Published on March 18, 2021
Kylie Burrett (1993) considers herself a teacherpreneur. As an award-winning designer, STEAM educator and creator of The Splat 3D Design Tool, Kylie is blazing a path in STEAM education and changing the way teachers develop student’s engineering, design and spatial skills in the classroom.
You have an interesting career path- tell us more.
My career trajectory was not linear. My first career was working for ABC TV in Sydney. It was fast-paced and fun but not very intellectually stimulating. I left there to work for Westpac on the 2000 Olympics project. Westpac was one of the major sponsors of the 2000 Olympics. Again it was a really fast-paced job, and it was super exciting to be part of that amazing event. At this point, I decided to return to uni to complete an education degree and specialise in children’s media and educational products. Throughout my degree, I worked for the ABC and an education company. I also have classroom experience working as a teacher at HVGS.
How did you become interested in design?
My love for design came into focus when consulting for some amazing creators in children’s educational/entertainment programming around 2007. My favourites were Keith Chapman (Paw Patrol and Bob the Builder) and husband and wife duo Richard Taylor and Tania Rodgers (Weta Workshop NZ). It was the first time in my life that I really felt passionate about my work. I’d never seen creativity and product design like this in action. Being on the workshop floor at Weta, NZ, was life-changing for me.
What led to you developing The Splat?
When the economic downturn happened around 2010, I became a stay-at-home mum and decided in my spare time (!) to complete a Masters Degree. I laugh because my husband and I have five children; there is no spare time. It was whilst studying and having my children that I came up with the idea.
Tell us about the most fulfilling aspect of your job?
Helping teachers support their students to develop their creative potential.
What is next for you?
I have a new project coming out later in the year with another teacherpreneur. It’s still in development but involves education, creativity and entrepreneurship.
What’s your dream and passion in life?
Personally, to never stop learning and exploring my own creativity. Professionally, my dream is that through teaching, I will help students fulfil their potential in life. I love that this is different for everyone.
What has been the most challenging aspect of bringing your design to life?
The most challenging aspect is knowing and being able to run all parts of my business, from how to pack a box of Splats to coding automated online systems for distribution to managing finances and pitching projects.
What traits do you think people need to be successful entrepreneurs?
Not worrying about getting everything perfect.
Most successful entrepreneurs I know just jump into solving a problem and learn as much as they can along the way. You must love solving problems and seeing results.