The Goddess Experience

‘THE WOMAN BEHIND THE ART’

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself.

I was born in England to Jamaican parents and spent some of my early childhood years in Jamaica. I currently live in South London and pretty much grew up in South London. While growing up, I had that deep creative interest as I came from a family of seamstresses. I continued my creative interest through secondary school, studying Art, DT (Design Technology) and Textiles. Carrying onwards to College, I studied fashion after which I pursued a BA at the University of Sussex, intending to maybe pursue a career as a pattern cutter (someone who creates patterns based on drawings from a fashion designer. These patterns will then be used to make sample clothes, which will be used to refine the design and to produce a clothing line.). I remember in my 2nd year at university saying to myself that this is the path I want to take. I want to make people’s dreams come true, as today only a small percentage (3%) of the fashion industry are designers, and a lot of the designers rely heavily on pattern cutters to work their magic. But then I soon worked out that my skill set would be best utilised being a fashion buyer, which I have been doing for the last 12 years.

Q: Tell us about how you started The Goddess Experience

I have been designing my footwear for over ten years. I was always very well put together and felt the importance of being in a complete costume for Carnival. Complete here meaning from your headpiece to your feet. I would often get irritated (even today) when I see masqueraders in extraordinary costumes and trainers, old ones at that. Then one day, my partner tried to convince me that I should take my talent to the public. That was quickly dismissed as I did not believe the idea would work. I was worried that I would be judged and criticised, and I was not sure I was quite ready for that. Added to that, I also had a busy day job, which involved me travelling frequently. My partner, however, was adamant that the idea would be a hit, as he noticed during Carnival, that I would get swamped by people asking about my boots. Where did I get the boots? Who designed it? And how much did they cost? These were just some of the frequent questions.

Then one day after much thought, I decided to give it a shot and go all out for about two years. The Goddess Experience (TGE) was then born. I put the idea out there to the public, and the response was overwhelming to the point where I had to limit the number of orders. I had to bring in a staff member to assist, as I was receiving international orders. I was quite surprised as I do not consider myself to be a famous person in the Soca scene as some of my friends are, but my friends, they all got on board instantly, and I guess the concept started spreading like wildfire, even overseas. I then secured a logo and a website but soon realised that no one was really into the site; it was all about social media. So, I took the business to Instagram and Facebook, which is where everyone is.

Q: How much would it cost a customer to have their footwear customised?

It depends on which of the four different design levels is chosen. They are – Siren Vixen Goddess Desire (priced on appointment). Within those four design levels are three options -: the trainer, the boot and over the knee. The most popular options are the Vixen boot (£60) and the Vixen trainer (£45).

Q: Tell us about the workshops that you host.

I run a yearly workshop at the Carnival Village Trust. This year 2020, would have been my fourth year of involvement. The Carnival Village Trust host summer workshops relating to Carnival that run from May through to mid- July. When I was initially approached, I jumped at the opportunity and TGE has been involved from the first day.

For the full interview, visit-www.insidesoca.com ( Issue 3, Spotlight)

Written by: K. Winchester