We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Heather Hallam Ray. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Heather below.
Heather, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
My journey to finding my purpose was a deeply personal and organic process, born out of a period of significant loss and heartache. After losing my father and experiencing a difficult breakup, I found myself inexplicably drawn to the ocean. It became my sanctuary, a place where I could express the emotions I was holding inside. I began posting photos of stunning sunsets at beaches accompanied by inspirational quotes on social media. This simple act of sharing my feelings resonated with many, and I quickly gained a following of like-minded individuals who found solace and a sense of calm in the beauty of the beach.
Designing jewelry was not part of the plan at the outset. However, everything changed when I stumbled upon a piece of sea glass and crafted a quick ring. I posted a photo of the ring on social media, and to my surprise, people were immediately captivated, asking where they could get one. This moment was a turning point, revealing to me that my purpose extended beyond just creating beautiful jewelry. It was about connecting with fellow beach lovers and building a community.
These days, you can often find me sporting my “I’d Rather Be A Mermaid” shirt on the beach, which brings smiles to so many faces while I’m out there beachcombing. I think a lot of people resonate with the idea of escaping to a simpler, more whimsical life as a mermaid, especially in times that feel heavy and filled with uncertainty. It brings me immense joy to put a smile on someone’s face or start a conversation because of this cute shirt.
I’m a simple girl, usually found without makeup, and my social media presence reflects that. I don’t create polished reels, but what you will find is me being myself- wholeheartedly, honestly and openly sharing my life. I believe this authenticity draws people in and lets them know that life doesn’t have to be perfect to be happy.
Through this journey, my love for the ocean deepened in ways I never anticipated. It inspired me to organize community beach cleanups, bringing people together to cherish and protect the coastal environments we hold dear. Sea Glass & Sunsets has become more than a business; it’s a movement that celebrates the beauty of nature, the power of connection, and the shared love of the sea.
I believe that when you speak with me, you can feel my true love for sea glass- how it holds such mystery and beauty, transforming from trash to treasure. This transformation resonates deeply with the human experience. People say that when you are passionate about something, it’s the passion itself that people can feel and are drawn to, perhaps even more than the product. This passion is at the heart of everything I do with Sea Glass & Sunsets.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Since moving from Long Island to Florida, I’ve realized how important it is to form friendships with like-minded women, beach lovers of course. I’m still searching to find these connections, as they are crucial for personal fulfillment and shared passions. This is why I’ve started hosting workshops as a way of creative release and for women to get together who are passionate about the beach. Once it starts to cool off a bit, I’ll be hosting workshops down at the beach… and my ultimate goal is to one day in the near future, host a women’s retreat in Puerto Rico. At the retreat, we would search for sea glass, make jewelry, meditate, pray, journal, share our goals and dreams, and just have fun and create lifelong friendships. My father’s death at the young age of 59 taught be that life is short and precious, and you have to live it to the fullest. It’s through these bonds and shared experiences that I find inspiration and motivation, and it’s incredible to see how our love of the ocean and creativity bring us closer together.
Additionally, those “I’d Rather Be A Mermaid” shirts I mentioned, they will be available on my website in August.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I sometimes feel embarrassed about some of my early designs, but that’s all part of the journey. I’ve learned that the most impactful qualities and skills for me have been creativity and design, community building and networking, and resilience and adaptability.
Creativity and Design: Developing unique jewelry pieces requires a strong sense of creativity. For those early in their journey, experimenting with different materials and styles, and seeking inspiration, are key to honing this skill.
Community Building and Networking: Forming connections with like-minded individuals and building a supportive network has been essential. My advice here is to actively engage with communities, both online and offline, to grow your support base.
Resilience and Adaptability: Running a business comes with its challenges. Staying resilient and adaptable in the face of setbacks is crucial.
My biggest piece of advice is to just go for it and not wait for everything to be perfect. Focus and niche down early to save time and money, and don’t let your creative ideas scatter. Not everyone will love your product, and that’s okay. Embrace the learning process, and don’t be afraid to evolve and adapt along the way.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Moving forward, my goal for Sea Glass & Sunsets is to partner and collaborate with like-minded boutiques, beachfront hotels, and brand ambassadors. While I have a good handle on other aspects of my business, selling directly can be challenging for me… I’m passionate about designing and creating new pieces, and I prefer focusing on the creative process. I believe that brand ambassadors are especially valuable because their passion for my jewelry and brand aligns with my core values. Passion is what truly sells, often more effectively than the product itself. When I’m at events and meet with clients, my love for sea glass and the entire process is contagious. People are drawn to the stories and facts about the sea glass, which creates a strong connection with them.
After all, my true passion lies in collecting sea glass—often called mermaid tears—and crafting it into something magical. It’s all part of the dream of being a mermaid, embracing the ocean’s beauty and creativity. I’m excited to continue this journey and connect with others who share the same love for the sea and its treasures. “I’d Rather Be A Mermaid”, wouldn’t you?!?
If you’re interested in collaborating or becoming a brand ambassador, please reach out to me through my website or social media channels. I’m excited to connect with those who share my love for sea glass and the beach and who are eager to help spread the joy of Sea Glass & Sunsets.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.seaglassandsunsets.com
- Instagram: @seaglassandsunsets
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seaglassandsunsets.com
Image Credits
Photo Credit: Heather Hallam Ray (Me)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
