Today we’d like to introduce you to Fraley Lashlee
Hi Fraley, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Fraley, or Fray for short & I am the face of all things Fraypearls. Fraypearls is a locally owned handcrafted jewelry business that revolves around the timeless beauty of pearls. Fraypearls offers a diverse range of items, which are all available online, in select stores & craft shows. My collections include earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and custom pieces, each adorned with freshwater pearls. Whether you’re seeking something casual, everyday elegance, or something for a special event like a bridal function or rehearsal dinner, these jewelry designs are handcrafted to suit any occasion.
I have been in touch with my creative side from a young age, and Fraypearls came to fruition in 2015 after my arts and crafts grabbed the attention of my fellow high school classmates in West Tennessee. A specific necklace had a chokehold in the high schoolers in my area, and that was a strand of leather with a singular freshwater pearl. Naturally, I wanted every color and size, so I ordered the supplies and got to work. Soon after, the ladies in my hometown followed suit with the leather and pearl craze, and this is how Fraypearls originally started. Since its humble beginnings, Fraypearls has evolved into a brand that celebrates the timeless beauty of pearls. Our designs have grown from a single strand of leather to include luxurious gold-filled, affordable gold-plated, and timeless sterling silver pieces. Based in Tennessee, we have expanded our reach through online sales, exclusive boutiques, and captivating craft shows. Despite the challenges of managing a business while pursuing my studies and career as a travel nurse, Fraypearls has thrived. Today, we operate from the charming city of Charleston, SC, continuing to captivate jewelry enthusiasts with our timeless creations.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Every small business faces growing pains, especially in areas that are not involved in the direct product/craft they specialize in. I want to manage and control all aspects of my business, which can take away valuable time and effort from my craft & creativity. I have learned to relinquish some of this control and delegate tasks, projects & management to operate at maximum efficiency. In return, this allows me to pour my creativity into my brand versus being spread thin from the day-to-day operations. Overseeing the full scale of a business can be overwhelming at times & learning to utilize your time and skills wisely can help alleviate some of that pressure. On the creative side, I face design challenges versus struggles. I enjoy being challenged by a new design technique, jewelry trends, or custom jewelry requests. This creates a rewarding feeling when you achieve the design and generates happy returning customers! The past few years have been full of valuable learning experiences as I navigated the dance of my business endeavors, advancing my career as an ICU nurse & savoring life along the way! This dance will continue to guide me as I journey through the coming years!
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
It is reasonable to assume that running a small business is challenging. This is very true for those who still work full-time in their careers. I am immensely proud of the growth of my business alongside the many achievements in my academic and personal life. Most notably, I have been packing up my jewels to move cross country with me for the last three years as I worked as an ICU travel nurse through the pandemic. This allowed me to spread Fraypearls in multiple states before settling in Charleston!
What sets Fraypearls apart is the unique blend of craftsmanship and customization. With over 500 items listed on fraypearls.com, our website is a treasure trove for those seeking casual, everyday elegance or something for a special event like a bridal function or rehearsal dinner. Each piece is handcrafted to suit any occasion, and we welcome custom orders, ensuring that every piece is tailored to your unique style and preferences.
At Fraypearls, we believe in the power of personalization. Every jewelry piece is not just handmade, but also made to order with selective finishes chosen at checkout. Customers are welcome to add and edit any design, making each piece a reflection of their unique style. Our custom order options allow you to design a new piece of jewelry from scratch, and our custom bridal package service lets you curate an entire jewelry package for all the pivotal roles in your wedding.
Fraypearls is unique in that you are not just a one-and-done customer. Shopping with Fraypearls can be a lifelong jewelry brand for you. Your first purchase may be a simple pair of earrings, but the hope is you return for your Mother’s Day gifts, graduation gifts, and even your bridal jewelry for your special day. By continuing to buy into the brand, Fraypearls will become your reliable jewelry source to walk you through all the celebratory stages in your life. The jewelry repair program allows you to keep your Fraypearls alive through the years.
From design, supply chain, management, social media presence, and business development, I am the face you will see at every part of the pearl process. I strive to create a reliable brand of pearl jewelry that generates returning customers. I hope to see you through the website or in person at craft shows!
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Memories I look back on with gratitude are the Sundays my family spent together outside at our home. I grew up in a rural part of West Tennessee in a beautiful countryside with all the outdoor activities my brother and I could dream of. From riding four-wheelers, fishing, running with the dogs, playing sports in the pasture, and crafting different projects with my family, it was a blissful time in my life looking back. My mom and dad always had projects inside and outside the house, which I was eager to help with. This eventually evolved into my conducting arts and crafts projects, including building birdhouses, painting, and gardening. My fondest craft memory was decorating our tree house to resemble those in the movies, complete with all the details, including a secret code for entry. I want to think these Sundays in my childhood cultivated creativity that blossomed into my love for designing jewelry.
Pricing:
- Earrings $10- $99
- Necklaces/Bracelets $25-$200+
- Bridal Jewelry $20-$120+
- Bulk Orders – See Website for Further Info
- Custom Jewelry – See Website for Information
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fraypearls.com
- Instagram: @fraypearls
