Founder: Siobhan Wilson
School: Year 8 Student - Homeschooled
Supported By: The Office Of The Queensland Chief Entrepreneur
Joined The YE Hub: January 2023
Business Name: Our Pixie Friends
Social Media:
LinkedIn: Siobhan Wilson
Facebook: Our Pixie Friends
Instagram: Our_Pixie_Friends
Youtube (Parents): Our Pixie Friends For Parents
Youtube (Kids): Our Pixie Friends For Children
Tell Us About Your Business:
Our Pixie Friends helps children, especially those with medical needs, not feel alone and be happy with who they are. We encourage a culture of kindness and inclusivity, and raise money for medical research.
How Did You Come Up With This Business Idea?
Born 3 months early, I have numerous medical needs, including asthma, eczema, allergies, NVLD, epileptiform brainwaves, bowel-bladder dysfunction, sensory processing disorder and anxiety. I used to wonder, “Why am I the only one? What is ‘wrong’ with me? Why aren’t I ‘normal’?” I was excluded from parties, sleepovers and playdays due to parents’ fear of me having anaphylaxis. Kids wouldn’t hold my hand in line because my eczema felt ‘yucky’. When I was 6, I realised I wasn’t the only one and decided to start a business helping other kids not feel isolated in a fun and meaningful way.
What Products/Services Are You Offering And Who Are They For?
We help children aged approximately 3-8 in the following ways:
1. Picture Books
- Sakaela the Sneezy Pixie Visits Amy
- Zizzy the Wheezy Pixie Meets Moondrop
- Minksy the Meltdown Pixie Helps Tommy.
2. Website- with resources for parents, teachers and kids.
3. Range of merchandise including I’m Special Kits and my sensory fidgets.
4. Donations to medical research- 10% of sales
5. Public Speaking - workshops, book readings, inspirational speaking
6. The Cozipal Project- giving gift packs to children and teens of trauma.
What Is Your Favourite Tool You Use In Your Business?
My favourite tool to use in my company is ChatGPT. I use it to create social media posts, find hashtags, understand manufacturing processes, and create text for brochures. My team also uses InDesign, which is tricky to use, but it helps create high quality brochures and banners.
What Is The Most Important Thing You’ve Learnt In The Young Entrepreneurs Hub?
I’ve learnt so many important things. But the two most important things I have learnt are to build a personal brand with a niche category and the power and magic of networking.
What Advice Do You Have For Other Young People Wanting To Start Their Own
Business?
I believe there is power inside each of us to make a difference in our world, and having a business is like having a block of wood. If you keep sanding and carving it, you will end up with something remarkable.
To find out more about Our Pixie Friends and to support Siobhan on her journey, make sure to connect with Siobhan on Linkedin. Siobhan was able to participate in the Young Entrepreneurs Hub program thanks to the generous support of The Office Of The Queensland Chief Entrepreneur.
To find out more about the Young Entrepreneurs Hub and how you can bring your own business idea to life, head to: www.bopindustries.com/yehub