Today we’d like to introduce you to Reyna Elizabeth Morris.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In 2005, I attended Wade College in Dallas Texas where I pursued an Arts Degree in Merchandising and Design after I moved to Los Angeles to continue at FIDM – Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising where I graduated with an Arts Degree in Visual Communication in 2010.
I managed retail stores and high-end boutiques. During my time in Los Angeles, I met a girl that made bracelets. And a mom/designer that made little girl hair accessories. I was inspired by them and thought, hey I can do that too! I’ve always had the passion to design and was business minded. In the past, I had worked as a fashion stylist and store manager so I thought why not try something different. So one Saturday morning I headed to Downtown Los Angeles jewelry district and purchased beads and strings and tools to make some bracelets.
I would stay up all night creating. I met a lot of women while living there so one day I decided to host my very on trunk show at my apartment. Where I provided drinks and snacks and displayed my bracelets. Surprisingly I had a great turn out. First night I made over $100+, a few shows later $2k and you know some shows not much.
My problem was that I would spend all the money I made from shows on product. I would get very excited and overspend. So it has taken me years to manage my money better — honestly I’m still working on it. I’ve made a lot of progress.
It’s very easy to put money into the brand your building. Which is why I encourage taking some financial classes like Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey.
Fast Forward 7 years, I met my husband (architect and artist @chrisryandesign) He was my missing puzzle piece (he helps me with media, and set up). But most importantly, He encouraged me to get myself to a healthy place first (I was a hot mess). So I got planted at a church called Oasis LA. I started to build community, got involved in recovery groups (Celebrate Recovery) where I would focus on inner healing through the word of God. I needed to get healed from past hurts, hangups and addictions. The reason I talk about this is because it’s a big part of my story. I was a mess, which means everything I would invest in would also be a mess. The people I would allow into my life where a mess — Because I attracted that. I didn’t want that for my life. I wanted to thrive. I wanted to be as healthy as I can be. I wanted to be surrounded by healthy individuals, I wanted support groups that would encourage me in my journey. I wanted to know that I was enough, that I mattered, that I was worthy of receiving great things in my life. I needed to know in my heart that I was truly loved. That all would begin with knowing my Creator above — God.
So I got my life right, I learned a lot about myself. I learned what I loved and what I didn’t love. I became the best version of myself. And I’m still becoming because recovery is a journey.
Fast Forward another four years — I’ve now been married for almost six years to an amazing man, I have two daughters (one year old and three year old) and two years ago we moved from Los Angeles to Fort Worth Texas. My husband is originally a Fort Worth Native. My biggest challenge now is that I have many roles, responsibilities as a wife, mom, sister, daughter and leader, business owner. So now, I pray and ask for direction each day. Who needs my attention today, what is most important today, and I pray for God’s will for my life. It’s not easy, I still haven’t mastered it, but that’s the fun about being an entrepreneur. We learn we grow, and we inspire others along in the journey.
My recovery journey has given so much life, meaning, and purpose to my brand. It is why I create! Creating in my alone time with God. It’s where I regroup myself, find my spark for the light I have inside me. I want everyone that shops at Reyna Elizabeth design to know they are loved, brave and creative. I want them to walk confidently in their God-given destiny.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has been fun but for sure it has been tough. I have overcome many challenges in my life and continue to do so. So as I evolve as a woman (mom, wife, leader, business owner so will my brand evolve.
Since I started my business ten years ago, I have been through some hardship such as (different kind of loss, mental health issues, financial issues, recovery — soul work, moving states, transitions and discovering my identity and purpose has been a real big one for me. When I found my identity in Jesus Christ is when my purpose was birthed. It gave me meaning to live this life with intention and purpose. Which is why the foundation of my brand is LOVE. The more I have learned about my Creater the more confident I have become.
My advice — It’s okay to take a break but it’s not okay to ever give up — entrepreneurs, makers, artist, dreamers don’t give up!!! We must persevere, stay focused on the prize aim towards the finish line. Someone is watching you, looking up to you for encouragement and hope. God has called us for such a time as this so that we can share the gifts He has given us with excellence. He has given you such a special gift so that you can inspire, encourage and bring hope and joy to others! So shine, soar walk in confidence – God will lead and provide everything you need!
What should we know about Reyna Elizabeth Design? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Fashion accessories is what I create. For woman and lil ones (babies and kids). My specialty I say are earrings, then hair accessories. I use leathers and different fabrics. I always offer a variety of styles and colors. I like to keep it fresh and carry unique styles. Always creating new things. What sets me apart is that I pray over each item I design. I pray that when you wear my brand that you feel LOVED (seen, noticed, valued), that you know that your BRAVE (pursue your dreams), and that you know you are CREATIVE (find your creativity and go create beautiful things in this world).
When I do pop-up shows I also offer prayer to my clients, some allow me to pray for them, and some kindly just thank me for the offer. My packaging has my affirmations on them and when a person purchases I make sure they don’t leave until I speak life into them — so I personally tell them they are loved, brave and creative.
I might be the only person they hear it from in their entire life.
I created this line so that all women and children know how loved they are!! God loves them, the people around them love them. They matter they belong here, and they have a purpose!
I am loved. I am brave. I am creative. 10% of all sales go to birth mother’s choosing adoption and women with the desire to adopt.
I am an adopted child myself which is where the passion to donate 10% came to be.
Established in Los Angeles CA 2010.
Reside in Fort Worth Texas.
I have just relaunched my creative workshops so check out our events page (reynaelizabethevents).
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
Love books, podcast, and resources. I love reading faith-based nonfiction, self-help, go getter books.
Currently, I listen to
Podcast (below)
The House Forth Worth – Micah Berteau/Lindsey Berteau
Rise podcast with Rachel hollis
Straight up with Trent Shelton – The Hollis Co
Joel Osteen
The Purpose Show- Allie Casazza
TD Jakes Podcast
Books (below)
The Bible (Celebrate Recovery is one of my favorite bible editions)
Make it happen/Cultivate what matters – Lara Casey
Present over Perfect – Shauna Niequist
One Thousand gifts – Ann Voskamp
Boundaries – Henry Cloud and John Townsend
The Purpose Driven Life- Rick Warren
I want to read Soar and Crushing by T.D Jakes
Resources (below)
Fit4mom Fort Worth – Becca Graham Franchise owner/ (Mentor) (Where I work out and I get to take my kids with me.
Financial Peace University Course – Dave Ramsey
Celebrate Recovery – Turning point church
House groups at The house Fort Worth (community groups)
Yoga at Fitness Connection on Hulen
Young living oils
Apps Every dollar, Hobby lobby, Canva, Dictionary, yelp, Walmart grocery, Pinterest, google voice, Instagram, FB, Chickfila, Target 🙂
Pricing:
- $6-$12 Hair accessories
- $15-$24 Earrings
- $5-$24 Stationary
- $25- $35 Creative Workshops
Contact Info:
- Website: reynaelizabeth.com
- Phone: 4242798410
- Email: reynaelizabethdesign@gmail.com
- Instagram: reynaelizabethdesign
- Facebook: reynaelizabethdesign
- Other: reynaelizabethevents
Image Credit:
Photography: chrisryandesign.com; Photography: erikastewart.com; Make-up: Erica Barritt
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