Ariel Jordan shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Ariel, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
Creating a life I actually want, not the one hustle culture tried to sell me. Don’t get me wrong, I work hard, but I refuse to be in a position where other priorities, like my health, or family take a back seat.
It’s an “unlearning” of an idea that has been instilled in many of us as we entered adulthood: the myth that success is only earned through exhaustion. Every day, I choose intention over burnout. Some days it’s easy; others, it’s not. But it’s the necessary foundation that lets me create from a place of strength, not depletion.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I never imagined that one of the most challenging moments of my life would become a catalyst for purpose. After experiencing a breast cancer diagnosis following a year of misdiagnosis, I saw how many Black women were going through similar struggles, often without being seen or heard. That realization sparked my mission to take action.
I founded Spectrum, a lifestyle brand dedicated to raising awareness of Black women’s health through intentional, beautifully designed products that foster connection and conversation. Each piece reflects the diversity of Black women while highlighting health issues that disproportionately affect our community.
Every purchase gives back to organizations making a measurable difference in Black women’s health, turning everyday moments into acts of advocacy. Our products do more than look beautiful, they’re designed to start meaningful conversations and inspire action. For example, our pink-to-brown gradient champagne flutes nod to breast cancer awareness and pair with tools like our “Feel Something / Do Something” brochure to create opportunities for dialogue and education.
As we expand our product line and explore new partnerships, everything we create is rooted in the belief that everyday moments can become acts of empowerment. My hope is that engaging with Spectrum inspires awareness, sparks dialogue, and contributes to meaningful change for Black women’s health, while celebrating identity, connection, and purpose.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I once had a chance encounter with an executive I worked with for many years. He ended our quick hallway catch-up with: “You know, I always saw you as doing something more than this.”
It stopped me cold. At the time, I was preoccupied with chasing a linear career of titles, checklists, and the next promotion. But that comment planted a seed. Over time, a couple of other mentor-figures voluntarily echoed this thought. As I evolved, I slowly began to realize that I was trying to prove myself in a system that wasn’t necessarily designed for me, while ignoring a part of myself that others already recognized. But I still didn’t know what that meant – and it took unexpected life experiences for it all to click. When I finally took the entrepreneurial leap, I felt that my intentions, expectations, and reality aligned for the first time. It taught me to pay attention to the quiet signs. Sometimes they’re pointing you in a direction you’re meant to pursue.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
When the surgeon who misdiagnosed me a year prior, finally reviewed my charts and acknowledged the error. He looked me in the eye and said, “We got it wrong this time.” For him, it was a routine update. For me, it was the moment everything changed… and a fire ignited.
Beyond the shock of a breast cancer diagnosis, I was struck by the silence around it , especially for young Black women under 45, a group facing rising diagnosis rates. Too often, we retreat into treatment, then reemerge quietly. OR – October becomes the month that every promotion, highlight and push happens, with the rest of the year being silent. I’ve learned that silence costs lives.
I saw the lack of awareness, representation, and culturally relevant support and knew I couldn’t be quiet. My pain became my mission: to break the silence, raise awareness, and create tools for connection and advocacy.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lie? That Black women’s health equality is a priority. Alarming stats – like high mortality rates in pregnancy and breast cancer – have barely improved in some cases for the last decade or more. An entire community has been left behind, with consequences that ripple across generations. Despite all the talk, progress has been painfully slow. At Spectrum we believe it’s essential to raise awareness and support the organizations actively working to change these outcomes.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m doing what I was (re)born to do. My post-diagnosed life has come with a mirror held to my face, compelling me to pivot toward my passion.
For years, I struggled to answer, “What keeps you up at night?” Now I know: ensuring Black women’s health is visible, prioritized, and celebrated. It takes work to sustain that clarity, but it’s worth it. My work isn’t just my career, it’s my calling and my legacy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://spectrumglass.shop/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spectrum_glassware/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spectrum-glassware
