Turner, a Management and Marketing major, owns and operates Quincey Turner Studio. Her passion for art began very early on, inspired by her father’s craftsmanship in woodwork. Turner grew up attending craft fairs and festivals.
Those early experiences sparked a lifelong passion and planted the seed for what would eventually become Turner’s own art business.
She has traveled across states like Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and more to showcase her work — including pieces created with oils, colored pencils, and bold color choices. Her work ranges in price, from $30 prints to original work up to $2,000, attracting both casual buyers and serious collectors.
As a pole vaulter on the Pitt State Track Team, Turner balances academics with athletics at Pitt State, doing fewer art show visits during the spring season and ramping up during the summer.
Turner says the Kelce College of Business has shaped the way she runs her business.
“My financial accounting class really opened my eyes,” she said. “I realized there’s an actual method to keeping the books instead of just writing stuff down.”
Learning how to track things like expenses, investments, and depreciation helped her organize her finances, and faculty connected her with mentors when she faced challenges like sales taxes.
She is excited to start her first marketing class next semester.
“As an entrepreneur, it’s good to be well-rounded,” she said. “Having a general idea of how business works and how to present yourself is such a great foundation.”
Turner hopes to open her own gallery in Tulsa or Kansas City to continue selling art, while also supporting other artists. In the meantime, daily painting, experimenting with innovative ideas like house paint, and creating small, yet fun, works keep Turner inspired.
“The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that forcing art takes the joy out of it,” Turner says. “I have to balance the business and creative sides, because when inspiration isn’t there, the work won’t have life.”
Marketing and Business Studies major Kelsie Lilly, owner of the Tater Pitt food truck, had a longtime dream of opening a flower shop and café.
This summer, she decided there was no reason to wait and opened her business this fall.
Located a 5-minute walk from the main campus, the Tater Pitt serves massive one-pound potatoes topped with options including butter, cheese, sour cream, smoked pulled pork, ranch chicken, taco meat, chili, and more.
The location of the food truck was intentional. As a student, Lilly wanted to have the opportunity to serve the college community while still being a part of it. That decision has already paid off.
“The thing that surprised me the most is the amount of community support I have gotten,” she said. “It is truly amazing to see a town love and support their college so much. It is truly amazing to see a town, love and support their college so much and want to see the students that come in this town thrive more than anything in the world.”
Lilly says support from the Kelce College of Business has been invaluable.
“I’ve been able to reach out to my teachers with any question I have,” she said. “If they don’t know the exact answer, they always show me how to find it.”
She loves that what she is learning in class applies directly to her real-life experience as a young entrepreneur. Professors like Jane Talkington, Chandler Davidson, and Jennifer Pursley have been especially supportive, she said — whether by offering advice, checking in during class, giving her shoutouts, or even stopping by to try her food.
“It means a lot knowing they’re cheering me on,” she said.
She doesn’t yet know what The Tater Pitt will become post-graduation, but for now, she’s focused on serving great food and encouraging others not to wait for the “perfect” moment.
“This entire thing is a learning experience,” she said. “The best way to learn from it is to make mistakes. There’s never a perfect time. If you keep waiting, you’ll never do it. The perfect time is now.”
Whether it’s selling vibrant art or serving loaded potatoes, both young business owners are proving that success doesn’t have to wait until after graduation. With determination, community support, and guidance from the Kelce College of Business, they’re showing that passion and perseverance can turn bold ideas into thriving adventures.
Story by Kaylee Dillow | Student Communication Intern
