What began as planning sessions, prototype testing and after-school production quickly became something far more real. For the first time, we were presenting our products to the public, engaging with genuine customers and seeing whether our idea could stand on its own.

Our concept centres around thermochromic coasters that change colour when heat is applied. The transformation happens almost instantly when a hot drink is placed on the surface, creating a reaction that is both interactive and memorable. In theory, the idea was strong. Spitalfields was where we discovered whether it would translate into real demand.

The atmosphere on the day was energetic and competitive. Being surrounded by Young Enterprise teams from other schools added another level of intensity. Many stalls were impressively presented, with confident pitches and well-developed branding. It pushed us to present ourselves professionally and to communicate our idea clearly and concisely.

As the market became busier, we learnt quickly. We refined our pitch, demonstrated the colour change more efficiently and adapted how we approached different customers. Not every conversation resulted in a sale, but each interaction improved our confidence and sharpened our communication. One of the most rewarding moments was watching customers react when the coaster changed colour for the first time. That visible moment of surprise confirmed that the core strength of our product lies in its immediate impact.

By the end of the day, we had sold the majority of our coasters, with only a few left. That achievement was encouraging, but more importantly, it validated the originality of our concept beyond the classroom environment. Observing other schools also broadened our understanding of enterprise. Each team brought creativity and determination to the market, and it was clear that success depends not only on the product itself but on presentation, teamwork and resilience.

Was everything flawless? No. But that's the point.

Spitalfields turned Chameleon Coasters from an idea into something tangible. We saw what worked, what needs refining for future sales events and where we could improve production quality and presentation. It has pushed us to continue raising our standards.

If anything, it made us more determined.

We are not simply completing a project. We are building a brand, and Spitalfields was only the beginning.

Aashraya Karki, Year 12
Managing Director