This is the SammyBags story—one that started in a small café, sparked by a customer’s reusable bag and a shared desire for something better.
Our story began in Pilgrim, a cozy espresso bar in Ōtautahi Christchurch, New Zealand. Pilgrim is a place where everyone feels welcome—regulars from all walks of life, shared conversations, and great coffee. One of those regulars, Emma, brought in her own reusable bag for food each day. I’d quiz her with questions while buttering her scone, hand over her coffee, and watch her dash back to work. But my curiosity lingered—where had that bag come from, and what was it made of?
Eventually, I tracked down the material: a washable, durable fabric that sparked something bigger.
♻️ How the SammyBags Story Began
Outside of Pilgrim, life introduced us to Samantha, who lived up the street. Sam spent more time on the swings than our kids did—and yet, at 18, she was facing deep struggles, trying to find solid ground. She loved kids, cats, and roast lamb—and so did we. Over time, we got to know each other. Sam became incredibly close to our family.
When the first sample of fabric arrived, I designed a bag and trained Sam to use the tools. She picked things up quickly, and before long we had our first handmade prototypes. SammyBags was born. While the creative direction came from me, Sam’s energy and commitment helped bring the project to life. We’ve been grateful for what she’s added ever since.
When we officially set up SammyBags, we created the business with three equal shares—between myself, my wife Pieta, and Sam—to reflect the part each of us played in making it real.
🧠 What the SammyBags Story Stands For
Our early bags featured a small side tag that read “Own it.” Though we no longer use the tag, the message still underpins everything we do.
We believe our environment and mental health are deeply connected—and that change starts with taking responsibility for both. Sam’s tattoo, “Change Nothing; Nothing Changes,” captured this perfectly. It reminded us that inaction is still a choice. Every decision, from packaging to how we care for ourselves and others, has impact.
- Own your decisions.
- Own your wellbeing.
- Own your packaging.
Because small, conscious choices add up to meaningful change—for people and the planet.
If you’re curious about the bigger picture behind our packaging, you can read more about our sustainability approach here.
👜 Explore the Reusable Packaging Behind SammyBags
What started as one bag at a coffee bar has grown into a mission to make reusable packaging more thoughtful, beautiful, and meaningful. Each piece is handmade with care right here in Aotearoa. You can browse the full collection on our shop page and discover how we’re making everyday packaging more personal.
🌱 Why the SammyBags Story Matters Today
Sustainability and mental health aren’t just trends—they’re real issues affecting people and the planet every day. The SammyBags story reminds us that even small ideas, when nurtured with care and community, can grow into something meaningful.
We didn’t set out to change the world. We just wanted to make a better bag—and in doing so, we found a better way to live and work, too.
Today, SammyBags supports individuals and businesses who want to reduce waste in thoughtful, practical ways. Our customers include cafés, roasters, makers, and everyday people who value sustainability—not just in packaging, but in people. We’re proud to be part of a growing movement that values mental wellbeing, connection, and responsibility alongside quality and design.
Whether you’re buying one of our handmade bags or simply following our journey, you’re helping carry the story forward. And that means the world to us.
📬 Stay Connected
Thanks for being part of the SammyBags story so far. We’re just getting started.
Stay connected as we explore better ways to care for people and reduce waste, one handmade bag at a time.
👉 Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates, ideas, and behind-the-scenes moments.
Ngā mihi,
David, Pieta & Sammy
The SammyBags Team