We were lucky to catch up with Laraya Williams recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Laraya thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Since I turned 16 I’ve always had a job. From fast food to retail, I’ve always kept myself busy and put a big focus on being self reliant. I’ve grown with many companies and dedicated so much of myself to building someone elses business. I used to see my self going corporate with my first retail job and took many steps to get there. It took me a long time to realize thats not where I was meant to be. Things kept happening at these different jobs after I dedicated years to the company and eventually it hit me; I need to work for me.

This past February I took the big risk of leaving my regular day job to focus on my business full time. I had been with this company for over 3 years, and had been working on my business in the background the entire time. I realized that I was turning down a lot of opportunities to grow my business for the sake of staying somewhere that I wasn’t growing or being fulfilled. I had to do some soul searching and decide what was best for me; be somewhere that im unhappy for the sake of a guaranteed paycheck or follow my dreams and dive fully into what makes me happy while making me money. With the support of my partner, I took the leap of faith and said goodbye to “comfort” and hello to ownership!

Since I’ve transitioned into focusing 100% on my business my stress levels have significantly decreased, I’m able to dedicate more time to myself and my relationship, and most importantly my business is finally getting the attention that it deserves not only from me but from the public! It’s only been about 2 months but I’ve done more with my business than I’ve been able to in the past. I’ve made more connections, grown my following, learned new skills. I’m even collaborating with other jewelers to create unique pieces. The change has been very rewarding.

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

I like to say that I’m a simple girl with simple style, but when you meet me you will find that I am anything but simple. My creations reflect that. I started creating because I wasn’t finding jewelry that fit my odd, hippy, afrocentric, 90’s kid, tomboy, fashionista style. Depending on the moment my energy can shift and I needed jewelry and accessories that flow with and regulate that shift.

I started simple with my creations, just making loc jewelry for my hair because at the time it wasn’t as popular as it is now so finding hair jewelry was difficult. Also living on my own in Boston Massachusetts, money was too tight to splurge on jewelry and accessories because I wanted them. Once I started to realize how easy it was to create them, my naturally curious mind began to wonder ‘what else can I make?’

Now I make EVERYTHING. From head to toe, I can make a piece of jewelry for anything you can imagine. I’ve created quite a few signature lines that are consistently requested. I’ve created a home essentials line featuring things like ashtrays and sun catchers. I’ve even began making crochet bags (and clothes upon request)! What makes me unique from others is that I fully make my products. Even down to the ear wires that are on every pair of earrings, I make them all by hand. I take great pride in the title of jeweler, I make it a point to live true to that.

I take great pride in what I do and the things I create. Not only do I make things that are beautiful, I focus on healing and helping as well. Most of my creations feature gemstones and crystals, I believe very strongly in the metaphysical powers of gemstones and use them primarily in my work. As I learn and grow in my knowledge, I create items to share that same knowledge and healing.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new clients for me has hands down been vending shows. This is the best way to get your face and your products out there so that people know you exist. I’ve had clients become friends, friends become clients, fellow business owners have recommended me or my products to someone to further my opportunities. There’s nothing like vending to grow your business.

We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.

I’ve created my own website, bylaraya.com, that I try and filter all of my business through. From doing vending shows of course that saves on the shipping cost and wait time for my clients so it’s a win win situation for both. While I’ve made quite a few sales on my website, I’m finding that a good number of people contact me through social media to purchase items from me. I’m sure that a lot of this is due to the vending, folks have found thats the easiest way to connect with me.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.bylaraya.com
• Instagram: @by_laraya
• Youtube: By Laraya