Today we’d like to introduce you to Abbie Quansah.
Hi Abbie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m Abbie Quansah, and I’m the founder of Wine Not Upcycle, a black-owned and woman-owned glass upcycling small business located in Los Angeles, CA. When I first started my hobby in repurposing wine bottles, it was a result from enjoying a glass of wine and acknowledging the unique shapes and colors of wine bottles sitting on the table, waiting to be discarded. One day, that moment sparked an idea – why not upcycle the bottles and transform them into something new and beautiful instead of throwing them away?
I realized the products made would contribute to an environmentally sustainable venture by minimizing the carbon footprint and reducing post-consumer waste in the landfill while also promoting creative repurposed alternatives that are unique and appealing to a modern lifestyle. I started experimenting with different techniques, starting with painting and decorating the bottles as centerpieces or home decor. I continued to ponder new ideas, and I learned new skills by cutting and shaping the bottles into elegant vases, candles, and other useful and decorative items. As I shared my creations with friends and family, their enthusiasm and positive feedback inspired me to take my hobby to the next level.
It was not until 2020, amidst the coronavirus pandemic, that I finally declared to take the leap to create a business of my own, where my personal artistic passion, colliding with a creative idea, would contribute towards a sustainable lifestyle. The creative entrepreneur I am today could not have been accomplished without the courage to take the leap of faith and start my small business.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a very turbulent road. The biggest struggle was maintaining a resilient mindset amidst the coronavirus pandemic, where people I knew either lost their jobs or lives during these unprecedented times. Additionally, my full-time career as a travel clinical researcher required me to travel often despite the circumstances and it became a bit worrisome traveling during a pandemic and managing two jobs effectively. This journey has so many twists and turns along the way that it is very important to know your worth because you will come across challenges that will test your confidence. I felt I was constantly falling behind and struggling with imposter syndrome. When sales were low, I kept doubting my capability of running a successful business. Thankfully, I have encountered exciting opportunities, met amazing and inspiring people, and faced immense growth I would not have experienced without the challenges. It became very important to me more than ever to have faith and to never quit.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Wine Not Upcycle?
Wine Not Upcycle focuses on repurposing discarded glass bottles and contributes to an environmentally sustainable venture. By collecting, cleaning, and reshaping discarded glass bottles, the upcycling shop creates and sells a range of unique products, including drinking glasses, vases, candles, candle holders, decorative items, and more. The business helps reduce waste, promotes creative repurposed alternatives, and gives customers meaningful gifts that are eco-friendly and creative.
I’ve been working on expanding my brand by connecting with local wineries, restaurants, community members, and businesses to obtain a consistent supply of raw materials. We encourage local wineries/bars to utilize our upcycling services, and we will create handmade supplies and decor, such as drinking glasses, glassware sets, serving plates, bowls, trays, wall art, centerpieces, and many other eco-friendly alternatives by reusing their discarded bottles into something new for their business. The production process includes but is not limited to, cleaning, cutting, reshaping, redesigning, engraving, and finishing the products to create a variety of original goods. We also offer wholesale prices on most items.
What sets me apart from others is my commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainability by focusing on creativity and customization. I take pride in my ability to turn discarded bottles into one-of-a-kind pieces of art tailored to customers’ preferences and needs. Whether it is creating custom-designed vases, candle holders, or glassware, I strive to deliver products that are as individual as my customers. Each product is carefully handcrafted, ensuring that every piece meets high standards for durability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. Services encourage custom orders so customers can donate their own glass bottles or corks to Wine Not Upcycle, and we would create a product with sentimental value. My mission is to practice sustainability that is innovative, useful, good for the environment, and meaningful to my customers.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My friends and family deserve credit for helping and advocating me. From helping me pick my brand logo, setting up at events, purchasing my products to promoting my shop, I am grateful I have wonderful people in my life who saw my potential and have been supportive through my growth. I will always remember those who encouraged and supported me from the beginning.
Pricing:
- $10-$150
Contact Info:
- Website: www.winenotupcycle.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/winenotupcycle
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/winenotupcycle
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@WineNotUpcycle
