We recently connected with Susan Smallwood and have shared our conversation below.
Susan , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I get my resilience from LIFE’S challenges starting from childhood.
Growing up in an abusive household with an alcoholic father who was mentally, emotionally, physically, and sexually abusive towards me and my mother, I didn’t have self-esteem.
At the age of 14/15, I was removed from my family’s home when we lived at Presidio Army Base in San Francisco and placed in Foster care. I attempted suicide and was taken to the hospital, at which time the nurse saw bruises all over my body and called Child Protection Services.
It was from then that I learned to be a survivor.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Ten years ago today, as I was doing this questionnaire, I was released from Federal Prison Camp Alderson, West Virginia, aka Camp Cupcake, where celebrities Martha Stewart and Billie Holiday did time.
Upon being released, I spent another six months in the halfway house under the BOP Bureau of Prisons custody until I was finally released in January 2015.
It was very challenging to seek employment with a felony. The jobs that were available weren’t enough to sustain me while I took care of myself and tried to hold onto my 7600 Sq. ft. home.
It was then I created my own magic and launched GRANDIOSITY EVENTS in October 2015. The first two charity gala productions were held at SIGNATURE FLIGHT SUPPORT PRIVATE JET HANGAR at BWI.
In 2017, Grandiosity Events produced our 1st PoloxJazz in Middleburg, VA, Equestrian country.
This year, on Sunday, September 15th, 2024, we’re celebrating our 8th annual celebrity charity PoloxJazz at Hennesy Creek in Brandywine, MD, to benefit BLACK MENTAL HEALTH ALLIANCE.
Two years ago, on June 12th, 2022, I launched my own LaGrandeCaviar brand as the first woman of color with a Caviar brand in the United States.
For many years, I’ve been told that I was a visionary and Renaissance woman who introduced many people to culture and etiquette they weren’t exposed to.
Our mission is to bring cultures to the culture of Caviar through grand experiences with philanthropy! Ooh la la!
My LaGrandeCaviar was just contracted last month by Corporate Client TTM • Tied Together Marketing to present to Netskope President’s Club in Anguilla!
That was a sign from the Universe that my LaGrandeCaviar brand was on the trajectory when the Corporate client flew me and my brand Ambassador to Anguilla to stay at the FOUR Seasons Anguilla.
I worked diligently and creatively to expose and educate the audience about the history and nutritional value of Caviar. There are levels to the world of Caviar! Ooh la la!
We are expanding yet again. We will be unveiling our custom-designed LaGrandeCaviar cart for pop-ups on any occasion. We are very excited about this new phase. We need to celebrate “just because!”
LaGrandeCaviar is Elevating GRAND EXPERIENCES!
Normalizing Luxury!
Redefining Rules and changing the complexion by exposing Caviar to the Black and Brown cultures as well!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three qualities that made my brand are
#1 My GRAND ENERGY!
#2 Authenticity- sharing my true journey with my audience. Everyone loves a comeback story!
#3 Meeting the right people at the right place. Divine Timing. I have the most wonderful folks on my journey who are inspired and motivated by my resilience and relentless to never, ever, ever give up!
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes! I am desiring Grand minds to collaborate or partner with my brands!
There’s so much talent and creativity that we can catapult combined forces with our Magic to a Grander level! Ooh la la!
Contact Info:
- Website: Https://www.LaGrandeCaviar.com
- Instagram: Grandiosity Events
- Facebook: Susan Smallwood
- Linkedin: Susan Smallwood
- Youtube: Susan Smallwood
- Other: FB/IG: @GrandiosityEvents @LaGrandeCaviar
Image Credits
Marc Phelan credit for image in White dress on LaGrandeCaviar flyer
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
