From Adornment to Alignment: The Story Behind My Necklaces
- Larry Carroll Jr.
- Jul 8
- 3 min read
Lately, you’ve probably seen me wearing different color bead necklaces each one a staple piece, an extension of my journey, my culture, and my healing. What started as a simple appeal became a spiritual pull. My first necklace was yellow, the color of light and clarity. But what drew me in deeper was its caption, The Necklace of Ogun.*
For those unfamiliar, Ogun is one of the seven African Orishas, a warrior, a metalworker, a protector. His essence is strength forged through humility. That necklace became more than decor it became a declaration. A statement. A reminder that even warriors walk with grace. That wouldn’t be my last.
I continued to wear them, people began to stop me, asking about the necklaces or stating, “You remind me of Akuma,” someone once said.
I found a piece that reflected that energy, powerful, ancestral, mysterious. Then came Juneteenth. I purchased a black necklace woven with the Marcus Garvey colors, red, black, and green on the heels of a conversation about his legacy and vision for African Americans. I wore it with pride, honoring his revolutionary spirit, until I gave it away.
I met a man at the Just Us Summit, a massage therapist and vendor. He noticed my necklace and asked about it. As we talked, he shared how someone stole his necklace while he working in Texas. He told me how off he had felt since then, and how even his team noticed the shift in his energy. Without hesitation, I took the necklace from around my neck and handed it to him.
He looked at me, surprised.
“Are you sure?” he asked.
“I’m sure,” I said.
Days later, I felt the pull of that necklace. I won’t lie, the want was real. But spirit had already moved. I honored the moment and kept it pushing.
Then one day, my O.G. Suave said something that sparked it all:
“Why don’t you start making them?”
I laughed. “You’re a true artist.”
He smiled back:
“I love money.”
And I got it, I could use a few extra dollars too. But more than that…I am an artist.
Not long after, my new spiritual sister China asked, “What do the colors mean?” I paused. I wasn’t sure at first.
That question sat with me. Suave’s words stayed with me. And just like that, clarity hit. I began to study. I meditated on colors. I traced their meaning to the Orishas, chakras, emotions, and ancestors. I stopped just wearing healing, I started creating it.
That’s why I say I purchased my last necklace from the genius and talented Eye Create not because it’ll be the final one I wear, but because from here on out, I’m stepping into creation.
Introducing: Ryze Necklaces
More than jewelry these are intentional tools for healing, identity, and empowerment.
Each piece is:
Color-coded with purpose.
Inspired by ancestral wisdom.
Made to align with your energy and elevate your spirit.
They aren’t just necklaces.
They’re reminders.
They’re medicine.
They’re messages you wear.
So when you see me with beads around my neck, know this, it’s not just fashion.
It’s, frequency.
And now, I create them so you can carry your own.
Grab your free Ryze Color guide to healing, the place your pre-order (solid colors only).
Ryze Necklace
Buy Now
Comments