An aspiring entrepreneur, Tyanna Teetzan, is making waves with her innovative approach to designing educational toys. In the Fall of 2024, she showcased her business concept at the Start Something LAS Academy Final Pitch event, organized by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS). Her vision revolves around creating affordable, development-enhancing playthings for children. With guidance from academy instructors like Jeff Bull, Teetzan has been refining her ideas through self-guided assignments that focus on various facets of entrepreneurship. Her ultimate goal is to ensure no family has to compromise between cost and quality when it comes to their child's growth. She emphasizes the importance of learning through play and envisions toys as accessible tools rather than financial burdens.

From Concept to Prototype: Tyanna’s Journey in Toy Design

In the vibrant autumn season, Tyanna Teetzan presented her groundbreaking toy designs during a pivotal event hosted by the LAS Academy. This platform allowed her to share her mission-driven startup concept aimed at revolutionizing how children interact with toys. Guided by experienced mentors such as Associate Professor Jeff Bull, Teetzan embraced a personalized learning journey tailored to her project needs. Her proposed solution involves crafting simple yet effective toys devoid of modern distractions like screens or batteries. One standout prototype includes an adaptable garden box designed to evolve alongside a child's developmental stages. For infants, it serves as a tactile exploration tool; for toddlers, it enhances fine motor skills; and for older kids, it encourages imaginative thinking about food origins. Despite facing challenges related to funding and manufacturing, Teetzan remains committed to exploring viable strategies including licensing deals or independent ventures. As part of her ongoing efforts, she conducts thorough customer research to gauge market demand while considering potential partnerships with established toy companies.

Teetzan's story underscores the significance of combining creativity with strategic planning in achieving entrepreneurial success. By prioritizing accessibility and functionality within her product line, she exemplifies how innovation can address real-world issues affecting families worldwide. Her determination to bring this vision to life before graduation highlights the transformative power of education programs like the LAS Academy in nurturing young talent capable of shaping industries for the betterment of society.