Skip to content

NFTs, Merch, and Licensing: How to Make Your Character the Next Big Thing [TBS 40]

Picture of The Financial Coconut
Follow The Financial Coconut

 

What makes a character truly unforgettable? How do you take your favourite designs and turn them into an iconic brand that resonates globally?

In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of merchandising, licensing, and the evolving journey of character-based businesses. Meet:

  • Wang Shijia, founder of the beloved Singaporean brand Ang Ku Kueh Girl, a true pioneer in bringing local culture to the global stage.
  • Chanel Lee, founder of Tasty Toasty, who has transformed her digital characters into a merchandise empire, combining NFTs with physical products for a new-age spin on branding.

What we’ll cover:

  • The secrets behind turning a quirky character into a cultural icon.
  • The challenges of balancing creativity and business while maintaining authenticity.
  • How both of our guests navigated the world of licensing, marketing, and international expansion—and how you can, too.
  • Plus, we’ll touch on the role of NFTs, the future of physical merchandising, and the unexpected successes of viral moments.

Ready to hear how two entrepreneurs cracked the code for turning characters into global phenomena? Tune in and get inspired for your own journey into the world of character merchandising.

What We Discuss:

  • 03:43 How did the initial NFT sales help your business?
  • 07:12 Was character creation always part of your vision?
  • 08:42 What was the licensing journey like for you?
  • 11:14 How did you determine licensing fees?
  • 20:19 What were the hurdles in scaling your brand overseas?
  • 25:23 What methods helped you expand your online community?
  • 27:51 Is this a design principle, or do you prefer everything to be done by humans?
  • 31:27 Do you view brands copying your ideas as inspiration or imitation?
  • 34:57 Are your customers mostly women, or do men also buy from you?

Episode Resources:


New episodes every Wednesday

Share us your thoughts on this episode and let us know what do you want to hear next.
,

Let us know what you think of this post