WINONA LAKE — Grace College business administration major and Marine Corps veteran Quinisha Williams was awarded $5,000 at the 12th annual Grace College Business Plan Competition on April 17.
Her apparel printing business, Visions of Q Studio, won the first-place prize. Williams plans to use the $5,000 to help open a custom printing retail shop at 25 Kings Hwy., Winona Lake, according to a news release from Grace College.
Visions of Q Studio’s mission is to provide high-quality custom apparel printing with no minimums and unlimited colors — all without degrading the print quality.
“I was first told about this new direct-to-film printing method that was building momentum overseas in 2019,” said Williams. “It was a difficult process to learn in the beginning, but the potential proved to be worth the headache.”
In 2021, Williams bought her first commercial DTF printer, and in 2022, the printing method started to earn recognition in the U.S. market.
“After many attempts to launch my own business, I had given up hope that my business would make it past the front door of my home,” said Williams. “I decided to devote my free time to learning the printing method and discovering which consumables and settings achieved the best results.”
By the time the Grace College Business Plan Competition applications were due, Williams was ready to try relaunching her business.
“Although I had a lot going on in my life, I started to believe that maybe this was the time for a successful startup,” said Williams.
In preparation for the competition, Grace's faculty supported Williams as she finalized details and made her business plan the best it could be. According to Williams, several of her mentors believed that the business had more potential than she did.
“When I won, I was speechless,” said Williams. “The biggest reward for me was when I arrived home and told my children I won — that is when reality set in. My daughters Allessa, Nateri, Alanna, Valerie and Xiomara are why I keep pressing on.”
As Williams reflects on her business journey, she is quick to express appreciation for the support she received at Grace.
“I want to thank Grace College for the opportunity, as well as the judges, the sponsors and everyone involved,” said Williams. “I’m grateful for Dr. Rick Koontz and professor Melissa Chappell who helped me see the true potential in what I was doing, as well as Dr. Jeff Fawcett, who leads a wonderful School of Business.”
To learn more about Visions of Q Studio or inquire about custom printing services, email [email protected].
The Grace College Business Plan Competition was sponsored by the William P. Gordon Institute for Enterprise Development, Beers Mallers Attorneys at Law, Strategic Venture Partners and Wildman Business Group. It is one of many opportunities Grace College provides its students to turn their dreams and goals into a reality.
To learn more information about the School of Business, visit www.grace.edu/academics/undergraduate/academic-schools-departments/school-of-business/.