Every once in a while, I meet a toypreneur whose journey reminds me why I started this podcast… and today’s guest is one of those people.

In this episode, we’re bringing back the story of a Toy Creators Academy grad who went from leading sales at Mattel to launching a heartfelt plush brand that’s changing bedtime for kids everywhere.

Meet Gerardo Davila, the creator of Angelitos Mágicos, a magical line of plush guardian angels that deliver encouraging messages to children overnight. What started as a way to comfort his own daughter turned into a product with purpose, backed by positive psychology and wrapped in cultural love.

Even though Gerardo spent years in the toy industry, he still joined Toy Creators Academy to learn how to bring his vision to life. In this episode, he shares how the program helped him overcome the challenges of solo creation, especially in areas like packaging, retail strategy, and website optimization.

Inside this episode:

• What sparked the idea for Angelitos Mágicos (hint: it involved childhood nightmares and a clever mom!)
• Why even toy industry veterans can benefit from structured learning and support
• How small changes to his website and packaging made a big impact
• What it takes to prep a brand for retail shelves, and future global expansion

Feeling inspired to bring your own toy idea to life? Learn more about Toy Creators Academy at www.toycreatorsacademy.com.

Listen for these Important Moments!

• [00:04:54] - Learn why even a seasoned Mattel exec realized he needed help navigating solo toy creation and how structured guidance can fast-track your launch.
• [00:08:03] - Get inspired by how a parenting moment turned into a toy brand that helps children feel safer and more confident.
• [00:10:56] - Discover how shifting from eCommerce to retail requires a whole new packaging strategy and what details matter most on-shelf.
• [00:13:41] - See what it really takes to go from selling online to getting your toy into stores.
• [00:16:47] - Planning to expand beyond your home country? Hear what Gerardo is doing to adapt his toy line for the U.S. and beyond.

Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail!

Support the show

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 <<

You know I love celebrating a toypreneur's full-circle moment and today’s episode is just that.

We're revisiting the incredible journey of TCA alum Chrissy Fagerholt of EAP Toys and Games, from her very first appearance on this podcast to her latest game launch and ongoing success in self-publishing.

This episode is a special highlight reel of Chrissy’s growth: from pitching her very first ideas at our Toy Creators Academy Virtual Pitch Event, to getting a game into Barnes & Noble, and even deciding to manufacture her own products. You’ll hear snippets from episodes 88, 131, and 239, packed with real-world insights to help you grow from creator to confident toypreneur.

Chrissy’s journey is a reminder that growth in this industry doesn’t happen overnight but every pitch, every prototype, and every connection adds up. These highlights will leave you feeling inspired, energized, and ready to take your next step.

If this episode sparked something in you, it might be time to explore your own path in the toy industry. Join us inside Toy Creators Academy and start building the skills, confidence, and connections you need to bring your toy ideas to life. Learn more at www.toycreatorsacademy.com

Listen for these Important Moments!

• [01:49] - Get a behind-the-scenes peek at what real toy pitches look like and how you can gain the confidence to pitch before everything is perfect.
• [02:34] - Learn what it takes to move from concept to store shelf, and how to prepare your game for big retail opportunities.
• [11:34] - Discover how to spot weaknesses in your game design before showing it to others, saving time and costly mistakes.
• [16:03] - Understand the pros and cons of licensing vs. self-publishing so you can make the best decision for your toy business.
• [17:26] - Learn how to manage burnout and reignite your passion when business tasks start to dim your creative spark.

Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail!

Support the show

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 <<

Toy people, I see you. You’re trying to run your business, deal with tariffs, build your brand, pitch your ideas, and maybe even answer customer questions at 3AM. But what if I told you that AI could actually help you make the most out of your time and money as you build your toy business?

In this episode of Making It in The Toy Industry, I’m breaking down 3 powerful and unexpected ways to use AI tools to save money, reclaim your time, and scale smarter even if you’re just getting started.

Here’s what we’ll get into:

• How I’m using AI chatbots to help toypreneurs boost conversions (without hiring a 24/7 team)
• Why ChatGPT is officially my new Facebook Ads assistant, and how it cut my ad costs nearly in half
• The wildest one yet: AI playtesting. Yep. I asked ChatGPT to playtest a game… and what happened next blew my mind

This episode will show you how AI can help you work smarter, stretch your dollars further, and keep your momentum going even when resources are tight. The truth is, we can’t afford to ignore these tools, not when costs are rising and expectations are higher than ever.

And if you’re ready to bring your toy or game idea to life with the help of AI, join me for my upcoming bootcamp on September 23rd at learn.thetoycoach.com/bootcamp

Listen for these Important Moments!

• [00:46] - Learn how AI tools can help you save time, reclaim profits, and compete in a rapidly changing industry.
• [04:43] - Discover how to set up a smart chatbot that handles customer questions 24/7 and recovers missed sales.
• [11:32] - Hear how I cut my ad costs in half and created better campaigns without hiring a pricey ads manager.
• [18:09] - Simulate real player feedback with AI and test gameplay changes before you invest in physical prototypes.
• [27:06] - Get inspired to take action with AI and learn how to validate and pitch your idea with confidence.

Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail!

Support the show

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 <<