Q: How long have you been in business?
A: I started very small in 2010 with the Farmer’s Market.  However, I was selling my earring  couple years before that.

Q: How would you describe your business or services?
A:  My description of my business is me.  I make handmade items that stem from sewing items, making jewelry, making decoupage items to name a few.  I think my business shows who I am.  I put everything I love from my art in my work.  I always want to share what I love with others.  

Q: As a black person entering the industry, how were you received as you were starting your business vs your treatment now?
A:  At first I kept to myself and sold my earrings to friends.  When I started to expand and try to source business to support I did not get good responses from them.  I felt I was just not good enough or my stuff was not good enough.  So I went back in my hole for several years.  Started talking to some people and they encouraged me to put myself out there.  I slowly started and now I feel more confident and can handle the rejections better.

Q: To what do you attribute your success?
A: My mom and how I saw how she struggled to take care of 6 children - Me the only girl with 5 boys.  She always encourages us to do our best.  Even when she could not afford to pay for us to do so.  I get my skills from her - sewing, crochet.  My dad - drawing and a jack of all trades and mastered all.  My moms - dad was a tailor.  Both my grandmother’s were seamstresses. But my mom's mother was the bomb with embroidery and sewing.

Q: Who is the most influential black person throughout history in your life and why?
A: My mom - Pauline Phinn is the most influential person in my life.  She was always there for me - giving me advice and helping me to realize my dreams.

Q: Why do you think it's important to support other black-owned businesses?
A: Most definitely.  I have done my best to do so over the years. But I know from my experience on Nantucket for me that is not the case.   I think that is sad,  I am not sure of the percentage of Black Owned Businesses on the Island but I think a lot of us are being stifled and not being recognized.  I hate thinking about racism because I wasn’t brought up that way but it is so evident on the Island.  However, I do want to say thanks to all who have supported my business, continue to do so and that is about to do so.

Q: Any tips or advice for young black people interested in starting their own business?
A: Never give up on your confidence that you can do it.  Believe in what you are doing and yourself. Always surround yourself with good people who will encourage and support you.

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