Kai uses fidgets to help him with his anxiety. At age eleven, when he could not find fidgets appropriate for his age, he started designing and making his own. Soon his creative fidgets were in high demand. With the help of his family, Kai started Kaiko Fidgets, a business that designs and sells a wide range of discreet and noiseless fidgets for both kids as well as adults to assist with anxiety, focus, and mental health. His parents Joanne and Mark and little brother Kobi help and support Kai in his demanding endeavor. Kai earned a spot as a finalist on Australia’s 7 News ‘Generation Us’ Small Business Young Achiever Victorian Awards.

How did you get the idea to make your own fidgets?K: I started making fidgets for myself when I was being teased at school for using kiddie like fidgets (Tangles) to help me with my anxiety. When I took them to school rather than pick on me other kids wanted one too. Mum then took me along to some markets on weekends where I started selling them. We soon realised that there is very little available that is appropriate for older children and adults so together with my mum we have created dozens of designs to suit different needs.

What do you love about running your own business? How is your family helping you in this effort?K: Mum and dad helped me design them in the beginning and experiment with designs and techniques. They also took me to markets and did a kids in business 12 month course with me to help me learn how to run a business. MY little brother Kobi helps make some of the easier designs. For the past year both mum and dad have gone full time in the business as it grew too big to do as just a hobby.

What is the best thing you love about your school? How do you balance your time between school and business?K: That is has supported learning classrooms where all the lessons are adjusted. I’m in a class with kids who also struggle like me and that makes me feel less embarrassed. I love being to help other kids in class too.
I do fidgets when I have time. Mum & dad don’t pressure me so its my choice when I make them. dad makes a lot now too, we often sit together doing them.

What are your other hobbies?K: I love building Gundam and painting miniature models like Warhammer. I also love Animae, Virtual Reality games and chess.

What do you like to do when you are with your family/friends?K: I like to play games, my favourites are Monopoly and Chess.

Any special message for our community?K: Don’t give up on your dreams and l don’t let others tell you cant do something.