Community
27 December, 2023
Teen’s lollipop creations
CAIRNS teenage entrepreneur Angus Copelin-Walters has surprised his idol Sir Richard Branson with artisan Virgin Voyages lollipops for the billionaire’s cruise launch Down Under.
The 13-year-old founded his lolly business, Croc Candy, to raise funds for dyslexia charities when he was seven, meeting Mr Branson for a private catch-up during a visit to Australia earlier this month.
The Made By Dyslexia Young Ambassador told Mr Branson, who is also a fellow dyslexic entrepreneur, that he was greatly inspired when they met online in 2021 to discuss business ideas.
“Richard gave me great advice including try new things, make something new and exciting, and donate from every candy packet,” Master Copelin-Walters said.
“I was so happy to tell him I’ve now achieved all these goals, and more,” he said.
Master Copelin-Walters discovered he was dyslexic at seven-years-old and launched Croc Candy to raise money to support charities.
He has gone on to win multiple awards, met an Australian Prime Minister, received a letter from the late Queen Elizabeth II and raised funds for many charities and community projects.
“I still struggle at school but I can tell the teacher what a profit is,” he said.
“And I’m proud to always use my profits to support different charities for people and animals.”
Sir Richard was delighted to hear about Angus’ latest candy-innovations, including a new Croc Candy Crystal Collection. The range includes bold bush tucker flavours and a new candy style, an idea workshopped by the pair during their first online meeting in 2021.
Master Copelin-Walters also delighted Sir Richard with the manuscript of the new children’s picture book, Croc Candy, which will be released by Woodslane Press in 2024.
“Australian book publisher, Woodslane Press, are delighted to be publishing this wonderful and true tale of heartfelt care, creative thinking and entrepreneurial enthusiasm,” Woodslane Press Publisher Andrew Swaffer said.
“I want to inspire kids with my book,” Master Copelin-Walters said.
“It’s about my little struggle with dyslexia. It’s now my superpower to never give up on my entrepreneurial dreams.”
