Today, we’re bringing you all the positive vibes, with a maker who uses crystals to promote epic style and energy-filled practices. We can’t wait to introduce you to Michelle and share the origin story of VPQ. We know you’re going to fall in love with her crystal jewelry, just like we did!
Thanks so much for sharing your story with us today! Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Michelle Echevarria-Honkomp, I have a Puerto Rican family who loves to travel, especially since they were in the Air Force, so I call the world my home, or anywhere I land my home since we've been all over, from Germany to Spain, and raised every summer season in Puerto Rico.
I live in Old East Dallas, I've been married for 9 years, no kiddos, but I do have two fur babies, a 13 year- old, very sassy Pomeranian named ROXY and an 8-year-old cat named Marley. They're brother and sister, but they tolerate each other. If I could make up my own career, I'd travel Europe and beyond, work on my business with my husband and furkids by my side, shop, eat and drink Aperol Spritz pool, beach, or lakeside...anywhere with water and a beautiful view.
Roxy
Marley
Getting to travel the world with your husband and furkids sounds like the dream! What are you most excited about for the future?
The future of VPQ is an exciting one. Getting to work with Mosaic Makers Collective and seeing how I can grow my business is exciting to me. Already, VPQ has gained some attraction, and I can't wait to see what else will develop. I'm excited about new creations for jewelry and new services to come. I'm working on getting my Yoga Teacher Training underway to offer more holistic services to those who are looking for calm and energy-filled practices.
We love that you’re always looking for new ways to infuse your customers’ lives with positive energy! Tell us about VPQ— what do you make and how long have you been doing it?
VPQ started in 2017- which stands for Venturepolish Quartz- is a jewelry company that was founded on helping the community of Puerto Rico during the natural disaster that was Hurricane Maria in 2017. I was disconnected from my family on the island and tried to find ways to reach them and send them care packages so they could receive everyday necessities to help them recover and live their lives.
VPQ jewelry collection
I started to wrap quartz stones with simple gold wire and gold chains to sell as necklaces. These stones carry such positive energies, and this represented what I was trying to do for communities in need. As the business has blossomed, we carry 4 main stones, milky quartz, rose quartz, tourmaline, and clear quartz. I also added on brass hand-stamped cuffs with inspirational sayings and wrapped clear quartz versions as well.
What a beautiful way to help in the midst of tragedy. What advice would you give a young artist?
It's overwhelming to think, "I have an idea, so how do I start it? Who do I talk to for money? Where do I go to showcase?" There isn't a playbook with all of the answers...because it's your own journey and story. The basics are there, and to be honest, I learned business management and development on my own through Youtube and TikTok. But STARTING is the key. If you can start a website, start the business plan, start conversations with angel investors or friends and family who would like to support you, and even start that email to the store you want to pop up in. It all unravels into something beautiful after that.
VPQ founder, Michelle, at a pop-up event
What great advice! Getting the ball rolling is always the hardest part, but it’s the only way to build momentum! If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Hands down. NEW ZEALAND! This has been the one destination I've been dreaming about since I don't know when. The first reason was to move and live there with my husband...and our cat and dog. Once I realized all of the planning would entail getting a work visa, selling our stuff, and trying to figure out how to get our animals over there, the dream started to get farther and farther away. SO to start the passion over again, I would like to travel there first. It's beautiful, the people are beautiful, it's another world. I believe experiencing new destinations brings with it a new perspective on life and newly found creativity.
Limitless VPQ bracelet
We hope you make it there one day— it really is a magical place! Thanks so much for sharing your story with us today, Michelle. We’re so glad to have you as a maker at Mosaic Makers Collective!
Want to learn more about our makers or shop VPQ? Check out these additional resources:
- Visit our shop in the Bishop Arts District
- Shop VPQ online
- Meet more of our Mosaic Makers on the Blog