Interview with: RC Art Toys

I had the greatest pleasure to interview Ms. Gwen Austin, the mom behind RC Art Toys. A toy inventor who pushed forward, headstrong with an idea conceived ten years ago and now a dream come true, Ms. Austin shares her experiences from giving life to her idea, to patenting her design, and on how she manages to juggle everything at home.


Who is RC Art Toys? Where are you located?
RC Art Toys is a Denver-based toy company specializing in radio-controlled art toys.


How did you come up with your business name?
RC ART TOYS describes the toy line ...RC is an industry standard for "radio controlled" art toys.


When and why did you decide to start your own business?
I had wanted to be a toy inventor for over 10 years. I had an idea but it got pushed aside with "life" . That toy sat in a box in my basement for 10 years until the birth of my girls. I looked at them as babies and realized that for me to teach them to dream, I needed to pursue my own even if it meant failing. With a 2 1/2 year old and a 1 year old at home with me, I sent out an email to a trust industry source. Within weeks I had a designer, engineer and lawyer all working to help make this dream come true. I was told back then that only 5% of new toy companies succeed. I was determined to be a part of that 5%. Two year later, I finally have a finished product and am eager to create a strong growing business.


What sparked you to design your first toy, RC Color Bug? What's so special about this new toy?
The idea is over 10 years old. I had to come up with a toy for a design class that moved 10 inches. While brainstorming, my dog scooted across the floor in front of me. Long story short, this inspired me to create a toy that moved leaving a mark in its wake. The final concept is radio-controlled art.

The Color Bug is the spin-off of the initial design. The Color Bug, is a ladybug shaped RC toy that draws on art surfaces using markers that snap into the toy. Using the toy’s RC controller, kids create colorful art by steering turns and spins of the motorized Color Bug providing a fun, action-packed toy. There is a second product half way through prototype stage as well.


How did you get started? What steps did you take to get funding, your design patented, made, and your product finally on the shelves?
The first step was the hardest...trusting someone enough to get the ball rolling. I had a hard time with this but finally decided that I needed to ask someone for help or I could never move forward. I made a phone call to a trusted source in the industry and told him of my idea. Within days I had the name of a designer and engineer who would help me turn this concept into reality. At the same time, I contacted a law firm and began the process for patenting the idea. The biggest piece of knowledge I can share is that I didn't know 1/100th of what I know now back then. I started and learned each step along the way. When the time came to manufacture, my engineer helped make a connection and I began to learn what I needed to know. Then came the packaging, yet another expert to help guide my vision. I learned to bring together a strong team of people who knew everything that I needed to learn.


Will we see a new toy in the near future? If so, can you tell us a little bit about it?
There is a new toy in the prototype stage and is expected to appear at Toy Fair 2009.


What motivates you to keep your business going?
I love what I'm doing and am excited to be getting such a great response. There are days that I definitely need a little kick and I have a great support group of fellow entrepreneurs as well as a great mom who keeps pushing me forward. I think there are days when every entrepreneur looks at themselves and wonders why they think they can make this work but you work through those days and try to surround yourself with positive, motivating sources.


How do you advertise your business? Which methods proved successful/effective?
So far I've done all the advertising through media - print, tv and online. I also exhibit at the NYC Toy Fair and that's been the best way to make retail contacts. I think that exhibiting at the shows is a must to get yourself out there to the retailers.


How do you juggle family and work at home?
I've learned to do different tasks at different times of day. When my kids are at school or during nap times, I can make phone calls or schedule appointments. If they are playing and don't need my immediate attention, I am able to get computer work done. I do quite a bit of work in the evenings after bedtime. You get sections of time and learn quickly to use them wisely.


What advice would you give to moms like you who want to get their products/inventions out there (lessons learned)?
1. You need to surround yourself with the people who know what you don't and learn to trust them but at the same time don't be afraid to take the reins. While they know the process, you know what your vision is so there should be a balance between the two.
2. When you are starting, don't feel the need to tell everyone that you have this great new business you are starting. Unfortunately, you will be greeted with a negativity. It is very hard for some people to understand why you would be starting a business or perhaps they are jealous or insecure so the reaction becomes unsupportive. It is very important to keep positive energy around you and the best way to do it is find support from other entrepreneurs.
3. Just because someone tells you no, doesn't mean you need to give up. Never give up on your dream but at the same time, make sure that you are pursuing it in the best way possible.


Current promotions/specials at RC Art Toys:
I don't sell directly to the public but will give retailers who mention this interview a 10% on all orders placed during the month of June.


Visit RC Art Toys at: www.rcarttoys.com