Shalla Wista: The Birmingham Jewelry Brand Taking the World by Storm!
Welcome to Birmingham, where the sun shines bright and local talent shines even brighter! Today, we’re excited to shine the spotlight on an incredible woman whose passion for jewelry has led her to global recognition. Meet Laura Gaines, the mastermind behind the fabulous jewelry brand Shalla Wista. If you haven’t heard of her yet, trust us—you will!
A Journey from Criminal Justice to Jewelry Design
Laura’s story begins in the most unexpected place: college! While studying criminal justice at Auburn University, she took a seasonal job at a jewelry designer’s shop in Birmingham during Christmas break. Little did she know that this seasonal gig would turn into a lifelong passion. After falling in love with the craft, she worked under her mentor for seven years before deciding to take the leap of faith into entrepreneurship.
Moving to Atlanta in 2006, Laura launched Shalla Wista from scratch. “I was terrified to start on my own after a salaried job,” she recalls. But her fear didn’t last long! She attended her first trade show, the Atlanta Gift Show, and her journey took off from there.
The Birth of Shalla Wista
Now, let’s talk about the fun part—how did Shalla Wista get its name? After struggling to find the perfect name, Laura remembered a sweet childhood nickname and decided to ask her friends and family for help. “I would walk around as a baby whispering ‘shalla wista.’ It became my family nickname!” And, voila, Shalla Wista was born! What a unique and charming name, right?
Recognized Everywhere
Shalla Wista isn’t just a local treasure; it’s made waves in the fashion world! From gracing the runways of Paris Fashion Week to appearing in popular TV shows like The Bachelorette and the romantic comedy Something Borrowed, this brand has undoubtedly captured the hearts of many. “Meeting the designers and sending around 60 pieces for Something Borrowed was incredible,” Laura shares excitedly.
Inspired by the World
What fuels Laura’s creativity? “I love to travel! Each trip inspires my designs—from the colors and cultures to the breathtaking landscapes,” she explains. With a hint of rustic charm and a touch of elegance, her pieces reflect her adventures across Europe, Mexico, and beyond.
Laura’s creative process is instinctual and wonderfully free-spirited. “There are no rules when it comes to wearing jewelry. Just put on 20 necklaces if you feel like it!” she laughs. She loves helping her customers mix metals and layer up their jewelry until they find their unique style. “It’s all about making people feel happy and confident!”
Family, Faith, and the Joy of Kindness
Behind every successful woman is a strong family, and for Laura, her inspiration comes from her mom. “She’s one of the most beautiful people I know, inside and out,” Laura beams. Having dealt with loss and grief, Laura admires her mother’s incredible strength and kindness during hard times. “You never know when a smile will change someone’s day,” she reminds us, encouraging everyone to spread positivity.
A Taste of Home
When Laura isn’t busy designing, she loves indulging in the local scene. Her favorites include grabbing coffee from Church Street Coffee and enjoying delicious meals like Kafta Kabobs from The Olive Branch in Cahaba Heights. And let’s not forget her favorite vacation spot: the charming island of Nantucket. Laura describes it as “peaceful and beautiful”—just the kind of getaway we all need!
Living a Life of Style and Substance
As she continues to grow Shalla Wista, Laura reminds us all to live with heart and creativity. Whether you’re a jewelry enthusiast or just love a good story, Laura’s journey is proof that passion and perseverance can lead to incredible places.
So why wait? Dive into the world of Shalla Wista and let a piece of Birmingham’s magic adorn your life!
