Kildare youngster sets up own toy business

AT NINE years old, Timolin resident William Alexander Sygrios started his own toy company with a 3D printer, laser cutter and with a bit of guidance from his father.

The company is co-owned by William’s business partner, 14-year-old Sophia who manages the business side of things, alongside William’s creative inventions.

He said the process required persistence.

“It took a very long time. And I had a partner, Sophia, who helped. She liked the idea of the business, so she wanted to join.” 

William Alexander Toys produces an assortment of different items, including dragons, fairy houses, book nooks, and night lights to name a few.

He said the range is continuing to grow with seasonal items planned.

“We're looking to add more for each holiday like Valentine's, Christmas, Halloween,” he said.

The first item he made with the technology was dragon models.

“The dragons are articulated. We make stuff that are not really on other websites,” he said.

Among his favourite creations are his book nooks: “A piece that I'm most proud of is probably my electric book nook. They took a very long time to make and the most effort,” he said.

William Alexander Toys Company, which officially launched in February 2025, is a company which captures the boundless imagination of a child with no desire to switch off after school.

As a Third-Class student at Ballyshannon NS, William explained he has no problem balancing school responsibilities with his double life as a business owner and works with his father each week to promote his business on TikTok.

His want to start his own business came from helping his dad Ioannis, a fellow entrepreneur, with his own business:

“My dad has a business, and I was working for him and taking pictures, and for every picture I made, I got a euro. And then with that money, I bought some 3D printers. And after I bought the 3D printers, I had an idea to make my own business and make my own money. So that's how I started my toy business.” 

William said he hopes to continue expanding his business in the future.

“I think I would continue this business when I'm older, but I think I'll have more different things and add more. Not just toys, but different sections for adults.” He said product development is ongoing, including themed releases.

“My business is working on other products for Valentine's Day, like Valentine's fairyhouses, Valentine's rose houses, with lights inside.” 

Support from his school, Ballyshannon NS, has been positive, with William’s teachers very proud of his business venture

and his classmates wanting to get involved in toy-making.

“Probably the funniest part would be making the dragons,” said William. “But the happiest part is that everyone at my school wants to join my business.” 

William credited everyone who has helped out with the business, but mostly his dad who helped him get started. In no time, he was being featured in the Irish Independent and interviewed on Newstalk about his budding business.

“My dad helped me create the business,” said William. “And when I started the business, it was very hard, but then I got interviewed by lots of people and even went on radio news talk. And it was very exciting for me.” 

To check out the dragons, night lights, and book nooks, visit: https://williamalexandertoys.com.