SAM, I AM
When Sam Richards tripped and smashed a tray of glasses while carrying drinks to his parents by the pool, the then 12-year-old had no idea the minor accident would lead, three years later, to his becoming a millionaire.
“My only thought was the world really needs some beautiful, unbreakable glasses.”
Last month, Sam, a New Zealander living on the Gold Coast with parents Phil and Michelle and older sister Katie, sold his plastic drinkware company, Bellaforte, for NZ$1 million to Una Brands, which intends to upscale production and turn the brand into a household name.
Bellaforte means “beautiful” and “strong” in Italian, says Sam, speaking to the Listener after school wrapped up on a Tuesday afternoon. He chose the name to express the elegance and durability of his glasses and to channel a European vibe.
Most plastic glasses are made out of acrylic, and crack easily, says Sam, with an assurance that belies his 15 years. Bellaforte glasses are made out of Tritan, long-lasting, durable and – critically
