We recently connected with Quincy Wise and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Quincy, thanks for joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

For me the path from idea to execution was a swift. The idea for Quinessentials occurred during the initial lockdown of pandemic and I had a lot of free time. During that time I did a lot of product research, watched tutorials and scoured the internet for design inspiration. The thing I’m forever grateful for is my strong support system. My family and friends were originally my first customers and one of them bought my first resin kit to get started. As you could guess most of them were my first customers, but the real challenge occurred when I was trying to expand outside of them.

The first few months were slow and I honestly wasn’t sure what to do next. Fortunately, I had two friends who started their businesses around the same time and they encouraged me to open a shop on Etsy. I setup my shop and began using their advertisements to help boost my sales, but that can only take you so far when you’re new to site. At this point I’d spent so much money on supplies and had little to show for it. Oddly, during this time a friend of mine keep sending me information about markets, but I held off business I wasn’t sure if my products would sell.

I got to the point where I knew my business wouldn’t grow if I continued to live in doubt. So I began researching the basic necessities I needed for my first market and applied. I initially went into the market with a really low goal in mind, but I exceeded it. I vividly remember shedding actual tears of joy on the car ride home. Since then I’ve numerous markets, met people who inspired new products and built a network with other vendors who constantly encourage each other.

There are moments today when business can be slow, but I’m constantly reminded that I’m heading in the right direction. With that in mind I choose to explore new designs, attended different markets and sharing what i love to do with others.

Quincy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Quinessential Goods is a company that makes unique household goods out of resin. We make ashtrays, coasters, incense holders, keychains, shot glass trays and wine bottle stoppers. We pride ourselves on creating beautiful products that you won’t find anywhere else and that’s a promise.

I learned early that a in order to grow my business I really had to do a lot of problem solving to create products that suited my customers needs the best. I changed resin quite a bit until I found on that worked best, I changed molds for bigger coasters and I even switched incense holder molds for a shape that catches the ash better. Most of this information I gained for customers at markets and sales from those products have increased after listening to the feedback they gave me.

Quinessentials has been in business for two years and that alone is a lot to be proud of. I’m truly amazed to see how much my skills, thought process and products have grown during this time. People always tell you what they want or need from your company, but you really have to take the time to listen. I can honestly say that I wouldn’t be where I am today without my customers, friends, family, network of vendors and platforms like yours.

How did you build your audience on social media?

First and foremost, I had to begin a regular posting schedule. That level of consistency keeps viewers engaged and that really helps with the algorithm that most popular sites have these days. Another big part is brand awareness; therefore, I make sure my logo and brand colors whenever I can. Social media advertisements where are great help. I did a few and then took those insights to create my own target audience. Lastly, as much as I tried to avoid it….MAKE REELS! From reels I’ve gained so many followers, newsletter subscribers and sales. Those were four things I had to learn over time and it all paid off for me in the end.

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

As I mentioned earlier, Quinessentials and all of their products can be found on Etsy. I think the best part of Etsy is the worldwide audience it has. I’ve advertise my products on their for months and I was able to get my first internationally order. Another pro is that they give very helpful business tips and from doing those I’ve seen more people engaging with certain products. Even though shoppers are constantly liking these product listing they’re not really selling as well as I thought. Based on the questions I’m constantly asked it seems as though the issue arrises from people not being able to physically see these products. To solve for this I started participating in markets at least once a month. I did a market before and the customer told me that she followed me on Instagram and decided to come just to see a coaster set she really liked in person because the photos didn’t do it any justice.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheQuinessentials
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/the.quinessentials
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Quinessentials
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/quinessentials_

Image Credits
Headshot was taken by Cydney Rhines of Into Creation Studios