We’re so pumped about our conversation with Rami Bayaa. Rami is a Small Business Owner and is also a content partner. Content partners help Voyage in so many ways from spreading the word about the work that we do, sponsoring our mission and collaborating with us on content like this. Check out our conversation with Rami below.
Hi Rami, so great to have you join us again. For folks who might have missed our earlier conversations, can you please take a minute to briefly introduce yourself?
My name is Rami Bayaa, and my story begins back in Montreal, Canada, where I grew up with a penchant for art and animals. This love transcended wild cats and Kodiak bears. I developed a strong passion for biology and how the human body works. Since the 6th grade, I wanted to become a physician to save lives. I followed my dream and completed medical school. Unfortunately, life threw a curveball at me, and I never got accepted to a residency program to realize that dream. I vowed to use my knowledge to reach people and help them live meaningful lives – through jewelry. I combined my love for art and medicine to create FashionAtomy, a medically-inspired jewelry company that aims to empower people living with chronic conditions to take back control of their bodies, and help them realize that a diagnosis does not define them. Each disease and disorder has its own unique, abstract design, to raise intrigue by observers and hopefully spark dialogue and raise awareness for that particular disease.
How did you come up with the name FashionAtomy?
I combined my love for art and my favorite subject in undergrad and medical school: anatomy and physiology. Fashion is an unspoken language – an identity – that anyone can relate to. So, what better way to raise awareness for something meaningful through fashion and jewelry?! Besides, the name rolls right off the tongue. It literally took me less than a minute to come up with that!
Tell us about FashionAtomy. Why did you start it?
FashionAtomy was born out of my frustration with the state of the medical field today. I have spent nearly 10 years in healthcare, whether it was during my times as a medical student, shadowing physicians, or as a medical assistant. I realized patients with chronic conditions would come in, day in and day out, to refill prescriptions for ailments that can otherwise be controlled with lifestyle modifications. They would come in looking dejected – a hostage to their condition – feeling helpless. And healthcare professionals would simply refill their medications, without any mention of adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as dietary changes or increased physical activity. By wearing the necklace, it serves as a constant reminder that despite living with a condition, they can live a meaningful life with purpose through resilience. I want to empower them to take back their bodies. A diagnosis is not something to be ashamed of, and it is not a death sentence. I also want them to realize that they are not alone, so my jewelry can be worn as a show of solidarity to support a loved one struggling with a chronic condition such as mental illness or cancer.
What’s next? Is there a project you are currently working on?
Yes, it is called the Seahorse Project, which is an initiative I started to provide an additional source of therapy for those struggling with major depression by mobilizing people like you and I, everyday people who are openly willing to listen to those suffering with mental illness. Why a seahorse? In Latine, seahorse is Hippocampus, which is a region in the brain closely associated to depression. It has been clinically shown that the size of the hippocampus in people with depression is reduced. People suffering with depression sometimes can’t afford a therapist. Sometimes, therapy doesn’t work. Often times, they’re afraid to approach family members, loved ones, or close friends for fear of being judged, or deemed crazy. My mission is to make the Seahorse an internationally recognized symbol for a lending ear; a shoulder to cry on, per se. After all, it’s no coincidence this pendant is shaped like an ear. Anyone wearing the Seahorse necklace is openly communicating to others to “Come talk to me. I will listen, free of judgment.” Listening to someone can literally save a life. Listen to the silent. You can’t spell SILENT WITHOUT LISTEN. If you’ve been diagnosed with depression, feel alone, and need someone to talk to, approach anyone wearing this pendant. They will listen.
It was so great to reconnect. One last question – how can our readers connect with you, learn more or support you?
I am mainly active on Instagram (@fashionatomyofficial). There is also an Etsy link on my profile page for those interested in purchasing necklaces. Recently, I hopped on the TikTok wagon, so you can also find me there (@fashionatomyofficial).
Contact Info:
- Website: www.etsy.com/shop/FashionAtomy
