In Honour of "Addy"
Nine year old entrepreneur launches business in honour of her late grandmother, who passed away from brain cancer
TJ and Addy
Tyla-Jaz, or TJ to her family and friends, was just nine years old when she lost her beloved grandmother “Addy” to brain cancer last year.
As TJ describes, Addy was also her best friend. “We used to do lots of fun things together, like going to the mall, going on walks, playing games, and cooking together.”
TJ was just nine years old when she lost her grandmother to brain cancer
“But one day we were at her house and she was kind of sick because of the brain cancer so she had to go to hospital. When she went in the ambulance, I was so upset I was crying and I couldn't stop. When we went to go see her she didn't know she had brain cancer and neither did we, but then one day she got told the news that she was diagnosed with brain cancer.”
Like so many Kiwis who have faced a brain cancer diagnosis, Addy fought her illness bravely before sadly passing away in 2020.
In March 2021, TJ came up with the idea to launch her own business selling Fidget products. Fidget products are designed to help with stress, anxiety and enhancing children's motor skills. A little over a month later, her business “TJ and Co” was launched. And in honour of Addy, TJ decided to donate a portion of all sales to Brain Tumour Support NZ.
TJ working hard on her business “TJ and Co”
TJ and Addy were very close, according to TJ’s Mum, Paige. “TJ watched, experienced and lived through day one with my Mum all the way to the end of her journey, which lasted three years. All TJ wants to do is help other families in need and if she can donate towards making Brain Boxes for people at the end of the day that is what pushes her through her small business.”
Now the ripe old age of ten, TJ works hard on the business, announcing the launch of new products, promotions and “bundle deals” on her website, and through Facebook and Instagram. With the support of her loving whanau, and a growing customer base, TJ is determined to make a difference to families who are impacted by brain cancer.
Chris Tse, chair of Brain Tumour Support NZ, said: “We have never met someone quite like TJ. To face grief and loss at such a tender age, and turn it around to do something positive for others takes a person of special character and maturity. I’m sure Addy is looking down on her granddaughter with great pride and joy.”