Meet the father and daughter duo making slime 'loved by children with autism, ADHD and anxiety'

Josh Williams and his two-year-old daughter Poppy have racked up nearing eight million views on video hosting platform TikTok.What started off as a way for them to share their bond and adventures with people across the world has grown into a niche – and rather messy – business that has taken over the kitchen of their home in Castleford, West Yorkshire.
Laura Reid
By Laura Reid
Published 12th Jul 2023, 11:50 BST

Introducing Poppy’s Slime Kitchen. Dad Josh, who runs a marketing agency, is always on the lookout for creative activities to try with Poppy and last year, the pair turned their hands to making slime. The first attempt was an instant hit with dynamo toddler Poppy, who quickly became obsessed with making more slime of all different colours, designs and scents.

Josh captured the creating process on camera and the pair’s adorable partnership and colourful creations went down a storm on TikTok. Soon, the duo found themselves being inundated with requests to make slime for others to buy. "Initially, we didn’t really want to sell it as I was scared it would take the fun out of it,” says Josh. “But we were getting bombarded from people. Parents were talking about how they find slime is good for their children with autism, with ADHD, with anxiety. We sat on it for a while and thought okay let’s go for it and see what happens.”

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They began at the outset with a TikTok shop but now run Poppy’s Slime Kitchen, complete with a website from which people can directly purchase the products – and there’s quite a few. The slimes, divided into the categories of sensory slime, fragranced slime and aromatherapy slime, are designed to be both visually appealing and fun for children and adults alike. There’s everything from a cookies and cream creation to coffee, pear drop and bubblegum scents, and some slimes are designed specifically with therapeutic benefits in mind.

Josh Williams, with daughter Poppy, of Poppy's Slime Kitchen.Josh Williams, with daughter Poppy, of Poppy's Slime Kitchen.
Josh Williams, with daughter Poppy, of Poppy's Slime Kitchen.

Proud dad Josh says he and Poppy have poured their hearts and souls into the venture, spending countless hours experimenting with different ingredients, textures and colours. "Together, we've embarked on an amazing adventure, creating sensory slimes that work wonders for children and adults dealing with autism, ADHD, and anxiety. Seeing the impact these slimes have on people's lives has been nothing short of extraordinary.

“As a dad, I've always wanted to find ways to connect with my daughter and help her navigate the world around her. After looking for fun things to do, we stumbled upon slime creation and the benefits of sensory play. Not only does it engage and captivate the senses, but it also has a calming effect."

Craft fairs are now in the pipeline for Poppy’s Slime Kitchen and it is likely the pair will soon move their work to a dedicated studio – and out of the kitchen of their family home. Plans are also in place to donate five per cent of the cash from slime sales to the National Autistic Society, Josh says. “The great thing is that Poppy is aware she’s helping other children and that makes me a bit soppy that she knows the purpose behind it.”

Related topics:ADHDParentsWest YorkshireCastleford