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Written by Valennis Garcia

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A few months ago while hosting an event for Fashion's Night Out in NYC, Alek Wek walked in looking like a goddess! I don't know if it was her statuesque presence that caught me by surprise or her elegance as she walked through the event like a true amazon woman. As I watched her in admiration, I noticed that she was wearing beautiful earrings with chains attached to them that wrapped around her neck as a necklace. I was immediately in love! As any true fashionista would, I went home that night, opened my laptop and was in search for those earrings/necklace. I just had to see who was behind the unique and innovative design. After searching a few pages I found the talented Tanaya the designer, and her full collection. I thought I had discovered gold! Being very much into fashion myself and loving unique pieces, I was in awe of what she had created. Earlace, the name to be exact, is the love child of earrings and a necklace. Her pieces have been used by celebrities and are adored by the elegant female that loves to add a bit of edge to her own personal style. Being a model herself and loving the fashion industry, Tanaya came up with the concept randomly with no intention of it taking off the way it did. Little did she know that she was pushing the envelope and creating a new and revamped way for women to wear accessories. We all know that the final touch to a great outfit is your accessories. And today, women like to keep the BLING to a minimum. Tanaya's creations are the simple solution to make any outfit stand out without it being too excessive. Personally, if you have one of her pieces you don't need anything else but a simple clutch to WOW onlookers. I guarantee, you will be receiving compliments ALL NIGHT! You can thank me later!

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Where are you from and where do you currently reside?

I am from a small town in Minnesota called Prior Lake. I moved to New York City almost 3 years ago.

Growing up did you envision yourself as a jewelry designer?

Never. I always wanted to be a model, but was always really creative. I want to continue modeling and designing, but I also see myself doing so much more.

What inspired you to start designing?

I'm not sure exactly, it started as a hobby. I made a Lace for myself and a few friends, then a celebrity stylist asked for it for a shoot and it grew from there.

Are you the sole mastermind behind Lace by Tanaya, or do you have others on board?

One (wo)man band! I have hired a few people to help me with social networking and sales in the last few weeks, but as far as designing and making the Lace, its all me.

What inspired you to come up with such innovative designs?

Like I said, I'm not really sure what inspired me, but after creating the "earlace" I just continued to design different jewelry based on that first design. Walking around in craft stores looking at different materials gets the juices flowing.

How long did it take you to launch this collection?

I'm still launching it. Not everyone knows about it. I'll show people and they'll say "Wow, I've never seen this before." I want everyone to see it. I started designing one year ago. I still want to do so much more with the brand and idea.

Was there ever any hardship during the process?

Well, I model and dance aside from design and support myself that way. In the beginning, I couldn't find an investor that would take me seriously, so all the supplies I needed to make samples with came out of my pocket. I have been lucky enough to know how to design websites, photograph, edit film and photos, and even do my own PR work which usually costs thousands of dollars!

Since launching your collection, what’s the best feedback you have received from customers and what’s the worst?

The best feedback is when the girls buy one Lace and keep coming back for more. I'm so excited that people love my stuff enough to buy 6 or 7 different styles. It's great seeing people I don't know, walking down the street wearing my stuff! The worst feedback is when people say to me "I've seen that already" or "Isn't that so-an-so's design?" It's annoying but I've found a way to differentiate myself and my line.

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How did you market your designs and get them into the right hands?

I wear and bring my designs everywhere I go. I try and "Lace" as many influential women (and even some men) as I possibly can. When you have the right people with good presence & energy representing for you, people gravitate towards that and get interested.

Do you fear other designers copying your unique concept soon?

I've seen at least 5 other designers with the ear-to-ear design as of late. It is annoying and discouraging at times, but the patented magnet that I include on all the designs separates mine from others. Not many people are going to be into the idea of possibly having their earlobes ripped in half.

Who is the ideal customer for Lace by Tanaya?

Oddly enough, when I started I thought the ideal customer would have been a fashion-forward 18-25 year old woman, but my first order came from a 50 year old woman from Iowa, so it's great!

What should your fans expect in the near future? Any new ideas up your sleeve?

Lots! Tons of new designs, new accessories, precious metals and gems, and men's timepieces!

If you could describe your collection in one word what would it be?

Alluring.

For more information visit, Lace by Tanaya.com