Laudia Yambala is on a roll with her jewelry brand: Yambala Designs.
This Congolese native has lived all over the world, and has perfectly honed her craft of making the most stunningly gorgeous pieces of gem stone/crystal jewels intertwined with gold, silver, or brass. The way Yambala crafts all of her jewelry is stylistically unique from other jewelry makers, and the bold statement her pieces make are authentically her. Featuring choker necklaces, long necklaces, skinny and cuff bracelets, rings, and actual pieces of large precious gem stones, this fashionable new brand has any style-conscious person totally covered. A very cool fact about Yambala Designs: each piece of jewelry made is spiritually cleansed with sage, amongst other things, to allow the gem stone’s and crystal’s amazing properties to take full effect. Ethically sourced, Yambala Designs brings the best of the best to every person that rocks it. We were lucky to have a chance to catch up with this in-demand, fabulous new jewelry designer.
The Knockturnal: How did you get your start in designing?
Laudia Yambala: I started designing jewelry by making gifts for loved ones. It all started when I walked into a jewelry store one day and designed some earrings. My family and friends were very impressed with my work, encouraged me to sell my designs and eventually I did. Making jewelry used to be my side hustle. Until I launched my business in 2015 when I moved to New York and decided to work for myself.
The Knockturnal: What are your favorite pieces and why?
Laudia Yambala: My favorite pieces are the rings, necklaces, and bracelets. I wear my jewelry everyday and I always have on a few rings, a necklace and several bracelets. I enjoy wearing the crystals in the form of jewelry and matching them with my outfits. My favorite crystals are moonstone, pearl, turquoise and green garnet. Moonstone is a stone for new beginnings and transformation. Pearls are for sincerity and purity. Turquoise is for balance and enlightenment. Green garnet for prosperity and balance.
The Knockturnal: What is an important lesson you learned being a small business owner?
Laudia Yambala: An important lesson that I learned as a small business owner is that we are compensated by the value of our contributions. This law is a part of my philosophy. That being said, I really pour my love into my work. I add value to my creative process by hand picking all my crystals. I purify and cleanse the crystals with good intentions. My goal is to create beautiful jewelry so people can wear crystals and enjoy their healing benefits.
Laudia Yambala: At the moment, I do not have a mentor in my career, but I am looking for one.