Oh, how the handmade goods from our vendors put a smile on our face. Quontay of Q Made It gives a whole new meaning to “girl, put your records on” by putting records on, well, everything. Cupcake stands, stools, clocks, bowls – even fortune cookie shaped record key rings! We absolutely love her modern spin on upcycled vintage pieces, not to mention her unique business backstory, oh so fun personality, and outlook on #smallbusinesslife. It was such a treat getting to see what Q can do at The Big Fake Wedding New England, and we’re excited to share some if it with you all today!
“Quontay is making some of the most unique, fun wedding favors we’ve seen from a host of upcycled materials. Her products are as fun as she is!”
The Big Fake Wedding New England Team
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Tell us a little bit about the story of Q Made it.
I have always been crafty and loved baking from a very young age, so the sweet part of my business came naturally. The vinyl record crafts were born from a Tina Turner record I bought at a craft fair and turned into a clock. Since I didn’t listen to vinyls or have a record player, I decided to make something useful out of it especially since I needed a new clock for my apartment. A few of my friends saw it and wanted ones for themselves, so I went to my local used record store and bought a case of them. After I made all of the clocks, I still had a lot of records left. One day I was making cupcakes for a friend’s party and needed a nice display for them. I looked over at the remaining box of records collecting dust and the dessert stands were born. Friends and family encouraged me to share my crafts with others and after making the dessert stands for a bride who found a picture of my work on Facebook, I decided to open my Esty shop and take what was just a hobby of mine and turn it into a business.
Who or what inspires you?
Breathing new life into old and used things inspires me. I’m always going to thrift stores trying to find items that would normally get tossed away, to repurpose them to make them useful and beautiful again. My medium is used vinyls because I love music and all things vintage and being able to put my own modern twist to them.
What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is seeing the excitement on people’s faces when they see my products. Whether they’re reminiscing on all the records they used to own, or excited to teach their children about what a 45 is and why it needs an adapter to play. I’m constantly learning from customers and fellow vendors and am able to connect with them through my products in so many ways.
What advice would you give to aspiring small business owners?
Just start! You never know who is going to fall in love with your products or talents unless you put yourself out there. I am my worst critic and chronic over thinker. I used to believe no one would like my products enough to buy them, but you’d be surprised at how many unique people there are out there that love so many different things. Starting your own business doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking, financially or time-wise. Opening an Etsy shop was free and I took a little time each night to work on my business, whether it was creating my logo one night, finding out nearby fairs to apply to, or making items for my shop. A little consistent effort goes a long way and gets you all the more closer to reaching your goals.
What is your favorite part of The Big Fake Wedding experience?
The best part was meeting new people and getting tips and tricks from other vendors. It was so inspiring to be around so many other vendors that could share their story on how they came to pursue their own dreams in owning their own businesses. It truly is invigorating and you leave all the more energized to keep pushing forward.
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