I had the opportunity to interview Tanaya Henry, creator of Lace by Tanaya, about a year ago. She shared her inspiration behind the patented “Earlace” and success with the start up line. Tanaya spoke with us again, giving an update on the coveted and unique Lace by Tanaya line!

Pieces That We Love

Cupcake Collection Necklace

This simple yet sturdy chain earlace comes in a variety of vivid hues. The color alone makes this earlace a statement piece. Did I mention that it retails for an affordable $30, part of the new Cupcake Collection.

Glam Necklace

Go glam with this triple layered multi faceted earlace. The combination of gold and silver chains mesh together perfectly. This piece will surely get the crowd humming.

Illuminate Necklace

This is one of my favorite pieces due to it’s royal and majestic appeal. The tassel like design on the end on the earlace is unique and enticing, playing of the crystals in this piece.

Exclusive Interview

The 949: What new endeavors has the Lace by Tanaya line encountered since we last spoke in March of 2010?

Lace by Tanaya: I have been making a ton of custom pieces (earrings and headpieces) for some amazing women! People are requesting a lot more from me lately, so I am going out of my earlace comfort zone and making some things that I never imagined I could! I don’t want to spoil it just yet but will be sure to send you photos! Karmaloop.com has picked up the brand and it is selling very well. We are finalizing with some stores and boutiques worldwide as we speak

 

The 949: I see that you introduced a more affordable line of Earlaces called the Cupcake Collection. What was the reason behind introducing this line? How does this line differ for its parent? What responses has the Cupcake Line received?

Lace by Tanaya: I looked at some of the feedback I was getting online and many young people were saying my prices are too high, “we’ll make our own earlace”. However, the fact that the magnet is not included in any of these people’s designs makes me a little nervous for them! It is a cheaper line made with cuban link chain. The chain is plated in pink, purple, blue, black, gold or silver; so it gives a bit more of an option. The response  has been good and we’ve been getting a lot of orders from people who probably wouldn’t have ordered from the regular collection!

 

The 949: A few designers have begun to imitate your original Earlace. What are your sentiments towards this and how do you plan on continuously branding your unique product?

Lace by Tanaya: At the end of the day, what is a brand without competition? It helps me stay focused and work harder. The magnet is what sets me apart from the other designers and I know just because of safety reasons, people are going to buy my product over the others. Bring it on!!!

 

The 949: What press has Lace by Tanaya received after being seen on the likes of Alicia Keys and Megan Goode?

Lace by Tanaya: The press is good. Its a new product and something that many people haven’t seen before. There are people who love it right away and people that it takes some time to grow on, so Im not rushing things. I’ve been making a lot of good connections with blogs, different designers and people interested in the brand.

 

The 949: Initially, Lace by Tanaya was located in NYC however it has now moved to the West Coast. Have you noticed a change in feedback, consumers and or publicity since the move?

Lace by Tanaya: Not really. Lace has been based online for the first year so people from all around the world ordered on a daily basis. I’m working with a few people from the West coast on the line now, which will help introducing the line over here!

 

The 949: With the evolution of Lace by Tanaya, have any of your future goals for the line changed?

Lace by Tanaya: Initially,  I wanted to start with the crystal and make some pieces in diamond and precious metals. Have done some research, I figured out diamonds and precious metals may not be the move for earrings. A piece in diamonds would be around $30,000 to make because of how many stones there are…if that fell off somewhere, someone would be really upset! Not to mention the weight would change by almost .5lb. I’ve been working on affordable pieces and playing with different materials lately and I think I have some good stuff!

 

The 949: Can we have a sneak peek of what is in store for the upcoming collection?

Lace by Tanaya: Tassles, feathers, spikes, headpieces! All that!

 

The 949: Aside from designing Lace by Tanaya, you model. Ho do you differentiate Tanaya Henry and Lace by Tanaya?

Lace by Tanaya: To be honest I try to keep it all in one. It helps when I am out at castings or shoots wearing Lace or even just out walking around. People respond to it. Meeting people and telling them about Lace by Tanaya and that I hand make everything, etc. really helps personalize things. I think that is partly why Kerin Rose and Coco&Breezy do so well.

 

The 949: As always, do you have any words of wisdom for those aspiring to work in the fashion and entertainment industries?

Lace by Tanaya: Do what you want and do what you love. Not everyone is going to agree with everything, but if you have a vision, continue on and don’t let anything stop you! You’ll be surprised where it can take you. xoxo

Special Thanks: Tanaya Henry of Lace by Tanaya