Creative entrepreneur marks ‘lovely milestone’

A Newcastle entrepreneur who turned her passion for encouraging children’s creativity into a new business has secured national recognition.

Vicky Youll, a mother of three and founder of Little Hooray, has been named among retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis’ Small Business Sunday (#SBS) winners.

Launched earlier this year, Little Hooray creates paint-your-own kits, activity boxes, personalised canvas painting kits and pre-filled party bags for children aged three and over.

Vicky started the business after being made redundant, drawing on 14 years’ experience as a design technology and art teacher alongside her previous work as a freelance graphic designer.

Working from home, she makes the plaster casts used in many of Little Hooray’s painting kits herself, as well as assembling, personalising and packing orders.

The recognition came after Vicky shared Little Hooray through Theo’s weekly Small Business Sunday initiative and was chosen as one of six winners in September.

She said: “I only launched Little Hooray this year, so to have the business recognised by Theo Paphitis so early on feels really special.

“Creativity has always been such a big part of my life. 

“I worked as a graphic designer before spending 14 years teaching DT and Art, so Little Hooray feels like such a natural next step for me.

“After being made redundant, I decided it was time to really go for it and put more of my time into building something of my own.”

Launched in 2010, #SBS recognises and supports small businesses across the UK, with six selected each week through X, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Its network has grown to more than 4500 members, with winners receiving a profile on the official #SBS website and opportunities to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and participate in events and initiatives.

Theo added: “We are thrilled to welcome new #SBS members every week and highlight just how important it is to support our small businesses here in the UK.”

Little Hooray’s selection gives Vicky access to the wider network as she continues to develop the fledgling business.

She added: “I’m still very much at the beginning and learning as I go, so being chosen as an #SBS winner is a really lovely milestone. 

“I’m excited to be part of the #SBS community and to see where I can take Little Hooray next.”

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