We had the good fortune of connecting with Autumn Capurso and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Autumn, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
When I first started my business, I was a broke college student with a desire to create something I was proud of: something I was passionate for. I had just moved to Arizona from the East Coast, trying to build my future in a foreign state where I barely knew anyone. Initially after moving here, I picked up a job working at a retail shop in Old Town, Scottsdale. It was always so quiet in the last hour before I closed shop. In the solemn weaning hours sitting behind the register, my mind would begin to wander. Ever since I was a girl, I can remember having an interest in crystals. One particularly idle night, I decided to order some jewelry making supplies online to keep myself busy. Over the next few weeks, as the hands of the clock ticked slowly towards closing time, I began teaching myself to wrap crystals from Youtube do it yourself videos.
One day, when I came in for my shift, my manager called me into the back room. Confident and exited, I was sure that I was getting a raise. After all, I was a model employee: showing up early, staying late, always going the extra mile. I could not have been more wrong. Much to my surprise, I was fired on the spot. I might never truly know why I was let go, but a sneaking suspicion told me my bright purple hair and distinctive tattoos didn’t fit the stereotypical Scottsdale look.
With less than $200 in my bank account, I walked out of the shop in tears and didn’t look back. With a handful of homemade crystal necklaces and a used 10×10 tent, I knew it was sink or swim. I took the remaining money in my bank account and invested in business insurance, a license, a folding table, and more jewelry making supplies. A few weekends later I set up at a Saturday morning farmer’s market in Mesa. Nervous and unsure of myself, I could feel panic building in my chest. Was this all a mistake? Was my jewelry worth anything at all? What would I do if this didn’t work: how would I afford my groceries and living expenses?
By the end of the market, I had made just over $100, which was saying something considering how cheaply I was pricing each of my necklaces. I remember crying on the drive home, realizing that I had created something substantial and something that people wanted. Since then, my business has grown leaps and bounds. I have expanded into multiple retail stores in Arizona, opened an online shop, sold at many markets and pop up events such as First Friday, and developed numerous products.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’m most proud that I make everything I sell myself. All my jewelry is meticulously handmade by me and only me in my college dorm. Every piece I create is held to the highest standard and quality. Additionally, all my crystals are locally sourced from Tucson, Arizona, and all my materials are sustainable and environmentally friendly.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting for a day: We would start the day with a workout at Muscle Factory in Tempe. With the best equipment and community vibe, it’s hands down my favorite place to lift weights.
After, we’d head to Happy Joe Coffee in Tempe for a latte and their strawberry waffles.
After, we’d walk along mill and stop in Pitaya for some clothing shopping.
We’d grab lunch at Snakes and Lattes, and stop to play a quick board game.
Following that, we’d head back to campus to catch some sun by the pool at the campus gym.
We’d end the day with a sunset hike of A Mountain, and a brushetta board and glass of wine at Postinos.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The person who deserves a shoutout is Peyton Snooderly. She runs the Park West Farmer’s Market in Peoria, and is a b*dass entrepreneur, business owner, mom, and leader.

Website: https://autumnwillowjewelry.etsy.com/

Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/willowjewelry_/

Other: https://linktr.ee/willowjewelry

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.