#28TM: Joy Williams

#29TM: Natasha Gaspard

February 27, 2020

Meet Emmy Award winner and founder of @manemovesmedia, Natasha Gaspard. Natasha and I dig into to the importance of representation of Black women with natural hair in the media.

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Natasha Gaspard is an Emmy Award winning television producer who founded Mane Moves Media, Inc., the leading digital media and entertainment company creating lifestyle video content for women of color with natural hair. Born and raised in Brooklyn NY as a first-generation Haitian-American, Natasha is the youngest of 3 children and has always been fascinated with the entertainment industry particularly television and movies. Natasha realized that storytelling has always been her passion as she reveled in creating music videos and writing screenplays. This passion led her to major and excel in Communications with a concentration in Film & Broadcasting at St. Francis College in Brooklyn, NY. She embarked on a career as a television producer for BRIC TV where she was nominated and won awards for producing stories that focused on social justice issues in Brooklyn.

Natasha's passion for storytelling grew as she noticed more and more that Black women are ignored in mainstream media and are rarely celebrated for their natural beauty. She decided to branch out on her own to create video content that represented Black women wholly and fully as they are. This platform was created to not only celebrate all things natural hair and beauty but to provide a place for women of color to connect to one another through their amazing stories!

To Learn More About Natasha Visit:

Instagram Natasha Gaspard

Instagram Mane Moves

Youtube

Twitter

#29TM: Rayon Richards

February 26, 2020

Brooklyn native and graduate of School of Visual Arts photography BFA program, Rayon Richards’ work was first published, 19 years ago in the summer of 2001 while he was still enrolled in school. Since then, he has amassed an amazing body of work with images that have appeared on the covers and pages of several publications such as O: The Oprah Magazine, Wall Street Journal, Fast Company and Huffington Post Magazine. He has also worked with record labels such as Universal Records and Island/Def Jam as well as brands like Footlocker and Benjamin Moore Paint.
Nine years into a career that was dominated primarily by portraits, he decided to explore his love for interior design by venturing into the world of interior, architecture & furniture photography. This expansion has developed into a tremendous passion for living spaces, as he sees them as an extension of the people who inhabit them. It is his belief that the years of experience he gained while photographing people have informed his ability to see the personality in a living space.

I’m inspired by wildlife, particularly the family structures of elephants and orca whales

What Does Black History Month Mean To You This Year?

As a person who doesn’t observe holidays, Black History Month doesn’t mean much to me this year than any other year. In my daily living, I remain conscious not only of the sacrifices that have been made by the generations that came before me; but equally as important, of all the achievements, both recognized and largely unrecognized by mainstream society. Black history is everyday; and though Black History Month was created by Carter G. Woodson, a Black man, I believe that dedicating a month to focus on the history of Black people in this country perpetuates the “otherness” of Black people which racism relies heavily on. Black history is American history, and separating it gives people who are willfully ignorant an opportunity to opt out of learning about Black contributions to the foundation of this country and to their everyday lives. Fear, ignorance and miseducation are the greatest threats to Black people’s survival, but a lot can change when our history is integrated and people don’t have the choice to learn about it.

Doing what I can to slow down climate change. If everyone does a little that will amount to a lot. 32 years ago during the Reagan administration there was an opportunity to stop climate change completely but oil lobbyists won over the environment an… — Doing what I can to slow down climate change. If everyone does a little that will amount to a lot. 32 years ago during the Reagan administration there was an opportunity to stop climate change completely but oil lobbyists won over the environment and so while we’ve gone past the point of no-return, we can still slow things down for subsequent generations to come.

What’s Trending For You Now In 2020?

I’m currently inspired by minimalism. Not only in my living space but also in my life overall. Less really is more. When there is less clutter, there is more clarity. Day-by-day I’m realizing that life is more fulfilling when you focus on possessing essential items as opposed to just acquiring unnecessary things solely because you have to ability to.

To Learn More About Rayon Visit:

Instagram Rayon Richards Interior Photo

Instagram Rayon Richards

Twitter

Houzz

#29TM: Kennesha Poe-Buycks

February 25, 2020

Interview with Kennesha Poe-Buycks, author of Restoration House: Creating a Space That Gives Life and Connection to All Who Enter

Kennesha is the creative behind Restoration House, a dream realized while living on the island of Oahu, Hawaii back in 2010. A proud Southern girl originally from Guntersville, Alabama, Kennesha realized at a very young age she had a knack not only for the creative but for connecting the hearts and minds of the communities in which she had the privilege of sharing life with through those very talents.

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Whether it's via the written word or a beautiful tablescape, home styling inspiration or a one-on-one conversation gathering others' collective stories to bring awareness, freedom and voice to the unique purpose that each of us carry, she lives to bring inspiration, encouragement and truth to each and every person she encounters. This, since you're here, means you. She has yet to find anything more meaningful or impactful than peeling back the layers of life and pain and lies to shine light on the hidden gifts and talents within each of us to reveal just how, together, we can become a force to be reckoned with. What lies in the aftermath and in the midst of the ordinary, is that God takes what we consider normal and breathes on them to turn them into something extraordinary. This is the story of Restoration House and it's the story of Kennesha's life. Over and over again.

To Learn More About Kennesha Visit:

Twitter

#29TM: Nonhlanhla Ngazimb

February 23, 2020

Nonhlanhla (Nonee) Ngazimbi is a nurse practitioner in the surgical critical care unit and an avid creative entrepreneur. She channels her creativity into a personal life and style blog called Nonee’s World where she blogs about lifestyle, style, photography, and travel. In addition, she founded a blogger community called Connecticut Bloggers Collective that serves local bloggers in the nutmeg state by providing resources, a sense of community, and curated events. Another venture includes a social media firm called Of Love and Social which teaches local businesses and bloggers how to elevate their social media via one on one consultations and e-courses. Recently, she partnered with Annisa Teich, co-owner and managing director, of West Hartford CoWorking to present a first to market creative studio in Central Connecticut called, The Content Lab.

Since starting Nonee’s World in 2016, she continues to work to inspire others creatively via her own blog and also through her community, Connecticut Bloggers Collective.

“Everything began with my personal blog, Nonee’s World. After a while of blogging via Instagram, I leveled up and realized that I could utilize my knowledge in content creation to help other bloggers and creatives.”

What Does Black History Month Mean To You This Year?

Black History this year means empowerment. I live in a state where although there are more than a handful of black professionals, they are scattered throughout a variety of different fields so you don’t see us generally in the average work place. As a young black professional and creative, I’m learning that representation really matters. Although I may be craving that camaraderie amongst my peers, like other black people who I look up to, other black people are looking up to me. I’m taking this year to not only look to others for empowerment professionally and personally, but garner that inner strength to recognize that I may be that for others as well.

Photo by Skovro Visuals — Recently, I attended NYFW where I was honored to be a guest of a meet up of a creative group for women of color content creators called The Glow Up. Being in a room of successful women of color creators was magical. Represe… — Photo by Skovro Visuals — Recently, I attended NYFW where I was honored to be a guest of a meet up of a creative group for women of color content creators called The Glow Up. Being in a room of successful women of color creators was magical. Representation truly matters.

What Is On Trend For You This Year?

What’s on trend right now is supporting other black creatives. In black fashion, what’s on trend now is historically what’s always been on trend among our people; color, prints, unique architectural fashion such as the box toe heels, and texture. Typically in black fashion, we are bold on a spectrum. We mix colors, textures, and prints to create muted or loud looks. Historically, collectively our fashion influences globally are tied in some way or another to the motherland.

To Learn More About Nonee Visit:

Instagram CT Blogger Babes

Instagram Nonees World

Instagram The Content Lab CT

Twiiter

#29TM: Keyanna Bowen

February 20, 2020

Keyanna Bowen is a Maryland based interior photographer, designer, and blogger with a passion for inspiring others to create a home they love, no matter where they live. A graduate of Howard University and self-proclaimed “serial-penuer”, Keyanna has dabbled in everything from radio and writing, to real estate and social media marketing. It wasn’t until she started her blog, East & Lane, that she found her true passions, interior design and photography. What started out as a hobby of styling and photographing homes for her blog quickly turned into an exciting career. Keyanna now travels throughout the Maryland and Delaware coast as an architecture and interior photographer, photographing homes for realtors, builders, and fellow interior designers. In addition to photography, her passion to create beautiful spaces and desire to bring a fresh and modern design perspective to her hometown prompted her to offer interior design services. Inspired by neutral hues, organic textures, and simplicity, Keyanna’s light and airy yet layered and warm style embodies each project she designs. When she's not behind the lens or designing, you can find her enjoying the outdoors or renovating her rental, which she documents on her YouTube Channel.

What Does Black History Month Mean To You This Year?

For me, black history is in the essence of everything. From the cradle of civilization, to the construction of this Country, the roots and labor of our ancestors are the foundation of so much greatness. I love the pride and community that is felt and shared during this month, and every month.

Who Inspires You?

My husband is what inspires me the most. He also is a creative entrepreneur and has built a successful career in the music and videography industry, and also founded the music non-profit for youth, Symphony21.

After Image of Keyanna’s Kitchen renovation, click here to see the before shots.

What he has been able to accomplish and the barriers he has broken through (as a young, black man), is no easy feat. I’m constantly inspired by his faith, perseverance, commitment, work ethic, and dedication to our family. I feel so blessed to have him in my life.

What Is On Trend For You Right Now?

When I see the word trend the designer in me naturally thinks about what's new/fresh in home decor. But, there’s another trend that has been popping up more and more on social media and in conversations with my peers that I think is so important right now, and that’s the movement towards self care and mental wellness. As a millennial entrepreneur in the age of social media, there is so much comparison and pressure to grow your business and be successful that it’s easy to forget to take care of you! I can recall scrolling through my social media feeds and reading numerous captions from people proudly expressing how busy they are, or how they are constantly on the grind 24/7. Thankfully, now there seems to be a de-glamorization of that hustle+grind mentality, and a greater desire to create a lifestyle that makes wellness a priority.

To Learn More About Keyanna Visit:

#29TM: Habiba Koroma

February 19, 2020

My conversation with New York-based interior designer, Habiba Koroma, who was recently feature in Apartment Therapy.

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I am a native New Yorker with a passion for all things design. With experience in residential, retail, event and visual design, I have honed the capacity to create beautiful, textured and dynamic spaces. I have always had a passion for design, but as an undergraduate I did not know that interior design was a career option. I instead ventured into a career in communications and nonprofit management. While my path was rewarding, it was not until I was faced with my mother’s illness that I gained the courage to actually consider following my dream of becoming a designer. After a number of informational interviews, I was fortunate to intern at a high-end residential firm which eventually turned into my first job in the field. The experience was a great bootcamp, teaching me so much about residential design and the industry overall. It was from this early experience, that I realized that I definitely wanted to move forward with a career in interior design.

To Learn More About Habiba Visit:

Apartment Therapy

#29TM: Rasheeda Gray

February 18, 2020

Rasheeda Gray is the owner and principal designer of Gray Space Interior Design. Gray Space is a full-service design firm focused on curating interiors that are contemporary, fresh and rooted in style. From whole house renovations to one room transformations, Gray Space specializes in residential and boutique commercial projects throughout the Philadelphia, New Jersey and Delaware areas.

After 15 years, Rasheeda retired from a career as AVP of Marketing and Communications to pursue her passion and life’s work of Interior Design full-time. Launched in 2016, Gray Space has completed over to 70 residential and commercial projects. The design team, carefully comprised of creatives who have professional backgrounds in business; specifically, construction management, finance and marketing, has been featured in publications such as Architectural Digest Pro, Designers Today, Raymour & Flanigan Design Magazine, The Philadelphia Inquirer, philly.com and more. Additionally, Rasheeda has appeared on television shows including HGTV's Flea Market Flip and Good Day Philadelphia. At the center of it all, the core values of client focus, collaboration and curated spaces, stand at the forefront of each and every project completed.

Rasheeda holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and International Business and an MBA. Additionally, she holds a professional certificate in Interior Design from Temple University.

Rasheeda is the co-founder of Gray Real Estate Group, a real estate development company, along-side her husband, Jake and together they have two children, Jacob Jr. and Kennedy.

What Does Black History Month Mean To You This Year?

Black History this year means... Honoring our past and celebrating our future. As an Entrepreneur, I stand on the shoulders of giants. Our ancestors who have come before me and paved the way for a black woman like myself to own multiple businesses. So although, we should continue to honor and celebrate our history all year long, this month is a reminder to be intentional in doing so. It is also a great way to bring awareness of our accomplishments to other races and cultures!

What’s On Trend For You This Year?

Texture in the design industry in upholstery, on walls, etc. ! I think it gives us an intrinsic sense of comfort, as you can see with this entryway photo above.

To Learn More About Rasheeda Visit:

#29TM: Mikel Welch

February 17, 2020

Interview with celebrity interior designer Mikel Welch, named as one of House Beautiful's 2020 NEXT WAVE designers.

As a young boy growing up in Southfield, Michigan, Mikel Welch busied himself with the construction of sofas and dining tables using toy Legos for imaginary houses. It was evident to his family that an innate sense of creativity and a passion for design were embedded in Mikel from birth.

Today Welch runs a New York based interior design business, Mikel Welch Designs, and works as an on-air personality and design expert on TLC's Trading Spaces. On camera, Mikel shows viewers tips and tricks for renovating homes, designing sophisticated spaces and creating luxury looks at affordable prices. Mikel's designs have been featured on HGTV, The Real Housewives Of Atlanta, The Talk and Good Morning America.

In January 2020, House Beautiful named Mikel as one of the 2020 NEXT WAVE designers. His work has also been featured in Architectural Digest, Traditional Home, Elle Decor, People, The New York Times and several other shelter magazines. Mikel has also had the honor of designing for prominent personalities, including First Lady Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Faith Hill, Steve Harvey, Harry Connick Jr., Joan Rivers and Halle Berry.

To Learn More About Mikel Visit:

#29TM: Valerie Louis

February 16, 2020

I was born and raised in Haiti, and I had a passion for art history and design. I wanted to create a Haitian Living décor with fabrics, wallpapers, and home accessories reflecting our culture. When I went to the internet, I realized there were amazing patterns, but the Haitian-Caribean-African Exotism was missing. The world is surrounded by all this diversity, and there are more than 145 nation cultures, and a mix of colors and visuals to be explored, but I could not find that representation in the interior design marketplace. So I asked myself, “Why don’t I create a product line inspired by Haitian culture?“ I had no idea about the textile industry, but I knew I had a great idea, and I was driven and smart.

From this exploration and over the next three years of hard work, the company, Yaël & Valérie was created, and ready to publish a catalog of 160 patterns. The company is named after my daughter, Yael and me. Yaël is currently 15, and she is the big boss because all she does is decide if the patterns should or should not be published. I work hard to please her because she’s a perfectionist. But, I think we can all agree her keen eye has been invaluable in making this business what it is today.

This is a picture of my daughter Yaël and I at the beach, the curiosity in her face looking at the immensity of the ocean and the loving look I have for her, for me it's everything.

What Does Black History Month Mean To You This Year?

For me Black History Month needs to be celebrated for the purpose to be integrated in the American History. I think this is the step to take every year, create the awareness until BHM disappears and become an every day historical celebration. This is one of my dreams.

What Is On Trend For You Right Now?

There are so many great colorful collections ahead for our company, and collaborations with new artists. We are super excited for whats in store, but for now let us share a sneak peak with the Viviane Collection, see the picture above.

To Learn More About Valerie Visit:

#29TM: Tavia Forbes + Monet Masters

February 15, 2020

I discuss The relevance of Black voice I'm the design industry with Tavia Forbes and Monet Masters, the founders of Forbes and Master, an Atlanta-based interior design firm.

Forbes + Masters is a full-service Atlanta-based interior design team that specializes in curating the essence of you or your brand into custom-tailored residential and commercial spaces. We have a simple 4-Phase process, which allows our clients to sit back over the course of their project and trust our team to execute, while still maintaining approvals on overall budget and style.

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Tavia Forbes, Principal Interior Designer

With an artist’s instinct for composition and color, interior designer Tavia Forbes seamlessly references historical periods and forward-looking design trends to create polished spaces with modern, clean lines and natural elements woven throughout. Her pedigree predestined her career in design, with Tavia spending her childhood tagging along with her father, a craftsman specializing in custom cabinetry. These early lessons in principles of construction and design in some of the most exquisite homes on Manhattan’s Upper East Side gave Tavia contracting know-how as well as an eye for refinement. With her family’s encouragement, Tavia was granted creative freedom to constantly transform her childhood home and room. Her passion for beautiful things merged with a businesswoman’s acumen during her studies in Marketing and Studio Art at Stony Brook University in New York. Exploring a career in event and floral design in Atlanta led to making the leap into full time interior design with client referrals and buzz lauding Tavia as the freshest face in the Atlanta design scene. Her portfolio of projects include commercial and residential designs for clients in Atlanta, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas and Rahleigh. Tavia’s unique ability to connect deeply with her clients on a personal level before each project distinguishes her from other designers and contributes to clients clamoring for Tavia’s eclectic, modern, organic approach and artistic sensibility. When she’s not happily ruining her manicure on a DIY project, you can find Tavia planning elaborate themed parties and museum hopping in far flung locales with friends.

Monet Masters, Principal Interior Designer

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Finding inspiration in the fluidity of nature and the sleekness of modernity, interior designer Monet Masters believes in creating spaces that harness positive energy for her clients to help them live a balanced, relaxed life. As a child Monet had an obsession for organizing and staging her teddy bears and books. As she matured relatives began requesting for her to decorate their homes and her passion continued to blossom. Monet knew during this time that design was her destiny. Pursuing the passion for DIY projects sparked in her high school home economics class, Monet applied and was accepted to the prestigious Savannah College of Art and Design-Atlanta, where she earned her BFA in Interior Design and was recognized as one of the top students in her class. With experience spanning commercial and residential projects and furniture design, her talent extends beyond the art of aesthetics and into the science of project management. Monet has a knack for innovating creative and unique solutions for design problems that inevitably arise on projects while maintaining her passionate drive and enthusiasm throughout the design process. Another of Monet’s distinguishing traits is her drive to continually seek creative and personal growth. She’s been name checked by notable national and Atlanta publications such as Ebony, Jezebel and Atlanta Homes Magazine for her trend forecasting and design insights. Monet’s collaborative approach with her clients is informed by her bold, modern and eclectic design philosophy that infuses every project with character. To balance her driven professional personality, you can find Monet enjoying relaxing mani/pedis or curling up on the couch with Indian takeout while watching documentaries or movies based on true stories to recharge!

To Learn More About Forbes + Masters Visit:

#29TM: Mbali Z. Ndlovu

February 14, 2020

Mbali Z. Ndlovu’s passion for expanding representation and empowering others is at the heart of all her endeavors. Her most recent venture, Lukafit, started out as a local fitness meetup group that has now grown into an empowering activewear brand sparking a body positive health and wellness movement. This mission has earned Lukafit features in numerous publications, including Buzzfeed, Essence Magazine, The Root, Travel Noire, mindbodygreen, and TheGrio.

Before taking the entrepreneurial leap, Mbali worked with media organizations dedicated to creating positive and diverse images of people of color. After receiving her B.A. in African American Studies from Bates College, where her concentration in Film and Media Studies focused on examining the effects of media on Black adolescent identity development, Mbali held positions at BLACK GIRLS ROCK!, Word of Mouth Pictures, Turning Heads, and Firelight Media - organizations that have won Peabody, Emmy, SAFTA, and NAACP Image awards for their pivotal work.

I’m also attracted to vibrant neon and rich jewel tones because they look amazing on everyone’s skin :)

What Does Black History Month Mean To You This Year?

Black History Month is always a collective reminder about the great things we’ve accomplished in the past as well as how we’re expanding our genius in the present and future.

3 - @pm.coleman + @robinhicksbell + @phnom_ade.JPG

Where are you finding inspiration this year?

This photo of above of my Maryland-based customers always inspires me and brings a huge smile to my face! Robin (center) teaches yoga and two of her students (Patrice and Ade) are pictured on either side of her. I don’t remember who purchased their leggings first but the other two shortly followed suit and they often send me beautiful photos like this one where they’re all rocking their Lukafit gear!

To Learn More About GetLukafit Visit:

#29TM: Cordero R. Davis

February 13, 2020

There is no shortage of opportunity that Cordero hasn’t taken to build a better and more inclusive world. Although he grew up in a small, segregated town in Mississippi, he has never let anything or anyone stop him from being a transformative leader. In his lifetime, Cordero has engaged, produced, and impacted over 80,000+ employees & students globally through professional development, leadership empowerment, and workplace inclusion.

After graduating college he took his first job in Shanghai, China, where he helped develop a boarding school in three countries to support hundreds of international students and families through training & development. His time abroad opened his eyes to entrepreneurship and startups which drove him to pursue a career in #HRTech and he relocated to Silicon Valley and started his first role in the global recruiting operations world. He has assisted companies like Airbnb, Facebook, and Indeed.com scale during rapid growth periods resulting in hundreds of diverse hires while increasing diversity through global inclusion programs.

After facing many challenges, being the only black person on his teams or being a part of companies that did not have the infrastructure to support & develop black talent he launched his own consulting firm, Cordero Davis International. He is the Chief Empowerment Officer, assisting black and brown people with navigating their careers in corporate America, while assisting corporations with building more inclusive and diverse workplaces where all people feel supported and like they belong.

When not making workplaces more equitable, he spends his time traveling the world (#30countriesandcounting), consulting tech startups in Singapore, speaking to thousands of students about the importance of HBCU's, or you may catch him coaching at a healing retreat in Bali. Cordero has over 10+ years of experience and dedication to education, organizational leadership, and diversity & inclusion. He continues to impact the world to be a more inclusive, diverse, and connected enterprise.

What Does Black History Month Mean To You This Year?

Black History is something that I personally celebrate every month. The actual month is an opportunity for me to amplify that through black partnerships, events, and workplace education for non-black employees.

What Is On Trend For You Right Now?

The biggest goal of mine in 2020 is to bridge the gap between HBCU's and technology companies in Silicon Valley. In turn, creating more access and seats at the table for Black and LatinX students to not only have a voice but also increase generational wealth.

To Learn More About Cordero: