Meet Azhelle Wade | CEO, The Toy Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Azhelle Wade and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Azhelle, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
The Toy Coach was born from a fusion of my decade-long expertise in the toy industry and a pivotal encounter at a toy industry networking event. There, I met a female game inventor brimming with enthusiasm for her project but struggling to find a clear path forward in the industry. Despite her presence at the event, it became evident that there was a stark lack of accessible, practical guidance for individuals like her. This gap in the industry not only surprised me but also sparked a determination to bridge it.

Motivated by this need, I launched the ‘Making It In The Toy Industry’ podcast as an initial step to demystify the process of toy creation. The podcast’s success and the feedback I received led to the establishment of the Toy Creators Academy, an online platform that has since propelled over 200 aspiring toy and game creators into the industry.

My journey into the world of toys was driven by my profound love for children and my belief in the transformative power of play. My experience and passion for teaching have enabled me to create a platform that democratizes access to industry knowledge, equipping aspiring inventors and entrepreneurs with the tools they need to navigate the complex landscape of the toy industry effectively.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The Toy Coach isn’t just a business; it’s a mission-driven platform dedicated to empowering aspiring toy and game innovators. We are constantly pushing the envelope and creating new ways to promote the toy industry to the entire world, most recently we launched toycourses.com an inclusive hub featuring toy courses from a variety of creators. What sets us apart is our focus on demystifying the toy industry, which historically has been perceived as insular and difficult to penetrate. Through our podcast, ‘Making It In The Toy Industry,’ and our signature online program, Toy Creators Academy, we provide invaluable insights and guidance that were previously inaccessible to newcomers.

What excites me the most is the real impact we’ve made—helping over 200 budding creators launch their ideas into the toy world, some getting licensing deals with major toy companies and others landing products in Target, Barnes and Noble, Macys and more! This not only brings innovation to the market but also fulfills personal dreams of our students, which is incredibly rewarding.

Reaching this point was far from easy. The toy industry is complex, with many nuances that can be daunting for anyone without a guide. The challenges I faced included bridging knowledge gaps and building a trusted platform from scratch, as well as establishing credibility with various toy companies and retail partners so they will work with our graduates. These hurdles were overcome by persistently sharing valuable content, leveraging my industry experience, and listening closely to the needs of our community. Each challenge taught me the importance of resilience, the power of community, and the impact of sharing knowledge openly.

The lessons learned are numerous, but a key takeaway is the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. In an industry as dynamic as toy design, staying updated and flexible to changes is crucial.

I want the world to know that The Toy Coach is more than a business—it’s a catalyst for change in the toy industry. Our goal is to break down barriers, illuminate pathways to success, and foster a new generation of toy creators who are informed, inspired, and ready to innovate.

By sharing these insights and supporting each other, we’re not just making toys; we’re crafting a brighter future for the next wave of inventors and for the children who will grow up with their creations.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If your best friend were visiting New York City for a week in early summer, I’d create an itinerary that’s a mix of iconic experiences, cultural deep dives, and local haunts. Starting with a morning stroll along the High Line, we’d take in the lush greenery and public art installations high above the bustling city streets. For lunch, we’d hit Eataly in the Flatiron district to indulge in some gourmet Italian treats—and pick up some pasta to eat in the park.

A Broadway show is a must, so we’d check my email for the best deals on new shows or I’d take her to see one of my new favorites, Back To The Future The Musical. For dinner we’d head up to Washington Heights for some of the best Pallea you can get in the city at my favorite spot called Manolo Tapas. Since I’m a salsa dancer, one night I’d have to find a live band playing so we can enjoy music and dance our hearts out.

A day trip to Coney Island would be on the agenda too, where we’d ride the historic Ferris wheel (I absolutely love Ferris Wheels) and stay for the fireworks display that they do every week in the summer where a few friends would likely meet us to chill on the sand.

Throughout the week we’d visit the MoMA, and beyond Eataly, we’d have to grab Pizza, I have my favorite spot but of course don’t know it’s name and can only get there by muscle memory. I’d pick a rooftop bar for a nightcap though we may have to visit a few to find the perfect balance of vibe, and room to actually sit!

If time permitted we’d go back to my old neighborhood in Bushwick Brooklyn and revisit some of my favorite restaurants which probably have already been replaced but eh, it’s worth a try!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My success is due to the impact of two important women in my life: my mother, Kathy and my sister, Amiya. My mother taught me “never say you can’t” a mantra which continues to push me to do the impossible to this day. My sister is my constant cheerleader through life, always certain that I can be great and pushing me to do more and be my very best. Without either of them, I wouldn’t be the woman I am today.

Website: https://www.thetoycoach.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thetoycoach

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/azhelle

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thetoycoach/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/thetoycoach

Youtube: https://youtube.com/thetoycoach