We had the good fortune of connecting with Travis Lykins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Travis, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
UVD Toys is a business that has evolved in both purpose and concept over the years. It started in 2011 as a blog called Urban Vinyl Daily where we covered events, releases, and news in the designer toy, street art and contemporary art scene. Through that site we began working with artists to host art shows and in person events at conventions across the country. This evolved in to us creating our own original products with artists from around the globe.

The main mission of UVD has always been to help artist’s spread their message and art to fans around the world. Whether that has been through daily updates to a blog, hosting an art show, or creating original products to market and sell it is all the same mission. So, the evolution of the brand and the thought process behind it has always been about finding new ways to help artists develop and grow their audience.

What should our readers know about your business?
UVD Toys is a Dayton, Ohio based company that is an industry leading brand for designer toys and art inspired collectibles. We work with some of the biggest names in street and contemporary art to help them to expand their market and develop unique products based on their original Intellectual Property. Our brand allows them to offer a variety of price points that fit all budgets and allows more fans to enjoy art in their collection!

It is often hard to look backwards as a small business because you are focused on the future and what’s next. But, I am proud of the relationships, products, and the work we have done over the years to get more art in the hands of fans. I am reminded every time I do an event that the collectors cherish these items and they feel a connection to the artist through the items we help create.The excitement of the artists and fans is what helps me find the motivation to keep making more amazing and complex things happen!

I have become one of the leading companies in the US by continuing to get better at my craft. Learning new techniques and building strong relationships to ensure we are able to deliver the best products in the industry. But, that doesn’t come without a lot of mistakes and lessons learned. Sometimes you think you are making the best product ever and then it doesn’t sell at all. All of this is a risk and learning to better protect yourself is critical if you want to survive. Especially if the economy takes a downturn!

Building this business has been over a decade of trial and error. All of this with the goal of helping artists spread their message and grow their market. None of this has been easy and it takes a lot of dedication to get good at this. There isn’t a manual and there are only a small amount of people in the US that actually do this so resources aren’t at readily available. The skill requires a lot of learning how to navigate the waters of developing a product, overseas production, international shipping, distribution, and direct to customer sales. At the end of the day if I am going to put my companies name on a product I put in the extra hours to make it right because I want the collectors to continue to be impressed with the items we put out.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Dayton is a hidden gem here in Ohio! So many amazing restaurants and bars have popped up over the past 10 years or so. We love checking out places like The Ugly Duckling, Tender Mercy, Century Bar, Taqueria Mixteca, Ghost Light Coffee, and Thai 9 just to name a few. If you are looking for more of a hands on activity I recommend checking out one of Nyminal Glasses’ glass blowing experiences or Front Street Artist Lofts for First Fridays!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Throughout the story of UVD Toys there is someone that has always been there and pushing me to the next level. My wife Jennifer believes in what I am doing and the artists we support. When you are trying to juggle a business, family and other obligations it is critical to have someone that is supportive of you. Without her there is no UVD!

Website: https://www.UVDToys.com

Instagram: UVDToys

Twitter: UVDToys

Facebook: UVDToys

Image Credits
I took all these photos and own the rights

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutOhio is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.