Sixteen-year-old Murat from Melbourne is proving that innovation and determination can start young. Living with Dyslexia and ADHD and bursting with energy and ideas, Murat has channelled his creativity into a new venture – a 3D printing business making and selling fidget toys, key rings, and novelty items.
Murat has always had a knack for finding ways to keep busy. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, when he was just 12, he started building planter boxes for veggie gardens. Using timber and tools from Bunnings, he not only built and painted them for his own family but also sold them to neighbours.
On weekends, he offered to wash cars and help with gardening, eager to earn some extra pocket money while keeping himself active.
Outside of his entrepreneurial streak, Murat keeps a busy schedule with boxing six times a week and long sessions of bike riding. “I’ve never been someone who can sit still,” he laughs. “I always need to be doing something or creating something.”
Murat’s latest business venture took root when he discovered 3D printing at school. Fascinated by the idea of designing something on a screen and watching it come to life layer by layer, he soon invested his savings into his own 3D printer.
One of his biggest motivations has been his younger twin brothers, aged 10, who are both autistic. Murat started designing and printing small fidget toys for them, and was delighted when they showed a keen interest. “They loved them straight away. It made me really happy seeing something I made helping my brothers focus and feel calm,” Murat says.
This gave him the idea to expand beyond just family creations.
Recently, Murat opened his very first market stall, selling his 3D printed creations to locals. His range includes colourful key rings, quirky novelty items, and of course, his popular fidget toys. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many families appreciating the affordability and customisation Murat offers.
“It feels amazing to see people buying and using my designs,” he says. “It’s not just about making money – it’s about sharing something that makes people happy.”
For Murat, this is just the beginning. He hopes to expand his small business with more complex creations and perhaps even set up a website down the track. Long-term, he dreams of using his 3D design skills to create useful gadgets and assistive devices that could help people in their daily lives.
“I’m always thinking of new ideas,” Murat says. “I don’t know where this will take me, but I know I want to keep creating.”
Murat’s story shows how passion, resilience, and a supportive family can turn a hobby into something much more. Whether it was building veggie boxes at 12, helping neighbours on weekends, or now running a 3D printing stall, Murat is proof that young people can take their ideas and make them real.
And at the heart of it all, it’s about family. “Making toys for my brothers will always be special to me,” he says.
Melbourne with Kidz (MWK) 
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