Inspiring Conversations with Alaya (lay) Johnson of Love Lay

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alaya (lay) Johnson

Hi Alaya (Lay), it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
It all started when I was just six years old, I know crazy right? My first business was selling soaps with my grandma. Since my sister and I have eczema, I wanted to spread awareness about it while creating something kid-friendly and meaningful. I ran that business for four years before moving on to my next venture: LayLay’s Cosmetics. I started it because I didn’t like all the chemicals and unnatural ingredients in makeup. While I wasn’t a big makeup person myself, my little sister was, so I created the brand with her in mind. After a while, the business wasn’t where I wanted it to be, so I decided to take a break and focus on school. During that break, I became really invested in how I presented myself, but I struggled with confidence. That’s when I started making jewelry, not just to accessorize my outfits but to help me feel more put-together and proud of my outfits since they became a reflection of who i am. At first, it was rough, but I loved it. Jewelry gave me confidence, and I started planning my outfits intentionally. Eventually, I got enough recognition to turn it into a brand. Since I love writing, I named it Love Lay as a play on a signature, like signing off with “Love, Lay.” Funny enough, my mom pointed out that it also sounds like “lovely,” which made me love the name even more!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Oh no nothing is ever easy. In my opinion, if something feels easy, you’re probably not working hard enough or doing it right. This is my third business, which speaks for itself, but I started as a kidpreneur. As cute as that sounds, not many people took me seriously, and I had to balance running a business while still being a kid. Of course, my family helped, and I’m so grateful for that, but behind the scenes, I was the brains of it all, which is why I took breaks when I needed them. Now, as a teen entrepreneur, I have even more responsibility. It’s still challenging, but because I’m passionate about what I do, I push through the hardships. Since I’m still in school and play sports, finding time to create content and stay active online is my biggest struggle right now. But as I keep going, I know I’ll learn to manage it better. On top of that, growing up with a different mindset than my peers has always been tough. While they’re focused on things like relationships, I’m working to build a life for myself and to help others. That difference has led to jealousy at times, making it hard to relate to people outside of my family. I do have a couple of close friends, but for the most part, I’ve learned to navigate this journey on my own.

As you know, we’re big fans of Love Lay . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
What truly sets me apart is why I do what I do. I make jewelry because I believe everyone deserves to experience the joy and beauty of high-quality pieces. My mission is to promote love through my handmade bracelets and durable stainless steel jewelry, making luxury accessible to all. I’m dedicated to creating timeless pieces that symbolize love, inclusion, and self-expression. My slogan, “It’s All Love,” reflects my belief that everything happens for a reason not in a negative way, but in a way that encourages growth and positivity. Everything I do is rooted in love, self-love, love for others, and love for our planet. Even though jewelry might seem small, I want people to look at a piece from my brand and think, “This is something I can wear every day and never get tired of it,” or “This piece makes me feel amazing and confident.” Beyond my business, I know I’m a role model to many. Whether it was as a cheerleader or at my pop-up markets, I’ve had kids tell me they want to do what I do when they grow up. Hearing that is a beautiful reminder that I’m on the right path. But jewelry isn’t all I do I also dance, play flag football, cheer, i’m a creative writer, singer and songwriter. In middle school, I won 2nd place for my anti-drug song “They Lie” with Music Notes Online, which was an incredible experience that showed me the power of my voice and creativity. I’ve also been a dedicated student, earning a spot in the National Honor Society of High School Scholars and maintaining honor roll for two years. I love staying busy, and I’m truly passionate about everything I pursue. My business is my baby I put my heart and soul into it, and I just need the right support to keep growing. I’ve attended multiple business camps and classes, but my most recent and proudest achievement was being part of the Los Angeles Urban League’s Summer BizCamp in 2024, where I won 3rd place out of over 30 students. That experience reinforced my dedication and drive, and I’m excited to keep pushing forward.

I hope that fully answers the question! 😊

How do you think about luck?

Honestly I wouldn’t say luck has played a huge role in my business or much of my life since I’ve worked incredibly hard for everything I have. I am very fortunate to have supportive parents who have never shut down any if my crazy ideas but instead fueled me with the right resources to grow. However, my journey has been far from easy. Like I said I’ve faced more hardships than successes while running my business, which is why I don’t believe luck is really involved. Everything I’ve built has come from dedication, perseverance, resilience, and a willingness to keep pushing forward no matter what challenges come my way.

Pricing:

• Handmade bracelets $3 – $6
• Necklaces $10 – $35
• Earrings $12 – $32
• Rings $13 – $15

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lovelaycreates.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovelay_creates/
• Other: https://linktr.ee/lovelay.creates

Image Credits
I took all the pictures myself!