AYLA'S STORY
Once upon a dreary Illinois January, Ayla found herself at a crossroads in her life. She was bored with winter's confinement, burnt out of her job and going through a divorce. After work on a Friday, she wandered into a store where she selected two art kits to pass time over the weekend: a jewelry making kit and a pottery making kit. She never opened the pottery making kit. Ayla and the beads made an instant love connection.
In 1996, it was time for a major change and the opportunity presented itself. The store where she had been purchasing most of her beads closed. Hmmm, she thought...and Ayla's Originals was born. Within a month, Ayla opened up a treasure trove filled with an incredible array of beads.
The store grew to carry not only beads made from gemstones, glass, metals, pearls, but findings, crystal rocks and all manner of accessories, including her own line of jewelry: Ayla's Own. Creating jewelry revealed an artistry Ayla never knew she possessed and creating has become her passion. Ayla's Own Jewelry collections have been featured in Chicago's world class Field Museum in conjunction with the special exhibit "Pearls", and numerous boutiques across the country. She has also designed jewelry worn onstage at the prestigious Northlight Theatre.
During the pandemic, Ayla's husband, Joe, quit his photography business and joined the bead team. He quickly became known as the jewelry repair expert. The other major event that happened during the 2020 shutdown was the launching of "BeadTV"; Ayla's Originals started selling live on their Facebook page. And Joe started shared his little known talent of telling Dad jokes!
After 5 years of BeadTV, and 29 years in the store, Ayla and Joe decided to close the brick and mortar store and focus on live selling events, online sales, and a little more time for relaxation.
Ayla's love of beads continues to grow as she seeks out only the highest quality of materials to bring to you and incorporate into her art. When quality counts, shop at Ayla's Originals.
