MGA Entertainment: Isaac Larian

In this episode of How I Built This, Guy Raz interviews Isaac Larian, the founder and CEO of MGA Entertainment, the company behind popular toy lines like Bratz and LOL Surprise. Larian recounts his childhood in the slums of Tehran, where he faced significant hardships, and his immigration to the U.S. at age 17 with just a few hundred dollars.

Larian's entrepreneurial journey began with a mail-order business that eventually transitioned into consumer electronics. A turning point came when he entered the toy industry with a bouncing doll that led him to the creation of MGA Entertainment. The company became famous for its Bratz dolls, which challenged Mattel's Barbie and captured the attention of young consumers with their fashionable designs and diverse representation.

However, Larian's success brought challenges, particularly legal battles with Mattel that lasted over a decade, which he describes as a harrowing experience that affected his mental well-being. The fight illuminated his relentless drive, fueled by a desire to prove his worth and fight back against the giants of the industry.

Eventually, MGA bounced back with the launch of LOL Surprise dolls, becoming one of the top competitors in the toy market. Throughout the episode, Larian emphasizes the importance of hard work, resilience in facing adversity, and staying true to one's vision. Larian plans to keep MGA in the family, training his children to inherit the company. This gripping story of success and determination celebrates the spirit of entrepreneurship.