“Do not limit yourself because of the fear of failing. Although we are in the middle of a pandemic and this year has been tough with surprises at every corner, this is the time to dream even bigger,” advised Marquintia Robinson. “Don’t only dream about it, but start the process of accomplishing that dream with a plan. It becomes real when there is an action behind it. We should be inspired by something or someone, so that we all can strive to be better people that support each other.”
Marquintia (Quin) Robinson knows exactly what her goals are in life, and she does everything she can in order to achieve them. Growing up, she watched her parents and how hard they would always work. It is thanks to her parents that she was able to grow up with the confidence that she has today.
“I am the daughter of Marcus Robinson of Waynesboro and Angela Davis of Quitman. The two of them raised me well. Growing up, my mom worked two jobs. She was a CNA and a factory worker. I remember her working long hours and then coming home to cook and make sure homework and chores were done. To this day, she is still the backbone of our family,” stated Quin. “My dad is the true definition of a gentleman. For half my life, he worked over 1400 miles away; yet, he never missed any opportunity to support my siblings and me. He is the reason I developed so much confidence. Although I was raised with less than others, my parents taught me not to limit myself. They have always supported me in everything I’ve done.”
Quin has a very outgoing personality and strong work ethic. Over the years, she has furthered her education so that she could achieve one of the major goals that she set for herself and done many jobs along the way. With her love of learning, she even learned various lessons with each job.
“I have worked in retail where my personality made me memorable. I have worked in a factory where I learned to appreciate freedom,” proclaimed Quin. “I attended the University of Southern Mississippi where I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Science with an emphasis in physics and criminal justice. My career in engineering and forensic science is where I learned to have tough skin and confidence. As a woman in science, it’s sad but normal to witness the bias, and to be a black woman in science, you have to learn to be resilient and continue to push forward.”
Quin definitely pushed forward with her goals. She didn’t limit her studies in forensics to the United States.
“I also studied and did criminal justice research in Ottawa, Ontario (Canada) with a mentor in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police,” expressed Quin.
On top of the hard work she has done, Quin has also been involved in some different organizations to help make a difference for others.
“I am an adviser of W.I.S.E. (Women In Science and Engineering) and a member of the NACWC (National Association of Colored Women’s Club),” said Quin. “Our motto is ‘Lifting as we climb.’ I love being a mentor and being able to help shape the minds of the next generation. I have volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, Oseola McCarty Youth Development Center, and many more.”
Although she stays busy all the time, Quin loves her family and friends and enjoys being able to spend as much time with them as she possibly can. In fact, some of her favorite memories involve being with family.
“I have been blessed to have so many beautiful memories with my friends, family, co-workers, and moments where I was alone. I love spending time with my family! I am the middle of five siblings with plenty of nieces and nephews. I have a large family, and that includes my best friends,” stated Quin. “I host parties, dinners, game nights, and game days just to make memories we will never forget. One of my favorite memories is my family’s annual kickball game. It brings out so much competition, laughter, and picture perfect moments. I am always in awe when I see the generation before me showing all their athletic abilities—even if we do have to rub Bengay on their knees afterwards. Now, we all share the Bengay! I also love to go on mini road trips. They have to be unplanned and completely random. It has become normal for my friends and I to decide to go to the mountains and drive only to stay a few hours and head back home. We get the time to talk and catch up.”
When she isn’t with family and friends, Quin does have different hobbies that she really enjoys doing.
“I’m a big time reader, and I am currently making my way through a Toni Morrison collection. When I’m feeling rebellious, I choose a banned book to read. Reading allows me to watch a movie at my own speed without missing any details,” explained Quin. “I truly enjoy being crafty, such as sewing, knitting, and building. There’s just something satisfying about bringing together different elements to make one cohesive piece. It’s very relaxing. One of my favorite hobbies is to create different ‘looks.’ I’m very versatile and girly, and I may or may not have an obsession with wigs and makeup. I do believe a hairstyle can enhance your personality—for both men and women.”
In fact, she loves creating different “looks” so much that she has finally started to implement her new dream involving it.
Quin has been working incredibly hard to turn the old Quitman Drugs building into her new beauty supply establishment, Final Piece Beauty Supply. She is doing everything she can to develop a beauty supply store for Clarke County so that people may not have to travel as far to purchase the supplies they need.
She plans to have a soft grand opening on Friday, November 13, at 1:00 and an official grand opening for the community on Saturday November 14, at 1:00.
With her determination and optimistic personality, Quin is sure to achieve all of her dreams.
To nominate someone for Person of the Week, email the name and contact information to bmangum@clarkecountytrib.com.
