Meet Lay Johnson

We recently connected with Lay Johnson and have shared our conversation below.

Lay, 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.

It all started July 19th, 2009, my birthdate. I was an “easy baby,” but even then, the whispers started. “Nosey,” some would say, but my family, they’d smile and call me “curious.” “Messy,” others observed, but to my family, I was simply “creative.” And when I’d get lost in my thoughts, they’d just say, “She has big dreams.” I was always the kid who stood out, and honestly? I loved it. I thrived on being the leader, the one everyone came to with questions or when something needed fixing. I was the one with the biggest dreams, the kind that made people call me “crazy” that was until I made my first dream a reality.

I remember playing “teacher” with my younger sister, always demanding to be the teacher. At the grocery store, I had to push the cart. I’d even answer calls for my mom and reply to her texts when she was busy, earning me the nickname “Executive.” I just liked being in control.

That drive led me to my very first business at just six years old. It was something I could mostly navigate on my own, a place to earn my way up. My grandma and I started selling handmade skincare products, lotions and soaps. It was pure magic. People were actually paying me to indulge in my creative process! That’s when I knew, deep down, business was my path. It wasn’t the start of my purpose, though; it was just the first time I truly got to fuel the fire that was already burning inside me.

After three incredible years, I decided to shift gears. I took a break from that venture and, in 2020, launched Laylays Cosmetics. This one was born out of a personal need: my sister’s allergies and her love for makeup. I created all-natural, handmade makeup products for others facing the same struggles, makeup that was too processed or filled with ingredients they couldn’t use. Starting a business in 2020, in the middle of a pandemic, was a crash course in resilience. Not many people trusted a home-based business back then, but I pushed through. I stuck with Laylays Cosmetics until 2023, my first year of high school. Yeah, I took a break to just be a kid, but the core truth remained: I never wanted to work for anyone else. I needed to be in control, to see my ideas come to life and how they resonated with others.

Middle school was a different kind of challenge. My confidence was not all there. Being the tallest, or one of the “well-mannered Black children,” or just a girl trying to figure things out, it was all a lot. I spent a lot of time alone, hating how my outfits never quite captured who I was; they were just… clothes. Then, social media opened my eyes to the power of jewelry. And, lucky for me, my grandma, the same one who helped with the soaps, started making crystal jewelry. She taught me the techniques, and something clicked. My self-esteem soared when my style finally started getting noticed. After months of working with her, I knew what I had to do. I started my current business, Love Lay, to promote love and boost confidence, not just for myself, but for others.

Today, I’m still building Love Lay, dreaming of it becoming something huge , eventually, a boutique where small artists and fashion designers can come together, all united by one goal: to boost confidence and promote love.

So, when you ask how I found my purpose, the answer is simple: I never looked. Not once. I stayed true to who I am, nurtured my vision, stayed consistent with my goals, and did what truly makes me happy. My purpose wasn’t out there waiting to be discovered; it was rooted in me all along.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Love Lay is more than just a brand; it’s a movement. I create pieces designed to make you feel good about yourself, to remind you of your inner strength and beauty. What makes Love Lay truly stand out is the genuine intention behind every single piece. This isn’t just about selling products; it’s about making a real impact in my community and, eventually, inspiring people all over the world.

My journey as an entrepreneur started young, and those experiences taught me so much. With Love Lay, I’ve poured all that passion and dedication into crafting something truly meaningful. The name “Love Lay” itself comes from my background as a writer – it’s how I sign off on a letter, with my work and creativity being the message I send out into the world. Every piece I create is a message of love and confidence, a little reminder that you’re amazing just the way you are.

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our very first Brand Ambassador Program, designed specifically for aspiring content creators ! This is a unique opportunity to collaborate with Love Lay and elevate your social media presence.

What You’ll Gain:
Social Media Growth: Expand your reach and engagement through association with our growing brand.

Exclusive Monthly Products: Receive complimentary Love Lay products each month to feature in your content.

Personal Discount Code: Share a unique discount code with your friends, family, and followers.

Program Requirements:
Active Engagement: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok

. Monthly Shipping Fee: A flat rate of $5 for shipping each month is required to receive your complimentary products.

For more information and to express your interest, please reach out to us!
Send us a DM on Instagram @Lovelay_creates or Email us at [email protected]

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities truly shaped my journey: patience, dedication, and the art of community building. I’ve learned that achieving anything significant is a marathon. You need patience to embrace the process, celebrate small wins, and accept guidance and support from family and mentors who believe in your vision. This patience goes hand-in-hand with dedication, the deep love for what you do that pushes you through inevitable roadblocks, knowing the path won’t always be smooth. And finally, perhaps most crucially, is community building: surrounding yourself with people who share your goals, genuinely want to see you succeed, and are willing to help you get there. Building this supportive network is vital, as negative or jealous influences can eventually break your spirit, making your team your best asset in bringing your aspirations to life.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents have done for me is simple yet profound: they let me dream big. Instead of telling me my “crazy ideas” were out of reach because I was still so young, they gave me unconditional support. This belief, this freedom to explore without limits, fueled me to keep pushing forward and prove wrong anyone who doubted me. Knowing I have my mom and dad standing behind me, offering guidance when I make mistakes and celebrating even my smallest wins, has been the most impactful force in my journey so far. Their unwavering presence is truly everything.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

I took all images myself. Image with the check is from the Los Angeles Urban League Biz Camp Competition (Summer 2024) which I placed 3rd in.

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