384: How To Make It In The Toy Industry W/ Azhelle Wade

This episode we’re getting a masterclass from The Toy Coach herself, Azhelle Wade. At first second-guessing herself, Azhelle eventually found confidence in her talent, leading to her working for big toy companies like Mattel and Toys R Us. She's climbed up and across the ladder in the toy world, starting out as a designer, later gaining 3 toy patents, and eventually becoming a VP at a toy company. Her online course, Toy Creators Academy empowers newbies in the toy industry with step-by-step  guidance, downloadable worksheets, and group coaching. In this episode she shares about: Choosing between the corporate path vs inventor path vs entrepreneur path in the toy industry How she found her niche of coaching toy makers while also pursuing her own toy aspirations The success she has found in marketing through her podcast Making It In the Toy Industry and maintaining an Evergreen model for her courses Highlights include: 04:14 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 06:56 Understanding the Different Paths in the Toy Industry 08:40 The Transition from Corporate to Entrepreneurship 17:15 The Benefits of Having a Podcast 25:05 What Sets The Toy Coach Apart 32:25 The Stress of Running a Hands-On Course 34:47 The Strategy of the Evergreen Model & Seasonal Webinars 40:20 The Importance of Promoting Your Course 46:25 The Strategy of Targeting Local Stores First 53:20 The Challenges and Opportunities of B2B Consulting 55:48 Advice for Side Hustlers Transitioning to Full-Time Entrepreneurs Check out episode 384 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube This episode is brought to you by:  HubSpot Podcast Network- The audio destination for business professionals with content designed to help you listen, learn, and grow. Listen to Side Hustle Pro and more shows on the HubSpot Podcast Network, at https://www.hubspot.com/podcastnetwork.  Gusto offers modern, easy payroll, benefits, and HR to small businesses across the country. Sign up and give it a try at gusto.com/shp. Links mentioned in this episode Azhelle’s Website: Website: https://www.thetoycoach.com/  Azhelle’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetoycoach/  Afro Unicorn SHP Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlAld_Fcwso  Easy Webinar: https://easywebinar.com/  Amy Porterfield: https://www.amyporterfield.com/amy-porterfield-podcast/  Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rss Announcements Join our Facebook Community If you’re looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebook Guest Social Media Info Azhelle’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetoycoach/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.