A New Zealand father, Vaughan Campbell, embarked on a remarkable journey after facing a life-altering diagnosis of leukemia. The 34-year-old, residing in Whanganui, NZ, found solace in his long-held dream of establishing a distillery. His inspiration struck while observing the detrimental effects of food wastage, leading him to innovate a unique approach – transforming surplus baked goods into alcoholic beverages.

Vaughan’s battle with leukemia instigated a profound shift in his perspective, motivating him to pursue his passion for distilling spirits. Despite the initial shock of his diagnosis, he resolved to realize his dream amidst the adversity. Supported by his wife Emma and their three children, Vaughan’s determination to create a lasting legacy for his family fueled his entrepreneurial spirit.

The turning point came when Vaughan seized an opportunity presented by the Innovate Whanganui competition, offering a substantial prize for budding entrepreneurs. With unwavering dedication, he crafted a business model centered on sustainability and waste reduction, aiming to produce premium vodka using discarded bakery items. His vision resonated with the judges, propelling him to victory and granting him the means to kickstart his venture.

Transitioning from a home brewer to a professional distiller, Vaughan collaborated with local businesses to repurpose unsold bread and cakes into high-quality spirits. Through meticulous processes involving fermentation and distillation, he transformed bakery remnants into exquisite alcoholic beverages. The culmination of his efforts materialized in the form of meticulously crafted bottles of vodka, symbolizing resilience and triumph over adversity.

As Vaughan’s distillery, aptly named Good Bones, flourished, he remained steadfast in his commitment to sustainable practices and community engagement. Blending his expertise in distillation with a heartfelt mission to combat food waste, he exemplified the transformative power of perseverance and innovation. Today, Vaughan’s success story stands as a testament to his indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication to turning life’s challenges into opportunities for growth and fulfillment.