#29TM: Valerie Louis

#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:

#29TM: Amber Dorsey

February 12, 2020

Conversation with Black Tastemaker and writer Amber Dorsey

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Amber Dorsey is a long time writer, stylist, content creator. She considers herself a social media magician and flat-lay specialist as she’s been in the digital space for over a decade. She is the sole content creator at From Carpools to Cocktails, where she shares stories about her life as a work at home mother to Baby Ninja and Sweet Pea & their adventures in the wilds of suburbia.

Over the past twelve years, Amber has made a name for herself within the parenting and lifestyle content creating community as a trusted voice. She has written for dozens of publications and penned articles on a number of topics from design + personal style, parenting as it relates to motherhood, relationships and what it’s really like being Black in the ‘Burbs. Each piece is peppered with tongue in cheek yet thoughtful observations, personal anecdotes and her particular brand of humor that her audiences have come to recognize. She has an immense passion for working with womxn and helping them discover their passion and voice whether it be through design or personal style.

When she’s not working or on the ‘Gram you can find her in her natural habitat of either Target , HomeGoods or the local plant shop, brunching with girlfriends or touring an art pop-up and most likely documenting it all for her Instagram stories while thinking about getting tacos.

She is deeply committed to her suburban gangster and dares you to cross her before she's had her coffee.

To Learn More About Amber Visit:

#29TM: Quintece Hill-Mattauszek

February 11, 2020

Quintece Hill-Mattauszek is the founder and principal designer at Studio Q Designs, located in Old Town Alexandria, VA. With a background in studio art and a degree in Interior Design, she has over 16 years of creative and technical design experience. She began her career as an independent presentation specialist, Quintece worked for some of the most influential designers and builders in the D.C. area. After years of successful collaboration Quintece ventured out to build her own firm, Studio Q Designs, in 2012. Studio Q Designs is full service Interior Design Firm focused on designing experiences in both residential and commercial environments. Creating spaces that are a reflection of the client and what they value has become our the Studio Q, design philosophy. Quintece strives to create complete design compositions that are unique, modern, bold and functional.

Some of Quintece's career accomplishments include features in over 9 media publications, featured as Gramaco Granite's Top Area DC Designer in their campaign ad in 2020, recipient of the Designer's Choice Award for Up & Coming Interior Designer 2018 Home & Design Magazine, Featured in DC Modern Luxury Magazine: Best in the City “2018 The Visionary” Jan/Feb Issue, and has been selected to participate in 9 Designer Show Houses.

What Does Black History Mean To You This Year?

Black History should be celebrated all year long by recognizing those that are activity pursuing a better future for themselves and others around them. While we continue to celebrate those that have help forge a path of opportunity, this year needs to be about bringing more broadly publicized awareness to the PRESENT contributions and support one another in our individual endeavors and community outreach.

Floating LED Lit Wood Wall - Designed and Fabricated by Studio Q Designs

What Is On Trend For You Right Now?

While wall covering will remain a classic staple in the design world, I believe Architectural Patterns and Textures will start to see a raise in design aesthetics.

To Learn More About Quintece Visit:

#29TM: Nina Barnieh-Blair

February 10, 2020

Ghana-born, London-raised, now residing in New York City, Nina Barnieh-Blair is an interior designer with a unique set of influences, drawn from her diverse background and extensive travels in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas.

Nina combines an aesthetic yet playful approach to interiors with a keen interest in Architecture, Global culture and fashion. She is fascinated by the experience of spaces, and always seeks to identify and release their latent emotions through form, light and color. Her style is a mixture of vibrant contemporary and modern classic, with a nod to period details and influences from around the Globe.

Nina’s practice, NinaBDesign, is a full service interior design agency offering spatial planning, interior architecture, 3D Visualization and decorating. She also collaborates with Method Design Architects on commercial and residential projects in New York City and beyond.

Prior to receiving her degree in Interior Design from Parsons the New School for Design, Nina was a successful PR consultant in London for leading lifestyle and interiors brands.

Picture of Aboubakar Fofana installation of 'Les arbres à bleus'Description of the image[In the artist’s words]In West Africa, trees are considered like ancestors. They live for such long times and they see so much – they bear witness and hold secre… — Picture of Aboubakar Fofana installation of 'Les arbres à bleus'
Description of the image
[In the artist’s words]
In West Africa, trees are considered like ancestors. They live for such long times and they see so much – they bear witness and hold secrets for the communities around them. They provide nourishment, protection from the elements, and many other essential things. This work is about the reverence we have for trees, their power and presence, and their wisdom. It is also about the alchemy of indigo. Held in the leaves of the indigo plant is a blue pigment that can only be made visible under certain conditions. The magic of how green leaves can make so many shades of blue is a tangible example of how plants nourish us on so many levels, not just providing food and shelter, but even clothing us in their fibres and colours, and linking us spiritually with the natural world.

What Does Black History Month Mean To You This Year?

Reflections on, and a deeper understanding and celebration of the major contributions we have made to the country. It’s building on the successes made, pushing through all the current challenges to imagine a better future. Supporting black enterprises and supporting black individuals is essential: we have to start by supporting ourselves. That means each of us using our platform to drive visibility and create opportunities for our community: that’s why I’m proud of the Black Artist and Designer’s Guild.

Photo of a recent project by Nina, Photography by Nathaniel Johnston

What is on trend for you right now?

The idea of slow design and design that makes us feel good. A return to nature and the usage of natural materials. I’m inspired by color and I’m currently using more natural tones with a mixture of blue, green and terra-cotta. The connection with nature; the sky, vegetation and the soil makes them calming and peaceful which is always needed, but especially right now...

To Learn More About Nina Visit:

#29TM: Nnenna Kalu Makanjuola

February 9, 2020

Nnenna Kalu Makanjuola, PharmD, MPH, is the founder, publisher and editor-in-chief of Radiant, a thoughtful bi-annual health magazine for women of African descent.

An Atlanta resident, Nnenna launched Radiant as an online magazine nearly six years ago. Radiant has grown to become the leading health magazine for Afro women across the globe and is distributed globally at major retailers and newsstands including US Barnes & Noble stores.

Prior to starting Radiant, Nnenna enjoyed a career in pharmacy and public health with global healthcare experience at WHO and CDC.

Nnenna has been featured in various media outlets including Voice of America, How We Made it In Africa, She Leads Africa; as a panel speaker at the Wharton School of Business’ Africa Business Forum, and was named one of 41 Nigerian Women Entrepreneurs Putting the Country on the Global Business Map by Lionesses of Africa.

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Nnenna earned her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from Texas Tech University and her Master’s in Public Health from Columbia University.

Why Did You Create Radiant Magazine?

Radiant was born out of my own need to find credible health and wellness information that took into account my cultural perspective.

I watched my father battle heart disease and navigating that journey while we lived in Nigeria and later in the U.S. was quite challenging. No one could tell us what a heart healthy Nigerian diet looked like nor could we find others or stories of others with the same issue to commiserate with. As I got older, I realized that I faced the same dilemma in my own wellness journey.

I was on a long run one early winter morning pondering, as I often did, possible solutions to having accessible culturally relevant health information when the idea for a magazine came to me. I ran home and googled “how to start a magazine” and here we are. My mission for Radiant is to tell our own health stories and inspire women of African descent to live out their healthiest and most fulfilled life.

What Does Black History Month Mean To You?

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This year’s Black History month has me reflecting on the weariness that comes from all the fighting we’ve been through in recent years. How can we balance the fight for justice without sacrificing our wellness? For me Black History this year is about honoring my right to sanity.

What’s on trend for Radiant Magazine this year?

Besides producing two exceptional issues this year, we’re exploring more ways to connect deeper with our readers including small group intimate meetups.

What’s trending with readers of Radiant magazine?

I’m not sure I can speak to a particular trend for our readers. What I can say is that we remain true to capturing the black woman in her true beauty and elegance and that the imagery in our upcoming Motherhood Issue (due out in June) will be a true embodiment of that commitment.

What do you think is inspiring your readers of Radiant magazine this year?

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What we hear consistently from our readers is that they love seeing the beautiful reflection of themselves in the pages of Radiant. Our Instagram page is full of these images that inspire the Radiant woman.

To Learn More About Radiant Magazine Visit:

#29TM: Jemimah Scarlet

February 8, 2020

MiMi Scarlett is a digital strategist, entrepreneur and lifestyle influencer that’s passionate about making life easy for busy women. Her Unlikely Martha community encourages women to live their best lives and make their house their home all while pouring into themselves. Every woman deserves to

“Keep House and Stay Fly”.

What Does Black History Month Mean To You This Year?

Finding the words and the power to be unapologetically black is the poster mood for what Black History means to me this year. I've been really digging into black history the past few months, reading lots of books and watching documentaries. While I've always known that black people have influenced nearly everything in society, my level of awareness of just how much has reached an all time high this past year. Black folks are dope, and will continue to be. I want us all to shine, and get our props... it's time.

What’s Trending For You This Year?

When it comes to inspiration for me this year, anything related to reading, gardening, skinny jeans and a dope red lipstick is on trend for me.

To Learn More About Mimi Visit:

#29TM: Kati Carter

February 7, 2020

Kati Carter is CEO and Principal Designer of K Carter Interiors. She is a Design and Home Organizing Blogger, an Interior Decorating Business Mentor and Chief Operating Officer and Designer for The Oasis Alliance. Kati’s passion for all things design and home organization is driven by her desire to help others achieve beauty and function in their own homes. For Kati, it’s all about serving her clients at the highest level of excellence and ensuring that she achieves their version of a beautifully designed and organized life.

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What Does Black History Month Mean To You This Year?

For me, Black history month this year as years before is all about community. I serve as a designer on a non-profit (The Oasis Alliance) that contributes to mental wellness and emotional stability for trauma victims by curating personalized interior spaces. Our non-profit has blessed families (mostly families of color) coming out of homelessness, sexual abuse victims and veterans. We as a community need to lean on and uplift one another. We’ve recognized that we are just a small puzzle piece to the many organizations that promote the unity and advancement of our black community. And not to mention it’s my birthday month!!

What’s Trending For You This Year?

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On trend for me right now is the color black. Whether it be the focal point in a space or just added as an accent, my clients are committing to it and I love it! The color black is sexy, sophisticated and refined. I’m also seeing that we’re taking on the “less is more” approach with lots of desire and encouragement to purge and declutter spaces for a more simplistic, beautiful and more balanced life and I couldn’t be more onboard.

To Learn More About Kati Visit:

#29TM: Charnaie Gordon

February 6, 2020

Charnaie Gordon is a computer programmer by day, blogger by night, and wife and mother of two 24/7. She is also a self-proclaimed lifelong learner, podcast junkie, and diversity and inclusion expert.
Charnaie’s blog, Here Wee Read, is where she expresses her creativity and passion for reading, diverse literature, and literacy. More than anything else, Charnaie cares about connecting people with great books that they love because she believes that books are an absolute necessity
Charnaie’s passion for diversity and inclusion is driven by a desire for everyone to have his or her own voice, whether it be through books, television, or other media. She believes it’s important that people of all races, and all ethnicities, are able to see themselves represented and included.

In addition to her blog and social media, you can find Charnaie’s work at Brightly (http://readbrightly.com) where she is a contributing writer. She’s also the founder of her children’s literacy organization 50 States 50 Books (http://50states50books.net) where they collect and donate diverse children’s books to deserving kids in each of the 50 U.S. states. Charnaie is currently in the process of co-authoring her first children’s picture book slated for publication in 2021 with Sleeping Bear Press.

What Does Black History Month Mean To You This Year?

This year and every year, Black History Month is a time of reflection and celebration for me. Since becoming a parent, it's always been important for me to ensure my children understand the struggle and sacrifices made by numerous Black people who helped paved the way for us. In addition, I believe Black History Month serves as a great reminder to educate people of all races that Black History is an intergral part of American History. Like many others, I believe Black History should be taught all year long, not just in February.

Lastly, Black History Month is a time to highlight all of the Black excellence we have in our culture from past to present. We are more than just athletes and rappers. We are doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, politicians and so much more! Let's use this month (and every month) to inspire future generations by creating positive worlds and experiences for young, Black youth today.

What is on trend for you in 2020?

Right now I'm really into Eco-friendly products, self-care (eating a well-balanced diet, skincare, hair care and exercise), and connecting more with nature and the outdoors. I'm super passionate about climate change and making an effort to do my part to help the environment whenever I can.

To Learn More About Charnaie Visit:

#29TM: Whitney Jones

February 5, 2020

What’s On Trend for You This Year?

On trend for me right now is lots of highly saturated color! I'm excited to continue bringing color into my clients' homes in fun ways and use bold patterns in unexpected colors. A neutral palette is cool, but one full of color and personality is always better, in my eyes!

What inspires me most right now is my new design studio. I've been working from home my entire design career, so having a space outside of home to call my own is game changing for me. I am inspired to elevate my designs and market to new clientele. Every day, I'm excited to get to work and get it ready for the grand opening. We're painting the outside of the building now, so it's been fun watching the space transform from the inside out!

I'm New Orleans born and raised, constantly being inspired by the city's bold use of color, fun personality, and eclectic vibe. Space planning and accessorizing are my favorite parts of the design process, because they allow me to show my client both my technical side and my ability to style spaces. Since starting my design business in 2012, I've worked with clients all around the US, and even internationally (including the UK and Australia), through my eDesign services.

What Does Black History Month Mean To You This Year?

Black History for me this year is the same for me every year. I try all throughout the year to support and learn about new black owned businesses, important historical events, and people that have paved the way for black people. But, throughout Black history month, I make a conscious effort to research something I didn't know about black history, each day of the month.

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To Learn More About Whitney:

#29TM: Chanae Richards

February 4, 2020

Chanae Richards is the Owner + Chief Designer of ọlọrọ interiors. With a background in finance + operations, Chanae is a fiscal steward and has led projects ranging from small space consultations to designing sets for television studios.

She is the only Interior and Production Designer with several production venues under management. Her spaces have been featured on National Geographic, Vice, Centric, CNN, The Travel Channel and more.

Chanae’s "it" factor? Her sharp visual awareness and sourcing skills coupled with the ability to understand who you are, what you need/want and what it takes to get your idea from concept to completion.

What Does Black History Month Mean To You This Year?

This year more than any other year, Black people are coming into their own power and dismantling systems of oppression that have long bound us. We are starting more businesses, gardening, eating healthier, meditating and taking better care of ourselves so we can be better stewards for our families and communities. As it relates to our homes, we are making it our own. We are decorating and/or renovating so that our homes are places that inspire us...not places we settle for. We are living our ancestors dream this Black history month and beyond.

Photo from Chanae’s living room. Trend for 2020, less clutter and more plants.

What Is On Trend For You This Year?

Right now I'm seeing folks embrace minimalism in ways that work for them. Intentionality when planning your living space translates into acquiring pieces you love and foregoing items you simply like. Minimalism is not about having a sparse space. It's about making the space work for you and having what you need to live in abundance.

To Learn More About Chanae Visit:

#29TM: Demarcus McGaughey

February 3, 2020

As a New York artist, Demarcus McGaughey is motivated by his passion to support others to fulfill their destiny. Demarcus’ work captures the beauty, strength, and vibrancy of the human experience — with each subject demonstrating what it means to create your life.

With more than 20 years of experience, Demarcus McGaughey is a skilled creative director and visual artist. Having worked with such organizations and brands as Beyoncé Knowles and beverage giant Dr Pepper, Mr. McGaughey has been spotlighted in various magazines and seen his artwork featured in several New York galleries as well as Barcelona, Spain. In March 2019, he completed an Artist Residency with Mas el sigols located outside of Barcelona, Spain where Demarcus exhibited at the Estudio Nomada Gallery with his show entitled “Vibrant Thing.”

Demarcus aims to captivate the hearts of art lovers with his unique style,
a combination of painting and graphic design. He continues to explore the many techniques and styles of art in each of his paintings where he uses many color combinations to express the mood and moods of his subject matters.

Miss Oak Cliff, 2019 — *Miss Oak Cliff*, 2019

What Does Black History Month Mean To You This Year?

Black History for me is about honoring those that came before us. Celebrating their Bold, Outrageous accomplishments. They gave us permission to be great, permission to take a stand, Permission to be Black and Proud.

“If your Dreams Don’t Scare you, They aren’t Big Enough. ”

— Muhammad Ali

Where Are You Finding Inspiration To Create This Year?

I have at least 5 exhibitions this year. Two of those are solo exhibitions will be in Dallas and the other in Houston... I'm excited to show my Miss Oak Cliff Painting because it will be my first time exhibiting back home in Texas. Oak Cliff is the neighborhood I was raised in a part of Dallas.. The painting is a symbol to empower women of Oak Cliff but it is also a symbol to let the world know that this magical place exist with some of the most talented people in the world..

Also, I get to show my painting Anointed.. Both paintings are intended to be mirrors for the viewers. When a woman looks at Miss Oak Cliff I want her to see herself or someone she knows as Queen. If someone see's Anointed I want him to see himself as Anointed as well.

To Learn More About Demarcus Visit:

demarcusmcgaughey.com

Facebook demarcus.mcgaughey

Instagram demarcusmcg #createyourlife

#29TM: Nicole Jackson-Bertrand

February 2, 2020

Nicole Jackson-Bertrand, an Interior Designer, Builder/DIYer, with a passion for interiors. Wood is her go-to material for tying spaces together to create a warm and sophisticated home. All the while keeping it on a "thrift score" budget. Her home is her canvas, a place to create a loving and livable home for her family. Nicole was featured in Parade Magazine, Curated Quarters Magazine, The Olive Guide, Mentioned in Domino, and more.

Nicole's recent design interests are Exteriors, using wood to try her hand at building decks and a few other outdoor structures in her backyard. Building and recycling have been her go-to way of recycling wood materials she already has on hand. Exterior Design has been her way to explore and create an outdoor oasis that's livable, functional and eco-friendly. Nicole plans to dive more into Exterior Design, her next project building a small casita in her backyard.

What does Black History Month Mean To You This Year?

I’m proud to celebrate Black History Month, my birthday shares this month and it always meant so much to me. I feel empowered, it’s a strong month that’s filled with love, remembrance, history, diversity and life lessons. For me this year during black history month, I want to reflect more on my life and how I can make a difference within my community, we have a long way to go still and we as the people will always have different views and values and I’m praying everyday we can continue to push forward with each step hand in hand....Adelante (push forward)

Where Are You Finding Inspiration To Create This Year?

She is often inspired by wood and woodworking

Building furniture and soaking in the sun, the outdoor living experience for me has reached another level. Let’s take it outdoors; living, smelling the roses, cooking together, laying on the deck Nd enjoying stillness.

To Learn More About Nicole Visit:

#29TM: Vallori Thomas

February 1, 2020

Interview with Vallori Thomas, author of POSSIBILITOLOGY and creator of the Institute WOW Coaching and Consulting.

Vallori Thomas, an ICF-Certified Professional Coach, is the creator of The Institute at WOW Coaching and Consulting. She's also the author of "POSSIBILITOLOGY: It's A Great Day To Be Amazing," a deconstruction of the life perspective she credits with bringing her back into the mainstream of life from an isolated marginal existence. In the mainstream, she became an executive at a prominent fashion house and founded a nonprofit to empower women and families. Vallori later established WOW in order to share with others what life has taught her about overcoming, thriving, and the divine gift of reinventing oneself.

A member of Forbes Coaches Council, Vallori is also a sought-after Speaker and Facilitator known for her relatable style and vibrant outlook along with her skill at vision building and breakthrough learning. She conducts leadership development courses in various US markets, and leads transformative tours to overseas destinations such as Peru, Thailand, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji that focus largely on women and youth empowerment, entrepreneur-ism, professional development and sustainability.

To Learn More About Vallori Visit: