Making It in The Toy Industry with The Toy Coach Azhelle Wade

Send us a Text Message.Did you know that even if you're selling a toy product on Etsy, you are required to have it safety tested and certified? In this episode, dive deep into the crucial topic of toy safety and compliance. The first half of the episode focuses on the legal requirements set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in the US. Gain an understanding of critical standards like ASTM F963 and ASTM D4236. Learn the potential financial consequences of non-compliance with real...

Send us a Text Message.Q: Could TCA be valuable to you if you already have corporate toy industry experience? A: YES! Perhaps you think that having professional toy industry experience guarantees success in your entrepreneurial ventures. But this episode turns that notion on its head, featuring Gerardo, a former toy industry professional turned toy entrepreneur, charting his own course through the toy market with a little help from the Toy Creators Academy.From his previous role managing comm...

Send us a Text Message.Ever wondered if there's a social network tailored just for kids where fun meets learning in a safe environment? Yes, you heard that right, and it's called Zigazoo. What if there was a platform where kids could engage, learn, and interact without the usual worries of social media? Or, if there was a social media platform dedicated to connecting your brand directly with its target market? Well if either of those possibilities pique your interest, then our latest pod...

Send us a Text Message.In the face of a looming climate crisis, can the toy industry lead the charge towards a sustainable future? Well today’s interview guest believes the toy industry has a responsibility to address the environmental impact of our industry. Helen Townsend, co-founder of the B Corp certified toy company Sustained Fun, dives into the critical role that toy companies can play in reducing emissions and increasing environmental education.Even if your toy company isn’t an e...

Send us a Text Message.Ever wondered why brands like Barbie have products in unexpected categories? Or, why licensed products often come with a premium price tag? Well, you might just be intrigued by the lesser-known complications and exhilarating opportunities that lie within the licensing labyrinth. In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade interviews Anita Castellar to unveil the complex dance of toy licensing, where every step—from initial outreach to the f...

Send us a Text Message.Ever wondered how a simple idea can transform into a toy that's flying off the shelves? Perhaps you've been toying around with a concept, but the thought of kickstarting it into production leaves you feeling majorly overwhelmed. Well, then today’s episode is the perfect fit for you. Brandon Braswell, founder of 9 to 5 Warriors is sharing the ups and downs of developing and producing his own action figure line.In this episode, our guest host Virginia Lette welcomes back ...