Watch Her Go(go): A Conversation with Gogo Jewelry Founder Gogo Ferguson
From 2006 to 2018, Dos Equis launched its "The Most Interesting Man in the World" campaign. This campaign showcased how one person could accomplish many things throughout their life. In 2024, I met one of the world's most interesting people: Gogo Ferguson.
Video courtesy of CBS Sunday Morning.
Ferguson lives on a Nicholas Sparkseqsue island called Cumberland Island National Seashore off the coast of Georgia. The island's story mirrors the history of the United States. Native American and European cultures (Spanish, French, and British) left their mark on the island. Cumberland wild horses race across sun-soaked beaches, and their rich history directly impacts Cumberland's inhabitants and the greater world—the island hosted the wedding of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.
Cumberland is a treasure trove of natural beauty and historical significance. It serves as the guiding light in Gogo's artistic expression. Ferguson created Gogo Jewelry, transforming the island’s beauty into wearable works of art. I recently spoke with her to learn more about her work.
Interview with Gogo Ferguson
Questions
What makes Gogo Jewelry different from other jewelry companies?
You need to know my deep connection to Cumberland Island to understand my brand.
My family helped create Cumberland Island National Seashore. In the 1880s, my great-great-grandfather Thomas bought the island. As the family grew, my ancestors realized that at some point, a relative would want to monetize development on the island. So, the family worked with Stuart Udall, Secretary Of The Interior, during the JFK and Johnson administrations to create a national park to preserve the island from urban development.
I am an eighth-generation native of the island, and my grandmother played a pivotal role in shaping my perspective. She taught her grandchildren about the island's rich history, topography, and biology, instilling in us a profound love of nature. One of her favorite lessons was that every six hours, a new tide would wash up treasures along the shore—a philosophy that has become the foundation of my designs and business.
When I returned to Cumberland Island National Seashore as an adult, I discovered there were no commercial ventures on the island. I founded Gogo Jewelry to provide for my young daughter and me. Initially, it was a small operation, but with determination, I saved enough money to travel to New York. There, I met with every accessories editor I could find. After facing countless rejections, People Magazine was the first publication to feature my work. That article became a springboard for incredible opportunities.
Today, my designs are sold worldwide, and I have had the honor of creating pieces for historic events such as the G8 Summit and the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. My journey is rooted in the ethos my grandmother imparted: finding beauty and purpose in the treasures that nature provides.
Where do you draw inspiration from when designing your products?
I draw inspiration from Cumberland Island's rich human history. Every civilization that has touched the island—the Timucua Native Americans, Spanish, French, British, and Americans—has left its mark on its landscape and culture. Hiking around the island, you can discover artifacts like Timucuan utilitarian pieces, essential for daily life, from cooking to trading.
Image courtesy of Gogo Jewelry. How has Gogo Jewelry evolved since its founding?
Since founding Gogo Jewelry, we’ve expanded into new product categories, including home decor and event pieces. Throughout this growth, am inspired with the perfection of nature wherever I travel or live, although growing up all my life on Cumberland, that is where it began and continues to inspire me.
Image courtesy of Gogo Jewelry. How does Gogo Jewelry incorporate its mission and vision into its works?
I’m proud to work with an incredible team of women who share a deep passion for our mission. When someone browses our products in person or online, the customer must connect with the story forged in our designs. Our mission is to showcase Cumberland's natural treasures through well-made craftsmanship meant to be passed down through generations. Our vision is to inspire a love for nature in the next generation by educating them about Cumberland Island’s unique ecosystem and our sustainability efforts.
Image courtesy of Gogo Jewelry. What is the future of the company?
Gogo Jewelry's future is to continue imparting our mission and vision into all our products.
Image courtesy of Gogo Jewelry.
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