WHAT’S IN A NAME

We named our company Pith & Pixie Dust because first, you must know the essence (pith) of who you are and where you’re going, and then you must tell your story with a little magic (pixie dust) to inspire your teams and your consumer.

We believe in both substance and style. It’s not binary.

OUR STORY

A Story of Vision, Innovation, and Impact

Tom Ascheim is a leader who has spent his career shaping the stories we love and the brands we trust. With a passion for storytelling and a knack for building iconic media brands, he has left an indelible mark on the worlds of kids, family, and young adult entertainment.

From leading global strategies for beloved franchises like Harry Potter, Looney Tunes, and DC’s animated superheroes as President of Warner Bros. Global Kids, Young Adults, and Classics, to transforming Freeform and embracing the future of streaming, Tom has consistently pushed boundaries. Under his leadership, Warner Bros. KYAC brands reached 192 countries, 500 million homes, and 65 channels in 31 languages—bringing joy and inspiration to audiences worldwide.

But Tom’s journey doesn’t stop there. As co-founder of Pith and Pixie Dust, a consulting firm, he now helps brands and creators harness the power of storytelling and content to connect with kids, families, and young adults. He also leads TEA Lane Media, a production company focused on developing IP-driven film and TV projects that resonate across generations.

Tom’s career is a tapestry of innovation and leadership. From his early days as CEO of Newsweek to his transformative roles at Nickelodeon and Sesame Workshop, he has always been driven by a belief in the power of media to educate, entertain, and inspire.

A proud Yale alumnus with a Bachelor’s in American Studies and an MBA from Yale School of Management, Tom Ascheim continues to write the next chapter of his story—one that’s rooted in creativity, strategy, and a deep understanding of what makes audiences tick.

Strategic Transformation Leader | Brand Storyteller | Innovator in Media & Entertainment

Tricia Melton is a visionary leader with a passion for transforming brands and connecting them with audiences. With decades of experience in media and entertainment, she has shaped some of the most iconic brands, including Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, TNT, TBS, and Freeform.

As the former Chief Marketing Officer of Warner Bros. Global Kids, Young Adults & Classics, Tricia redefined global brands, created new marketing strategies for hit series like Rick and Morty, and spearheaded rebrands like Cartoon Network’s “Redraw Your World” and Turner Classic Movies’ “Where Then Meets Now.” She also introduced Cartoonito, a preschool brand that became #1 in Latin America.

Earlier, as SVP at Disney’s Freeform, she transformed the network into a streaming powerhouse, launching fan-favorite shows like Grownish and Marvel’s Cloak and Dagger. Her work at TBS, TNT, and TCM included award-winning campaigns for series like Conan, The Closer, and Falling Skies and 31 Days of Oscar.

Today, Tricia is the Co-Founder of Pith & Pixie Dust, a consulting firm helping brands evolve through transformational strategy, storytelling, and content creation. With deep expertise in kids, family, and young adult audiences, she empowers brands to connect and grow.

Recognized as a 2022 Wonder Woman of the Year by Multichannel News, Tricia is also a dedicated industry leader, serving on advisory boards for RE:IMAGINE, Humantel, and the CMO Collaborative LA.

Tricia’s story is one of innovation, creativity, and a relentless drive to reimagine what’s possible.