The first thing people ask me is why J.Ryann; it is my childrens middle names, Eric Justin and Ashley Ryann. I was a wee bit weary at the thought of putting my name out there. Instead, I wanted the children to see the process of a business and somehow be involved. Also knowing that my efforts would benefit them as they mature and have similar attainable goals, whatever they may be. They have each
added so much to J.Ryann, and I thank them every day sometimes demanding their support. One of my close friends was beading and she really had an eye for design. We had talked about my background in marketing and it struck a cord. The methodical crazy research queen had to learn the beading business from soup to nuts. Having such a strong artistic background and my recent art classes enhanced my vision. Two years ago I went back to my beloved art and was fortunate to be in a class with a very dear friend and established artist. He told me I was going to obsess over my color chart which I did and I had to learn how to get dirty, not happening.Knowing my art Career is on hold I became enthralled with jewelry design, the creative outlet that covered all my loves. My goal is to make the most beautiful hand made originals that make one smile, feel good, and know that they have a special design. It is an art. I love colors and mixing them with other materials gems and the like. Through travel, I am always in search of new inovative jelewery design ideas. It could be a bead shop in some small town in North Carolina, California or even Vietnam. The most inspiring bead market was in China and Thailand. People that sport the J.Ryann design originals get stopped on the street to ask about their jewelry. Certain celebrities have contacted the company to design individual pieces.