I AM a Caribbean Mom: Jewelry Designer Kamilah Campbell

Since I have been a blogger, I have had the opportunity to connect online with business owners and bloggers from all over the Caribbean. You may remember seeing Kamilah Campbell’s work in our Caribbean Gift Guide from Christmas time last year. She is the jewelry designer and owner of The Pink Locket, a handmade jewelry business based outside of Atlanta. We have shared her professional side with you, and I am glad to share a more personal side of Kamilah with this interview.

Socamom: Tell us about yourself, Kamilah!

Kamilah: I was born in Kingston, Jamaica and immigrated to the United States when I was about two years old. I grew up in both Stamford, CT and Bronx, NY. I attended the University of Connecticut for undergrad and later Metropolitan College of New York where I received my MBA. I am a wife and mother of 3 boys, and we currently live in Douglasville, GA (right outside downtown Atlanta).

Socamom: What is it about being a Caribbean mom that makes you different from American parents?

Kamilah: There’s definitely a strong sense of cultural awareness that I pass along to my kids when I compare myself to my fellow American mothers, whether it’s the music, food or just specific sayings.

Socamom: When did your children realize that you were different from the other moms?

Kamilah: I believe it was when I said something to them in Jamaican patois. My four year old loves to say “Geesam Peas” when something goes wrong. I realized I may have said it way too many times around him. Also, there are just certain things in a Caribbean household that are just mandatory, and that you pass on to your kids. For instance, my boys couldn’t understand why we clean the house every weekend. As they’ve gotten older I’ve eased up a bit. They may miss a week or so.

Socamom: Is there something about being from the Caribbean that has shaped who you are personally and or professionally?

Kamilah: Certain personality traits that I have come from being raised by Caribbean parents. For instance, I was always taught to carry myself a certain way when in public because it reflects on your parents and family and even to this day that’s something I’m very aware of.

Socamom: How do others (co-workers, friends, family) benefit from you being of Caribbean descent?

Kamilah: When I come across co-workers who are also from the Caribbean there’s like an automatic sense of camaraderie which is great, especially in team working environments.

Socamom: How do you keep your children connected to Caribbean culture?

Kamilah: My four year old is very into reading, so we have lots of books from Caribbean authors. His favorite are the stories of Anansi. My older boys are my stepsons and came to live with myself and their dad when they were 10. Now they’re 18, I think their Caribbean culture connection came in more with our structure on their upbringing and the different Caribbean foods. One of them has gotten into the music too.

Socamom: What is your favorite Caribbean Mom Quote?

Kamilah: “Who cyan hear must feel.”

Socamom: That one was heard a lot around my house growing up! What are your favorite 3 Caribbean dishes?

Kamilah: When I used to eat meat it was curried goat and oxtail. Now it’s ackee & saltfish with breadfruit and fried dumpling.

Socamom: If you could move to any Caribbean country, which one would you move to and why?

Kamilah: That’s a tough one there are so many beautiful ones to choose from, I do love the Cayman Islands though.

Socamom: Tell us about The Pink Locket.

Kamilah: The Pink Locket’s handmade jewelry is created with love and with “that” woman in mind. Who’s that woman? She knows what she wants, she loves simplicity and complexity at times, she’s a career woman, she’s a mom, she’s a sister, daughter, wife. She walks into a room and has demanded attention without even realizing it. Her beauty is effortless and she exudes confidence. She’s you! All first time customers receive 30% off their first order when they subscribe to my mailing list.