In the world of artisan leather goods, a unique approach to craftsmanship and sustainability can be found at Baqette, a small business owned by Quinn Mcilhargey-Nicholson.
Mcilhargey-Nicholson’s journey into the world of leatherworking began when she visited Cumberland Furniture, her uncle’s company, and was inspired by the discarded materials she encountered. She saw potential in upcycling these materials into high-quality leather products. Her appreciation for leather as a durable and sustainable material, which ages gracefully with use, drove her passion to create.
Over the years, Mcilhargey-Nicholson honed her leatherworking skills and established a dedicated workspace in her home, even amidst three moves. She soon secured wholesale accounts with companies like Magnolia and Hosanna Revival. In 2016, she began selling her creations at The City Flea, followed by officially establishing Baqette LLC in 2017. By the end of 2020, she made the bold decision to turn her side gig into a full-time career, coinciding with her move to Cincinnati with her husband, Teddy.
Cincinnati’s vibrant atmosphere and accessibility to creative opportunities provided Mcilhargey-Nicholson with the inspiration she craved. It marked a significant turning point in her journey.
What sets Baqette apart is its commitment to upcycled materials, particularly leather. This commitment comes with its own set of challenges, such as limited availability of specific colors and the likelihood that the same product in the same shade may never be restocked. However, this limitation ensures that the collection offered by Baqette is constantly evolving, presenting new and fresh opportunities for artistic exploration.
Mcilhargey-Nicholson is enthusiastic about experimenting with color combinations, aiming to keep her customers inspired by their purchases. While classic leather colors like black and tan remain timeless, she seeks to offer a range of choices that ignite creativity.
As she prepares for the arrival of her first child, Mcilhargey-Nicholson is still enthusiastic about pop-up events and upcoming product launches. She reflects on her journey in creative entrepreneurship, emphasizing that it’s a gradual process that requires trust in one’s instincts. She advises aspiring entrepreneurs to seek out individuals who challenge and inspire them while maintaining unwavering determination in their pursuits.
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