The idea came about when the trio, who all study business, identified a problem after all getting burnt scalps at school. Much research and testing followed to validate the product, Jenna said.

Developing the product, which was all hand-made in bulk batches, and running the business had been "so much fun" and they had learned some useful skills including around finance and self-confidence.

Sole was shipped world-wide and orders had been sent as far afield as Australia, the United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark and Norway. The success of the product was not initially expected. "When we started, we only expected to sell to our parents," Jenna said, laughing.

Now in their last year at school, the group hoped to keep the business running next year, reach more countries and grow global sales, Jenna said. They were grateful for all the help they had received, particularly from their teachers who had been their "biggest cheerleaders".

They would now head to Wellington in December for the national YES final.

The top six Otago teams comprised Accelerate (Otago Boys’ High School), Easy Mix (Otago Boys’), Historivia (Cromwell College), Hydretta (Otago Boys’), Piller (Bayfield High School) and Sole.

Hydretta was runner-up regional champion and won the innovation category, while Sole also won the excellence and sales and marketing category and best annual review.

The leadership award was won by Carys Addy, from Cromwell College, while teacher of the year went to Aimee Ross, also of Cromwell College.

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