We had the good fortune of connecting with Kassandra Gordon and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kassandra, what is the most important factor behind your success?
For my fine jewellery brand, Kassandra Gordon the most crucial factor behind our success is undeniably the connection we forge with clients and supporters. This goes beyond merely selling beautiful pieces; it’s about building a community where people feel invested in the journey and resonate with the story behind each design. Each piece embodies a unique narrative, connecting wearers to their own stories and emotions. This emotional resonance transcends fleeting trends and fosters personal connections. I actively engage with my audience, fostering a sense of community through social media interactions, live events, and personalized outreach. I strive for honesty in everything I do, from sharing my design process to acknowledging challenges. This builds trust and allows clients to feel like partners in our brand’s evolution. I highlight on how my jewellery empowers and inspires individuals amplifies the connection and showcases the positive impact the brand has on people’s lives.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My foray into the world of jewellery was anything but orthodox. Unlike many, I don’t have specialised jewellery degrees gathering dust on my shelf – in fact, I have two completely unrelated ones! I embarked on this unconventional path quite late, in my mid-20s, juggling a full-time job with learning bench skills in my spare time for a gruelling five years.
Fuelled by this unwavering belief and an innate passion for the beauty and storytelling potential of jewellery, I finally dared to break free from traditional expectations. Friends and family questioned my sanity, unable to envision me as a creative capable of building a successful jewellery brand. But within me, a fire burned bright.
My brand is more than just beautiful pieces; it’s a legacy in the making. Each creation draws inspiration from concepts, culture, and the connections that bind us. It’s a story woven with my own heritage, blending British and Jamaican influences. From the intricate braiding and hairstyles that celebrate diversity to the subtle traces of a colonial past, my work explores intersections and unveils multifaceted perspectives.
More than mere adornment, these are modern heirlooms, each carrying a meaningful narrative. Delicate braids and threads, a signature detail, weave through the designs, embodying the cultural significance of creativity and becoming an integral part of the jewellery’s beauty and symbolism.
My unconventional path taught me invaluable lessons: resilience, self-belief, and the courage to break free from the mold. It’s this very spirit that infuses my creations, offering a platform for self-expression and connection, reminding us that every story, regardless of its beginning, can blossom into something truly remarkable.
As the first Jeweller in Residence at Kensington Palace, I stand at the nexus of tradition and innovation, crafting intricate pieces that go beyond mere adornment. My journey – one of self-discovery and cultural exploration – fuels my desire to infuse my jewelry with the textures, experiences, and voices of myself and my communities.
Beyond adornment, my work offers an immersive experience. Unlike traditional art forms, a jewelry installation can engage your senses and memories on multiple levels, sparking personal connections and igniting dialogues. I harness the inherent commemorative nature of jewelry to amplify diverse narratives and foster deeper connections. This, I believe, is the key to demystifying the jewelry world and empowering individuals to tell their own stories through these precious objects.
My artistic process is both meticulous and expansive. It weaves together curatorial expertise, interdisciplinary research, and a deep exploration of conceptual ideas and methods. This deliberate approach guides me from initial inspiration to object selection, interpretation, and ultimately, the design of impactful exhibitions.
But I am not confined to a single medium. As an artist, I fluidly navigate the visual arts, film, jewelry liveness, and even audio, allowing me to express myself in diverse and ever-evolving ways. This multi-faceted approach keeps my inspiration fresh and my perspective broad, enabling me to connect with audiences on multiple levels.
Ultimately, my work is a bridge – a connection between history and modernity, between personal stories and shared experiences, between the intimate and the universal. With each piece, I strive to inspire, to empower, and to remind us all of the stories we carry within, waiting to be shared and celebrated.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If you’re craving some sun and sand, skip the overdone beaches and head to Venice Beach instead. It’s got a unique vibe, with street performers, artists, and a boardwalk buzzing with energy. After soaking up the sun, refuel at the iconic Santa Monica Farmers Market, bursting with fresh local produce and delicious food stalls. Next, head downtown to Grand Central Market, a foodie paradise where you can grab some of the best doughnuts you’ll ever taste! But don’t stop there – explore the market’s other stalls, brimming with international flavours and artisanal delights.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to give a resounding shout out to “Discipline is Destiny” by Ryan Destiny. This book, which I devoured in audiobook format, was more than just inspiring – it was a transformative experience that shifted my entire perspective and helped me laser-focus on my goals.
What hooked me instantly was the powerful message of self-mastery. Destiny’s words resonated deeply, illustrating how disciplining yourself, not just your circumstances, holds the key to unlocking your full potential and even changing the world.
Here’s what truly impacted me:
Perspective Shift: The book helped me see challenges as opportunities for growth, reframing my mindset and fueling my motivation.
Enhanced Focus: Destiny’s practical strategies and anecdotes provided actionable steps to build discipline muscles, leading to greater focus and productivity.
Empowerment: Learning how successful individuals harness self-discipline ignited a powerful sense of agency and control over my own journey.
“Discipline is Destiny” isn’t just a book; it’s a companion. It’s a constant reminder that with dedication and effort, we can all achieve incredible things. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking to elevate their life, gain focus, and unlock their true potential.
Website: https://www.kassandragordon.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kassandragordonlondon/
Image Credits
all images are mine