We had the good fortune of connecting with Ethan Johnson & Will Odell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ethan Johnson &, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
We have an absolute passion for gems and minerals and we wanted to pursue that passion while working for ourselves. We want to be able to work our own hours and make our own decisions for the betterment of our own company. We also take pride in our knowledge of this industry and love to educate people on gems and minerals. Getting the works of art the Earth creates into more hands of people who appreciate what this world provides us is also a big aspect of our company and we strive to accomplish this never ending task.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
We are very proud of starting from the ground up. From the purchase of a couple small parcels of gemstones to a basement full of hundreds of different varieties of crystals, we take pride in where we’re at from where we started with hard work and persistence. It has definitely not been easy. We have had many road bumps while growing our business. With every deal we make and every event we vend we always come away with more knowledge than before even when we don’t always make a profit we at least learn a lesson. Sometimes the lesson is what we’ve done right and sometimes it’s what we can do better next time. Those experiences are what have gotten us this far and we’re grateful for what they have taught us.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would definitely have to show them Red Rocks and see an awesome show and go play in the mountains. There are so many cool spots to go to in the mountains within a short drive. If the weather is good we would take them to go mine crystals on the family claim near Devil’s Head.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Big shout out to all of our friends and family that have shown us immense support throughout our journey as well as our customers and the Gemological Institute of America where we met and started this business.

Website: www.denvergemcollection.com

Instagram: @denver_gem_collection

Facebook: Denver Gem Collection

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