Unveiling the creative energy of Jordan's London Women's Collective at Quai54

During the fast-paced Quai54 weekend, I had the opportunity to witness the vibrant energy of Jordan's London Women's Collective. Situated in the basement of an eclectic Parisian hotel, Simran, Jesse, Sophia, and Sevian took charge, hosting workshops that went beyond basketball. They delved into their personal passions, offering sessions on matcha making, styling, arts and crafts, and poetry.

What impressed me about the collective was their poised demeanour and welcoming nature. They encouraged all participants to engage in introspection, urging us to explore our own creative potential. Initially, I had considered conducting a formal interview with them, hoping to delve deeper into their motivations and experiences. However, as the weekend unfolded, I decided to step back and simply observe, immersing myself in the vibrant atmosphere they created. It was refreshing to see Jordan championing multifaceted women creatives and sharing their expertise with such enthusiasm. The workshops provided a glimpse into their diverse talents and interests, showcasing their ability to inspire and connect with others.

Sevian initiated her session with a poignant observation: "As kids, we're constantly in a state of creation, but as we grow up, we tend to neglect this instinct. This session is all about reconnecting with our inner child." While I immersed myself in sketching a Jump man, I took the opportunity to delve into Sevian's personal art journey. She candidly revealed how circumstances had compelled her to step away from the basketball court, leading her to discover and naturally gravitate towards art.

"I genuinely love being in a creative flow," expressed Sevian, her passion shining through her words. "I can dedicate up to 40 hours to a single piece without feeling the passage of time. It's as if the world fades away, leaving only me and the artwork I'm engrossed in." She emphasized the significance of staying inspired, confessing that maintaining her avid reading habit becomes challenging when she's on the move.

With a mischievous smirk, I couldn't resist inquiring about her thoughts on AI-generated art. Sevian took a moment to reflect, then replied, "I believe AI lacks the human element that art requires." She went on to explain how AI will never fully possess the ability to speak, breathe, and comprehend society and culture—an aspect that holds true in her own impressive collection of paintings and prints.

Among them, "The Dreamer," a custom-painted giclée print, resonated deeply with me. It portrays a figure, slouched and consumed by thought, lost in contemplation and dreams. The first time I laid eyes on this piece, it felt like gazing into a mirror reflection. I became the figure depicted—a perpetual dreamer, lost in my own reverie.

'Dreamer'

Sophia was insistent that we delve deep into our legacy. "I know this sounds dark, but I want you to think about what you want people to say about you in your obituary," she said. So we began brainstorming words associated with love, growth, and legacy. As she tapped away at the typewriter, I asked her, "How often do you carry out these sessions on self-reflection?" With a smile, she answered, "Well, I think about my legacy all the time, what I will leave behind, who I was to people." Her poetry and spoken word clips spoke volumes about Sophia's contemplative nature. The most awe-striking piece was her reflection on Michael Jordan's legacy and how he dared to dream bigger. Witnessing the dedication, drive, and resilience of the players on the Quai54 court allowed me to experience true legacy. How many lives have been changed and inspired because individuals had the courage to look beyond their circumstances and pursue greatness? It's a cliché for a reason—you've got to go big or go home.

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Simran also embraced the ethos of self-reflection, focusing on wellness. During the matcha-making workshop, participants gathered around with a mix of intrigue and hesitation. Sensing their skepticism, Simran gently encouraged them to step out of their comfort zones and give it a try. As the boiling water was poured into the powdered matcha and the whisking began, curiosity prompted a question about Simran's own journey with matcha. She shared that matcha had been a part of her life for about 2-3 years, highlighting how its gradual energy boost and steady decline, unlike coffee's drastic highs and lows, deeply resonated with her.

This workshop and Simran's fervour for wellness seamlessly intertwined with her newsletter, "Sukh Journal." It serves as an extension of her personal journey back to herself and her immediate community. Through this platform, she aims to provide a space for peace, and storytelling, and empower young women to effectively articulate their experiences. Simran Randhawa has also made a significant impact as a champion for diversity in the fashion/beauty industry, steadfastly fighting against tokenism. Through therapy and reflection, she continues to reconnect with herself and eagerly shares this space of introspection and growth with others.

Jess then beckoned me over to her styling booth, adorned in the Quai54 uniform. "So, are you ready to be styled or not?" she grinned, leading me to her rack of t-shirts, joggers, and a bucket hat. She was intuitive and ensured that each of us wore one piece of the Quai54 uniform, tailoring it to our current outfits and aesthetic. While throwing on an oversized top over my hijab, I asked, "How has your journey been in the creative industry?" "Well, I'm almost 30 now," she replied. "Shut up, you look not a day over 20. You know what they say—black don't crack. Anyways, I've been in this game for some time, with its ups and downs. Working with brands, especially Jordan, who actually listens to my needs and passions, is always so rewarding." Her adjustments to shirts, folded sleeves, and direction during the photoshoot displayed her bold and experimental nature. Just a glance at her dynamic Instagram posts reveals how each outfit she dons plays with tones, silhouettes, texture, and colour. She has also been a vocal advocate for the representation of women sneakerheads.

All in all, these women, along with Jordan, are at the forefront of redefining what it means to be creative—for me, for you, and for all of us.