Tell me a little bit about yourself.

I have been married to Jeff for almost 27 years.  We have two daughters, Rachel is 20 and Rebecca is nearly 18.  I have a degree in Advertising from ASU.

I grew up here in the Valley — I love the sunshine and beauty of the desert.  I enjoy reading (especially forensics and true crime), classic movies, working out, spending time with loved ones, travel and quilting.

Tell us about your Button Bags.

When creating the bags, I wanted to design something functional and fun.  To ensure excellence in craftsmanship, I use only high-quality materials.  Each bag features 3 inside pockets to keep things organized.  Also, I try to use an interesting lining fabric since the bags are fully reversible.

 When I completed my first bag, my daughter thought that a button would be the perfect finishing touch.  Each bag features a button that complements the fabrics.

Rayetta has more fabrics to choose from including some fun animal prints and diaper bags. I couldn’t fit pictures of all of them here!  In addition to her wonderful bags, Rayetta also designs quilts. Isn’t this one lovely?!

What motivated you to start your business?

Last fall I began to consider the looming cost of having 2 kids in college.  I decided to attend H&R Block School, with the hopes of landing a part-time job to earn some extra income.

Meanwhile, I was receiving very positive feedback on some fabric bags I had made for family and friends.  I proposed the idea of making and selling my bags to my brother Charles, who lovingly stated, “Rayetta, you’re an artist, not a number cruncher.  The bags are more an expression of who you are.”  Rayetta’s Homemade Treasures was born.

You are doing something special with the proceeds.  Tell us why you picked this organization.

I have been a stay-at-home mom for years, and sadly, caring for people with HIV/AIDS was never on my radar.  In 2003, someone close to me was diagnosed with AIDS.  Suddenly, AIDS was no longer a set of statistics, or just a red ribbon — AIDS had a face.

As my loved one recovered from a near-fatal illness, I realized how important a support system can be.  I began to pray that God would give me the opportunity to help care for someone living with HIV.  I met Steve Robenalt from Compassion in Action, and began volunteering for his organization in 2007.  I never thought I’d be doing HIV work, but there’s nothing I’d rather do.  Nothing compares to loving people and giving your life away. 

What is one thing you absolutely wouldn’t want to live without?

Hands down, the one thing I couldn’t live without is my Bible.  For me, it’s been a safe place to rest, a plumb line of truth, a flashlight in the dark, and a love letter.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I’d love to go to Europe.  What could be more exciting than gazing at the Sistine Chapel, having breakfast in a Paris café, or visiting Martin Luther’s stomping grounds?

What is your favorite saying?

This is difficult because there are so many profound quotes, but this is definitely one of my favorites:  “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains.  It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world” (C.S. Lewis).

What is the best way for someone to contact you?

E-mail me at rayettanathe@cox.net.

Good luck to you, Rayetta! I love my bag and get so many compliments when I carry it!