Lamont Wray, a Harlem resident, has turned his passion for jewelry design into a successful business, creating pieces that embody Black culture and art.
A Harlem man, Lamont Wray, has transformed his lifelong passion for jewelry design into a thriving business, creating pieces that celebrate Black culture and art. Inspired by African and Asian jewelry, Wray's journey began with a basic jewelry-making workshop at the Fashion Institute of Technology. His professor's work ignited his creativity, leading him to experiment with various materials and techniques.
Wray's early entrepreneurial days were marked by food insecurity, which inspired him to give back to his community by volunteering with the Food Bank for New York City. In his Harlem apartment, he found a haven for his artistic endeavors, transforming everyday objects like Café Bustelo cans into unique necklace forms. He honed his skills by observing people's jewelry, analyzing their designs, and figuring out how to deconstruct and reconstruct them.Wray's work is a testament to his personal style and his deep respect for African-American artistry. He incorporates elements of voguing, a dance form popularized by LGBTQ+ and communities of color, into his designs. Drawing inspiration from his grandmother's love for dangling necklaces, silver, and gemstones, Wray now crafts custom pieces for clients, considering their preferences, birthstones, and desired vibes. He aims to empower his customers, making them feel beautiful and confident when they wear his creations. Beyond his own success, Wray is dedicated to fostering the next generation of Black designers, mentoring his niece, a painter, and sharing his knowledge of jewelry making
JEWELRY DESIGN BLACK CULTURE AFRICAN-AMERICAN ARTISTRY COMMUNITY IMPACT ENTREPRENEURSHIP
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