Small Business Spotlight: CoCo Zentner
One of the greatest privileges of running a small business is the opportunity to support other small businesses. From the time I began Hazen at the age of 9, I have encountered many people who have supported me in my work and the pursuit of my aspirations for this business. Those are the individuals who have forever influenced and shaped my life by instilling in me the courage to pursue my dreams, and oftentimes, opening the doors through which I could best pursue those dreams.
My hope for our Small Business Highlights is to open doors for other small business owners who are hustling daily to grow their businesses. I am confident that they believe their products bring life, creativity and joy to both themselves and their customers, and I hope we not only encourage them through this series but also nurture their success using the tools and opportunities we have graciously been given.
Humbly,
Taylor Turner
We are so excited for the next installment of our small business highlight! Starting TODAY (September 22nd) we will be including a 12 x 9 signed, limited edition print from CoCo Zentner in each online order over $80 while supplies last!
Join Hazen founder, Taylor Turner, and artist CoCo Zentner on IG Live at 10:30 AM CST (on 9/22) to hear more about our Small Business Highlight series and get to know CoCo a little better! See you soon!
Q: When did you develop a love for painting?
It sounds cliché, but I’ve been painting for as long as I can remember. One of my first memories of truly loving the art world was when I was a child, watching my mom volunteer in our local museum. I’d sit quietly in a corner coloring, admiring my surroundings for hours on end as she rearranged artwork. My mom thankfully enrolled me in any and every art class possible afterwards, and I haven’t stopped creating since!
Q: What materials do you use in your work? Paints, canvas, paper, etc?
I use all kinds! I grew up painting primarily with oil paints – yet I love pastels, pen and ink, and watercolor as well. I’m expecting my first baby, so I’m taking extra precaution and trying to incorporate less harmful materials like acrylic and watercolor into my studio practice. In the coming months, you’ll be seeing a lot more fluid work in these mediums!
Q: From where do you draw your inspiration?
I grew up in Monroe, Louisiana, where I was surrounded by a family with an affinity for gardening. Learning so much about florals & nature throughout my upbringing, combined with the vibrant culture of my southern surroundings, has played an instrumental role in my inspiration for creating. My husband isn’t too fond of my magazine collection; however, I’m also always turning to interior design & color combinations. I’ve always got one eye open & thinking of what the next collection will be centered around!
Q: Playing with colors and textures excites us when designing jewelry. What excites you when painting?
I love how all forms of art are so different, yet they all share a common thread. Color & texture are also two aspects of painting that light me up and are fundamental to every piece that I create. Nothing gets me more excited though then when I break through on a collection idea &d can’t stop painting. It’s such an invigorating part of my process!
Q: Any business leaders or artists that inspire or influence you and your brand?
Renee Bouchon & Teil Duncan are both two of my favorite contemporary artists. I love how their modern work can still be incorporated into traditional spaces, & I admire how they are both strong female business leaders & mothers. I aspire to be like them both in my career and home.
Q: What can we look forward to seeing from your brand in the near future?
I have a number of series lined up for this fall & winter, as well as a new product that many will be excited about come this holiday season! Meanwhile, after a year of planning and designing, we are finally breaking ground on my dream art studio in our backyard – once it’s complete, I know that having this [larger] space will ignite so many ideas! In an ideal world, I’d love to host in-person workshops from my studio one day!