Meet Annalay Ajooway-Tingling | Jewelry Creator + Business Enthusiasts

We had the good fortune of connecting with Annalay Ajooway-Tingling and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Annalay, what role has risk played in your life or career?
We all have heard about ideas regarding Risk vs. Reward factors. A common thought is the higher the risk the higher the potential reward. I believe that statement strongly however I think its important to really understand your own personal risk tolerance. I think there is always huge risks when someone decides to follow their dreams, regardless of what that dream is. Working on your business without a solid back up plan has risks, investing all your money to build a vision has huge risks and or bringing people into your business to help support comes with its own risks. So there is no escaping risk when building a business or a brand – its how to mitigate risk with smart decision making. That may come natural for some folk others it develops over time and experience or messing up over and over again. As I got older and family needs matured my risk tolerance changed- I still take risks all the time but I give myself time and enough contingency plans around an idea or decision that cushions the risk. For any young person I’d say take bigger risks when starting off and as the business grows, you’ll build the confidence muscle to still be bold and brave but in away that protects how far you come and what you built todate.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have had the love for adornments since I was a child. I loved dressing up in my mom’s jewelry and heels, so I am not surprise adorning people with jewelry is what I grew up to do. When I was a teenager I began fascinating with runway and wondered what it would be like to strut down a catwalk fashion; I had my shot in my early twenties and made the most of it at that time. Creating jewelry really happened almost by accident- I never saw myself as a jewelry creator or designer but I knew I loved working with my hands from my other artistic measures such as sewing, knitting and painting. My first pair of earrings were made out of shells that I gathered from the shores of a serene and beautiful place called Lake Atitlan in Guatemala, South America, more than almost two decades ago. Looking back, I see that as a creative, making wearable art, jewelry was my way of connecting and engaging with others, especially with women from my community. Travelling has always been one of my passions and after spending sometime in the Himalayas it became clear that my passion for creating jewelry was more than about connecting. By providing others with a beautiful piece of jewelry, made by loving hands, with a vision and message of inspiring others, I was fulfilling a purpose. Empowering myself and others to feel better, live better and go after our dreams became my why, and it was the vehicle to push me into the business of jewelry while being able to be home close to my little ones. Looking back so many things have happen through my jewelry business that I never imagined possible. I have received countless messages on how some pieces not only brighten someone days but days when they feel low – they look down and feel comforted to push forward! One of a kind pieces that people have held on to and cherished for years touches my heart. Seeing my pieces in magazines and on celebrities and movies – also solidified that the hard work you put in with the focus does bear fruit. Not quitting – don’t get me wrong countless times within the years did I take pauses sometimes for up to a year did I slow down for personal reasons, financial reasons, family requirement reasons and or to pursue other business ventures; however, I never quit forever, I come back and pick up the jewelry passion again and each time I reach new heights, seize new opportunities and connect with new clients. Hard work is relevant to your passion, vision and desire for things you want. If you want it bad enough – the hard work becomes easy. My brand is an imperfect story that has had many heights and lows and is still forming as I have a new vision of how I want to share, create and develop the next chapter of Annalay Accessories. That is the beauty of being a creative and being in business for yourself, you have the power to change course and create a new story within your story.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I definitely am always encouraged by my loving parents. I have two sets of parents and they have always told me I can achieve anything. It was through my father’s and Stepmothers Salon and Spa, D’lor, in Atlanta that I first was able to share my pieces with the beautiful, powerhouse women of Georgia-who loved the jewelry and was always looking for more. All my clients over the decade who support, wear and inspire me continuously.

Website: www.byannalay.com

Instagram: byannalay.com

Facebook: annalay accessories

Image Credits
PRODUCT PHOTOS @EVANSDWAYNE IG @KINGSOFNAPA