A Newquay student has started a clothing brand that aims to tackle anxiety and low confidence in children.

Harley Ullrich-Steedman, aged nine, has launched Stones Collective, which offers a unisex T-shirt in three different colours made from certified organic cotton.

The Newquay Junior Academy student thought of the idea in 2023 when he himself struggled with the idea of going to summer clubs without his older brother. 

Harley wanted to launch his product at the beginning of the summer holidays so that children who are going to summer camp-style clubs can get a boost of confidence by wearing one of the T-shirts.

He is hoping the Stones Collective range will become recognised amongst children as the ‘building strength and resilience’ range, similar to the theory of a school buddy bench which children often use to find new friends at school by sitting on it until a buddy arrives. Harley also hopes the T-shirts will create the same companionship through recognition.

Harley’s parents have always given him a small token when setting off to complete any new challenge due to his struggles with confidence and fear of trying new things such as a new sport or a summer club.

They used to give him a hand drawn heart on his wrist for comfort which he felt gave him ‘superpowers’ like confidence and strength.

Harley has replaced this idea of a small temporary token with a t-shirt that children can wear to boost their confidence. He has gone on to compete competitively in Judo and hopes the brand inspires other children to try new things.

The concept has been welcomed by many parents since the launch with more than 10 orders in the first hour alone.

Harley is sharing his summer clubs’ journey and new school start on his socials run by his parents, in the hope that parents can show their children that they are not alone when feeling anxious about trying new things.

Harley plans to take the brand to local markets, schools, clubs and leisure centres in the coming weeks.