We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chandler Wright. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chandler below.

Chandler, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

I began my business, Not Quite Diamonds, around June of 2021 in hopes of making my handmade jewelry in styles that aren’t found in mainstream and mass-produced stores. My biggest goal has always been representation to those who cannot or do not find it elsewhere, such as individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. As a multi-letter member of the community, I often cannot find jewelry and fashion that represents my style and identity, so, by offering custom orders and unique pieces, I hope to provide that sense of belonging for others. Besides providing people with jewelry that suits them, we also donate to nonprofits for events like Pride month and the 4th of July. Every June, we donate 10% of profits to the Trevor Project, a nonprofit aimed at helping queer youth, and on the 4th of July, we typically donate to a nonprofit that supports the Black Lives Matter movement and/or provides support for BIPOC in some way, since that is a prevalent issue in America.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I first started my business in my home at 15 years old, hoping to make a difference through creating something I love–jewelry. I have always loved fashion and jewelry, as well as arts and crafts, so it seemed like the perfect idea when I started. It was definitely a learning curve, but I have made and continue to make progress in advancing my creations every day. I make jewelry of all types, from earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, and chokers, to keychains, purse clips, waist chains, and anything you can dream up. I offer custom orders, as I love collaborating with customers to make their vision a reality, so if you can dream it, I can make it happen.
The main problem I aim to solve is representation, with a heavy dose of activism worked in. Activism has always been one of my biggest passions, so working it into my business was an easy decision. I am still working to improve and expand my activism and advocacy, both in my personal life and my business, because everybody deserves to live freely. There is not a single person you could convince me does not deserve life and happiness based on what they look like, who they love, or any other part of their identity.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients has definitely been all the wonderful reviews I’ve gotten, whether by word of mouth or by written messages. Donating to a nonprofit also boosts sales, because having a concrete cause helps people make purchases they know will support their values.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I am still unlearning is worthlessness. Every time I price one of my products, it takes about three times of someone telling me it’s too low to reach the price marked on the pictures. I undersell myself horribly, and I am still somewhat afraid of driving off potential clients due to price alone; however, one thing I’ve learned is that almost all customers will pay more for something they value. Customers prioritize value over price, and if it speaks to them, chances are they’ll think your price is completely reasonable.

To other business owners: you want to price your products in a way that makes you uncomfortable. We all feel like we price ourselves too high, especially in art fields, but the glory is that there’s only one of you. If you price a necklace at $50, and it doesn’t sell in the first day, that’s perfectly normal. Chances are the right person hasn’t seen it yet, and I’d rather sell it for its value than mark it down for quick sale.

The internet is full of pricing formulas, so find one that suits you and try it!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/not.quite.diamonds/
• Other: Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/NQD

Image Credits
Model: Johanna Carrasco Photographer: Chandler Wright