The spark that started it all
When I was 15, I noticed something that bothered me deeply: students struggling with dyslexia and literacy challenges were losing crucial support around Year 6. As someone who faced these same challenges, I knew firsthand how isolating and frustrating this could be.
That's when the idea for Fix was born: a card game designed specifically to help 10-12 year olds develop their literacy skills through an engaging approach. I wanted to create something that would make learning feel less like a chore and more like play, while still being genuinely effective.
With the support of the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES), I started conducting market research, talking to educators, students, and dyslexia specialists to ensure Fix would truly meet educational needs. I was determined to create something that was:
- Engaging – Using games to make learning interactive and fun
- Educationally Effective – Built on proven literacy strategies for children with learning disorders
- Accessible – Easy for teachers, parents, and students to use without extensive training
Little did I know that this school project would soon become so much more.
Dragon's Ben: The pitch
In March 2024, everything changed when a parent at my school forwarded an email about SquareOne’s Dragon's Ben Competition. The opportunity to pitch my business idea to a panel of judges seemed like the perfect chance to gain exposure for Fix.
The application process was my first real challenge, condensing my passion for helping children with dyslexia into a short, compelling message. After countless revisions, I submitted my application and was thrilled to be selected as one of five finalists!
Then came the unexpected twist: I had to deliver my pitch live on radio, from my bed! Not exactly how I'd imagined my big moment, but I was determined to make it work. Despite the unusual setting, I spoke from the heart about why Fix mattered and how it could help kids like me.
When I was invited back to the radio for a second time, I received the news that would change everything—I had won the Dragon's Ben Competition! In that moment, Fix transformed from a school project into a real business with real potential.
From idea to reality: my first meeting with SquareOne
Walking into my first meeting with SquareOne was when it truly hit me: Fix was no longer just an idea. It was becoming real.
I was a bundle of nerves, afraid I'd say the wrong thing or fail to express my vision clearly. But the SquareOne team immediately put me at ease with their supportive approach. They didn't just listen; they truly heard me and understood what I was trying to accomplish.
One of the most memorable moments was when they offered me an Apple product of my choosing to help my business grow. I chose a MacBook, which has since become my most valuable tool, whether I'm designing new card layouts, managing business contacts, or just keeping up with schoolwork.
That meeting marked the moment I realised I was no longer just a student with a good idea, I was an entrepreneur with a business to build.
Turning vision into product: The design journey
While I had a clear vision for Fix, translating that vision into a tangible product was an entirely different challenge. This is where SquareOne's guidance proved invaluable.
They helped me understand how to balance creativity with practicality, showing me different approaches to product development without compromising the heart of my idea. Together, we refined the design of Fix, from the layout and color schemes to the game mechanics, ensuring it remained both visually appealing and educationally effective.
Perhaps the most important lesson was learning to consider the user experience from all angles. The game needed to be accessible not just for students but also for the teachers and parents who would be facilitating the learning. SquareOne helped me simplify instructions and create a design that anyone could pick up and understand quickly.
Through this process, Fix evolved from a concept into a carefully crafted educational tool that stayed true to my original mission.
Regional success and national recognition
As 2024 progressed, Fix continued to gain momentum. Being selected as a finalist for the Canterbury Business Regionals was exciting enough, but winning and taking home a National Excellence Award exceeded all my expectations.
This recognition gave me the confidence to compete at the National level, where I faced some of New Zealand's most talented young entrepreneurs. While I didn't win the overall competition, I received something equally meaningful: the New Zealand International Development Cooperation Award for Solving a Development Problem.
This award validated what I had believed from the beginning: Fix wasn't just a product; it was a solution to a real problem affecting thousands of children. The experience taught me that success isn't always measured by winning the top prize, but by the impact your work has on others.
From prototype to production
September 2024 marked another milestone when I created the first physical prototype of Fix. After months of planning and design work, holding the actual cards in my hands was an incredible feeling.
I proudly presented this prototype at the Innovation Expo, where I had the opportunity to demonstrate how Fix works and gather feedback from industry professionals. The positive response convinced me it was time to scale up production.
Partnering with a local printer was the next logical step, and together we refined the production process to ensure the highest quality standards. As Fix moved from prototype to market-ready product, I found myself having conversations with international contacts about potential global distribution, something I never imagined when I first started this journey.
Looking ahead
From a 15-year-old with an idea to help other kids like me, to winning Dragon's Ben and receiving national recognition, the journey with Fix has been extraordinary. What began as a school project has evolved into an award-winning business with the potential to help children worldwide.
None of this would have been possible without the support of SquareOne, who saw potential in my idea and provided the guidance, resources, and confidence I needed to bring it to life. They didn't just help me build a product; they helped me become an entrepreneur.
As I look to the future, I'm excited to continue growing Fix, reaching more students who struggle with literacy, and proving that age is just a number when it comes to making a difference in the world.
This is only the beginning of my story with Fix, and I can't wait to see what happens next.
Ruby-Grace Miller
