Baldwin festival vendor gives good vibrations

Ray Ray Beatty began creating jewelry for herself seven years ago because she couldn’t find anything she liked in stores.

But what began as a hobby has evolved into a passion – and a path toward spiritual healing for the East Meadow woman.

“My concept is that each piece I make has a soul mate,” she said. “There’s an energy that passes between the jewelry and the person when they find the piece that’s meant for them.”

Beatty was just one of over a dozen vendors who headed to Baldwin this weekend for the Baldwin Summer Festival, presented by the Lions Club of Baldwin. The event featured arts and crafts, handmade jewelry, handbags, sunglasses and collectibles, including vintage 1980s toys such as Elvira and Gumby.

Held next to the Baldwin railroad station, the event brought out a host of those seeking unusual and unique gifts.

Beatty, who creates Accessories for the Soul, said it was her first time at the event. Her pieces, she said, are created “with love.”

Beatty found her inspiration to create jewelry after getting sober and overcoming drug and alcohol addiction.

“Since then, I have been on a spiritual path,” she said. “The jewelry helps me on a daily basis and I wanted to help other people every day.”

Each piece of her diverse collection has specific meaning. Many pieces are adorned with inspirational words such as “faith,” “serenity,” “dream big” and “always.”

“I try to infuse good vibes and energy into my pieces,” she said, adding that she chooses stones such as amethyst for healing, onyx for protection, and rose quartz for compassion.

Beatty plans to showcase her designs at other festivals this summer.

“I love these fairs,” she said. “I went to them even when I didn’t have a booth.”