We had the good fortune of connecting with Cansu Floyd and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cansu, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Greetings! I’m Cansu Floyd, and I hold a Ph.D. in Geology. While my journey commenced in academia and now has me employed in the biomining industry in Westminster, CO, I’ve also ventured into a small business where I create authentic gemstone jewelry and sell rocks.

Let me share how this exciting journey began. My fascination with rocks dates back to my childhood. I would collect bags full of rocks during our trips to the river or the beach, adorning my entire room with my geological treasures. Scientific facts about rocks captivated me, and alongside this passion, I found joy in exploring local crafts stores in Istanbul, Turkey, my place of origin. It was there that I first discovered my love for crafting jewelry. Those early interests have undoubtedly shaped my current path in both my career and business.

In 2017, I took a significant step by transferring my Ph.D. program from Istanbul Technical University to the University of Oklahoma. This move aligned with my aspirations as a scientist and was influenced by my then-boyfriend, now-husband James. My focus was unwavering on my Geomicrobiology and Planetary Geochemistry career, with an ultimate goal of becoming a professor. Life took an unexpected turn when James was diagnosed with cancer, even being initially misdiagnosed as terminal while we were planning our wedding. Experiencing such a life-altering event drastically shifted my priorities. I found myself attending chemotherapy appointments with him, experimenting with chemo-friendly recipes, and caring for his well-being. While he eventually entered remission, the ordeal prompted me to revisit my artistic passions as a means of mental and emotional solace.

I began scouring Facebook Marketplace for discounted craft supplies, selling excess materials online to sustain my rejuvenated hobbies. Over time, I delved into buying and selling rocks, using gemstones acquired from business closure garage sales to craft unique jewelry pieces. Thus, Crafty Finds by Cansu was born.

Presently, I proudly showcase my rocks and jewelry at Habilis Crafts, a local consignment store in Flatiron Crossing Mall, Broomfield, CO. On weekends, I lend a helping hand to the store owners, Ari, Gareth, and Diego, all while maintaining my weekday commitment to the biomining industry. Despite my demanding schedule, I am taking strides to expand my side venture. Excitingly, I am on the verge of rebranding as “Naturemade Rocks & Crafts” and registering as an official LLC. This journey has taught me that resilience and a passion for one’s craft can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and success.

 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In addition to selling rocks, I also create jewelry and occasionally indulge in watercolor paintings. As evident from the story I shared in my previous response, I am a blend of a scientist and an artist. Nature has always been my muse, inspiring me with its creations. Hence, I’m in the process of rebranding as “Naturemade Rocks & Crafts,” a more fitting name for my rock and nature-inspired arts and crafts business, departing from my initial venture into flipping used craft supplies.

Discovering the intersection between my career and passion for crafts has defined me as a unique crafter. What sets my booth apart is the personal touch – when you purchase a rock or a piece of jewelry from me while I’m in-store, you receive the entire story of the stone’s formation, spanning millions to billions of years, up until it finds a place on my shelves. This personal connection extends to my customers, turning transactions into meaningful connections and friendships. Some of these connections evolve into rock-hunting adventures or valuable business insights that I wouldn’t usually have time to seek.

Despite the challenges of balancing a demanding day job, assisting at Habilis Crafts on weekends, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, my commitment to growing my business remains unwavering. The driving force is that this side business is more than just a source of income; it’s my cherished hobby, sustaining me through challenging times. It’s a win-win situation, and I never lose sight of that.In my previous response, I shared the story of how I initiated my small business. What I didn’t mention is my experience as a search and rescue volunteer in Turkey, specializing in earthquake response. Witnessing a devastating earthquake as a child fueled my dedication to this cause. The business has not only provided a unique platform for growth but has also allowed me to organize charity events for those affected by natural disasters. Following a major earthquake in Turkey earlier this year, impacting 10 cities and leaving many homeless or jobless, I mobilized my inventory for charity sales, donating 100% of the proceeds. Generously, Ari and Gareth opted not to take a commission from those sales, giving rise to the charity branch of Crafty Finds by Cansu (soon to be Naturemade Rocks & Crafts) and Habilis Crafts. From the earthquake in February to the present day, you can find items labeled as “charity rock” in my booth, with 100% of the sales contributing to humanitarian aid campaigns. I’ve extended my efforts to support victims of the recent Hawaiian wildfires and local charity organizations, affirming that even a small business can make a significant impact in times of need.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh, this scenario has already happened. Even though I’m a newbie Coloradan, I’ve got a tale about a mountain retreat with my husband, best friend Nina (and her cousin), and my husband’s best friend Kyle (and his now-fiancée, who said yes on this very trip) this past summer. And guess what? If I were to do it all over again with someone else, I’d follow the same itinerary with a few extra surprises thrown in!

Our mountain escapade was initially planned as an aquamarine rock-hounding extravaganza in Mt. Antero. Nina and I were all set to mine aquamarine with Brian Busse, the American Gemtracker from the Prospectors show, while the others were off on their own adventures. However, a twist of weather events led us to scrap the Mt. Antero plan,1- Here’s the fantastic alternative we crafted:

  1. Stayed at the Mt. Princeton Hotsprings: Pure bliss at this resort, soaking up the views and the warmth of the hot springs.
  2. Explored Buena Vista (& hit up the gem shops): Roaming the charming streets and, of course, indulging in a bit of gem shopping.
  3. Visited the Buena Vista Gem Show: A not-so-coincidental gem show visit – we’re rock enthusiasts, after all.
  4. Went for gold-panning at Chalk Creek: Channeling our inner prospectors, seeking treasures in the chilly waters.
  5. Explored Salida: A delightful stroll through Salida, taking in the sights and maybe a few local treats.
  6. Went rock-hounding in Leadville and explored the town (& the rock shop): Unleashing our inner geologists, collecting rocks, and discovering the hidden gems of Leadville.

This trip turned out to be an absolute gem for rock hounds and nature lovers alike. While we missed out on some places during this adventure, I’d highly recommend checking out Idaho Springs and Manitou Springs based on my other mountain-town visits. The small mountain towns in Colorado are simply enchanting, from the natural wonders to the cozy vibes.

As for future escapades with my pals, I’ve got my eye on the scenic Georgetown Loop train ride, especially during Christmas. And, of course, white-water rafting is on the bucket list, a little something we couldn’t squeeze into this trip.
Honestly, I’d happily take my friends to any hiking trail, rock-hounding spot, or charming mountain town in Colorado. Each one is a spectacular adventure waiting to unfold!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My small business journey kicked off in Norman, Oklahoma. While I predominantly conducted online sales, I occasionally ventured to the local flea market to exchange some of my rocks for jewelry-making supplies. It was there that I encountered a true gem, Saundra Abadji—an older version of myself, sweet, and incredibly kind-hearted. As fate would have it, she had Turkish relatives, giving us even more common ground beyond our shared interests in jewelry and rocks. Over time, our connection grew to the point where she referred to me as her granddaughter in the flea market. With each visit to her booth, she extended invitations for me to showcase and sell my creations alongside her. If it weren’t for her companionship and support, I probably wouldn’t have found the courage to start selling my items in such a setting. For Saundra’s warm companionship, I am profoundly grateful.

Nina Webb, my rock-hunting buddy and my true friend, has been there for me since our college days at the University of Oklahoma. We forged a strong bond while working in the same laboratory at the university. Our shared passion for both science and crafts, coupled with our matching personalities, made us close friends. We embarked on our creative journey by selling arts and crafts together at vendor events. To this day, we continue to rendezvous at scientific conferences and in Colorado for fun rock-hounding adventures! I truly appreciate Nina’s friendship, company, and support at all times.
Last but certainly not least, my heartfelt thanks go to the wonderful proprietors of Habilis Crafts, Arianna (Ari) Jones, and Gareth Patmore. Their decision to establish a charming consignment store in Broomfield and their unwavering support for local artists have played a pivotal role in transforming my hobby financing endeavor into a bona fide business. The exposure gained through the incredible artists featured in the store has been invaluable. I will be eternally grateful for the role Ari and Garet have played in the growth of my business.

 

 

Instagram: craftyfindsbycansu

Linkedin: Cansu Demirel-Floyd

Facebook: Cansu Demirel Floyd

Other: Etsy & Mercari: CraftFindsByCansu Instagram, Etsy & Mercari accounts soon to be: NaturemadeRocksAndCrafts

Image Credits
Cansu Floyd

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