Meet Carsten Grandy-Richardson

We were lucky to catch up with Carsten Grandy-Richardson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Carsten , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Being the only one in the room taught me how to trust my voice. Whether it was in boardrooms, classrooms, or creative spaces, I learned early that I couldn’t wait for validation. I had to lead with purpose, stay grounded in who I am, and let my work speak for itself.

What’s helped me stay effective is being clear about why I’m in the room in the first place. I represent more than just myself. I carry my story, my roots, and a bigger vision. Grandy was built on that foundation. It keeps me rooted and sharp in any space.

I’ve learned how to navigate rooms that weren’t built for me by staying grounded and building real connections. That mindset is what’s pushed me forward every time.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m the founder of Grandyworldwide, a brand rooted in storytelling, growth, and culture. What started as a way to honor my father’s legacy has grown into something much bigger. Through apparel, design, and custom pieces, I use Grandy to tell stories that reflect both where I’m from and where I’m going.

What makes it special is the way it connects people. Whether I’m remixing vintage designs, creating pieces for alumni, or collaborating with others, the goal is always to make work that feels real and personal. Grandy is not just clothing. It’s a mindset.

Right now I’m focused on expanding the custom side of the brand and building out new collections. I’m also working on projects that bring together fashion, community, and storytelling in new ways. There’s a lot in motion and I’m excited for what’s next.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The three biggest things that have shaped my journey are creativity, being a hustler, and having an appetite for growth.

Creativity has always been my way of making something out of nothing. Whether it’s design, storytelling, or how I move, I find ways to stand out. Being a hustler means I’m always going to find a way, even if the path isn’t clear. And that hunger to grow keeps me learning, adjusting, and leveling up no matter what’s in front of me.

For anyone just starting, trust your vision but stay open. Keep creating, stay active, and never stop learning. The growth shows up when you keep showing up.

Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?

I think you should double down on your strengths. That’s what’s going to set you apart and keep you moving when things get tough. But I also think it’s important to be aware of your weak spots so they don’t hold you back. You don’t have to master everything, but you should know enough to not get stuck.
For me, I’ve always led with creativity and my ability to connect with people. That’s what built Grandy and opened doors. But I’ve had to get more disciplined with time management and structure. I’m still working on it, but I know ignoring it would slow everything down.

The real key is knowing what makes you special and building around that. Put energy where you shine, but don’t let your blind spots stay blind.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

@twentyshottzz

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?

Coffee? Workouts? Hitting the snooze button 14 times? Everyone has their morning ritual and we

Highlighter Series
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?

Our deepest wounds often shape us as much as our greatest joys. The pain we

Highlighter Series
Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than