Meet Autumn Capurso

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Autumn Capurso a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Autumn with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

I got my work ethic from my dad. Growing up, I was always taken aback by how hard of a worker my dad was, and his stellar commitment to quality in everything he did. His motto was always to leave something better than when he found it. As an engineer, creating was his passion. Watching his laser focus and dedication on any project he started inspired me to carry those qualities into my own personal and professional ventures as an adult.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

This is my second interview with Voyage Phoenix! For those of you who don’t know, my name is Autumn Willow, and I am a 23 year old small business owner, and student at Arizona State University. I am double majoring in Business Entrepreneurship and Psychology. I also am the creator of Willow Jewelry, my small business where I sell handmade jewelry locally at farmer’s markets, and online through e-commerce.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities on my journey were perseverance, creativity, and the ability to adapt. As a small business owner, perseverance helped me push through challenges like market competition and balancing my business with school. Creativity has been key in designing unique jewelry pieces for Willow Jewelry, while also finding new ways to market and reach customers online. Lastly, adaptability has been crucial as trends change quickly, and I’ve had to constantly adjust my business model to stay relevant. My advice for those starting out is to stay committed to your vision but remain flexible. Learn to adapt quickly and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Also, invest time in understanding your target audience and honing your creative process—it makes a big difference!

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

One book that has played a key role in my development is The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. It really shifted my mindset in a few ways. One of the most valuable lessons I took from it was the importance of being proactive—understanding that I have the power to control how I respond to situations, rather than being reactive. Another habit that deeply resonated with me is “Begin with the End in Mind.” As a business owner, it helped me clarify my long-term goals for Willow Jewelry and map out the steps to achieve them. Finally, the emphasis on “Sharpening the Saw,” or regularly renewing yourself, has been a reminder to take care of my well-being to maintain balance and creativity in both my business and academic life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://autumnwillowjewelry.etsy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/willowjewelry_/
• Other: https://linktr.ee/willowjewelry