We recently connected with JoVonia Ayers and have shared our conversation below.
JoVonia , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s talk about innovation. What’s the most innovative thing you’ve done in your career?
Innovation is what inspired me to create my business Loc Beads and Things. I’ve always been a trendsetter since I was a kid. I believe the most innovative thing I’ve done is Creating My one of a kind wearable art business. I Love Art in general and the freedom of self expression. I chose to start my business with Hair Adornments then expanded into other jewlery/ Art. I think of my hair like a Christmas Tree at times and, I just want to decorate it with different adornments. I only hand create one of a kind pieces. I love things that shimmer and shine but, have great quality. My hair adornments are my own design using metals that are malleable to wrap around the hair or be worn straight down. The adornments were made for Loc’d hair or braided hair, but can be worn in any texture. I am innovation and Innovation is Loc Beads and Things.
JoVonia , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Hello I am Jo Ayers and I am the owner of Loc Beads and Things. I created this business in May of 2021 but, officially became an LLC in January 2023. I started this business because I Love being different than everyone around me in all aspects. I started making myself hair jewlery to stand out with my Loc’d hair style. I was getting so many compliments that I started making custom orders for friends and family. I finally decided to make it into a business and, started doing pop up events to spread awareness of my new business. I try to do an event once a month or more to stay relevant. I hand create several things from hair jewlery, earrings, Necklaces, bracelets, Faux jewlery, waist beads, Jumbo Satin Bonnets, Satin Durags, Satin skull caps, Jumbo shower caps, Rhine studded shoes, Belts, Travel Journal w/ pens and More. I can customize these items to suit any occasion or themed event. I’m consistently adding new products to my inventory. My mission is to create wearable art that adorns the spirit of a person. Art that touches them in a place they can not deny or forget it’s beauty. What sets me apart is my Authenticity and Genuine Love for what I do. I absolutely have a passion for anything Art. I paint, Sing, Create and work a normal 9 to 5 during the day. I have the most fun when I’m selling my items to new people that have been searching for something unique and find it with me. I am proud of myself and my Business for coming as far as we have. I started this business with no expectations. I just love what I do and wanted to share it with the world. I have a huge heart and, I feel that God has created me to share my light with everyone. I do pray to reach more people who love being different, one of a kind, Speacial, or Unique. I currently sell my items online through Facebook (Loc Beads and Things, Instagram (locbeadsandthings_llc), website (www.locbeadsandthings.biz) or email jma@locbeadsandthings.biz. I also sell things in person at Circle Center Mall downtown Indianapolis (49 w. Maryland Street Indianapolis, IN 46203) Inside the store front (KEMET360) on the third floor. Please come by and see us among other business partners. Loc Beads and Things would love to Adorn your whole family with some really amazing pieces of wearable art. I pray to meet you all soon.
Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.
Yes, I manufacture most of my own products. I personally purchase the materials, or hand create each piece one at a time. I had some items that I purchased from larger manufacturers and recreated or added to it, for resale. I really like starting from nothing and creating something New from my own imagination. I did not know how to make jewelry prior to making it. I had ideas but, never tried it. I watched a few videos on YouTube and then started on my own journey. I’ve had a lot of trial and error with what materials and products I consider the best. I love great quality at affordable prices. I’ve learned so many lessons about business but the biggest one is NEVER BE AFRAID TO INVEST IN YOURSELF FIRST. it is better to invest in good quality then risk jeopardizing the reputation of your Brand by having faulty products.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
Funding for my business was not easy. I’ve always told myself I’d be a business owner but, never thought I had enough capital to do so. I started my first products with items I had around the house. Maybe spent $50 on a few things I didn’t have. From that I’ve been investing in my business every since. Most months it seems I invest more than I make in revenue. I am ok with that because I know that one day my business will be big enough to triple what I’ve spent so far. Ive never really had large amounts of money on hand to just start a business. I just went on a limb and, changed my though process. You don’t need a lot of money to be creative. Most of the time you have to think outside the box and use your imagination to create something that others may see beauty in. That first $50 I spent on my dream was worth every penny.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.locbeadsandthings.biz
- Instagram: Locbeadsandthings_llc
- Facebook: Loc beads and things
- Linkedin: JoVonia Ayers
- Other: Email: jma@locbeadsandthings.biz