This week, we are shining the spotlight on Megan Pollock, the entrepreneur behind Second Scout, which specialises in creating beautifully designed visual aids that encourage kids to do everyday tasks in an engaging manner, whether it is to brush their teeth or wash their hands. Second Scout aims to ease the stress and workload parents experience in getting their children to do tasks and it has been hailed as an innovative solution that has gained the business and Megan recognition such as the Australia Post Local Business Hero Award 2023, Mum’s Grapevine Toy Guide Top Pick for 2023, and Life Instyle’s New Breed Scholarship Award 2022.
ISB: What was the inspiration behind Second Scout?
MP: Second Scout was born out of my own firsthand frustrations that came with raising a young family. Getting my kids to brush their teeth, put their shoes on, remember library bags etc never ran smoothly…despite my best efforts to practice patience amongst the 427 reminders! In an attempt to bring some calm to the chaos, I set out to create something both practical and aesthetically pleasing to help families like mine with daily routines and reminders.
ISB: What was the most challenging aspect of bringing this unique idea to life and how did you overcome it?
MP: The most challenging part was finding a factory to manufacture the range. Due to the unique design, where magnets are embedded inside timber, many factories refused to entertain the idea, often laughing and saying it wasn’t possible. Despite having built my own prototypes and proving that it was feasible, manufacturers were reluctant to make them. Given the nature of the products, there were also safety standards that needed to be met to certify the products, ensuring they were safe for children. This process involved multiple iterations of rigorous laboratory testing, requiring ongoing refinement of the product design to ensure they were compliant.
ISB: What makes Second Scout an ideal solution in encouraging kids to do basic tasks?
MP: Second Scout products are designed using easy-to-understand pictures, meaning even non-readers can understand them. The magnetic timber design makes the product hands-on and fun for kids. The Routine Helper, for instance, uses picture tiles that kids can flip over to reveal a star once a task is completed, turning routine tasks into a fun and rewarding experience. This tactile approach encourages kids to be more independent and confident.
ISB: How are you able to manage the myriad of roles required from you in managing the business?
MP: Managing the many roles involved in running the business is a constant juggle, especially with the demands of having a young family. As the sole full-time employee handling everything from product design to marketing and customer service, it’s extremely busy most days, so being organised and managing my time well is key. However some days things definitely don’t go to plan! One of the motivations for starting this business was to have the flexibility to be there for my kids when they have school/kindy events and commitments. While it often means late nights and weekends working, I love that I’m not tied to the traditional 9 am–5 pm schedule.
ISB: How do you envision Second Scout’s growth in the next couple of years?
MP: In 2023, we encountered a significant manufacturing setback, which temporarily halted our growth plans as we concentrated on securing a new factory. Now that we’ve overcome that hurdle, we’re ready to refocus on expanding internationally, especially targeting opportunities in the US market. Additionally, we’re excited to be developing new products to introduce to our customers. These initiatives are crucial for driving our business growth and continuing to provide our customers with the innovation we pride ourselves on and they’ve come to love.
ISB: If you were to give one piece of advice to someone who aspires to start their own business, what would that be?
MP: If you’re thinking about starting your own business, my advice would be to stay resilient and adaptable. The world of entrepreneurship is full of surprises and obstacles to say the least! Stay determined, embrace change, and learn from setbacks along the way. If you are passionate about your brand and what you do, it will become your strongest asset in overcoming these challenges.
