Southern Startups With Dignity: Introducing the Shayla Ansah Collection, a Black-Owned Statement Jewelry Brand Built on Representation
Shayla Ansha is the owner of Shayla Ansah Collection (SAC), a jewelry brand that embraces black culture boldly, out loud, and with confidence. SAC is growing and changing the way today’s culture is represented, and with the blessings of her ancestors, Shayla is a force to be reckoned with. Shayla’s brand has 2 collections -- one of silhouette charms and the other of empowering name plates. What’s so special about that? Well, read her story below to find out.
Photo courtesy of Shayla Ansah Collection
Were statement pieces a part of your childhood or upbringing?
“No. I grew up in an area where there weren’t many of us and I didn’t know how important representation was until I had my daughter, Maddie, who is 14. My mom tried to embed a sense of culture into me and my siblings, but as far as what I can see, I didn’t have statement pieces in my upbringing.”
I could not help but wonder what sparked her to create SAC and learn the process behind it. Shayla went on to explain that she wanted her daughter to have a family heirloom -- something that was kept and remembered for generations to come. “It’s gonna have to start with me since there was nothing before me,” she expressed.
Shayla first tried to shop locally at a well-known jewelry store in Texas called James Avery. She was sure she would find something there because she once purchased a piece from his collection.
However, when it came down to shopping for her daughter, she couldn’t help but notice that there were no pieces that represented black heritage. Nevertheless, she continued her search online and only found the typical ancient charms of Nefertiti and the continent of Africa. There was nothing out on the market that a modern-day black girl could relate to.
Shayla’s daughter, Madison. Photo courtesy of Shayla Ansah Collection
That was very disheartening to Shayla, but it also motivated her to build the Shayla Ansah Collection, not just for her daughter but for our entire culture.
How does your jewelry connect with Southern Culture or even African Culture?
“I was born in Brenham, Texas, the home of Blue Bell Ice Cream, which is about 45 minutes outside of Houston, and my husband was born in Jackson, Mississippi. Both of his parents are from Ghana, Africa, and he’s the first generation to be here. I pull a lot of African culture from him, his mother, and sister.”
With the help of Shayla’s family, she incorporates African culture into the SAC brand. When looking at the logo, many of us may see just a flower or butterfly but, in fact, the design is an ancient African symbol of affluence, power, abundance, togetherness, and unity called Bese Saka. The symbol is just as beautiful as the meaning and represents everything Shayla wants her customers to feel.
Photo courtesy of Shayla Ansah Collection
Not only does Shayla use symbolism to represent African heritage, but each piece of her silhouette jewelry charms has black features like natural hair, head wraps, hoop earrings, and kings wearing crowns.
They are each named after a member in her family and her signature piece is “The Maddie” inspired by her daughter. Her empowerment collection features charms that have today’s culturally black sayings crafted in gold lettering like “black girl magic” and “hella black.”
Why did you choose the element of gold?
Simply put, she stated,
Everything about Shayla’s collection is a reminder to be proud of your heritage and lineage and when each customer wears a gold design, Shayla wants them to feel royal and confident.
What makes SAC stand out from other jewelry collections?
Photo courtesy of Shayla Ansah Collection
“I am upfront embracing black culture and I am not ashamed of it. I love everybody, but I am not trying to include everybody. I want to make something that is for us. We represent things that are relevant now in today’s culture.”
I could not help but admire Shayla’s passion as she endeavors to embrace black culture through jewelry and overall providing all children not just her own with lifetime heirlooms.
SAC is definitely a business to watch. This is why Kin + Dignity Magazine is honored to celebrate the Shayla Ansah Collection as a Southern Startup with Dignity. SAC will be releasing more designs and is sold online for now, but will be participating in vendor pop up shops in the future.