Quinn Sharp: Quinn Sharp Handmade Jewelry

Quinn Sharp is an Orange County, California, native, a Military Spouse of nearly 25 years, and the Founder of Quinn Sharp Handmade Jewelry.

Her connection to the military community began during her first year at Cal State University Long Beach, where she met her husband while he was on vacation. He was active-duty Coast Guard stationed in Hawaii at the time. Quinn jokes that it “truly was love at first sight—total cliché, I know,” but six months later, she had transferred to the University of Hawaii, and soon after, they were married. Almost 25 years later, she is still proudly navigating and loving military life.

Finding a Craft That Moves With Her

The couple spent 10 years stationed in Hawaii, where Quinn built a successful career as a medical device sales representative. But as their family continued to PCS, staying in that field became increasingly complex.

While stationed in Northern California, she enrolled in jewelry-making and metalsmithing classes at a local community college—and fell head over heels in love with the craft. What started as curiosity quickly became a passion. She began selling pieces at local craft shows and small boutiques, and her business grew naturally from there.

Quinn launched Quinn Sharp Handmade Jewelry 13 years ago, born from a desire to create something meaningful, portable, and adaptable to the rhythm of military life.

“My mission has always been to design high-quality, handcrafted jewelry that captures a sense of place, especially the coastal, free-spirited environments that have shaped our military life from Hawaii to California to, currently, the Outer Banks.”

Every piece is made with intention. Quinn uses gold-filled and sterling silver metals, crafting each design to feel timeless, effortless, and deeply connected to the coast. What once began as a small side hobby has now grown into a jewelry line carried in boutiques across the country. At its core is still a one-woman handmade military spouse-owned business.

“Today, I ship my jewelry to shops and boutiques across the country. It has become the perfect career, one that moves with our military lifestyle while giving me the flexibility to be present for my kids.”

Community, Courage, and the Power of One Nudge

One of Quinn’s favorite memories from her early days in business is a moment of encouragement from a fellow military spouse, Sirkka Saboe, who lived next door in Coast Guard housing. She convinced Quinn to apply for a large holiday makers’ market, something Quinn admits she never would have had the confidence to do on her own as a new artist. Not only did her friend encourage her, but she also worked the booth with Quinn the entire weekend.

“The market was a huge success, and I have to credit her for forcing me out of my comfort zone and believing in me before I believed in myself. To this day, 10 years later, we still fly in from wherever we are stationed to do that same market together. It’s become our annual tradition and one of the highlights of my year.”

Quinn says she is forever grateful for the strength, support, and encouragement of the military spouse community.

“They are your biggest cheerleaders, and in so many ways, they help your dreams take flight.”

Quinn’s Key To Resilience?

When it comes to resilience, two things stand out: flexibility and mindset.

She has learned how to go with the flow and focus on the things that she can control and work to let go of the rest.

“I always try to find the positive with each military move. I also lean heavily on community. Other military spouses have been my biggest support system because they just get it.”

And lastly, Quinn credits her resilience to having something she loves. Jewelry making keeps her grounded, it’s a creative outlet and sense of purpose she can carry with her anywhere. She believes everyone needs something steady to lean on, especially when life is constantly shifting.