Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Russell.
Hi Alyssa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I always loved wearing jewelry! Jewelry was something I could never go a day without wearing! It was one necklace that had my name on it that I wore literally everyday. It became apart of me because it was a statement of who I was. So one day, it all started with a thought of me saying to myself, “I wonder what it’ll be like if I had my own jewelry business?” I remember typing out ideas in my notes app on my phone, just kind of spitballing what I would want to sell but I wanted it to be different. Something people can rock with their own taste to it. So that’s when I converted my ideas to custom jewelry! I realized how much of a connection I had with my custom name necklace and how it made me feel like it was specifically made for me, I was of course, but I wanted to give that same feeling to other people. So that’s when I decided to start my own custom jewelry business!
The name “LaLa’s Candies” was something I had in the back of my head for a majority of my life so I decided to use that as the name of my business! It seemed so unique to me and it just fit the image that I had for my business as well! I officially launched my business this year, September 15th! With my business, I sell all your favorite custom jewelry! Custom Bamboo earrings, custom necklaces, custom anklets, custom bracelets, and custom rings! I’m still in the beginning stages but so far, I’m so blessed to see the progress because it was not easy during this journey but I had a passion for this and I wanted to give people a stylish, LA vibe look that they can make their own and rock it! My business is my baby! I love it so much and so my customers! It warms my heart to see people wear my custom made jewelry for them! It’s so much more ideas I have planned for this upcoming year for my business! I want to grow and expand my business worldwide!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely wasn’t a smooth road! It was very scary at first! In the midst of a pandemic, I was very discouraged to even start my business solely off of that but one day, something told me to just do it! And I want full-fledge ahead with it! One of the main struggles was money. As they say, “it takes money to make money” and I lost so much money! Investing in so much for my business but honestly, it was all worth it! When I’m passionate about something, I don’t care the cost is, it will get done! As well as getting my website up! It took so long to get done and I didn’t want to fully start my business without my website! It was frustrating because it took atleast four months before I got my website made but once it was done, it looked so good!
Also, keeping a positive mindset thru the whole process. Mind you, we were in a whole pandemic. Everything around us was kind of depressing. Constantly hearing about businesses shutting down made me think “well who do I look like starting up a business” but I couldn’t let that stop me. If not now then when? That’s what I had to ask myself. Plus, I’ve seen so many other people flourish in theirs so why can I do the same thing. When these little bumps in the road happened, I wanted to give up so bad. Just the uncertainty I had at the time made me have so much anxiety. Always asking myself “will my business even be successful?” “What if nobody buys from me?” “Does it make sense to even start a business in the middle of a pandemic?” So much negative thoughts but I had to train myself to truly trust the process! And believe in myself and my business!
We’ve been impressed with LaLa’s Candies, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
So I specialize in Custom jewelry! Custom bamboo hoop earrings, necklaces, anklets, bracelets, rings and much more! My products are of high quality and long-lasting! And most importantly, custom made just for you! I wanted my brand to have a unique, LA vibe to it. Bamboo hoops are a LA aesthetic! You go down to your local beauty supply store and buy a pair and their so cute! And I wanted people to have the same look but with their name on it! Along with other styles that I have. I want your readers to know that I am 100% committed to making sure you feel a connection to your jewelry just as much as I do! Be able to rock unique styles and make it your own! I’m always open to new ideas and what’s trending! But I want to keep it simple and authentic as much as possible too! Always rock the look that’ll never go out of style!
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happy? Seeing the people I love happy! I strive to see other people happy! Although I know I can’t make everyone happy! The people who I love, my friends, my family, my customers, those are the people I want to see a smile on their face!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://lalascandies.com/
- Instagram: Lalascandies
- Facebook: LaLas Candy Custom Jewelry
