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 It in the Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade shares the four key lessons inspired by her previous interview with Ron Weizman, the co-founder of South Beach Bubbles, that will help you launch and scale your toy business—even if you’re working full-time.

You’ll hear why it’s okay to get scrappy with your first orders, why honest and harsh feedback is the secret weapon for creating products that will strike an impact on your target market, and how to identify “white space” in even the most crowded markets. You’ll also hear why launching your product before it’s perfect is definitely okay and is necessary for your toy or product to thrive.

This episode walks you through practical tips like using local shows to test your product, leveraging unfiltered feedback to improve your designs, and finding opportunities to innovate in competitive categories.

If you’re dreaming of creating your first toy or looking for strategies to grow, this episode gives you the tools to take your toy business to the next level, one small, strategic step at a time!

Listen For These Important Moments:

• [00:00] - Exciting New Podcast Format Unveiled
• [00:47] - Recap of Ron Weizman's Interview
• [02:54] - Key Lesson #1: How To Get Your First Big Order
• [05:48] - Key Lesson #2: The Importance of Honest Feedback
• [13:32] - Key Lesson #3: Finding White Space in the Market
• [19:00] - Key Lesson #4: Just Launch Already
• [23:37] - Wrapping Up with Actionable Next Steps

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Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps
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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 does it take to get a TOTY nomination? That’s what we’re breaking down in today’s episode.

In this episode, Ron Weizman, co-founder of South Beach Bubbles shares how a simple idea to get his kids off screens turned into a thriving toy business focused on outdoor play.

Ron shares how his team turned classic bubble play into the never-before-seen Poppin Colorz line, and how it made its way to be nominated at the 2025 Toy of the Year® (TOTY®) Awards.

Ron opens up about the scientific challenges of making stain-free colored bubbles, how to stand in a crowded toy market, and why waiting for perfection isn’t always the best move for your idea.

If your eye is on a future TOTY nomination, this episode is one you can’t miss.


Listen For These Important Moments:

• [01:46] - The Importance of Unfiltered Feedback in the Toy Industry
• [04:33] - The Birth of South Beach Bubbles
• [09:17] - What Went Through in Making PoppinColorz Bubbles
• [11:30] - Challenges and Successes that Ron & South Beach Bubbles Experienced
• [17:32] - Balancing Imagination and Practicality in the Toy Industry
• [18:47] - How Embracing Higher Price Points Can Lead To Your Toy’s Success
• [19:20] - PoppinColorz In The Making
• [23:27] - How South Beach Bubbles Creates A Trend Of Their Own
• [27:44] - Why Perfection Isn’t Necessary
• [31:26] - Creating a Lasting Community Impact by Giving Back

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Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps
>> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass <<

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 in crowded inboxes.

From real-life examples of high-converting subject lines to bonus tips on emojis and formatting, this episode is packed with actionable advice to level up your email game. Tune in and learn how to write toy pitch emails that get clicks, opens, and results! 🎯✨

Listen For These Important Moments

• [1:37] - One-on-One Coaching Opportunity
• [02:48] - Email Marketing for Toy Pitches
• [07:53] - The Four U's of Email Subject Lines
• [17:25] - Bonus Tips for Email Subject Lines
• [18:50] - High Converting Email Headlines
• [29:41] - TCA Alumni Shoutout!

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Popular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy Ideas
Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps
>> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass <<

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 consumer products career to mastering the niche of toy photography, and get insights on making your own products come alive through powerful visuals. Tune in to hear Mitchel’s tips on creating engaging toy stories, using practical effects, and carving out a unique creative style in the competitive field of photography. Explore how storytelling can elevate your social media content and discover why specializing can make all the difference in your professional journey.

From Toy Story-inspired setups to creating dynamic scenes for top brands like Disney and Mattel, Mitchel reveals the secrets behind his craft. Learn how he turned a hobby into a thriving career, why storytelling is at the heart of his work, and his tips for creating scroll-stopping images. Don’t miss this inspiring episode!

Listen For These Important Moments

• 04:42 Mitchel Wu's Background and Career Shift
• 07:14 Discovering Toy Photography
• 09:15 Building a Career in Toy Photography
• 15:05 Creative Process and Techniques
• 23:01 Nostalgia and Emotional Connection
• 23:36 Client Work and Social Media Campaigns
• 25:19 Advice for Aspiring Photographers
• 28:29 Tips for Capturing Great Photos
• 30:55 Storytelling in Toy Photography
• 36:10 The Importance of Social Media
• 38:36 Engagement and Impact in Photography

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Popular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy Ideas
Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps
>> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass <<

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 unforgettable sizzle video, and why personalizing your pitch can set you apart. Plus, we’ll discuss common mistakes to avoid, from outdated visuals to poor storytelling, and show you how to create a polished and professional presentation that leaves a lasting impression.

If you’ve ever wondered how to connect with toy companies virtually, keep your audience engaged, and follow up effectively, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you succeed. Stay tuned for bonus tips on building relationships and tools to make your pitches stand out. 🎯🎁

Don’t miss out—hit play and let’s make those toy dreams happen! ✨

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Popular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy Ideas
Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps
>> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass <<

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, Charles shares his journey full of ups, downs, and plenty of surprises.

He shares how he turned "no" into motivation, why his vibrant oil-painted illustrations are changing how we see graffiti, and his creative tricks for making big waves in publishing. Tune in to hear his inspiring story and grab some tips on making your own creative dreams come true! ✨

Head over to thetoycoach.com/248 for all the links and resources mentioned in this episode!

Listen to these Important Moments:

• [02:53] - Introduction to Today's Guest: Charles George Esperanza
• [03:50] - 'Boogie Boogie Y'all' Audio Version
• [07:25] - Interview with Charles George Esperanza Begins
• [09:18] - Charles's Journey and Inspirations
• [17:43] - Challenges and Breakthroughs in Publishing
• [30:59] - Struggles and Breakthroughs in the Art World
• [31:49] - Transition to Education
• [35:10] - Inspiration Behind Boogie Boogie Y'all
• [37:47] - Creating and Promoting Boogie Boogie Y'all
• [46:21] - Future Projects and Reflections

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Popular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy Ideas
Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps
>> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass <<

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 seemed like a dream come true—until the workload became unsustainable. That’s when he made a bold decision to pivot to selling one-off products, a shift that transformed his business into a retail success story.

Tyler shares how he tackled the challenges of transitioning from subscriptions to board games, landed his products in major retailers like Barnes & Noble, and mastered the art of adaptability in a competitive market. Whether you're looking to refine your toy business, connect with retailers, or learn how to pivot your brand to match market needs, this episode offers invaluable insights for creators, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals alike.

Learn Tyler’s strategies for navigating manufacturing, retail partnerships, and scaling your business without burnout. Don’t miss the practical tips and inspiring lessons from this episode! 🚀

Listen For These Important Moments

• [02:24] - The Origin Story of Crated with Love
• [05:25] - Challenges and Pivots During COVID-19
• [09:53] - Transitioning to Retail and B2B
• [14:18] - Future Plans and Subscription Box Evolution
• [20:15] - Executing a Successful Pivot
• [20:38] - Strategies for Approaching Major Retailers
• [23:05] - Learning the Manufacturing Process
• [25:48] - Overcoming Challenges in Retail Transition
• [28:04] - Future Goals and Automation
• [30:29] - Networking and Industry Insights
• [33:12 ] - Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

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Popular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy Ideas
Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps
>> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass <<

Are you skeptical about integrating AI into your toy business?

In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade, also known as The Toy Coach, shares her AI expertise from this year's People of Play Innovation Conference and ChiTAG - Toy and Game Fair in Chicago, where she presented her talk on 'How AI is Making Toy Innovation and Pitching Easier Than Ever Before.' You’ll see firsthand how AI can significantly 10x your toy development process with a custom GPT solution.

Azhelle talked about identifying bottlenecks, researching AI tools, and planning, testing, and training your team to implement AI effectively. Take advantage of learning the five-step process to integrate AI seamlessly while preventing the pitfalls. Watch the full episode to understand how to employ AI from idea generation to creating compelling visuals and pitches that can streamline and potentially level up your toy business.

Listen For These Important Moments

• Overview of AI-Enhanced Workflows – [00:03:13]
• Integrating AI Without Overload – [00:06:53]
• Using AI to Refine Business Bottlenecks – [00:08:57]
• Custom GPT for Idea Refinement – [00:12:37]
• MakeItToyetic Custom GPT Demo – [00:13:52]
• Testing AI’s Effectiveness – [00:16:20]
• Enhanced Workflow with Cast Magic – [00:21:21]
• Addressing AI Concerns and Limitations – [00:25:41]
• Generating Toy Ideas Using ChatGPT – [00:29:34]
• Implementing AI in Teams and Processes – [00:33:29]

Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail!

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Popular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy Ideas
Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps
>> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass <<