Spencer Strong: A Young Entrepreneur's Efforts to Support Flood Recovery

May 15, 2025

By Haley Banwart

 
When the floodwaters rose in Spencer, Iowa, last summer, they left behind more than just damaged homes and businesses — they left a community in need.
 
While neighbors and volunteers focused on recovery efforts, one 10-year-old from the area decided she could make a difference in her own small way. Quinn Swart, a fourth grader with a big heart and a growing beaded-bracelet business, turned her crafting hobby into a powerful force for good.

A Young Entrepreneur with a Giving Spirit

Quinn’s journey to becoming a young philanthropist began in 2023. After watching her father, Brent, battle cancer and lose his hair, Quinn and her five-year-old sister, Emerson, decided to cut their own and donate it to Locks of Love. That act of kindness sparked a deeper passion for giving back.
 
"I wanted to stay home by myself during the summer, and my mom said I needed to find something to do to keep busy. That’s when the idea to make beaded bracelets came up," Quinn says. “I watched some videos on making them, which was pretty easy. I started making and selling bracelets, first donating the money to Locks of Love, but after the flood, I wanted to give back to my community, too.”

Beaded Creations with a Bigger Purpose

Through word of mouth and a dedicated Facebook page called Quinny Locks — a playful nod to Goldilocks — Quinn's small business slowly took off. What started with bracelets soon expanded to other beadable items, including keychains, car charms, pens, badge reels and more, giving people even more ways to support her cause.
 
With the help of her mom, Mandy, Quinn approached local businesses about displaying and selling her creations. Opening up about her efforts to support Spencer’s flood recovery pushed Quinn out of her comfort zone, but with each conversation, her confidence grew. “It was embarrassing at first and awkward, but it got easier the more I talked to people,” she shares.
 
Soon, stores like Mary’s Gift Shoppe, Custom Creations and Okoboji Trading Co. were proudly displaying her products. With every sale, Quinn put the proceeds toward helping families impacted by the flood. Her donations started small, such as buying meals for DOT workers and volunteers clearing debris, but quickly grew into something more substantial.
 
As funds increased, Quinn and her family shifted to assembling gift boxes filled with gift cards from local businesses, a handmade beaded item and a heartfelt note reminding recipients they were “Spencer Strong.” Delivering the care packages on Christmas Eve was a particularly rewarding experience.  “The gift boxes were really fun to make and give out. Some people were so surprised they didn’t know what to say,” Quinn recalls. “A few people started crying, and when we returned down the street, they thanked us again.”

A Community Coming Together

The generosity of local businesses, friends and family has helped Quinn raise over $8,500 to support those affected by the floods. To date, her efforts have assisted 24 families, and she has handmade more than 1,000 products for the cause.
 
Quinn was especially struck by the experience of a close friend who lost all her belongings and had to spend hours sheltering on her roof. The floodwaters devastated Clay, Dickinson and other nearby counties, with approximately 80% of buildings in Spencer sustaining damage. Nearly 40% of homes experienced direct flood damage. Fortunately, the Swarts' home was spared. However, the flooding impacted the family businesses, Matuska Taxidermy in Spirit Lake and Cotton Graves in Spencer.
 
Quinn’s father, Brent, draws optimism from his cancer journey and the flood, recognizing how fortunate his family has been in both situations. “My cancer story is similar to that of the flooding — I’m just thankful mine was treatable,” he says. “They found it in my arm, and luckily, it wasn’t in my chest cavity. I underwent chemo and radiation, and we were able to remove the margins. Now, I’m cancer-free. Like the flood recovery, my story is a successful culmination of many people’s support.”
 
Brent also acknowledges that while Spencer has made significant progress in cleanup efforts, many families still struggle to rebuild their homes and lives. “As I drive around the state as board president of the Iowa Soybean Association, people often ask how the flood recovery is going when I mention I’m from Spencer,” he shares. “It’s easy to say things are returning to normal, and the cleanup has been incredible, but it’s a long road to recovery. That’s why Quinn’s work matters so much — it’s a reminder that people care.”

An Unexpected Honor

Quinn’s selfless efforts have not gone unnoticed. When Brent traveled to India on a trade delegation, he shared Quinn’s story with Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and even brought along some of Quinn’s bracelets to present as a gift. The governor and her staff were so moved that they invited Quinn and her family to be honorary guests at the 2025 Condition of the State Address. As part of her remarks, Governor Reynolds recognized Quinn for her contributions, along with the countless volunteers helping to rebuild the impacted Northwest Iowa communities.
 
Following the speech, Quinn and her family were welcomed into the governor’s office for a personal visit, allowing the young entrepreneur to ask questions and share her story firsthand. “Meeting Governor Reynolds was really exciting — she was really nice,” Quinn says.

Looking Ahead

As Spencer continues to recover, Quinn remains committed to her mission. She fills her hours after school making new beaded creations, fulfilling custom orders and restocking her business partners’ displays.
 
One of Quinn’s favorite things to make is keychains, experimenting with different color combinations and pairing them with funny sayings. Wristlet wallets have become one of her top-selling items, while unique creations like letter openers, wine stoppers and cup charms add even more variety to her offerings.
 
Quinn’s clay beaded crafts range between $10 and $12 and can be found at several other local businesses. In Spirit Lake, they’re available at All Fur Love Pet Grooming & Boutique, Custom Creations, Mary’s Boutique and Matuska Taxidermy. Supporters can also find them at Miss Behavin’ Boutique in Arnolds Park, and at Design Masters Salon & Day Spa and at the Squire Shoppe in Spencer.
 
As long as there’s demand, Quinn will keep her small business going. Once the community’s flood recovery is further along, she plans to shift her focus back to Locks of Love. But for now, her mission remains clear — bringing comfort and joy to those who need it most.
 
Quinn is proof that no act of kindness is too small. Whether it’s a bracelet, a gift card or a simple reminder that someone cares, her efforts continue to spread hope throughout her hometown. For Brent and Mandy, watching their daughter’s dedication has been nothing short of inspiring.
 
“Quinn has a big heart, evident by her helpful, community-serving attitude and desire to support those in need,” Brent says. “A small gift might not be enough to replace the personal items, clothes, or appliances that were destroyed, but it was something meaningful she could do to bring a smile to people’s faces, even if just for a day.”