07/06/2026
Its been brought to our attention that a few comments and assumptions are being made about James’ Shack lately, so we'd like to clear a few things up 🤗
Tina,
We're not entirely sure why a 15-year-old working hard and trying to build something positive has become a problem for you. Yes, of course he doesn't do everything alone. He's 15 years old and in full-time education. School comes first, always. As parents, we've supported him every step of the way because that's what parents do when they see their child working hard, showing initiative and learning valuable life skills, isn't it?
What started 3–4 years ago as a small stall selling home grown tomatoes from his allotment grew into crafts, sweets and eventually the Shack you see today, which none of us were expecting. The success hasn't happened overnight, and it certainly hasn't been handed to him!
We're incredibly proud of the work ethic, commitment and business skills he's developed and continues to learn. When demand grew beyond anything we expected, of course we stepped in to help and support him. Most families would, right?
The Shack has also become a place where other young people can get involved too. Friends who are also 15 selling plants and trees through the Shack, support other young people with their own sheds and ideas, and encourage one another. Rather than seeing young people criticised for trying to make something of themselves, we'd rather see them encouraged. It's teaching teamwork, responsibility, confidence and supporting fellow young entrepreneurs.
Not every child thrives in exactly the same way. Some children find school challenging, while others discover confidence, purpose and valuable life skills through practical experiences, hobbies and business ventures. For many young people, projects like this become a positive outlet, a happy place and somewhere they can grow, learn and achieve things they never thought possible.
Everything has been done through the correct channels, with the relevant registrations, certificates and inspections in place. Success doesn't automatically mean someone is doing something wrong it can simply mean they've worked hard and built something people want to support.
We're just surprised that instead of encouraging a young person who's choosing hard work, entrepreneurship and responsibility, you've chosen to publicly question and criticise, not just him, but the whole Shack Team.
And while we're at it given that you're a local baker yourself, in the same town, we would have thought you'd appreciate the effort, dedication and commitment that goes into building something from scratch and seeing it grow?!?
At the end of the day, we'll continue supporting our son and his friends, just as we've always done. We'd much rather see young people building businesses, learning life skills and supporting one another than sitting around doing nothing or out and about causing trouble. We're incredibly proud of what the boys have achieved and excited to see where their hard work takes them next 💙
