We were lucky to catch up with Lotoya Dillard recently and have shared our conversation below.

Lotoya, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry.

The biggest trends I see are people utilizing social media reels and going live to promote their brands.

Lotoya, 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?

My name is Lotoya and I create handmade jewelry using different types of beads and metals. The name of my company is WristlingsN’Things and I have been in business for about four years. I started my company right before COVID. What prompted me to get started was because of my love for jewelry.. As a young girl I wasn’t really interested in jewelry. I shyed away from things that I felt brought on too much attention and I didn’t wear a lot of jewelry or I wore simple pieces. Fast forward to my adult years I started wearing jewelry and grew a large interest in certain pieces. I would see certain metals or beads and it was kind of hard to find exactly what I was looking for. At that point I started trying to create my own. I first started out working with metals. I would make wire bracelets but I really didn’t like how they turned out. Then I started working with beads and finding all these different types of beads I was in love and it was so fascinating to see all these different kinds of beads. I couldn’t get enough I would create anytime of day or night whenever an idea came to me. Each time I would make something and wear it people started asking me about them. When I told them that I made them they would ask me to make them one and that’s how I got started.

What sets me apart from other brands besides each of my designs being unique is I like to go outside the box. When I say go outside the box I go into adding other things to my brand. I like to sometimes take what I have remaining from making a bracelet and create some earrings to match or a necklace. And I find so much joy in what I do it brings me satisfaction and purpose. Because of the love and intention I put into each design I know that whoever purchases it will feel just as passionate about it as I did when making it.

I’m proud mostly that I took the steps and took a bet on me to start my business. I’m proud that although I’ve had obstacles and hard times I am still here and I didn’t quit on myself. I’m proud to know that I have a product or products that are loved and wanted. I’m so proud to know that someone out there has something that I have created and they are representing my brand. I’m proud to know that I’ve reached many people and I have many more to reach.

What you need to know about WristlingsN’Things is I’m a woman owned and operated handmade jewelry business that offers quality and luxurious handcrafted jewelry to accent your style and personality. I want people to know that I’m not just making a fashion piece or statement piece I’m making beautiful and purposeful pieces that are designed to uplift and inspire you to glow and bring out the best of who you are! I want people to know that if me, a girl from Michigan who grew up shy, a single mom who started her business you can too. I want people to know that you can always be your best self and express yourself truthfully when you look good! Accessories are the icing on the cake of who you are as a person-what you add to it enhances it!

If I can take a step to make someone’s day or life easy with something as small or simple as jewelry then I’ve served my purpose. And I’m here to keep going!

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Consistency and networking. As I stated I was shy and reserved and there was a time where when I started my business and realized I had to get out here and get in peoples faces and talk about my business and that can be scary. I got scared and nervous and thought to myself I can’t do this and what are you doing? You’re not built to do this. This is going to be hard. I said to myself, you got this! You can do this and you will do this. I challenged myself everytime to be more social, more bold to reach more people. I challenged myself to be the first to approach and once I did that the fear and anxiety left and it felt natural.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Communication-giving each customer that personal one on one experience. Customers want to know that you care and you are going to take care of them. People love to know that you are keeping them posted or updated on products, services or their order. Plus, if you’re able to throw in a freebie that makes the package even more special. That customer will return and tell someone else about you. That’s been my experience. Giving an excellent customer service experience everytime!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.wristlingsandthings.com
• Instagram: @wristlings_n_things
• Twitter: @WristlingsnT
• Other: TikTok @JewelrybyWristlingsNThings