Daily Inspiration: Meet Laraya Williams

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laraya Williams. 

Hi Laraya, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My start to crafting began from me trying to fill a personal need. I have a unique jewelry style and I wasn’t finding it in the world. I started small with loc jewelry and my interest has grown and expanded well beyond that in the 5 years that I’ve been creating. What started as a simple hobby has grown into a full-blown passion and it all was sparked by someone else saying “I really like that piece!” 

Once I started creating for others my passion and purpose has shaped itself. I’ve gone from putting beads on string to crafting my own findings and components. From simple crochet scarves to full crochet outfits. From just putting together what’s pretty to providing powerful healing and grounding through the use of gemstones. 

Not only have I learned about jewelry and creating, I’ve learned more about myself and my own personal power and abilities. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
After deciding to create ByLaraya I left my hometown and moved here to Arizona. Not only was the move and getting everything back in order difficult, I also had to figure out how to rebuild my clientele in this new and unfamiliar place. I’ve grown now to be able to still reach my supporters back home and I’ve found new ways to connect and build with the people here in my new home. 

Originally vending was the way to connect and build but since the pandemic, I’ve had to get creative. Hosting a weekly live event that I have lovingly titled FaceTime Fridays, allows me to show my face and keep my followers up to date on everything I’m doing. I’ve also started hosting my own creation events called the Jewel N Sip allowing me to further connect and teach people what I do. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My creations are unique. I’ve created some original items that I am most proud of that I consider staple items. The goddess slipper, my version of the barefoot sandal, is especially unique because of the handcrafted wire toe ring making it more comfortable on the foot. My Sacred Smokes, a smoke wand with a ring for easy almost hands-free use, made with wire and gemstones. The wire details make them a marvel to look at and the energy received from the gemstones sets them apart from any smoking wand out there. My Sistah earrings are an original creation make freehand with epoxy resin. There is no mold for this resin design so each pair is uniquely different just like the women they were made to represent. 

Everything is made by hand down to my ear wires. I believe that if you are going to call something handmade, every possible component of that piece must be handmade. 

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I have a website, bylaraya.com for access to all of my creations. 

I am on Instagram @by_laraya where I host my FaceTime Fridays. This is a great place to contact me for collaborations and custom orders. I am open to collaborations of all kinds; I just love art and I love to create it! 

You can also find me on Facebook @madebylaraya. This is where I post about the events I host and where I will likely be doing virtual trunk shows in the near future. 

Contact Info:

• Email: bylaraya@gmail.com
• Website: www.bylaraya.com
• Instagram: @by_laraya
• Facebook: @madebylaraya