Sponsored by Barossa Enterprises
Play, Passion, and Purpose:
King’s Games is Changing the Rules
Barossa Enterprises can help with the skills needed to live independently and actively participate in the community.
If Nuriootpa’s James White could give advice to anyone considering starting their own business, he would tell them to go for it.
“Do your own business and be a big boss!” says the jovial 34-year-old, with a wide grin.
It’s no accident James’ lawn games hire business is called ‘King’s Games’. Inspired by his love of the television series, Game of Thrones, he says he feels like a king himself, being in control of his own enterprise.
“For my business, I feel like a boss! Like a king boss,” he adds.
What began as a father-and-son project to build a set of lawn games for a family wedding, has, with the support of Barossa Enterprises (BE), developed into a successful micro enterprise established in December last year, adding to James’ already busy work and social life.
“I just wanted my own business with games. I love the outdoors. I like games and I like sun, and meeting lots of people,” James says of his decision to offer the family’s set of lawn games for hire.
It’s been a successful launch, with King’s Games booked to attend wineries, schools, birthdays, and even Government House, where James had the opportunity to meet the Governor of South Australia, Her Excellency, the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, as part of World Down Syndrome Day this year.
“I brought my games that day, and of course there were kids around and they love games,” recalls James.
A game of bean bag toss, James’ favourite game, with Her Excellency was a highlight. “We both won!” James adds diplomatically.
As well as several traditional lawn game favourites, James brings his own creativity to his offering. For example, one game, similar to ‘Guess Who’, includes a clever option to personalise faces as likenesses of the client’s family and friends.
“I just wanted my own business with games. I love the outdoors. I like games and I like sun, and meeting lots of people.”
- james white
Micro enterprises supported by BE offer an alternative to traditional day programs or supported employment.
The program is available to participants with NDIS funding, and provides an alternative pathway to earn an income, while fostering independence and creativity, and leveraging personal interests and skills.
Support is tailored to the person’s needs, which for James, has included marketing, insurance, bookings, website and social media support.
And while BE is there to help people find their feet, it’s up to the participant just how far they want to take their business.
“People don’t have to stay supported with us, we make sure that it’s fully transferable…. We’re there to support them to reach their goal,” explains Kerry Hampel, BE’s Branding & Business Relationship Manager.
An important support element is provided by James’ mentor and friend, Sam Lawrence. Together, they discuss strategies and operationalise the business plan developed by BE which provides another level of independence for James.
James, a proud uncle of five, has also had the unwavering support of his family – parents, Neil and Kristen, and siblings, Patrick and Sarah and their partners.
Neil often helps James transport games to events and sees first-hand how his business has become a tool of empowerment.
“When James brings out the games, he meets with the customer and talks with them about setting up and use, and then sometimes he stays with the games… other times it’s drop the games off and then come and pick them up, but there’s always that initial interaction that he likes,” Neil explains.
“…We think that it’s really important that people in the community see people with disability in a positive and real light, you know, James works, he lives independently, he has a social life, he’s got a girlfriend.
“He’s just one of our members of the community, and that’s how we want people to see it.”
While James says he’s happy with the growth of the business to date, he’s still got some good ideas brewing.
One is manufacturing a selection of mini games to sell at markets, and the other is a new giant lawn game inspired by the video game ‘Angry Birds’.
With support in place from Barossa Enterprises, anything is possible for this boss.
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