Kelly Ray, who recently opened ItzOk2bU with her husband Cary, custom-paints ukuleles.

Kelly and Cary Ray have a clear vision for their new art and music shop in downtown Seaside. For them, it is intended to be a place that uses creative self-expression and self-acceptance to promote unity, diversity and joy — or, “everything it takes for us all to get along,” Kelly said.

The name of the store, ItzOk2bU, a stylized version of “It’s OK to be you,” encapsulates that vision. Geared toward children, the driving purpose of the establishment is “exposing young minds to the creativity of their heart and their soul,” Kelly said.

The Rays, who relocated to Seaside from Seattle about three years ago, moved into their current location on Holladay Drive on June 1, but their planning started much earlier.

‘A unique, personal experience’

Several years ago, as the Rays were discussing what they hoped to accomplish in retirement, art and music came to the forefront. Cary has frequently taught music lessons in the past, and Kelly was returning to the visual arts again after a 20-year hiatus.

“We kind of put together our heads in terms of our talents, and what we wanted to do in our lives,” she said.

The couple got intentional about establishing a shop in Seaside in 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic led to local lockdowns and business restrictions across industries.

“We basically put everything to bed for a while,” Kelly said.

This summer, they embraced their dream anew. With the COVID situation evolving, they’ve been open for walk-in business off and on during past two months, primarily focusing on refining their vision, stocking product and scheduling private lessons.

Although the main purpose of ItzOk2bU is not retail, there are several instruments, as well as art supplies, craft projects and other novelties, for sale. The Rays assemble and custom paint starter ukuleles, which in the past five years have become “the new recorder of the time,” Kelly said.

Ultimately, they don’t want to cultivate a high-volume retail environment where patrons are herded through with the expectation to buy something and then simply leave.

“I want them to have a very unique, personal experience,” Kelly said. “Our philosophy is hands-on: Come in and pick up the ukulele, touch the drums, have fun.”

Cary offers private music lessons on guitar, piano, drums and ukulele, while Kelly focuses on the visual arts side of the establishment.

For $15, plus the cost of materials, families can join Kelly in the studio and work on art projects. Music lessons are $60 per hour, but Cary charges by the minute, without a minimum, since many beginners don’t have the dexterity and attention span for a full hour of practicing a new instrument, Kelly explained.

Artistic outlet

ItzOk2bU is tailored toward children, as Kelly believes children “need to be able to express themselves in whatever manner they see fit.” At many schools, there is a lack art programs, or they’ve been stifled by the pandemic.

“If we can provide the outlet that (children) don’t have available right now to them, it’s great,” she said.

However, Cary and Kelly work with beginners of all ages. Kelly finds it particularly rewarding to introduce a child or a novice to a new artform and watch their creativity burgeon. She also enjoys getting to revisit and explore the arts through new eyes.

Kelly and Cary’s plan for ItzOk2bU and the services they can provide continues to unfold. They recently developed entertainment personas, Rae Ray Sunshine and Mr. Fun, who will become the leads of a weekly YouTube show they plan to produce. The show will promote a message of acceptance, caring and love, Kelly said. Rae Ray Sunshine also will be available for appearances at birthday parties and festivals once the pandemic has subsided.

Kelly imagines hosting private paint and sip nights in homes and businesses, for patrons and their friends.

Another aspect of ItZok2bU is providing an in-house studio for photography and video services, with a special focus on creating celebration-of-life videos.