5 Lessons from an Accidental Entrepreneur

Some of the best businesses don’t start with a polished plan. They start with a problem, and a scrappy solution.

That’s exactly how Zoë Chapman became an entrepreneur. She never set out to invent a product, let alone build a global brand. But one day, while potty training her son, she hacked together a solution with a coffee cup. That moment sparked what would become Kiddiwhizz, now selling in more than 25 countries.

Zoë’s journey is a playbook for founders on how to turn small ideas into big businesses.

1. Solve Real Problems with Creativity

Zoë didn’t set out to innovate. She simply solved an everyday frustration. That creativity, repurposing what she had at hand, led to a brand-new product category.

Founders don’t need grand visions to start. They need to solve real problems in ways people actually want.

2. Persistence Turns Setbacks into Strength

One of Zoë’s first designs was stolen by a factory overseas. For many, that would have been the end. For her, it was fuel.

Every founder will hit setbacks. The question is whether you stop or keep building anyway.

3. Use Your Network and Your Story

Zoë leaned on her industry contacts for advice and used social media storytelling to get her product seen. She didn’t have huge budgets, but she had authenticity, and it worked.

Your network and your story are often your most powerful growth tools. Use them.

4. Conviction Wins Investors

When Zoë appeared on Dragon’s Den, what stood out wasn’t just her product. It was her conviction. Investors believed her because she believed in herself.

Numbers matter, but belief sells. If you’re not confident in your solution, why should anyone else be?

5. Think Global from Day One

Today, Kiddiwhizz is in 25+ countries. Zoë’s advice? Don’t wait to think global. Even solo founders can scale internationally with the right strategy.

Your idea might be bigger than your local market. Don’t box yourself in.

Like so many founders, Zoë never planned to be an inventor. She just solved a problem in front of her, and kept going when things got tough.

Every founder has problems like that in their everyday life or business. The real question is: which one are you going to solve?

Want to hear Zoë's full story, listen to her interview with Female Fusion's founder, Jen Blandos HERE