We recently connected with Heather Hallam Ray and have shared our conversation below.

Heather , appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I began my journey as a jewelry designer entirely self=taught, starting with wire wrapping sea glass and shells. As my passion grew, I delved deeper into perfecting techniques such as drilling holes in sea glass to expand my repertoire. However, I wanted to push the boundaries of my craft even further. Motivated by a desire to create truly unique pieces, I taught myself silver and metal smithing by watching You Tube videos, seamlessly integrating my love of the ocean into my designs. This self-directed learning process has not only honed my skills but also imbued my creations with a distinct, one-of-a-kind charm the sets them apart from others.
I thoroughly enjoyed the journey of being self-taught in jewelry design, but reflecting on it, I believe taking a hands on class in a studio from the start could have expedited my learning process and alleviated some of the frustrations I encountered while navigating the craft solely through online resources and videos. While the autonomy of self-teaching allowed me to explore and experiment at my own pace, formal instruction could have provided structured guidance and insights from experienced professionals, ultimately enriching my skillset and accelerating my growth as a designer. But starting out as a new jewelry designer, the cost of classes and supplies get in the way.
Having a background in design, particularly with a major in graphic design, has been invaluable to my journey as a jewelry designer. It provided me with a solid foundation in color theory, design principles, and placement techniques. These skills have been essential in conceptualizing and creating aesthetically pleasing and harmonious jewelry pieces. Understanding design fundamentals has allowed me to approach my craft with intentionality and precision, ensuring that each creation is not only visually appealing but also thoughtfully crafted.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My journey into this business is deeply personal. It was after my father’s unexpected passing that I underwent a profound period of introspection. It became clear to me that life is too short to spend it solely pursuing corporate endeavors that didn’t fulfill my soul. Driven my a newfound sense of purpose, I embarked on a path guided by passion and purpose. Without a concrete plan in mind, I found solace and inspiration in the tranquility of the sea. Something about being down at the beach for sunsets called out to me, urging me to explore. I found myself drawn to the beach, spending countless hours walking along the shore, lost in thought and reflection. It was during these moments of quiet contemplation that the idea to craft sea glass jewelry began to take shape. The beauty and serenity of the ocean sparked a creative fire within me, igniting a newfound passion for transforming nature’s treasures into wearable art. In honoring the memory of my father, I discovered a calling that not only brought me joy but also allowed me to share that joy with others. Thus, my journey into the world of sea glass jewelry began-a journey fueled by love, loss and the unyielding pursuit of purpose. Today, each piece I create is a testament to the transformative power of following your heart and embracing the beauty that surrounds us.

What I’m most proud of is not just the exquisite jewelry pieces I design, but the entire brand I’ve meticulously crafted from scratch. From the initial concept of the logo to the thoughtful presentation of my jewelry at events and the careful packaging go each piece, every aspect of my brand reflects my deep appreciation and love for the ocean.

What I want potential clients and followers to know about my brand is that it’s more than just jewelry- it’s an immersive experience that embodies the essence of the sea. With every piece, I strive to evoke a sense of wonder and reverence for the natural world, inviting customers to connect with the beauty of the ocean in a meaningful way. From the moment they encounter my brand to the moment they wear one of my creations, I want them to feel the same sense of joy and serenity the I experience when I’m by the water.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

This year, my focus is on sharing my creativity and expertise by starting to teach intimate workshops. I firmly believe that everyone possesses the ability to be creative, any my goal is to serve as a guide to help unlock and nurture that innate creativity within each individual. These workshops offer a unique and intimate setting where participants can explore their artistic talents in a supportive environment. Through hands-on guidance and personalized instruction, I hope to inspire and empower others to embrace their creativity and embark on their own creative journeys. It’s an exciting new chapter for me, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to share my passion for jewelry, art and the ocean with others in such a meaningful way.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

There have been a few pivotal moments in my journey with Sea Glass & Sunsets where I’ve had to adapt and pivot. The first was when I relocated from Long Island to Florida. It was a major life-changing event that required me to reimagine and re-create my business to suit the Florida lifestyle.

Another significant pivot came when I decided to take a two-year break from my business and return to working for another company, However, my heart kept pulling me back, reminding me of my true passion for designing jewelry and connecting with fellow beach lovers. So, I made the decision to dive back into my business full-time.

Now, I’m back at it, creating jewelry for all beach enthusiasts and spreading the message of living your best life. These moments of pivoting have taught me resilience, adaptable, and the importance of staying true to my passions and values in both business and life.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.seaglassandsunsets.com
• Instagram: @seaglassandsunsets & @renathebus
• Facebook: @seaglassandsunsets

Image Credits
All photos were taken by me Heather Hallam Ray