I am a high school student in Loudoun County, Virginia, and I started Samiyastrings in sixth grade after a school project inspired me. My team had to sell pencils and donate the money to a charity of our choice. Sadly, one of our teachers had recently passed away, so we decided to donate the proceeds to his family. Helping a family in need touched my heart, and I knew I wanted to continue giving back, even after the project was over. A few days later, as if by fate, a friend admired a bracelet I was wearing and asked where I got it. When I told her I made it myself and showed her more of my designs, she asked if I could make one for her and offered to pay. I told her I’d make it regardless of payment, but her appreciation sparked an idea: What if I used my hobby to help those less fortunate? And that’s how SamiyaStrings was born.

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I’m excited to use my passion for jewelry-making to raise funds for those in need. Over the past year, I’ve saved any cash gifts from family and friends to purchase supplies, with my parents offering to help with the initial costs. I plan to use the proceeds from my sales to fund future supplies and donate all profits to the Dulles South Food Pantry. I also hope to support more causes in the future and would love to hear what matters most to you. Together, we can make a difference—one string at a time.

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Thank you!

Samiya