Busy Little Bosses: Tom Brewer’s boredom buster packs a hit for kids during COVID-19
Tom Brewer can’t walk or talk but, with the support of his tight-knit family, he is running his own business and helping kids stay entertained during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Central Coast
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Tom Brewer has always wanted to run his own business and he has not let his inability to walk or talk get in the way.
The 20-year-old from Blue Bay started online business Busy Little Bosses in March.
The inspiration for the activity bags came from countless hours he has spent in waiting rooms ahead of medical appointments and travelling over the years. He wanted the packs to keep children occupied – an issue that has become all the more relevant for housebound little ones who might otherwise be seeking extra screen time during COVID-19 isolation.
Each bag includes 11 carefully selected unisex activities, from colouring books to card games, aimed at children aged 3-7 years old. The range is being widened and already includes a storage caddy, travel tray and a craft bag, with plans to stock packs for older ages and a sensory bag.
Mr Brewer, the youngest of four children, has determination by the bucketload, as he pushes on despite his cerebral palsy quadriplegia.
He competes in judo tournaments, completed his Certificate 2 in business last year and was working on his Certificate 3 this year before COVID-19 struck. He also undertook two months of work experience with Perry Henderson at Tuggerah-based Missing Link Social Media earlier this year.
“I knew I wanted to run my own business from a very early age,” Mr Brewer said through a speech synthesiser.
“I wanted to work, not just go to a disability program.”
His business received an exciting boost recently, when it was featured on the Karl’s Classifieds segment on Channel 9’s Today Show.
“He told me he was going to apply and he got Hannah (one of his sisters) to film him,” Tom’s mother Jenny said.
“His video appeared on TV and the orders were going crazy.”
Mrs Brewer said she was thrilled to see his hard work pay off and was grateful for the support of his customers.
“When he started getting orders in, there was great excitement,” she said.
His work has also been getting the thumbs up from his littlest supporter, his almost three-year-old niece Lucy, whose eyes light up when she sees the items “Tommy” has for sale.