Meet the founder: Ashley Wray of Mala Collective

Meet the founder: Ashley Wray of Mala Collective

When it comes to mindful jewellery that not only makes a statement but helps you connect and honour your yoga and meditation practice, mala bead bracelets and mala necklaces from Mala Collective are as beautiful and they are meaningful. We love the array of colours and the way that each piece feels bespoke and made for every moment and yoga journey – we could get lost in the swirls and patterns of some of these gorgeous creations.

We chat with Ashley Wray of Mala Collective 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?

“To me, creativity is related to curiosity and expression. I used to be a journalist before starting Mala Collective so I would say I am naturally a really curious person. 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 to you as a maker? Are there other places in the world that inspire you, why?

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, I spent the year in Vancouver – which is where I am from. Looking back, it was a gift to be home for a full year. I am usually between New York, LA, Bali, India, Nepal and Vancouver. So being able to be in the mountains, by the water, and spend time in nature and re-building community was something I’m incredibly grateful for. However, I am back on the move! I just spent two months in Guatemala, which was gorgeous. I highly recommend anyone on their spiritual journey visit Lake Atitlan. There is so much powerful energy there. I am also heading to Europe to hike Mont Blanc this summer. Hiking is something I love as it forces me to be present in each and every moment. It’s a week long waking meditation. It’s difficult but I love it.”

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

“I started Mala Collective through serendipity. 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 ended up sitting beside us on our flight. IT was true serendipity. Before Mala, I was a journalist covering murder trials. I much prefer meditation 🙂 Saying all this, I ha a lot of limiting beliefs that I wasn’t good enough to run a company as I had no background in it. It has taken years of work, mindfulness practices, and self love to embrace this journey and believe I am enough.”

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

“I think mindfulness is a way of life. It’s so much more than buying one piece of jewellery, a cushion, a crystal, etc. I think those items are so beautiful to inspire a practice. But you don’t need anything to live a life of mindfulness, you don’t need anything we make to meditate! You can do it with simply your breath!” 

Why is mindful and sustainable manufacturing important?

“What I love about what we do is create tools that support people stepping into this work of mindfulness. It’s a continual journey. I think once we start, we begin to become more mindful about what we purchase, what we bring into our homes, what we wear, what we ingest, how we spend our time an so on.”

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

“Always … love yourself. Never… give your power away by thinking you are not enough.”

Favourite Yogamatters product(s)? Why?

“Favourite product — Am I allowed to say Mala Collective?! I love the new bolsters you just launched. The Organic Cotton Daisy Print is stunning!” 

What’s your work uniform? What do you wear when you’re not at work?

“We’ve been remote for about 5 years now, so I am very used to working from home and cafes. I would say most days I’m in Birkenstocks (I am as I write this!) I do love a simple dress — I’ve been working on embracing my divine feminine for the past few years, and dresses make me feel more beautiful inside and out. Overall, I would say I’m a far more casual person than I am formal.”

What gets you energised and keeps you recharged?

“I love travel. The feeling of being somewhere new and being in awe gives me such perspective. But I would say my morning routine is what keeps me grounded and recharged. Doing a gratitude practice every mooring helps me start my day with optimism.”

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

“Favourite book: I’m really leaning into fiction at the moment to get the creative juices flowing. I like to read a hard copy of fiction. I just finished Midnight Library and am reading The Immortalists right now. I also just read You Are A Badass and loved it! As well, each morning I like to go for a long walk and listen to an audio book that is either meditation based or business focused. I am listening to Pema Chodron’s “When Things Fall Apart” right now. I love her teachings.” 

Discover all of Mala Collective’s mala bead jewellery essentials right here.

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