'I wanted to help others' Leeds schoolboy turns classroom struggles into award-winning idea with fidget toys
A Leeds pupil who began creating sensory toys to help manage his own struggles in the classroom has been named one of the winners of a national competition celebrating young entrepreneurs.
Prince, 12, won the judges’ vote in the Kidpreneur category of GoHenry’s Dream Big awards for his fidget toy and sensory product business.
His journey began when he was just five-years-old, creating and launching handmade solid soaps with toys hidden inside.
After discovering that these early products were particularly helpful for neurodivergent children, he realised his ideas could make a real difference to other people’s lives.
The national competition received more than 6,000 entries, with nine winners selected across its categories by a panel including GoHenry founder Louise Hill, entrepreneur Sam Teale, The Apprentice star Tim Campbell MBE, Race Across the World winner Alfie Watts, and teen equestrian Harlow White, alongside a public vote.
Prince said his personal experience inspired him to create products that support children with sensory needs.
He said: “I used to have some difficulties myself, especially feeling overwhelmed in class.
“Fidget toys helped me calm down and I’ve seen how much they help other people too.”
He credits his mum as the driving force behind his business journey.
He said: “My mum inspired me. She has always supported me and encouraged me to follow my ideas. We started making soaps with toys inside after watching videos, and people in our community loved them.”
His mum added that he had also hoped to raise some money for a new tablet at the time, but the products quickly grew into something more meaningful as people recognised the sensory benefits.
The idea for his latest product, the Fun Fidget Pro, came after seeing a friend using a fidget toy in the playground.
He said: “I absolutely loved it. I went home and said, ‘Mum, there’s this amazing toy I’ve just seen!’ That inspired me to create my own version.”
Prince now sells his sensory items at pop-up stalls, markets, and online. He said his favourite part of running the business is meeting customers and seeing how they interact with his products.
“I absolutely love meeting the customers and seeing what kind of toy they like. I love to see them get interested in it,” he said.
The prize money has already allowed him to invest in a card machine, helping his business take its highest number of sales so far. He said he was “over the moon” when he found out he had won the competition.
He said: “It was so exciting.”
Prince plans to use the £1,000 prize to develop new designs, improve packaging, and expand his sensory range.
He said: “We’re excited to expand the amount of toys and different varieties.”
Despite the success, school still comes first. He said: “I just try to be myself. My mum helps me balance everything between school and home.”
Prince hopes his story will encourage other young people - especially those who may feel anxious or unsure - to follow their ideas.
He said: “Don’t let fear hold you back. Just be yourself and express yourself. Don’t let fear stop you at all.”
He said: “A really big thank you to everyone who has supported me and to GoHenry for the opportunity.”
GoHenry founder Louise Hill said Prince’s story showed “the passion, creativity and ambition of the next generation”.