Hello there!
My name is Fraley, and I am the face behind all things Fraypearls. If you’d like to get to know the designer, editor, creator and all working things behind the business, then scroll on down!
Who am I?
I am a 26 year old who has two passionate careers to bring to the table. By trade, I am an Intensive Care RN BSN CCRN, and I graduated from The University of Tennessee College of Nursing Cum Laude. I have worked as a travel nurse the last couple of years and I’ve grown my business along the way. I developed a creative side at a very young age with crafting projects, and this came to fruition in 2015 when the pearl journey began. I enjoy having the balance of creativity with jewelry & intensity of the ICU in my everyday life.
Where are you based out of?
The pearl journey began in Humboldt, TN my senior year of high school and it followed me to Knoxville, TN, where I attended nursing school at UTK. After graduation, we moved again to Nashville, TN, where I began my career as an ICU nurse. Shortly after, I embarked on my travel nurse journey, and the pearls came with me across the United States. After closing my most adventurous chapter yet, I have settled in Charleston, SC, where all operations are currently being performed.
How did you learn to make jewelry?
The simple and truest answer is that it started with a strand of leather and pearl and has graduated to intricate gold & silver pieces through lots of trial and error! I strive to continue to bring new pieces to the table. I enjoy being challenged by my custom orders, bridal orders & new trends. In the future, I will continue to widen my design portfolio by learning new skills and techniques.
What makes my business unique?
Fraypearls is unique in that your items are handmade & made to order. Each piece is uniquely different with different pearl shapes & sizes, metals & elective finishes.
With fraypearls, you also get me for any & everything. Design, create, repair and Q&A you will have the same face ensuring your pearl pieces are perfect.
How did you fund your buisness ?
After my initial necklace took off at my high school, the demand was there. My mom, Linda, agreed to give me $100 loan to fund my supplies for inventory, and the rest was history!
Fav thing about being an owner?
Having full creative freedom to design, create, and interact with my customers on a personal level! I enjoy talking with my customers and forming those relationships that creates returning buyers. My overall goal with each customer is to truly create a reliable brand for jewelry. I love seeing photos and my jewelry out in the wild. It makes me proud & drives my creativity.
Overall career goals
My short term goal is to get back into craft shows. This was my initial method to selling and getting my brand to the public.I love getting to interact with clients and also putting a face with the brand!
My overall goal at this time is to find an equal balance with fraypearls & nursing career. I’m not exactly sure what that looks like at this moment, but that’s the fun part about the journey right? I hope you stick around and take it with me as there are many exciting things in store!
Did your side hustle inspire your mom to name her pup pearl?
Short answer is yes 😂 My mom has two weenie dogs. Merle came first and after couple months after being home, mom decided he needed a companion. She picked up a black dachshund that was from the same parents of Merle, but just a different litter. She wanted to keep the names related and the eyes of her precious new pup are that of a deep black pearl. Thus, the name Pearl was a no brainer!
What’s my favorite piece right now?
My favorite piece to wear is the baroque hook (available soon). It’s simple in design but powerful in pearl. I’m finding my self wearing these with t-shirts and to weddings! A truly versatile piece.
My favorite design is The Kathryn necklace! I have wanted to achieve this design for a couple of years, and I finally have perfected this piece. (Also available soon)
What do you do when you aren’t pearln’?
A busy busy bee is the best answer! I am a full time RN, and this does take up majority of my time. When I’m not at work, I am likely cheering on the Tennessee Volunteer football team from Neyland Stadium or via the closest TV. I enjoy all sports from my alma mater.
I enjoy reading books and this is usually my wind down from the constant stimulation of the daytime. Add me on good reads: Fraley Lashlee. My favorite genre is thriller, murder mystery (F & NF) & fantasy
With the flexible schedule of three 12 hour shifts a week, I typically find myself with multiple days off in a row where I love to a take a short road trip to see friends, family or a new city on the travel list!
I also am an avid snow skier! I absolutely live for the winter sports, and wish I could convince all my friends and family to move to the Rockies! My favorite ski mountains are Snowbird Mountain in Utah, Breckenridge Resort in Colorado and Arapaho Basin in Colorado! My favorite runs are through the trees!
Lastly, I am my purest self at Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in Manchester, TN! This is a five day camping music festival that is the happiest place on Earth! You’ll find me in a carefully curated outfit surround with my croo of over 30 people!
Who is your dream client?
I was asked this question a few months ago during website updates. I was a little stunned when I did not have an immediate answer. I thought this one out and realized there was not a certain someone I dreamed of selling to, but an place I dreamed of selling at. This place is non other than Bonnaroo Music and Arts festival.