Currently Crushing On: rayo & honey

Instagram has always been a gold mine for discovering dope creators and magic makers. One of my latest IG-inspired decor obsessions is rayo & honey. Looking for creative and attention-grabbing ways to adorn your office or home with powerful messages? This thoughtfully-curated collection of hand designed pendants has everything we need. I caught up with Roachele Negron, the beauty behind the brand, to get the inside scoop on why and how she does what she does:

In Her Shoes: What’s the meaning of or story behind the name?

Roachele: As mama to boy-girl twins, I celebrate the duality in everything. I named my company with them in mind. Utilizing the translation of lightening in Spanish as “rayo” & using honey in English is a nod to my diverse background. Also, lightning and honey are attributed to the Yoruba deities Chango and Oshun, respectively. For me, the balance between the power of lightning and the sweetness of honey are perfect representation of my children.

In Her Shoes: What would you say is the biggest inspiration behind the messages in your pennants?

Roachele: I dig for iconic hip-hop lyrics, Black and Latino pop culture references, mantras, and wondrous quotes that are motivational to me as well as my friends and family. It’s my hope that rayo & honey decor will inspire customers to surround themselves with things that speak to a collective past and a socially-conscious future.

In Her Shoes: Do you have plans to expand outside of pennants?

Roachele: In staying to the the idea that inspiration and affirmation should exist in our living spaces, I am introducing several different home goods in November that including canvas all purpose throws and totes. All will be made with printed canvas, utilizing global patterns in an unexpected way.

In Her Shoes: At what point did you realize you were on to something special?

Roachele: I was open less than a year when Grace Bonnie, founder of Design*Sponge, reached out to me and told me she really liked what I was doing. I’ve been a fan of the design site for years, so it was both an honor and confirmation I was on the right track. Equally as encouraging are the emails from patrons and images of my pennants hanging in people’s homes. Knowing a father has hung “BLACK GIRLS ARE MAGIC” in his daughter’s bedroom, or a meditation teacher has used a “YOU ARE MAGIC” pennant to develop a guided meditation, validates my mission to create goods with positive intent.

In Her Shoes: If could pick your dream retail partner, who would it be and why?

Roachele: Having been a been a creative entrepreneur for 10 years, I’ve been privy to large retailers, who offer less than ideal treatment of makers. There’s a difference in time and materials between handmade and factory production processes. A large order from a big retailer that does not result in fair financial gain for the small maker essentially becomes a very expensive marketing venture. West Elm has been really thoughtful with engaging locally made goods in many of their stores nationally. They’d be my dream retailer to work with.

To learn more about rayo & honey or to get your own piece click here.