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.