Success is about taking time for family and friends, creating meaningful memories, and making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Izzy Garr · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Izzy
Izzy Garr is a visionary creative leader and innovation expert with over 25 years of experience in the toy and consumer product design industry. She has held senior leadership roles at Mattel, where she guided creative development for globally recognized brands including Barbie, Enchantimals, Monster High, and BTS collaborations. Her work spans toy design, brand storytelling, and cross-functional innovation, where she specializes in transforming creative ideas into commercially successful products. Currently, she works as a freelance Creative Product Innovation Consultant through Hot Buttered Elves, where she leads concept development, trend forecasting, and strategic creative direction. She collaborates with product, marketing, and entertainment teams to develop new intellectual property, immersive brand experiences, and consumer-driven design solutions. Her approach blends business strategy with bold creative thinking to deliver impactful design outcomes. Izzy is also a graduate of Otis College of Art and Design, where she studied Surface Design and Illustration . She built a career rooted in creativity, mentorship, and leadership. She continues to contribute to the creative community through mentoring, philanthropy, and collaborative innovation projects.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Izzy
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to creativity, resilience, curiosity, and a genuine love of bringing ideas to life. Growing up with dyslexia taught me to see the world differently. Instead of words, I found my voice through art, imagination, and creative problem solving. That unique perspective became one of my greatest strengths.
Throughout my career, I've learned that the best ideas come from collaboration. I love building and inspiring teams, mentoring others, and creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to share bold ideas. Whether I'm developing a new product, identifying the next big trend, or leading cross-functional teams, I'm driven by the excitement of turning possibilities into reality.
I've always believed that creativity has the power to connect people, spark joy, and make a meaningful impact. That mindset has guided my career for more than 25 years and continues to inspire everything I do.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Never be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and let your true self shine. Your unique perspective is your greatest strength, and it's what sets you apart. Find what you're passionate about, lean into it, and never stop dreaming big.
Celebrate your accomplishments big and small and never let anyone tell you that your ideas aren't worth pursuing. The best opportunities often come from taking a chance, staying curious, and believing in yourself, even when the path isn't clear.
Most importantly, surround yourself with people who inspire you, keep learning, give back whenever you can, and remember to have fun along the way. Success isn't just about what you achieve—it's about the people you lift up, the lives you touch, and the joy you create along the journey.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to the next generation? Stay curious, dream big, and don't be afraid to color outside the lines. The best ideas often come from asking "What if?" and having the courage to explore something different. Share your ideas, even the wild ones you never know which one could become the next big thing.
Surround yourself with people who inspire you, embrace collaboration, and have fun creating together. Some of the most amazing innovations happen when different perspectives come together and build on each other's ideas.
Most importantly, believe in yourself and your creative voice. Take chances, keep learning, celebrate your wins, and don't let fear hold you back. Stay authentic, enjoy the journey, and remember that creativity isn't just about making great products it's about creating experiences, bringing people joy, and leaving the world a little more inspired than you found it.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest opportunities in my field are all about imagining what's next. Whether it's creating the next must-have toy, building unforgettable brands, or developing new intellectual property, the magic happens when you create something that makes people smile, sparks imagination, and connects with them on an emotional level around the world.
The biggest challenge? Finding that sweet spot where creativity, consumer trends, and business goals all come together. It's about pushing the boundaries, staying original in a fast-moving industry, and turning bold ideas into products and experiences that people love. For me, that's the fun part taking a simple idea and watching it grow into something that inspires joy and creates lasting memories.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Collaboration, creativity, family, friendships, mentorship, and giving back are the values that guide both my work and my life. I believe the best ideas come from bringing people together, supporting one another, and creating an environment where everyone feels inspired to do their best.
I've always believed that toys and beautiful, thoughtfully designed products have the power to spark imagination, create lasting memories, and bring joy to people of all ages. Whether I'm building brands, mentoring the next generation of creatives, or working alongside talented teams, my goal is to create experiences that make a positive impact.
For me, success isn't measured only by the products we create—it's about helping others grow, lifting people up, strengthening communities, and giving back whenever we can. If we can inspire creativity, spread a little more joy, and leave the world a better place than we found it, then we've truly accomplished something meaningful.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.