Create, Market & Sell Your OWN Toy or Game with The Toy Coach®
(Even if you have ZERO contacts in the toy industry, and only PART-TIME hours to commit to your BIG time dream.)
When the doors to Toy Creators Academy open, we celebrate with a Launch Party. 🎈
This one dives into exactly what new(ish) inventors, entrepreneurs, and makers need to know about breaking into the toy business in 2025.
Watch now to uncover why most toy ideas flop, where the new market gaps are hiding, what toy buyers really want, and how to discover your Zone of Toy Genius.
If you’re serious about turning your big idea into a real product, join Cohort 7 of Toy Creators Academy to work with me before doors close!
👀 Watch the 2025 TCA Launch Party with The Toy Coach.
"I just spent almost $100,000 on my MBA degree and I feel like a lot of the stuff I learned there...I learned in Toy Creators Academy!"
-Kieche Meleson, San Diego
Toy Creators Academy® offers a Personalized Journey To Sell Your Toy Fast.
Toy Creators Academy® Is The Only Toy Biz Program That...
INCLUDES 12 weeks of LIVE coaching AND co-working calls with The Toy Coach to answer your questions and hold you accountable as you develop your idea.
Teaches you to think like a buyer so YOU can identify ideas that will sell like crazy.
Connects you to experienced toy factories and studios to save you $$$ and time.
Breaks down exactly how to get your product into retail stores.
Shows you how to to pitch your ideas for licensing just like the pros.
Instantly grows your toy network with a supportive community of like-minded creators.
Hey, I’m Azhelle Wade, The Toy Coach®
I’ve spent over 14 years designing, branding, and pitching hundreds of toys and games for big brands like Party City, National Geographic, Madame Alexander, Creative Kids and Toys R Us. Along the way I learned exactly how good ideas become media worthy must-haves, and where most new creators get stuck.
I created Toy Creators Academy to save you the heartbreak of letting someone else take the wheel on YOUR dream, only to drive it into a ditch. In TCA, I hand you the industry playbook I wish I had 14 years ago.
Let’s make it real.
If you’re brand-new, part-time, or coming back to a dream you’ve put off, this program is the smartest move you can make for your toy business.
You’ll learn how to make your concept truly toyetic, price and package it like a pro, talk to manufacturers and buyers with confidence, and turn that “what if?” idea into a real best seller.
I’ll be right there in your corner so you can skip the stress and build the toy or game of your dreams.
By the end of this 12 Week Program you will have:
A Complete Step-By-Step Toy Development Roadmap (9 Training Modules)
Go from spark → research → brand → design → factory → pitch → sell. You’ll learn how buyers think, how to make your idea truly toyetic, and exactly how to license or wholesale without guessing.
Dozens of Top Factories, Studios & Freelancers Who Can Manufacture Your Idea
You'll gain dozens of toy and game factory contacts and finally know the best way to clearly communicate your project.
Pitch Templates To Market & Sell Your Idea
So you get your idea into stores with professional pitch templates, email drafts, and a list of industry pitch events. Get your hands on my easy to use toy design and inventor budget planners, too.
You'll Have Control Over Your Prototyping Process
When you learn to plan, manage, and budget prototyping your concept for pitch meetings or factory communications.
And You'll Have Creatively Developed A Truly Toyetic Concept
Before investing too deeply refine your concept to answer the needs of your target market including toy companies and buyers.
"TCA gave me the knowledge and the connections necessary to bring my games to life, and get them into Barnes and Noble and CAMP Stores."
- Chrissy Fagerholt, Colorado
"Within 7 months of starting the Toy Creators Academy, my toy was in its first store. Azhelle has been a muse."
- Allan Storm, Florida
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
A Little More on Why I'm Your Go-To Coach for The Toy Industry...
To kick it off, 'm a 3x patented inventor, award-winning designer, and the founder of Toy Creators Academy. My career started in 2010 as a Doll Design Intern at Madame Alexander, to Global Product Manager at Toys R Us, and eventually, I rose to VP of Brand & Product at a toy company called Creative Kids.
After spending 11+ years developing million-dollar brands that sold at Toys R Us, Target, Walmart, Dollar Tree, and Michaels, I took a step back from corporate toy life to create a business that is dedicated to helping emerging creators (like you!) break into the toy industry.
Even though I graduated in 2010 with a BFA in Toy Design, I felt totally lost at my first toy job. I spent years spinning my wheels, testing things out, and desperately trying to avoid mistakes while I designed and helped manufacture products that would be sold at thousands of stores.
After developing hundreds of products, starting new brands, and generating millions of dollars in sales, I FINALLY landed in my dream toy position as the VP of Brand and Product. I led a team of designers and brand managers based in the US and China while managing and building multiple million-dollar product lines. I was living my dream.
Over my career, I’ve designed and developed over 500 toy products. Here’s a look at a few of them. 👇
One day while attending a toy industry gala to celebrate my hubby for winning a coveted toy award, (go hubby!) I met a woman who inspired me to do something bigger with my knowledge of the toy industry. She inspired me to share it through a podcast.
100,000+ downloads are a clear indicator that I've got a special gift for breaking down the complexities of the toy development and pitch process into its simplest forms.
You don't need drawing skills, marketing ability, or experience in manufacturing to make your idea real. But you do need to know WHO to work with and HOW to work with them.
I've packaged everything I've learned about developing toy products over my corporate career and channeled it into a comprehensive step-by-step course for you. I break down the "why" behind every step AND provide you with solutions that fit busy schedules and tight budgets.
As a result?
Your amazing idea will be perfected, tested, and FINALLY in development with a clear plan and strategy to market and sell it.
"Finding this course was...literally hitting a roadmap where someone was laying out...all the things I wouldn't have even thought of."
- Mackenzie Hawkins, New Jersey
"The course has been so well put together, it's incredibly thorough."
- Anita Rowles, Sydney
"I just pitched to a very big toy company and I have to say a massive thank you to The Toy Coach."
- Emmanuel Davis, London
Next Level Toy Industry Support AND 9 Info-Packed Modules
All designed to help YOU develop the next best selling toy or game.
- TWO ✌🏽 CALLS PER WEEK -
Weekly Coaching and Co-working Calls With Azhelle
You'll be invited to weekly calls during our 12 weeks together. Half of the calls are focused on answering your questions about your idea, the program or the industry. The other half are co-working calls, where we are quietly focused on getting things DONE.
- PRIVATE SLACK CHANNEL -
Connect With Your Cohort Anytime on Slack
This slack channel will become your go-to place for instant support, motivation, and solutions over the next 12 weeks.
- 1 YEAR ACCESS TO MODULES -
1 Year Access To The Training Modules, Detailed Below
For a whole year, you can goo back to watch, and rewatch the video training modules for Toy Creators Academy as you need them.
- Module 1 -
Learn How Buyers And Toy Executives Think
Never pitch another product that totally misses the mark, and instead learn to deliver what toy companies and buyers see as marketable and on-trend. You'll learn lessons that took me years of trial and error...in minutes of listening.
- Module 2 -
Brainstorm Better Ideas Easier Than Ever!
Learn my personal Trend Research + Concept Development Methods so you won't have a problem unlocking great toy ideas ever again. My unique formulas will generate fresh toy ideas and identify upcoming trends.
- Module 3 -
Find Your Place In The World Of Toys And Games
Before you take another step with that incredible idea sparked or improved by Module 2, it's time to figure out what you really want to do with this idea of yours.
- Module 4 -
Defining Your Toy Brand Identity and Mission
Decide your toy, game, or professional brand look based on the psychology of color. Learn to use the four P's to define your brand purpose and uncover the language that will land you PR coverage.
- Module 5 -
All You Need to Know About The Toy Development Process
Take your idea from concept sketch to production ready and learn what you need to know about the most commonly used materials in toys. Pssst...no design skills are required for this one.
- Module 6 -
Discover Factories Across The Globe And How To Work With Them
Ever wondered how to work with factories overseas? This module will clear that right up. This module includes a factory starter pack with recommended factories, but most importantly teaches you how to find and vet your very own.
- Module 7 -
A Toy-Focused Modern Marketing Bootcamp
Learn to amplify your authority online, build a strategic funnel, and increase your likelihood of product sales or pitch meetings.
- Module 8 -
Is Your Complete Step-By-Step Plan To Pitch Like A Pro
With my strategy, you'll build your own toy company contact list, establish relationships, and use my templates to build a pro-level pitch deck for your next pitch meeting whether that's virtual or in person.
- Module 9 -
Learn The Wholesale Distribution Model and How To Get Your Product Into Retail
Land sales meetings with buyers, how to attend toy trade shows and design your booth, what makes a good pitch deck, and have the tools and templates that will speed up the sales process.
- ONCE YOU'RE DONE -
Get Your Personalized TCA Completion Certificate
Once you complete the last lesson in Module 9, your TCA Completion Certificate will be on it's way to your inbox.
Hang on, there's MORE. 😱
GET THIS BONUS BUNDLE when you enroll
BONUS BUNDLE EXPIRES MONDAY @ 11:59 PM
GET EXTRA SUPPORT with 1 Year Access to the Toy Creators Club
1. Monthly coaching calls with The Toy Coach and TCA Alumni. Every month, 1-2 people who submit questions will be invited to the hot seat.
2. Membership directory access to find your toy accountability buddy.
3. Market Research Library to see what's happening in the industry in real time.
4. Facebook community for on demand support when you need it.
*Your access to this private community will last for one year, at which point you may be invited to re-join for a monthly fee.
Want more details?
Here's what a year in the Toy Creators Club will look like for you.
The Official TCA Course Study Guide & Workbook mailed to your door!
This 360 page paperback allows you to hyper-focus on getting things done instead of getting things printed.
Worried about how tariffs wil impact your toy? Here's the good news. You have time to plan.
In The Tariff-Proof Launch Plan Bonus, you'll learn how to protect profit margins, plan smarter product mixes, and stay ahead of global trade changes.
simplifies the process of toy and game creation & sales
This step-by-step live coaching program with The Toy Coach holds a total value of $4,495!
But you can enroll today for just...
To pay, you will be redirected to The Toy Coach's checkout page, at thetoycoach.thrivecart.com
TCA Student WINS 🥳
Plus You'll be Backed by my "NO QUESTIONS ASKED" 14-Day Moneyback Guarantee
When you apply what I teach in Toy Creators Academy, it WILL completely change your trajectory and credibility in the toy industry.
Because I believe in my program so strongly, I'm giving you 14-days from the release of module 1 to try the program. If it's not for you, email us at [email protected] within 14 days of purchase for a refund minus a 3% payment processing fee.
After 14 days, no refunds will be granted and you are responsible for making all of your payments in full.
THAT YOUR FELLOW TOY CREATORS ASKED BEFORE JOINING
Still "Thinking about it"?
You should give Toy Creators Academy a 14-day trial run if you can nod your head "yes!" to any of the following...
You think the toy industry is missing the mark in a specific category.
If you're a parent, an educator, or a healthcare professional, you likely have a better understanding of what kids want and need than most toy executives. But that great idea isn't helping anyone by just sitting in your head, so it's time to do something with it!
You need that extra push to dip your toes into a new industry.
Rest assured that this program is the most informative, guided, and welcoming path for toy and game inventors and entrepreneurs that you'll ever find.
You've had this amazing idea for months or years and you just can't let it go.
Then don't! Instead, develop and multiply that idea. Join TCA to figure out how you can improve, refine, develop, and monetize your passion for toy creation.
"To me, this course has been invaluable, and what Azhelle is doing in the toy industry is paving the way for new creators like myself to enter.
Azhelle's really gone above and beyond what is included in instructions and resources (in comparison to other online business courses- you really get so much more)."
PEARLY TASKER
Professional Cake Artist
"Before TCA I was going in too many directions at once, worried about missing something important and pitching my ideas as an obvious amateur. Now, I am pitching like a pro!
I feel so, so happy with TCA! I'm just sorry it took me a year to make the decision to do it."
Wendy Lattimore
Executive Assistant
I'm personally excited to be your toy coach!
You probably have a pretty cool idea for a toy or game that you're struggling to develop. And I am so glad that this program exists to make your toy or game journey just a little bit easier. As soon as you join, you'll haven immediate access to my years of toy industry insights, processes, and contacts!
But, I've gotta be real with you for a sec.
When I first started my first full-time toy job, I made many mistakes. Luckily, I worked for a big toy company, so there was very little personal risk involved and I had space to learn. But YOU may not have that same space right now.
So, BEFORE you make any major and expensive mistakes as you develop, pitch, or sell your idea...I hope you take this important step and join Toy Creators Academy today.
Whatever you decide, I'm wishing you so much success in your BIG toy dreams.
Clarity. Confidence. Community.
It’s all waiting for you inside Toy Creators Academy.
THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO DEVELOP A BEST SELLING TOY...ARE YOU IN?
To pay, you will be redirected to The Toy Coach's checkout page, at thetoycoach.thrivecart.com
*Disclaimer* No Guarantees As To Results: You agree that the Company has not made any guarantees about the results of taking any action, whether recommended on this Website or not. The Company provides educational and informational resources that are intended to help users of this Website succeed. You confirm understanding that your success depends on many factors, including your skills, your particular situation, your effort, and innumerable other circumstances beyond the control and/or knowledge of the Company. Therefore, the Company can't promise that you'll achieve a certain outcome or level of success. By taking this course, you understand that any results you achieve are entirely up to you. You understand that the Company is not responsible for any results, positive or negative, that come from using the information provided in this course.
