🌟 From Side Hustle to Spotlight: The Calmness Crew Mental Health Plushie Gets Theo Paphitis’ Seal of Approval! 🌟

I’m thrilled to share some incredible news with our amazing community!

Our mission to support children’s mental health through the Calmness Crew—our range of mental health, voice-guided, weighted plushies, just received a huge boost. We were chosen by none other than Theo Paphitis, entrepreneur and former Dragon from Dragon’s Den, as one of the winners of his Small Business Sunday (#SBS) community.

Well Good officially named as one of the Small Business Sunday winners by Theo Paphitis!

As someone juggling this business alongside my HR job and a busy family life, being chosen from thousands of applicants is a real “pinch me” moment. I launched Well Good from my kitchen table, driven by personal experience and a deep desire to create tools that genuinely help young people navigate anxiety, stress, and self-doubt in a fun and accessible way.

Taking a Giant Step Forward

After being named an #SBS winner, I was invited to attend Theo’s Small Business Bootcamp, an inspiring day of learning and connection with other passionate entrepreneurs. But the excitement didn’t stop there…

We’ve now been shortlisted as one of just 36 businesses (from hundreds of applicants!) being considered for one of 12 FREE exhibition stands at the NEC Spring Fair in February 2026—the UK’s number one gift and home show.

This could be a game-changing moment for Well Good, giving us the chance to showcase the Calmness Crew mental health plushies, to major retailers and buyers on a national stage.

Theo's Seal of Approval 💙

To say thank you and to show him what his support means to us, I sent Theo one of our Calmness Crew mental health plushies. He took the time to look at it and sent back his seal of approval—a moment that genuinely made me emotional.

Theo Paphitis with The Calmness Crew mental health weighted plushie!

It’s not just about the product, it's about the belief in the purpose behind it. These mental health plushies are more than just cuddly companions, they’re tools for emotional wellbeing. Each one includes a voice that guides children through techniques that help them breathe, focus, and build self-confidence. In a world where young people are facing increasing mental health challenges, these small, comforting tools can make a big difference. As someone building this with heart and purpose (and often late at night after putting the kids to bed), that recognition means the world.

Why It Matters

I created Well Good because of what I saw my own family go through post-lockdown. I know firsthand how much of a lifeline the right support can be. Every message from a parent or carer who tells me their child is sleeping better, feeling braver, or smiling more because of their plushie makes all the hard work worth it.

And now, with the support of Theo Paphitis and the incredible #SBS community, we’re one step closer to bringing the Calmness Crew into more hands and hearts across the country.

The Calmness Crew aren’t just toys, they're tools. They're comforters, companions, and coaches for young people navigating big feelings. Each mental health plushie guides kids through breathing exercises, positive affirmations, and calming techniques—because every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and Well Good.

Young Child being comforted by their Calmness Crew mental health weighted plushie.

Thank you for being part of this journey, whether you’re a customer, cheerleader, partner, or just someone rooting for small businesses doing big things with heart.

Thank you also to Theo, the #SBS community, and all of you who’ve supported our journey so far. This is only the beginning.

With love and gratitude,
Fran x
Founder of Well Good and The Calmness Crew Brand