Meet Quinn Conahan | Student & Small Business Owner

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

Hi Quinn, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit dating back to 4th grade when I sold custom bookmarks to my classmates. From then on I started small business over the years which all ultimately fizzled out. Never the less I kept creating! My idea for Quinn Jewelry was a bit of a cliché: necessity is the mother of invention. I found that all high quality jewelry was too expensive and affordable jewelry was terrible quality. That’s why I created my line of anti tarnish, water resistant, hypoallergenic jewelry, all at a price a college student can afford!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I have been an artist as long as I can remember. I took art classes and painted, sketched and created almost everyday for 12 years. I love anything and everything creative including nail art, graphic design, website creation, and most recently jewelry design! The creativity and aesthetics come naturally to me, but the business aspects… not so much. I had to deal with government forms, difficult customers, and financial difficulties all while being a student and working. Thankfully I am able to have great business mentors such as my parents, peers and others to help me along the way. I am learning everyday and can’t wait to see what my future in business brings me!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In the morning I would take my best friend to a fun brunch place such as The Porch, daily Jam, or First Watch to get fueled for the day. The Tempe/Phoenix/Scottsdale area has so many fun things to choose from! I would either go check out the Wonderspaces Museum in Scottsdale Fashion Square, hike Hole in the Rock, or take a boat cruise on Tempe Town Lake!

We would then get defalco’s Italian Market and enjoy dinner and cheesecake at a Tempe Town Lake picnic!

After we would walk Mill Ave. and check out the night life!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my family! My parents have always encouraged my crazy small business and have helped fund Quinn Jewelry from the beginning. I have learned so much about design and aesthetics from my mom and business details and logistics from my dad. My sister has helped package and send out orders and is so patient when I keep asking her if she will model for me or if she likes new products. I also want to shoutout my friends whom without, Quinn Jewelry would not exist. They have been my first customers, my hype girls on social media, my models, my photographers and my biggest supporters! You all know who you are!

Website: etsy.com/shop/quinnjewelryla

Instagram: quinnjewelryla

Image Credits
Blair Rocheleau