Billy Sky | Meet Lauren Wilson
She is confident. She loves fashion and nature. She’s a little quirky. Who is she?
Her name is Billy Sky. And she’s the persona Lauren Wilson named and built her gorgeously curated jewelry collection after.
When you look in the mirror and clasp on that favorite necklace or those chunky raw stone stud earrings, how does it make you feel? I would guess a little bit more like Billy. And that’s exactly what Lauren’s mission is.
The last time I sat down with Lauren in this format was May of 2017 for Upgraded Living Magazine. In the two years since, many new Billy Sky designs have made their way into the world, spreading magic each time they accessorize a look.
Originally from Los Angeles, Lauren moved to Orland, CA with her mom when she was 6 years old, flying back and forth to see her dad who stayed in Southern California.
“I loved the beach life AND the farm life,” she recollects.
The sound of Southern California oceans called her home in her 20’s, where she nannied for a family in Malibu and worked at a Children’s Activity Center in Santa Monica. Those jobs sparked her interest in psychology, and she began college. During this time, Lauren also started a vintage clothing company with her girlfriend. The two often went treasure hunting for feathers and jewelry making supplies in Downtown LA. Until one day, it clicked. Making jewelry was her passion and Lauren knew she wanted to pursue the craft full time.
After becoming a mom in 2011, she moved back to Northern California to raise her daughter Riley, eventually settling on Chico in 2013. Billy Sky came along for the adventure growing bigger and more distinct in Lauren’s mind.
“When I first started Billy Sky, I wanted to sell cool shit. I wanted to have cool shit available for people to buy. As it’s evolved, I’ve realized I really want to help make people’s days better. That’s as important as having a good product.”
As a long time loyalist to the Billy Sky brand, I can personally vouch that Lauren is accomplishing this goal. Her jewelry is somehow effortless while feeling entirely customized to who you are as an individual, which sounds impossible but that’s the beauty of it.
She describes this innate sense for fashion as “just a decisive thing.” You will never find a Billy Sky design that Lauren herself wouldn’t wear, picking and creating jewelry she believes others will also feel drawn to. Using elements like stones, wood, and glinting beads, the designs continue to morph and change with time, just like the women wearing it.
“My jewelry has definitely evolved. In the beginning, I was creating more bohemian proper designs and now it’s become more bohemian chic. I wanted to reach both demographics.”
Owning and operating her own business means Lauren not only has to create the designs for those differing demographics, but also market them. Supporting and partnering with other local businesses is key to her vision. She uses the small window of time when her two young daughters are at school to book meetings and collaborations. Picture Lauren flying kites with them in the park, while also lounging on a blanket taking care of orders. Who needs balance? Passion and love will get you where you need to be.
In her mind, working with others involves figuring out, “How can we both get ahead and how can we all build each other up? It’s so important to me.” This question strongly resonates with me and I realize it’s the foundation of what Blush & Avocados was built upon. Women empowering women. People building up people. It speaks strongly to what Billy Sky represents and who Lauren is.
So what’s next for Billy Sky? Lauren will be relaunching the Billy Sky website on November 1st, stocking it full of the designs you know and love along with “Holiday Billy.” This bold, sparkling line of jewelry will make the happiest time of the year even merrier.
Locally, you can find Lauren at Tender Loving Coffee on November 2nd from 10am to 1pm and Freebird Aerial Yoga’s popup event on October 18th, where she will have her own booth. The theme of the event is empowering yourself and buying products that are about you and make you feel good. Fitting! You can also browse an updated array of Billy Sky designs in-person at Woodzee in Downtown Chico or on her Instagram page.
“People always message me for custom designs there! That’s the best place to reach me. The jewelry featured towards the top of the feed is more readily available.”
As we prepare to part ways on this sunny Fall afternoon, I ask Lauren what her advice would be for people who want to turn something they enjoy doing - maybe a hobby or passion - into their full time job. She pauses for a moment then says, “The best advice I’ve gotten was from Amy Waltz Designs. I called her up when I wanted to take this more seriously. She said ‘know your brand and stay true to it and build your brand.’ That is the best advice I’ve ever gotten and the best I can give.”
I walk away from our cozy interview in the Heirloom Fox Airstream feeling inspired by all the female instilled confidence and wisdom. Knowing Lauren, she is going to continue providing beauty, both through her jewelry and heart, to women everywhere.
Photos by the wonderful, Ashley Carlascio
