My parents and siblings are doctors, but I became a toy inventor. My company raised $5 million this year.

"Everyone in my immediate family is a doctor, except me. My brother, sister, and dad are physicians, and my mom was a vet. Luckily, my parents could tell from an early age that med school wasn't for me, and they were supportive. They say they could tell from the rapt way I watched commercials that I was made for something else: toys."

"My mom's two brothers own a toy business, so the idea of inventing and producing toys wasn't so unusual in our family. My uncles would show me everything they were working on, like robotic Power Ranger gloves. I was more of a Polly Pocket girl myself, but I was absolutely enthralled with the magic of toys."

"I created Fingerlings, a plush toy that clings to kids' fingers, just like that little money did. Fingerlings respond to kids with movement and noises, so there was an immediate emotional connection. The toys sold tens of millions of units and became Toy of the Year in 2017."

Sydney Wiseman grew up surrounded by physicians but pursued a career in toy design instead. Early exposure to her uncles' toy business and a fascination with commercials guided her toward invention. She joined WowWee, which focused on robotic toys, and later created Fingerlings after seeing a small monkey clinging to fingers on Instagram. Fingerlings are plush toys that cling to kids' fingers, respond with movement and noises, and sold tens of millions, winning Toy of the Year in 2017. Financial outcomes from that success highlighted the importance of ownership, and she now partners with her pediatrician sister to design fun medical tools.

Read at Business Insider