Life & Work with Raya Sacco

Today we’d like to introduce you to Raya Sacco. 

Hi Raya, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I began my career in fashion as an intern for Nylon Magazine in 2011 in New York, and after one day assisting a stylist on set for a Steve Madden campaign, I decided that I wanted to turn my passion as a stylist into a career. 

After three years of freelance styling in New York, I realized that styling did not fulfill my purpose, and I wanted to take high fashion design and lifestyle to Detroit, essentially to introduce a new wave of shopping and dressing to my hometown. 

In 2020, I started my business focusing on sourcing vintage for both men and women and introducing independent designers to the Midwest market. After two years of reselling vintage and finding unique designers to showcase in the metro Detroit area as well as around the world, I still felt like I wasn’t connecting with my purpose. 

In 2022, I reached a breakthrough moment and realized that fashion design has always been a dream and passion of mine, so this past year, I invested my time in learning how to sew in efforts to create my own sustainable lifestyle brand. My vision of what sustainable clothes for women and men should feel like and look like by repurposing quality fabrics like denim, leather, and knits. 

RAYA is an eco-friendly lifestyle brand dedicated to the conscious consumers who crave one-of-a-kind pieces and quality craftsmanship. Inspired by Detroit’s music scene and raw architecture, the RAYA brand embodies the natural elements and textures of feel-good fabrics with futuristic concepts and design. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it definitely has not been a smooth road. I was unpaid intern for 6 months living in New York, trying to find my way in a big city, not really knowing what I wanted to do. I was always attracted to fashion as a kid so going to New York was a dream of mine. Being in New York taught me a lot about the industry, and there were many things I didn’t like about the New York lifestyle, so it was hard for me to adjust and find my place, which is why I wanted to come back to Detroit where the atmosphere felt new, fresh, and light. It took me 28 years to really sit behind a sewing machine longer than 20 minutes. Throughout my whole life, I took sewing lessons but never quite fully developed as an artist and fashion designer until now. I even pivoted my business model 2 times in 2.5 years. I continue to learn and grow as a person, and I think now I began a transformation that will truly change my life and journey for the better. Design has always been my calling; I just ignored it for a really long time. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a fashion designer who specializes in repurposing materials and garments into brand-new concepts and design. I am a conscious conceptual lifestyle brand that most people would recognize me through my unique sense of style and taste. I am most proud of developing my first collection by hand and dedicating almost 4 months of life into bringing my sketches to life. I think what sets me apart from others is that I come from a retail sales and stylist background more so than a design or fashion student background. I never studied my craft; I just learned it, and I think through all my experiences it led me to the heart of fashion which is design and innovation. I always had a strong identity, and I feel like I can finally express myself fully through my work now more than ever. 

We’d love to hear about what you think about risk-taking.
I’ve taken many risks in life, and I continue to do so daily. I moved to New York when I was 21 years old with two suitcases; no job and very little savings, just an internship and a dream. I also quit a six-figure salary 3 years ago to start my business with no idea on how it was going to work out but just knowing I had to take that leap of faith. I think that is what life is all about; it’s walking by faith and trusting that God will guide you; we just have to obey and listen. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shopraya.co
• Instagram: @therayabrand

Image Credits
Alexandra Cooper
Bri Ramsey
Eirene Miranda
Jay Jakubiak