Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariel Jordan
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My career has always been about connecting people and ideas. I spent years in marketing and communications, which gave me the space to work in a lot of different industries from media to finance. The thread at the heart of everything I do is that I always served in positions where I was focused on ways of bringing people together. I knew from early on that I wanted to follow my passions and do more entrepreneurial work. I experimented with this on the side over the years, launching an event business in New York City, drawing about 200 young professionals to each event, and consulting for organizations like SNCC (The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee) on young voter engagement during the election cycle. I’ve always been driven by purpose, and as the national conversations about race, representation and equality intensified over the past couple of years, I felt a deeper calling.
Professionally, things were great on paper, but I kept asking, ‘What’s next?’ Life took an unexpected turn once I was diagnosed with breast cancer. This came 13 months after doctors dismissed my initial concerns, saying I was too young to even be concerned about this disease.
What I initially saw as an isolated experience quickly revealed itself as part of a troubling pattern: an increasing number of young women of color face misdiagnosis and lack access to proper care and resources. I often found myself asking, “How many other young women are going through this same experience?” So many health issues affecting women of color are overlooked, and I knew I had to do something.
Black women are facing a health crisis. We need to take control of our well-being through advocacy and empower future generations. Access to resources and education is vital, but so is community. Social connection turns knowledge into action and support into resilience. That’s why once I completed my active treatment, I celebrated by launching the social impact brand, Spectrum.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Early in my career, I chased the traditional markers of success, but it came at a cost. Finding a workplace where I could truly be myself—where my values aligned with the company’s, where diverse representation wasn’t just a buzzword, and where I felt genuinely supported—proved very difficult. I often found myself assigned tasks simply because of my skin color, and I saw firsthand how many companies talk about inclusion without taking meaningful action. It was a frustrating space to navigate.
As I looked ahead, I knew my skills could take me in many directions, but none of them excited me if they didn’t align with my core values. I learned that personal integrity trumps everything. With Spectrum, I finally found that perfect harmony. My professional interests and personal passions merged, allowing me to live authentically. Instead of searching for a pre-made opportunity, I decided to build a space I felt needed to exist.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Spectrum is a social impact brand empowering young Black women to take control of their health through social connection, education, and awareness. We bring our mission to life through:
-Online and in-person events: Creating spaces for meaningful connections and community.
-Curated lifestyle products: Our drinkware is handmade and curated in brown-toned colors to serve as a symbol of the strength, resilience and joy of the spectrum of Black women this brand represents. These products are available for sale or rent, with a portion of every transaction to support nonprofit organizations focused on Black women’s health.
I’m proud to create a brand that reflects and supports our community, and that every product sold directly helps to improve lives.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
It’s exciting to explore the potential of Spectrum. The brand sits at the intersection of lifestyle, health/wellness, and social impact. While some of these areas can be oversaturated (Health/Wellness), and even underrepresented (lifestyle/drinkware), Spectrum is uniquely positioned to cut through the noise and bring a fresh perspective and needed diversity.
Building community is at the core of the brand. Social impact is becoming more integrated into daily life. Consumers want to align with brands that reflect their values. Brands that stand for something will thrive. As larger companies potentially pull back on DEI initiatives, small, purpose-driven brands like ours have an opportunity to lead. Profits are no longer the sole focus; businesses are increasingly focused on solving social problems.
Pricing:
- Mila Set – $80/$110
- Kiki Set – $80/$110
- Zuzu Set – $80/$110
- Mixed Set – $80/$110
- Rare Beauties Mixed Set – $75
Contact Info:
- Website: https://spectrumglass.shop/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spectrum_glassware/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@blackwomanbreastcancer
- Soundcloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/cdevone/spectrum-glass-mix-by-c-devone/
