If you’ve ever tried explaining your job to a child, you’ll know it isn’t always easy, especially if that job is “marketing.” For Singaporean founder and mum Cassandra Ong, the solution came in the form of a playful idea: turn marketing into a card game that even kids can enjoy.
The result is Ottie’s Fishy Business– a charming blend of strategy, storytelling, and otter-themed fun that turns intimidating business jargon into bite-sized, kid-friendly lessons. The idea was sparked by a moment many parents will relate to: trying to bridge the gap between adult responsibilities and a child’s curious questions. Instead of oversimplifying or brushing off the topic, Cassandra wanted her daughters to truly understand what she did for a living. That determination quickly grew into a passion project that took months of prototyping, creative design, and testing with families.
Now, what began as a mum’s personal teaching tool has transformed into a community-driven game with the potential to shape how the next generation views entrepreneurship and creativity.
An Otter-ly Clever Way To Learn
Ottie’s Fishy Business invites players aged seven and up to help Ottie the otter grow her little fish stand into a thriving business. The game features 55 beautifully illustrated otter-themed cards, including Missions, Actions and Wilds, the game teaches marketing concepts like influencer collaborations, campaign planning, and even business ethics.
What sets this card game apart is its accessibility. With rounds lasting under 20 minutes and space for two to five players, it’s a screen-free activity that works just as well for family bonding as it does in a classroom. Tested with children, parents, educators, and even professionals, it has already earned praise for its easy-to-understand rules and high replay value.
From Founder To Mother To Game Creator
The inspiration behind the game is deeply personal. Cassandra wanted to explain her “otter” job to her daughters in a way they could understand. Realising marketing was rarely taught in a kid-friendly format, she spent eight months developing, prototyping, and refining the idea until it came to life.
“As a child, I tried starting a few micro-businesses, but they flopped because I didn’t understand marketing,” Cassandra recalls. “With Ottie’s Fishy Business, my aim is to make learning about marketing accessible to people of all ages,” said Cassandra Ong, Founder of OtterHalf. “I hope kids, and even founders, can see that marketing doesn’t have to be complicated. If my 7-year-old daughter can pick up the basics through play, I believe anyone can.”
Beyond Family Fun: Teaching Tomorrow’s Entrepreneurs
While it’s charming as a game, Ottie’s Fishy Business has bigger ambitions. Educators see it as a unique way to spark classroom engagement, while student groups are already experimenting with workshops that bring its playful approach into business education. It’s a refreshing shift from the usual theory-heavy learning and a chance for kids to discover practical skills while having fun.
Digital Marketing and Branding lecturer Januel Koh (Singapore Polytechnic) foresees using it as an icebreaker to introduce marketing fundamentals in an interactive way for students without a business background. At Singapore Management University, the SMU Marketing Society is collaborating with OtterHalf on a marketing workshop to explore key concepts through the game. Together, these initiatives show how the game can bridge theory and practice for learners at different stages.
Where to find it
Ottie’s Fishy Business may have started as a way for one mother to explain her world to her children, but it has quickly evolved into something larger- a bridge between education, play, and imagination. At its heart, the game is about more than teaching marketing; it’s about empowering kids to think critically, make decisions, and understand how stories and strategies shape the world around them.
For parents, teachers, and budding entrepreneurs, it offers a refreshing reminder that learning doesn’t always have to be serious to be meaningful. Sometimes, the best lessons really do come through play.
Ottie’s Fishy Business is now available in Singapore via the OtterHalf website. Early supporters can email OtterHalf at ottie@otterhalf.co for priority access and community play-testing sessions.