Bar Bathrooms,' a game recently licensed by Mattel. Chrissy offers insights and valuable lessons about navigating the toy industry, combining creativity with business acumen, and turning passion into profit. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring toy inventors and entrepreneurs.

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.

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.

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.