Meet the founder: Ashley Wray of Mala Collective

When it comes to mindful jewelry that not only makes a statement but helps you connect and honor your yoga and meditation practice, mala bead bracelets and mala necklaces from (link removed) are so beautiful and they are meaningful. We love the variety of colors and the way each piece feels tailor-made and for every moment and every yoga journey - we could get lost in the swirls and patterns of some of these beautiful creations.

We chat with Ashley Wray of (link removed) about creating and curating passion and how she stays super Zen while running her business.

What does creativity mean to you? What inspires you to be creative?

"For me, creativity is about curiosity and expression. I was a journalist before starting Mala Collective, so I would say I'm a really curious person by nature. I went to school to learn to ask questions! I feel like creativity and curiosity are so intertwined."

Where do you live at the moment? What does your city offer you as a doer? Are there other places in the world that inspire you, why?

"During the COVID-19 pandemic, I spent the year in Vancouver - where I'm from. Looking back, it was a gift to be home for an entire year. I'm usually between New York, LA, Bali, India, Nepal, and Vancouver. Being in the mountains, by the water, spending time in nature, and building community was something I'm incredibly grateful for. I'm back on the road, though! I just spent two months in Guatemala, which was beautiful. I highly recommend it to anyone on their spiritual journey Recommend visiting Lake Atitlan. There's so much powerful energy. I'm also going to Europe this summer to climb Mont Blanc. Hiking is something I love as it forces me to be present in every moment. It's difficult but I love it."

How did you get into this industry? What was your first job?

I founded Mala Collective by accident. It was a chance meeting on a plane between Bali and Thailand. We fell in love with the mala beads in Bali and the woman who made them sat next to us on our flight. It was true coincidence. Before Mala, I covered murder trials as a journalist. I much prefer meditation 🙂 With all of this, I have a lot of limiting beliefs that I wasn't good enough to run a business since I had no background for it. It took years of work, mindfulness practices, and self-love to embrace this journey and believe that I am enough.

Why is it important for consumers to continue to seek out mindful and inclusive brands? What can you do to further support them?

"I think mindfulness is a way of life. It's so much more than just buying a piece of jewelry, a pillow, a crystal, etc. I think these items are so beautiful to inspire a practice. But you don't need anything to live a mindful life, you don't need anything like what we do to meditate! You can just do it with your breath!"

Why is mindful and sustainable production important?

"What I love about what we do is creating tools to help people begin this work of mindfulness. It's an ongoing journey. I think once we start doing it, we become more conscious of what we buy, what we bring into our home, what we wear, what we take in, how we spend our time, and so on."

Finish these sentences: “Always…” and “Never…”

"Always...love yourself. Never give away your power by thinking you are not enough."

Favorite Yogamatters product(s)? Why?

Favorite Product — Can I say Mala Collective?! I love the new upholstery you just released. The print is stunning!

What is your work uniform? What do you wear when you're not at work?

"We've been remote for about 5 years now, so I'm very used to working from home and in cafes. I'd say most days I'm in Birkenstocks (I am as I write this!). I love a simple dress - I've been working on embracing my divine feminine over the last few years, and dresses make me feel more beautiful inside and out. Overall, I'd say I'm a much more casual person than a formal one."

What gives you energy and keeps you recharged?

"I love traveling. The feeling of being in a new place and being in awe gives me such perspective. But I would say my morning routine keeps me grounded and recharged. Doing a gratitude exercise every time I lay down helps me start my day with optimism."

Favorite movie, book, app, podcast, game at the moment?

"Favorite book: I'm really leaning towards fiction at the moment to get the creative juices flowing. I like reading a print fiction. I'm doneMidnight Libraryand readThe immortalsat the moment. I just read it tooYou're a badassand loved it! I also like to take a long walk every morning and listen to an audio book that is either meditation-based or business-focused. I'm currently listening to "When Things Fall Apart" by Pema Chodron. I love her teachings.”

Discover all the essential Mala Bead jewelry from Mala Collective right here.