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Azhelle Wade (The Toy Coach)
United States
Приєднався 10 кві 2020
My name is Azhelle, but you can call me The Toy Coach. After working in the toy industry for over a decade at companies including Toys R Us, Madame Alexander, and Party City, I found myself as the VP at a toy company at 30 years old. After a few years of building a team and managing multi-million-dollar toy lines, I stepped away from my full-time job to help to do what I love. Teach. Today I work as The Toy Coach to educate and connect aspiring toy creators, inventors, and entrepreneurs as they break into this awesome industry. My goal is to bridge the informational gap between what the toy industry wants, and what you have to offer! Subscribe to this channel if you're ready to take a chance on your dreams and start on your toy journey with a coach by your side.
Should You Hire a Designer for Your Toy Idea?
Are you about to hire someone to sketch or develop your toy or game idea? 🛑 STOP! Most aspiring toy creators aren’t ready for this step yet. My name is Azhelle Wade, aka The Toy Coach, and after 14+ years in the toy industry, I’ve seen it all. Before spending time and money on design, you MUST ask yourself these 5 critical questions.
🔗 LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO:
BOOK A CALL - www.thetoycoach.com/is-tca-right-for-me
__________
MAKE THE NEXT BEST SELLING TOY: www.toycreatorsacademy.com/
GET 1:1 COACHING: www.thetoycoach.com/work-with-me?source=UA-cam
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: www.thetoycoach.com/podcast?source=UA-cam
__________
Subscribe To This Channel
ua-cam.com/users/TheToyCoach
Say hi on social 👋🏽
Instagram: thetoycoach
Facebook: groups/thetoycoach
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/azhellewade/
___________
*Affiliate Disclaimer:
Note this description contains affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video and support the channel at no cost to you. While this channel may earn minimal sums when the viewer uses the links, the viewer is in no way obligated to use these links. Thank you for your support!
#thetoycoach #AzhelleWade #toyinventor
🔗 LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO:
BOOK A CALL - www.thetoycoach.com/is-tca-right-for-me
__________
MAKE THE NEXT BEST SELLING TOY: www.toycreatorsacademy.com/
GET 1:1 COACHING: www.thetoycoach.com/work-with-me?source=UA-cam
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: www.thetoycoach.com/podcast?source=UA-cam
__________
Subscribe To This Channel
ua-cam.com/users/TheToyCoach
Say hi on social 👋🏽
Instagram: thetoycoach
Facebook: groups/thetoycoach
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/azhellewade/
___________
*Affiliate Disclaimer:
Note this description contains affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video and support the channel at no cost to you. While this channel may earn minimal sums when the viewer uses the links, the viewer is in no way obligated to use these links. Thank you for your support!
#thetoycoach #AzhelleWade #toyinventor
Переглядів: 1
Відео
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If his business was really worthy of great people, he would have had them, he did not, therefor not worthy of those people. Businesses seem to think that people automatically flock to their businesses because they are great, but it depends alot on other factor such as paying the people for their performance. Great performance -> great pay, okay performance -> okay pay.
Also, a company thinking their employees will work as hard as if it is their company, is unrealistic. They are not rewarded for the output they are giving the same way the shareholders are.
Thank you. We've got a great idea and are super excited
wishing you luck!
@@TheToyCoach Thank you - love watching 'the toys that made us' , busy putting together the designs and models.... but its a unique idea which we haven't seen.... lets go!
@@TheToyCoach thank you so much....
@@TheToyCoach actually emailed you already
This is such a unique toy, thats for sure. I def agree that those eyes need highlights because i think it looks creepy without it! But i was never super into interactive pets as a child (or now) so maybe some kids will love it. (unrelated but your hair is just so beautiful. the colors really pop and are so fun!!!)
I wonder why they thought it was ok to not add those highlights?? Thank you for the comment on my hair! It’s changed since this video, now it’s pink and purple, but the style in this video is def one of my favorites.
@@TheToyCoach even if they couldn't add highlights for whatever reason, i feel like pink, purple or blue eyes wouldve made it look a biiiit less creepy, lol!
@@ceazarsalad4414 agreed!
I love the blues and purples! Really caught my attention
I fell into an idea for a toy/stuffed animal with a complete back story, name and a logo, it also has i guess you would call a mission. I drew the pattern myself and sew them by hand and everyone loves them. I want to pitch the idea because everyone says they could be the next Paw Patrol. Problem is i came up with the product to keep my mind occupied after a death in the family, but then decided to give them a mission and if I pitch the idea am worried the toy company wont continue the mission which is donating to certain groups to raise funds. I am only one person and cant make them fast enough by hand and am on a fixed income. So this is all a scary idea.
It sounds to me like you have the heart of an inventor but may not have the time or means to continue on that path. Your choice now is to let the idea potentially have a life without you having a hand in it (and pitch it to toy companies) or to continue doing it on your own and take it as far as you can. You are right, a company won't go along with your mission, as a mission is a business statement. If a company licenses your idea, they aren't licensing the whole business.
Yes the means are difficult. I'm disabled without a vehicle and on a fixed income. I have been expanding my idea even further lately making holiday themed clothes for my toy with their logo on it and working on personal back stories for them as well as the back story they all share.
"Knowing Your why can help design your toy" 🤯🔥 thank you! I'm using this today.
you are so welcome
I wish every “how to get into an industry” video was this clear and helpful!
oh thank you so much! I already have ideas for going deeper in another one!
You are so welcome!
Thank you for putting this together! It was SO VALUABLE to understand the toy industry from the sales side!
❤love this very informative...
You’re so welcome
WOW
Thank you Azhelle, I really appreciate your hard work and all this insightful podcasts 🙏
@@mingfei1622 you’re so welcome!
Isn't the hasbro spark platform for Americans only? I'm Canadian.
Great work
Pay them more offer health care, a month of paid vacation time, adequate sick leave, and don't union bust among other things then maybe people might want to stay in that industry.
@@mpjwes6210 I had decent pay at most of my roles in the industry but I definitely had to fight for it. Also always had healthcare - but have heard of some companies that didn’t offer it early on. I think it’s in everyone’s best interest for employees to not settle for low pay, no insurance etc. It sets the standard. But unfortunately when you have a desirable job, people will accept things like lower pay or lack of benefits.
Very insightful! Can't wait to see everyone at POP Week in November!
Glad it was useful. See you in November!
This is brilliant
glad you enjoyed it
The toy companies that fail are often toxic. I've seen it many times.
@@captlazer5509 IMHO how toxic a company is doesn’t have much effect on their success
@TheToyCoach change the word toxic to incompetent, then it rings like a bell. There's an elephant grave yard of dead toy companies due to poor management. I think toy companies are trying to steer the ship better lately.
This episode inspired me to make my own plush toy! Have you ever had an idea for a plush brand?
Beautiful content, i just made something and in the process of patenting it, but looking for ways to pitch it to toy companies
You can start with this: www.thetoycoach.com/toy-and-entertainment-company-idea-submission-guide But I would reccommend joining Toy Creators Academy if you want to invent more products and build your network in the toy industry to pitch and sell that idea and more.
Your headset isn't broken. When host speaks it only plays out of one ear.
😱 that's happening?! yikes. thanks for the heads up
Good afternoon, toy coach, my name is Matthew Miller. I'm a product developer, inventor this video was very informational. I loved it. I learned a lot. This will help me when developing new toy products, thank you.
You’re so welcome thank you for listening, I’m glad it was useful
My cousin hated the confetti, when she gave this Poly Pocket to her daughter. Because she didn't expect it.
Yeah I guess they could've warned parents -- but the brand is all about the secrets and surprises. I loved the confetti!
Heyyy! I would love to know what studies you had to do ? Or what studies should I do to work in a toy company?
Hi! you can study toy design or industrial design. I have a few more podcast episodes and a course on how to get a job in the toy industry. Here's a few links! Episode #78 How Toy Be A Toy Designer | Making It in The Toy Industry w/ Azhelle Wade, The Toy Coach ua-cam.com/video/AyyCHVLmbew/v-deo.html 10 Essential Tips to Get a Job as a Toy Designer www.thetoycoach.com/blog/10-essential-tips-to-get-a-job-as-a-toy-designer/ Toy Career Takeoff! 🚀 by The Toy Coach - www.toycourses.com/products/courses/view/1120428/?action=signup
@@TheToyCoach thanks
Happy birthday Azhelle !
thank you, appreciate it!
Happy Birthday
thank you!
Hello. How can I get you to do a toy review ?
Right now I just do them for fun, for toys that I find interesting or trendy.
🎉 Happy Birthday 🎁
Thank you!
Let me know if you bought the Polly Pocket Unicorn Pinata Partlyand playset, and how you think it compares to the sets from the 90's.
Just ordered one for my 7y daughter. This device looks amazing, so intuitive, the team beyond that are genius, they took the tamagochi to the 21st, amazing. I just Hope it would last couple of months, the screen mechanism seems very fragile tech.
Come back and let me know how it holds up with some kid abuse lol
To me, art is therapy. I, too, created art as a kid for similar reasons. I still do today! We can be creators, not victims: yes!!! You have inspired me to continue on my creative path and share more of it with others! Thank you❤
@@marilynmartino4245 I’m sorry you had a hard time as a kid, but glad you found an outlet. Also happy this interview inspired you!
This is a great interview ❤very inspiring as I am an artist and starting a new chapter in life. Thank Youuu 🙏🏾
You are so welcome!
I was so inspired by this interview! Very genuine. My first time watching this podcast but I am definitely a subscriber now! Joy's story was very relatable. The difficult childhood, wanting to see people find joy in creativity really resignated and inspired me! When she said "Art has saved my life!" I was floored. That is part of my story of overcoming a very depressive state and I tell it during my therapeutic art sessions. That you Toy Coach and Joy!
I’m so glad this interview touched you. I loved doing this in person interview and I hope to do more that get see in this way ❤
Thank you for you advice
You are very welcome
Great podcast...learned alot
I’m glad
Thank you for this video. 🙏🏽👏🏽🙌🏽🫡🤙🏽
Thank you for this information, I really love your content, it's so informative thank you so much!
you are so welcome!
Brainstorm Below ✨ What ideas do you have to add a creative customer experience to your brand?
Love this, lots of great ideas!
thank you!
Great video!
Amazing video thank you for sharing!
This video is amazing and so eye opening!
Thanks but it’s just audio
Is it hard to find a job as a toy designer
It can be, but to make it easier you want to go to a school with a toy design program.
Thetoycoach.com/233
Thank you so much for the information. I have an idea for a pet toy (for dogs), do you have any idea regarding this. Thank you
Hi there! Look at the company Bark Box. I'm not sure if they take inventor items but it's good to check. Alot of toy companies have pet toys now too, so you can apply the same strategy above.
Great video, Azhelle! 9:15 I invented this (US Patent Pending)!; could we connect (email?) and, perhaps, I could send some/a pack, to you, to check out/play with? …after being provided with the paperwork to formally submit/pitch to Crayola for their review/consideration, and pitching-while I await a response from them-I am now wondering if it would be best to attempt to venture it (vs. attempting to license it/our IP to a big toy company, like Crayola)…hm…I would love to connect with you! - Howie
Thank you for your comment! You can book a consultation call with me on my site! www.thetoycoach.com/work-with-me
@@TheToyCoach thank you! I’ve accrued quite a bit of input/feedback from consultants, as well as executives at toy companies (Spin Master, etc) and board/card game designers/developers and publishers. Would you ever consider more of a partnership (vs. consulting) in exchange for equity/ownership? …if interested, perhaps it would make sense to take discussion to email? I could provide to you our sales data, customer reviews, email traffic w/ toy company execs, etc…
Ok I admitted my own pitch mistake in this video...so tell me yours! What mistake have you made while pitching a toy or game?
oh my , this is really helpful !!! Thank you !!!
you're welcome, we have a whole podcast and search bar for it thetoycoach.com/podcast
Had you heard of the Underconsumption Core trend before this video?
Azhelle, hi! I have a question: does my toy/crafts kit have to be patentable in order to succeed? thank you in advance!
define "Succeed"
@@TheToyCoach just make any sales. i've listened to your podcast about a toy that got licensed, and started reading about it online. indeed, i've read that toy companies prefer toys that can be licensed. i won't ask too many questions, i promise
@@pipecleanercraftsb to make any sales no your craft kit does not have to be patentable.
@@TheToyCoach thank you!!