Recently, reality TV star and business woman Claudia Jordan, sat down with the Sentinel to discuss her recent stint on TV One’s new reality series, The Next :15, executive produced by Carlos King. During Part 2 of the show’s reunion episode, which aired April 10, Jordan broke down in tears after addressing a video that surfaced of her speaking about rape on the show. In response, Jordan said that “we don’t learn what people’s story is,” revealing how she was a victim of rape as a young woman. Jordan further expressed her dissatisfaction with the lengths that mainly “black blogs” will go to tear each other down based solely on rumor or simply because “they don’t like you.” “Nobody needs evidence or proof,” she added.
As for the status of Jordan’s talk show she executive produced and piloted while on the Next 15, she says that the pilot shoot was executed in all of 45 minutes, so her plans include re-piloting the talk show and pitching the show to likeable networks. While on the topic, we discussed Jordan’s keen business acumen and longevity in the industry, checking any false idea lingering about her inability to delegate tasks to fellow cast members for her talk show. “I don’t have a problem with delegation,” Jordan said. “People that wanted to do it did. You can’t force anyone to be a part of your dream,” she added. “I’ve actually been getting more calls to work in the executive producer lane. I might be new to reality, but I’m an O.G. to the business world,” Jordan declared.
When asked how she aspires to inspire younger women and girls of color, Jordan says it’s important to be brave, stand up for yourself, and to “know your stuff.” Once, Jordan says she demanded that she be given equal pay for a modeling opportunity after being offered $1,500 compared to the $25,000 offered to her white counterparts. “When you’re constantly being tried, you become fearless and more assertive,” Jordan said.
Jordan also said it’s important not to follow the short term trends you often find on social media and in main stream society. Jordan used the success of reality TV star Draya’s swimwear line and Cynthia Bailey’s eyewear line as an example, to show how both businesswomen have strategically used their time on reality television to promote their products and brands with long-term goals in mind. Jordan recently launched a mac lip color of her own, and plans to continue expanding. “I’d rather have a check over a like [on social media],” Jordan stated.
As for the status of Jordan’s relationship with Next :15 castmates, Jordan says that’s she’s become the closest to Karamo Brown and New York, despite media portraying otherwise in her relationship with New York. Jordan says she recently supported Jennifer Williams at a walk for cancer and they were able to hug and squash the situation with hopes of remaining amicable. “Fellow humans, fellow women, especially fellow black women, we have a responsibility to at least be compassionate,” Jordan said. When asked if she plans to do the show again, Jordan says she’s up for the challenge. “I’d like to show more of my business and finish on a high note” Jordan said.