We recently had the opportunity to get in contact with Kerri O’Connell, the Founder and Creative Director of GoodWoodNYC. She was kind enough to sacrifice a moment from her busy schedule to answer a few questions about her company. For those of you that aren’t familiar with the brand. GoodWoodNYC is a company out of NYC that creates hand crafted jewelry out of wood. The brand is “The Original, For Originals”.
D&D: I heard that you were on a voyage around this world, where did rest your head during your travels?
K: I’ve been trying to travel as much as I can this year. There are a bunch of places
I’d like to see. I’ve stayed at hotels most of the time. Traveling is a new passion
of mine.
D&D: Any new inspirations?
K: I try to find inspiration every where. I’m inspired from different cultures and
lifestyles. Lately I’ve been going to museums to check out contemporary art.
D&D: Who or what were your main inspirations when you decided to start working on Good Wood NYC?
K: GoodWood started as a project for me. I just came up with the concept one day and
began carving wood into 4 finger rings. I was inspired by Hip Hop culture and
fashion. I was also inspired by street art and graffiti, at the time I was hanging
around a lot of other artist and creativity.
D&D: What were your main road blocks at the beginning?
K: Having never owned a business, I had to learn as I went along. Luckily,
for a bunch of small companies beforehand. So, I basically learned from
example of what works and what doesn’t.
Getting the brand out there was one of the toughest things. You have to
go out and promote and that’s hard when you don’t have the money for an
or street team.
D&D: What’s your favorite song on your Ipod right now?
K: I went back in time and started listening to some LL Cool J. The whole Walking with
a Panther Album is on the Ipod on repeat.
D&D: What is your favorite aspect of New York City?
K: I love everything about NYC. The best part is that there are so many different
types of people and areas in a small vicinity.
D&D: Yankees or Mets?
K: I have to say Mets because I’m from Queens. Knicks cause I’m a basketball fan.
D&D: Any advice you would give anyone that is starting their own brand?
K: Separate yourself from the rest. Make something original and immerse yourself
in it. Work hard and it will pay off in many ways.
Good Wood NYC just launched their new Spring/Summer collection a few days ago. You can check out some of the new products, which are all available for purchase on their site: http://goodwoodnyc.com/
