Quad Citizens Behind the Businesses: Sarah Collins

Meet Sarah Collins, Owner of the trendy and unique shop, What A Gem. Earlier this week, we highlighted her parents and sister, who own Me & Billy. Sarah’s business is right next door.

If you are ever on the hunt for something eclectic and vintage for your home, What a Gem has treasures waiting to be found. Sarah is an interior designer by trade and opened this pop-up style shop in 2017 as a passion project. She gets a thrill of going to flea markets and estate sales, picking out cool pieces to showcase in her shop.

Best known for:

A curated mix of vintage and modern gifts and home décor.

What does she love most about being downtown?

“I love our block (3rd and Main) of businesses! In addition, the whole downtown has such a strong sense of community. I often have customers mention another downtown business sent them to my store, and I always return the favor!”

What is the best way you can support this business?

The best way to shop What A Gem now is online and through Instagram (whatagem_davenport).

#WelcomeToDowntownDavenport #DowntownFrontPorchProject #QuadCitizensBehindTheBusinesses

About the Downtown Front Porch Project:

The Downtown Front Porch project is a way to get to know the humans behind the businesses in downtown Davenport. Featuring more than 40 organizations, the images and stories that will be shared are reflective of the energy, passion and resilience of the people that make downtown tick.

“As we all try to navigate a global pandemic, finding ways to connect with our neighbors is more important than ever,” stated Kyle Carter, Executive Director of DDP. “With a year of cancelled events and less foot traffic on the streets, it’s critical that we spend our dollars locally to support the people in our own community. Small, locally-owned businesses are at the center of what makes downtown a special place. This campaign is an opportunity to show the faces of hard-working Quad Citizens and ways the community can rally to support them.”

The goal of the Downtown Front Porch project is to remind people that downtown is vibrant, welcoming and open for business.