ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — What started as a way for Andrew Chase Burchfield to relax and work through difficult emotions has grown into a small business built around something he loves: rocks.

Burchfield, who lives in Robbinsville, makes necklaces, bracelets and earrings from gemstones and crystals, polishing stones and wrapping them in wire to create one-of-a-kind pieces.

His business, Dream Chaser Jewelry, has taken him beyond his workshop, introducing him to other artists, new friends and customers who appreciate his creations.

“It was a hobby for me to help me relax, but then it became a business,” Burchfield said.

He first became interested in rocks and gemstones as a way to cope with stress, anger and depression. Over time, that interest grew into something more.

Burchfield learned wire-wrapping techniques by watching YouTube videos. Now, he spends his time polishing stones, making jewelry and experimenting with new ideas.

Making jewelry takes time, he said, and he tries to be patient with the process.

Sometimes, that patience is especially important.

Amanda Gyongyos, who works with Burchfield, said some rough stones spend as long as three months in a rock tumbler before they’re ready to become jewelry.

“You don’t know exactly what it’s going to look like when it comes out, but it’s amazing at the different designs on a stone,” Gyongyos said.

Burchfield doesn’t have a favorite gemstone. He’s worked with so many that choosing just one is difficult.

“I like them all,” he said.

From hobby to business

Dream Chaser Jewelry wasn’t the business’s original name.

Burchfield first called it Andrew’s Divine Jewelry before a friend helped him come up with Dream Chaser Jewelry.

His handmade creations are listed as available through Madam Clutterbuckets and the FIRSTwnc office in Asheville, according to Vaya Partners’ Microenterprise Business Directory.

But selling jewelry is only part of what Burchfield enjoys about running his business.

He also likes traveling to events, meeting customers and spending time with other artists.

Gyongyos said those experiences have helped him develop friendships, including with other artists who have autism.

“We’ve met a lot of other artists that have autism as well, and he’s made some really good friends,” she said.

Gyongyos began working with Burchfield in July and said she has been impressed by what he creates.

“We’ve had fun,” she said.

A helping hand from SERVE

Turning a hobby into a business takes more than an idea. It also takes equipment, supplies and a place to work.

For Burchfield, assistance through the SERVE Equity Fund helped support the growth of Dream Chaser Jewelry.

Gyongyos said a loan through the nonprofit helped Burchfield purchase a building for his workshop and obtain materials and equipment for the business.

Those purchases included rough stones, earring supplies, wire for wrapping gemstones, rock tumblers, tables and jewelry displays.

The business also has two canopies for festivals, banners, business cards and T-shirts featuring the Dream Chaser Jewelry logo. A website is in development.

Gyongyos said SERVE’s assistance helped Burchfield establish and equip his workshop, although the amount of the loan and how much of the overall investment it covered have not been confirmed.

SERVE is a Western North Carolina nonprofit that helps people with disabilities start and grow businesses.

Founded in 2021 through a partnership with Eagle Market Streets Development Corporation, SERVE became an independent nonprofit in October 2024.

Its founder and executive director, Ian Rudick, said the organization works to help people with disabilities achieve greater economic independence through entrepreneurship.

SERVE provides interest-free financial assistance, along with vocational and business development support.

As of late October, Rudick said nine entrepreneurs had received assistance, with a 10th participant expected to join the program.

The businesses vary widely, from handmade products and engraving to food tours, massage services and language training.

Rudick said the organization has relied on personal funding, fundraising and proceeds from consignment sales to support its work.

The goal is to give people with disabilities opportunities not only to find employment but also to build businesses around their own interests and abilities.

Something new on the horizon

Burchfield isn’t finished finding new ways to use his creativity.

His next project involves turning old spoons into rings.

He and Gyongyos have been collecting vintage silverware at thrift stores, yard sales and flea markets, drawn to the intricate designs often found on older pieces.

They already have a machine for making spoon rings but haven’t set it up yet. They hope to begin using it this winter.

“Even if they’re a little tarnished, I still think that they’re beautiful,” Gyongyos said of the older utensils.

For Burchfield, Dream Chaser Jewelry has become about more than making necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

It’s also given him opportunities to travel, meet people and make friends while sharing something he enjoys creating.

And while he doesn’t have a favorite gemstone, he’s always interested in seeing what the next stone might become.

This winter, he hopes to add something different to his collection: rings made from old spoons, each with its own design and history.

More information about the SERVE Equity Fund is available at serveequityfund.org.