Sam is a bright and passionate young man with a love for all things geological. From polished quartz to treasured pounamu, Sam has long been fascinated by the natural world - his bedroom filled with dazzling stones and crystals, a testament to his enthusiasm.

Keen to turn this lifelong interest into a business, Sam (with support from his mum, Melinda) applied to Manawanui’s Fund for Good to help bring his idea to life: Sam Rocks, a small business offering tumbled stones and handmade jewellery. With his infectious energy and growing knowledge, Sam hopes to spark a love for geology in others and share the joy these pieces bring him.

The funding has gone towards a rock tumbler, materials, and building a website - essential first steps to getting Sam Rocks off the ground. The plan includes attending local markets, creating engaging social media content, and even expanding into carving pounamu pendants in the future.

But Sam Rocks is more than a business. For Sam, who is autistic, it’s a step towards his self-direction and independence, to share something he loves, learn new skills, and build a routine that brings him joy. From learning how to polish stones to engaging with customers, Sam is already gaining confidence and momentum as he begins this exciting new journey.

Sam’s journey was also recently featured in the Otago Daily Times. You can read the full article here: Sam's Rocks - Ground-breaking Business (ODT)