Susan Smallwood’s journey into luxury is anything but ordinary –and that’s exactly how she wants it. In March 2020, Susan hosted her first event at a new caviar lounge in Ft. Lauderdale.
That moment lit a spark that would redefine her career. She soon became an affiliate for a West Coast caviar brand –but a chance encounter with two gentlemen in Washington, D.C., pushed her even further: she decided to launch her own caviar line, LaGrandeCaviar. Ooh la la!
Dr. Anastasia Psomiadi
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Building a Legacy
By blending LaGrandeCaviar into her events company, Grandiosity Events, Susan created a brand that doesn’t just deliver caviar –it delivers an unforgettable experience. Each year, she hosts the celebrity-studded Charity Polo x Jazz event just outside D.C., weaving luxury, culture, and purpose into one dazzling celebration.
Along the way, Susan realized something deeper: she wanted to expand the image of who luxury belongs to. While building her brand, she noticed the lack of representation of people of african american in the caviar space –and made it her mission, in her words, “to change the complexion” of luxury.
For Susan, LaGrandeCaviar isn’t just about indulgence –it’s about empowerment, “I started my brand at age 55,” she shares proudly. “You’re never too old and it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. Believe in yourself and love yourself. I invested in myself, and the rewards are paying off.”
Today, Susan finds herself in rooms with millionaires and billionaires –but it’s her story that inspires them. As the first african american woman with a caviar brand, she’s making history and creating space for others to follow.
A Firm and Bold Look Toward the Future
Susan’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. One defining moment came when she presented her caviar aboard a yacht to influential owners –only to see her ideas copied. Still, she stands tall: “It will never erase history that I’m the first african american woman with a caviar brand. Ooh la la!”
Susan’s vision extends beyond business, “I want to see more people from all backgrounds and cultures enjoying caviar,” she says, hoping to open new doors of experience and taste.
If she could further her mission, she’d dive into cultural research to help introduce more people to the world of caviar and broaden palates across communities.
Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in niche markets is direct and uplifting: “Never let anyone steal your dreams. Keep your eyes on the prize. Stay in faith, even when you don’t see it. Believe it and visualize your arrival. The rewards will eventually pay off!”
A Resilient Woman
When asked to define herself, Susan gives some unforgettable phrases:
LiveLifeGrand Unapologetically with DIVINE Audacity!
Believe in yourself. Love yourself. That’s when the magic happens.
She loves when people ask about her journey into the caviar and polo worlds –and she’s open about her past, including the struggles of rebuilding her life after federal prison. Her journey is one of transformation, resilience, and unstoppable passion.
Susan Smallwood is here not just to serve caviar –but to serve inspiration. And she’s just getting started.
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