Best Virtual Pitching Academy Podcasts (2025)

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#296: ESPN Virtual Reality Experience Nominated For A Major Toy Award with Steve Rad 41:35

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1d ago41:35

41:35

What if kids could learn about sports, INSIDE SportsCenter? Well 27 licensing deals, 7 TOTY nominations, and 1 incredible host all led to this incredible feat of edutainment. For 2025, Abacus Brands teamed up with ESPN and a roster of elite athletes to create the ESPN Virtual Reality Headset. This fully immersive toy is nominated for Educational To…

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#295: How Sticki Rolls Went From 1 Billion Views To Toy of the Year Finalist with Lev Nelson 46:10

8d ago46:10

46:10

What started as an inventor's pitch, evolved into a collectible phenomenon. Sky Castle Toys is showing us what happens when you combine viral content with collectibility… and it’s Sticki Rolls. Sticki Rolls is nominated for Collectible Toy Of The Year, and if you ask me, they should be the ones taking home the TOTY. (sorry Lego!) Sky Castle built a…

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#294: Why the TOTY Awards Are the Oscars of the Toy Industry 10:14

15d ago10:14

10:14

You’ve heard of the Emmys, the Oscars, and the Grammys... but what about the TOTYs? In this episode, we’re going to dive into the TOTY (Toy of the Year) Awards and why they’re a huge deal if you're in the toy industry. I’m breaking down exactly how to get nominated, how to time your launch for max award potential, and how a TOTY nod can boost your …

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#293: How I Landed On Brand with Jimmy Fallon and Pitched National Campaigns 26:51

1M ago26:51

26:51

In spring 2025 I was invited to join On Brand with Jimmy Fallon as 1 of 10 creatives selected to pitch national campaigns to major brands on national TV. Since the episodes aired, my DMs have been full of the same questions: how did I get on the show, what was it really like, and what do I think of Jimmy Fallon? This week on Making It In The Toy In…

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#292: Toy Creators Academy Accelerator Coaching Call with Durratussharaf 33:29

1M ago33:29

33:29

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 Durrat, Toy Creators Academy alum, Accelerator grad, and founder of Dcraftsourc…

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#291: Toy Creators Academy Coaching Call with Melanie Palmer 52:54

1M ago52:54

52:54

Your toy is 90% done… for the fifth time. You keep playtesting, tweaking, second-guessing, and you’re convinced it’s not ready. But what if all that perfectionism is what’s actually holding you back? In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, I’m coaching Melanie Palmer, Toy Creators Academy alum and founder of Emmers, a joyful toy brand des…

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#290: Toy Creators Academy Coaching Call with Melissa Brody 54:35

2M ago54:35

54:35

Big feelings deserve a safe space and sometimes, that space looks like a soft, huggable friend with swappable expressions and a whole lot of heart…eyes! In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, we’re opening up another coaching call episode featuring Toy Creators Academy alum Melissa Brody, a licensed therapist, entrepreneur, and new mom w…

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#289: The TCA Journey Behind a Toy Empowering Kids to Choose Kindness with Jana Hallam 23:38

2M ago23:38

23:38

A toy doesn’t need to be loud or flashy to leave a lasting impact. The most meaningful ones teach kindness, spark empathy, and build something real in a child’s heart. That belief is what led today’s guest to create a toy that’s about so much more than play. In this special replay episode, we’re passing the mic to guest host Virginia Lette, who sit…

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#288: How an Industry Veteran Rebuilt His Toy Knowledge Through TCA with Gerardo Davila 27:25

2M ago27:25

27:25

Every once in a while, I meet a toypreneur whose journey reminds me why I started this podcast… and today’s guest is one of those people. In this episode, we’re bringing back the story of a Toy Creators Academy grad who went from leading sales at Mattel to launching a heartfelt plush brand that’s changing bedtime for kids everywhere. Meet Gerardo D…

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#287: Looking Back at a TCA Alum’s Journey as a Game Designer with Chrissy Fagerholt 20:00

2M ago20:00

20:00

You know I love celebrating a toypreneur's full-circle moment and today’s episode is just that. We're revisiting the incredible journey of TCA alum Chrissy Fagerholt of EAP Toys and Games, from her very first appearance on this podcast to her latest game launch and ongoing success in self-publishing. This episode is a special highlight reel of Chri…

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#286: 3 Surprising Ways To Use AI To Save Money In Your Toy Business 32:13

3M ago32:13

32:13

Toy people, I see you. You’re trying to run your business, deal with tariffs, build your brand, pitch your ideas, and maybe even answer customer questions at 3AM. But what if I told you that AI could actually help you make the most out of your time and money as you build your toy business? In this episode of Making It in The Toy Industry, I’m break…

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#285: TCA Accelerator Coaching Call with Michael Harring 1:03:09

3M ago1:03:09

1:03:09

Should you launch your toy on Kickstarter? That’s the question that we’re going to explore today. TCA alumni Michael Harring, launched Wayward Ghouls and his line of Squeaks toys on Kickstarter as what he says is “just a test.” With the goal of $49,000, Michael’s almost at 50% with a $19,000 pledge but he shared in our interview that for some reaso…

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#284: What the End of De Minimis Means for Toy Creators 36:00

3M ago36:00

36:00

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. The change, quietly confirmed by U.S. Customs and …

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#283: 3 Costly Mistakes That Toy Creators Make with Factories 27:35

3M ago27:35

27:35

I’ll never forget the time I asked a factory to “just move the pen and scissors down a little” on a packaging layout. What came back? A sample where the entire arrangement was totally rearranged and the design I’d worked so hard on was completely off. Communicating with factories is one of the most exciting parts of the toy-making journey, but one …

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#282: Why Toy Companies Are Switching to Manufacturing in India with Joshua Punin 49:03

4M ago49:03

49:03

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 sh…

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#281: TCA Accelerator Coaching Call with Carrie Shaked 59:47

4M ago59:47

59:47

Building forts is a rite of passage for most kids and often the bane of organized parents. I can still picture my mom, coming home late from running her business, to find chairs flipped sideways, blankets draped across them, boxes forming doorways, and my brother and I, tucked away inside playing. It was 100% an eyesore to my parents and 1000% a sa…

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#280: TCA Accelerator Coaching Call with Courtney Smithee 44:13

4M ago44:13

44:13

Ever wondered why all baby toys are so bright and loud? all primary and neon colors? Aesthetic-focused moms are craving a change. In this episode of Making It in The Toy Industry, I’m bringing you a powerful coaching session that spotlights someone who's filling that market opportunity. Playcor is a brand on a mission to make toys that look as beau…

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#279: TCA Accelerator Coaching Call with Kieche O’Connell 52:36

4M ago52:36

52:36

The most innovative toy ideas I’ve ever seen come from people outside the toy industry. When I met Dr. Kieche O’Connell, the creator of Catoms, I was completely blown away. She found a way to merge her love of science and the periodic table into a collectible plush toy line. Kieche’s deep understanding of chemistry and the unique traits of each ele…

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#278: TCA Accelerator Coaching Call with Manish Punwani 53:25

5M ago53:25

53:25

Ever feel like your toy or game idea is too niche or catch yourself wondering if you’ve really got what it takes to break into the industry? Maybe you’ve been sitting on a killer concept, or you’re 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…

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#277: Game Pitching Tips From a Toy Industry Insider with Tanya Thompson 1:04:42

5M ago1:04:42

1:04:42

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 finished prototype, wondering if it’s really “good enough” to get in front of a big toy company. If you’ve been dreaming of turning your game concept into a real product on shelves, this episode is made f…

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#276: TCA Accelerator Coaching Call with Joanna of Fren Forest 43:38

5M ago43:38

43:38

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 is part of a special behind-the-scenes series where I bring 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 char…

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#275: 3 Unmissable Lessons to Turn Your Hobby Into a Hit Game 17:35

5M ago17:35

17:35

Can your hobby become the next best selling board game? If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your weekend hobby into something magical and marketable, this episode is your cheat sheet. In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, I’m unpacking the gold that Elizabeth Hargrave, the brilliant mind behind Wingspan, dropped in our conversation from…

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#274: Turn Your Hobby Into a Best-Selling Board Game with Elizabeth Hargrave 47:26

6M ago47:26

47:26

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 …

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#273: The Tabletop Game Licensing Blueprint that Closed Major Deals with April Mitchell 27:48

6M ago27:48

27:48

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. In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, I’m sitting down with April Mitchell, motivational speaker, licensing expert, TCA Alumni, and fo…

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#272: How Labubu Became The Most Wanted Plush in the World 36:08

6M ago36:08

36:08

It started with a fuzzy little monster, hiding in the pages of a picture book inspired by Nordic fairy tales. She wasn’t famous. She didn’t have a movie deal. But when one K-pop superstar hugged her on Instagram… everything changed. This week on Making It In The Toy Industry, I’m diving into the jaw-dropping rise of Labubu, the “ugly-cute” characte…

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#271: Email Marketing Rules You Can’t Break 40:39

6M ago40:39

40:39

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. It’s your direct line to superfans, curious retailers, and future customers who actually want to hear from …

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#270: The Pricing Strategy That’s Getting Buyers to Say YES 19:53

7M ago19:53

19:53

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. In this episode, you’ll hear how one Toy Creators A…

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#269: Thinking Differently About Toy Production with Lisa Doiron of Basic Fun 16:12

7M ago16:12

16:12

Before we dive into one of the most creative plush lines I’ve ever seen, we need to talk about something serious — TARIFFS. In this episode of Making It in The Toy Industry, I’m kicking things off with an urgent update about the current U.S.–China tariff situation and how it could affect your toy business. I’m sharing what I would do right now if I…

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#268: The Truth Behind Being a Game Inventor with Jeremy Posner 44:53

7M ago44:53

44:53

Behind every “yes” in the toy industry, there’s a mountain of “no’s,” countless hours of hustle, and more trial and error than most people expect. At one point, he came close to walking away from it all—until a single line from an episode of Bluey reminded him that making games was exactly what he was meant to do. In this episode Making It In The T…

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#267: Winning a TOTY Award and Scaling a Toy Business Through 3D Printing with Solobo Toys 47:50

8M ago47:50

47:50

Can 3D printing really replace traditional toy manufacturing? One founder says “absolutely” and she’s got the award to prove it. In this episode, I’m chatting with the amazing Courtney Peebles, founder of Solobo Toys, about how she won a TOTY Award for her hit plush toy, Emotional Baggage, and how rising manufacturing challenges pushed her to trans…

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#266: NY Toy Fair 2025 Exclusive Interview with Sharon Price John 43:38

8M ago43:38

43:38

“There are no tired brands, just tired marketers.” That quote alone has been living rent-free in my head since this interview. It has challenged me to take a look at my own brand and ask, am I doing everything I can to keep it thriving? In this episode, Sharon Price John, President and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop and Chairwoman of the Toy Associat…

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#265: Navigating the Tariff Changes in The Toy Industry | April 2025 1:03:54

8M ago1:03:54

1:03:54

Is it time to stop manufacturing overseas? Or are these tariffs just temporary chaos? In this episode we're talking about the massive new tariffs shaking up the toy industry and what they mean for your bottom line. With import costs from China jumping up to 54% April 2nd, and a potential 104% threat looming over the horizon, toy creators everywhere…

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#264: NY Toy Fair 2025 Exclusive Interview with Purryfuls 25:21

8M ago25:21

25:21

Have I ever told you that I’m allergic to cats? Well, lucky for me I recently met Katharine Burke, the creator of PurryFuls, a purring plush cat that is designed for on demand comfort that only a purring cat can provide. Katharine left a high-stress tech job to build Purryfuls, and in today’s episode she shares exactly how she went from zero toy pr…

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#263: NY Toy Fair 2025 Exclusive Interview with Cameron Ring 22:12

9M ago22:12

22:12

With over 13,000 followers on TikTok and millions of video views, Lost Boy Entertainment is forging a new path for launching a successful game brand. To continue our New York Toy Fair 2025 interview series, I sit down with Cameron Ring, co-founder of Lost Boy Entertainment. Lost Boy Entertainment is a rising game company that started with just 500 …

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#262: NY Toy Fair 2025 Exclusive Interview with Hootenanny Games 26:22

9M ago26:22

26:22

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to run a business with your spouse? Is it all fun and games, or does every dinner conversation turn into a boardroom meeting? Do you get to celebrate the wins together, or do you find yourself debating packaging details at 10 PM on a Friday night? I was so curious about this dynamic that I sat down with Alex an…

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#261: NY Toy Fair 2025 Exclusive Interview with Thin Air Brands 41:08

9M ago41:08

41:08

Are tariffs here to stay or not? That was the hot topic at New York Toy Fair 2025, and trust me—it’s still got the toy industry buzzing. In Q1 of 2025, the Trump administration announced a 20% tariff on Chinese imports, and with 80% of all toys made in China, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers are all bracing for impact. So, who's really going…

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#260: NY Toy Fair 2025 Exclusive Interview with Jayson Esterow & Gavin Lawler 28:51

9M ago28:51

28:51

After four days of running (literally) from booth to booth, taking meetings, and soaking in the latest trends, I’m here to give you an inside look at what went down at New York Toy Fair 2025. If you missed New York Toy Fair or couldn’t see everything, check out this first episode of NY Toy Fair 2025 Exclusive Interview Series. Over the next month a…

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#259: How to Maximize Your Experience at Toy Fair New York 2025 42:18

9M ago42:18

42:18

So, you’re going to Toy Fair New York this year, but you aren’t sure you’re making the most of your trip? It’s true, without a solid plan, walking into Toy Fair New York can be completely overwhelming. You can easily get lost in a few friendly conversations, pass too much time playing with toys at welcoming booths, and end up missing opportunities …

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#258: 3 Ways To Grab Buyer Attention and Land More Deals at Toy Fair 21:50

10M ago21:50

21:50

Let’s be real—Toy Fair is chaotic. Buyers are rushing from booth to booth, seeing hundreds of products. If you want them to stop, pay attention, and actually care about your toy or game, your pitch needs to do more than just explain your product—it needs to demand attention. In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, I’m breaking down 3 simp…

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#257: How To Win Over Buyers at Toy Fair with Barry & Jason 47:16

10M ago47:16

47:16

New York Toy Fair is just around the corner and if you’re preparing to launch your toy or game at this event, learn this lesson: it WON’T sell itself! Buyers see hundreds of pitches, and even the best ideas can get lost in the noise. The real secret? It’s not just what you pitch, but HOW you pitch it. So, how do you make buyers stop, pay attention,…

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#256: Why We’re Not Surprised About The DEI Rollbacks 33:38

10M ago33:38

33:38

Polarizing topic incoming... DEI. When The Toy Coach was picking up steam, many people told me a focus on DEI and being black would be to the benefit of my business. There were so many opportunities to speak on and about diversity and struggle as a person of color that it was hard to feel justified looking the other way at those opportunities. My i…

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#255: 5 Lessons to Take You From Hidden Genius to Rising Star Toy Inventor 28:30

11M ago28:30

28:30

Let’s face it: toy brands get almost ALL the glory, but the inventors behind the product—people like you—deserve the spotlight too. In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, I’m sharing 5 lessons to take you from hidden genius to rising star, inspired by my own experience and my recent convo with Tim Walsh, inventor of ‘Blurt!’. We’re talki…

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#254: This Game Unites Boomers to Gen Alpha and It All Started in a Third-Grade Classroom with Tim Walsh 49:13

11M ago49:13

49:13

What if a simple classroom activity could unite generations across decades? In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, we’re celebrating 30 years of Blurt with its inventor, Tim Walsh, and uncovering the incredible story behind the game that connects Boomers to Gen Alpha. Discover how a third-grade classroom exercise—reading dictionary defin…

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#253: 4 Key Lessons to Launch and Scale Your Toy Business While Juggling a 9-to-5 26:08

11M ago26:08

26:08

Building your dream toy business while working a 9-to-5 might be overwhelming, but with the right mindset and a dash of creativity, you can take small, actionable steps to turn your big ideas into reality! It’s all about getting scrappy, seeking unfiltered feedback, and spotting opportunities to stand out from the crowd. In this episode of Making I…

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#252: How One Company’s Bubble Toy Got Nominated For A Major Toy Award with Ron Weizman 36:49

11M ago36:49

36:49

The highest honor your toy can get in this industry is the Toy of the Year® (TOTY®). This award is so coveted, that just a nomination alone has been said to boost sales and recognition of the brands lucky enough to earn one. A TOTY win can trigger a flood of retailers knocking on your door, desperate to get your product on their shelves. So what do…

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#251: Write Click-Worthy Email Subject Lines For Your Next Toy Pitch: Extended 32:06

12M ago32:06

32:06

Struggling to get your toy pitch noticed? 🚀 In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade reveals the secrets to crafting email subject lines that grab attention and boost your chances of success. Learn the powerful 'Four U’s' formula—Urgent, Useful, Unique, Ultra-Specific—and discover proven tips to make your emails stand out…

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#250: The Art Of Toy Photography with Mitchel Wu: Extended 47:45

12M ago47:45

47:45

Ever wondered how toys come to life through photography? 🎨✨ Mitchel Wu, an acclaimed toy photographer known for his brilliant use of motion and emotion in toy imagery, joins Azhelle Wade in this episode to unravel the magic behind his spectacular work with major clients like Marvel, Disney, and Hasbro. Learn how he transitioned from a mundane consu…

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#249: 7 Tips To Improve Your Virtual Toy Pitch: Extended 46:04

12M ago46:04

46:04

Ready to turn your toy ideas into marketable products but feeling lost in the world of virtual pitching? 🚀 Don’t worry, this episode is definitely for you! In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade drops all the tips you need to nail your next virtual toy pitch. Discover why energy is your secret weapon, how to create an u…

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#248: Breaking Through Barriers in Children’s Book Publishing with Charles George Esperanza: Extended Cut 52:14

1y ago52:14

52:14

Ever wonder how a kid from the South Bronx grew up to be a superstar children's book author and illustrator? 🚀 In this episode of Making It in The Toy Industry, join host Azhelle Wade as she chats with Charles George Esperanza, the creative mind behind Boogie Boogie Y’all! 🎨📚 From dreaming of drawing comics to becoming a HarperCollins author, Charl…

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#247: How to Fix What’s Not Working in Your Toy Business with Tyler Turk 37:50

1y ago37:50

37:50

How do you pivot your toy business when your current model isn’t working? In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, Azhelle Wade chats with Tyler Turk, founder of Crated with Love, about his journey from subscription box entrepreneur to retail board game powerhouse. When Tyler’s subscription box business skyrocketed during the pandemic, it …