Coast business duo's niche product taking off

BOTH only opened doors months ago, but they're gaining momentum thanks to their unusual product.

SERIOUS WORK: Aiden O'Sullivan and Dewet Heyns have created a custom-made prosthetics business in Nambour called Dynamic Prosthetics and Orthotics. Picture: John McCutcheon

DEWET Heyns and Aiden O'Sullivan are an unlikely business duo.

The two Sunshine Coast men have teamed up to create custom-made prosthetics, giving individuality back to their clients through breathtaking, custom limbs.

The pair offer thousands of designs to infants through to the elderly, and have found their niche is taking off.

Both businesses only opened doors early this year, and discovered one another via social media.

The artistic avenue Aiden has taken at Hydrographics Noosaville is reminiscent of his youth, growing up painting cars in a "garage".

But the Irishman said working for himself was a dramatic change from his 20-year stint as an engineering company manager in Ireland.

He moved to Australia five years ago and now calls Peregian Springs home.

SERIOUS WORK: Aiden O'Sullivan and Dewet Heyns have created a custom-made prosthetics business in Nambour called Dynamic Prosthetics and Orthotics. Picture: John McCutcheon

After a bit of research he settled on hydropgraphics - often referred to as water transfer painting - which creates a three-dimensional painting on three-dimensional products.

He said it was a slow start getting people to understand his craft and that it allows you to "do anything".

"Skateboards, food mixers, Xbox and PlayStation 4 controllers," he said.

Prosthetics are to date Shane's most unusual request, but fast becoming the most popular.

Cue Dewet, whose family practice Dynamic Prosthetics and Orthotics is living up to its name since doors first opened up on Matthew St, Nambour this March.

Dewet, a father himself, said his young clients helped spur his passion as he helped them get excited over their new limbs, sometimes for the first time.

"And just seeing their faces is priceless," he said.

"We have a lot of kids come in initially, so it's congenital deformities, and amputations done.

"Most are amputees since a very young age, and just giving them this added service with these graphics just pushes it to a new level.

"Whereas before they might not have looked forward to a new prosthetics."

Kane Bilton, 14, has just received his custom-made prosthetic leg featuring a flame design he chose. Picture: Patrick Woods

Dewet believes he is helping the mental shift away from covering up prosthetics which has gained momentum over the past few decades.

"If you can get them over the line mentally it's a bigger percentage than the physical part of it, that's why we are always looking at these other avenues; it's been a good partnership with Aiden," he said.

It took a lot of "hit and miss, back and forth" to find the right formula for hydrographic prosthetics, which replaces a lycra image transfer which had previously been used.

Both men said giving back to their communities is paramount to their careers.

"Being Sunshine Coast locals we know what the guys need and look for and strive for," Dewet said.

"Just that personal touch that's what it's all about."

His unusual art is something Shane hopes to share with the community, with plans to hold workshops for young people and offer work experience where students can come in and customise something of their choosing.

Originally published as Coast business duo's niche product taking off