Interview: Jeweller Kassandra Lauren Gordon on Launching Her Podcast for Black Creatives
We caught up with award-winning Black jewellery designer Kassandra Lauren Gordon to talk about podcasting, the joy of bling, and inspiring the next wave of entrepreneurs.
Listen to the Black Creative Handbook or watch the Visual Podcast!
Tell us about your jewellery business. How did it start and where did your interest come from?
I started the jewellery business nearly ten years ago by making jewellery in my bedroom to sell at Spitalfields and Camden Market on the weekends.
I have fallen in love with jewellery since I was nine years old. A gold locket changed my life. My mum gave me a gold locket at nine years old. This was the start of my love for jewellery. I knew it was gold and delicate, so I had to take care of it. This was also my first gold jewellery item. My mum was a single parent, and did not have much money. I knew that she saved, sacrificed and grafted for me for nearly a year to buy this precious gift. 20 years later I still have it in pristine condition. Every time I see it or wear this locket I feel love, a strong bond between a mother and daughter. I remember my childhood and great Christmases. These memories and warm feelings will never die.
Black Creative Handbook is your new podcast. What can listeners expect?
An inspirational, honest and pragmatic resource to help black entrepreneurs flourish. To see a wide range of creatives and entrepreneurs giving invaluable tips on how to survive and build on their efforts- when the odds are stacked against us.
What advice would you give to up and coming black entrepreneurs?
- Create great work
- Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there
- Embrace calculated risks
- Increase social capital/network- related to your field
- You have all answers inside of you- trust your gut and kill self doubt
What are your favourite London haunts? (To shop shiny things, to eat, to party)
My favourite place to shop in London is anywhere around Angel – there is always a small shop which pops up with interesting trinkets and lots of work by artisans.
I love any Indian food, one of my favourite restaurants is Dishoom.
It’s been a long time since I’ve been clubbing but any 90’s r&b rave in Shoreditch like the Supa Dupa Fly events – I’m there ready to dance.
I am Joint Editor at To Do List. I like: nice pubs, film marathons, not doing real marathons, bad comedy, plays/musicals with shorter second halves, and the Oxford comma.
