We recently connected with April Gopie and have shared our conversation below.

April, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

Many people I know have followed a “safe” career trajectory, in that they secured a job with benefits, a pension and other levels of “security and stability.” I have worked in several of those types of jobs and appreciated each one for what they gave and how I contributed. I have also left each of those jobs in pursuit of what was speaking to my spirit. I enjoyed the work I was doing, but wanted to explore other opportunities that might be a good fit at that time. I’m grateful I did because it took me to places like Saudi Arabia and Thailand and Chinatown and the Botanical Garden! While my legacy is still unfolding, I hope that one part of it will say that I wasn’t afraid to leave my comfort zone to explore new opportunities whether it was a success or a learning lesson. Each part of my journey built upon the other and provided more clarity on what resonates most with me and connects me deeper to my purpose. I trust that whoever needs this message, it will speak to their journey.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My professional journey began as a teacher in the South Bronx. From there I transitioned into working with high school students to leaving my comfort zone of the USA and venturing to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to teach ESL at an all women’s university. It was life changing for the better, a life shifting moment was solo backpacking for two months throughout South East Asia-yes me, a petite Black girl from Brooklyn, NY, did that! My journey back to the states brought me back to education from teaching adults to working with them as a college advisor. It was while at my most recent job where I discovered elderberry! I was new and looking for ways to stay well in a place with poor ventilation. A tea brand that I enjoyed mentioned elderberry syrup being rich in immune boosting properties. I sought the small business who made it and loved it! More importantly, I remained well! Even while others around me were sick.
2020 was a mutltiude of things for many of us, one of those things for me was discovery! At a time where the mail and everything else were being affected by delays, etc. I wondered if I could make this elderberry syrup on my own….I did! I loved it even more than the one I bought and gave it to my family as gifts for the holidays. My Godmother tried it and said she wanted to order 2! That was not the intention!
Fast forward Brooklyn Gold is here with handcrafted elderberry syrup, ginger shots, wellness teas and more. We are an introductory wellness education and essentials brand especially for those new to a more holistic lifestyle. We want people to know, this is for you too! You belong here. We are excited for people to take charge of their wellness journeys as we support them along the way.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Referrals and testimonials have been the best source of new clients for Brooklyn Gold. One significant memory is from summer 2023. Our company was part of the Farmers Market at the New York Botanical Garden. A student from the local college, Fordham University tried our red raspberry leaf tea (great for toning and strengthening the uterine muscles, relieving cramps, great for expecting mothers at the end of pregnancy). She loved the results so much, she shared with the young women in her dorm and a group of them came back the next week to purchase!

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I’m pivoting right now! Brooklyn Gold is still in motion, but while the season is quiet, I’m exploring other revenue earning opportunities that align with my current direction to be a funding source for the business and basic necessities. Finding peace in the pivot was an area of growth but is a purposeful part of the story.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.itsbrooklyngold.com
• Instagram: @itsbrooklyngold
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ItsBrooklynGold?si=IzzWuKz11zAtUnx6

Image Credits
Diane Bailey Michele Baker-White Alessandra