#28TM: Zhay Smith

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Zhay Smith is a New York-based personal stylist turned surface pattern designer. She is the Lead Designer and CEO of ZHAYSTYLE Studio. With an eye for beauty, she often uses photography as a jumping-off point for her work, and incorporates bold elegant typography to make a statement. She is an avid learner with a playful spirit, who infuses her background in fashion, interior design, and fine art into her illustrations and graphic design work.

Growing up in a beach town, Zhay says she was surrounded by design. The house she grew up in was custom-designed, and built by an architect for his family. She watched her aunt collect unique pieces of driftwood have them painted or sanded, and then varnished to finish off the look of a room that she was hired to decorate. Even her mom was constantly making everything from curtains to culottes to handmade plush toys to sell. And don’t even get me started on her dad! He helped Zhay develop her eye for fashion and style. He taught her how to pull together colors and coordinate prints and create looks for men’s clothing. When Zhay began to sell her own work as a teen, her father even helped her plan and build custom art pieces made of stained glass and wood.

Zhay’s family was full of designers, but they didn’t know it. It came so naturally. So, I guess designing is in her blood. Zhay considers herself a multidisciplinary artist and designer. She loves to explore many different mediums. However, being a Surface Pattern Designer brings it all together. She gets to see her art on products sold all over the world. You can find some of Zhay’s work at Minted.com.

What Does Black History Month Mean To You This Year?

Since this is Black history month, I would like to share that I have relatives who were architects, and worked on one of the first hotels in my hometown, The San Carlos Hotel. They built houses for rich people in town. They were my great Uncle Alexander and Uncle George Eagan. They kind of passed for white so till this day, I don’t think anyone but our family ever knew that Black men helped design that hotel. I feel like this month is when these family stories really bubble up to surface for me.

Some pivotal heart-wrenching events have brought us to this new level of awakening for many here in the US and across the world. Many people were sleepwalking. Black history this year means not being invisible anymore...not being a blip on the screen. While I don't rejoice in the fact that brothers and sisters had to die so senselessly in order for everyone to finally open their eyes, I'm grateful that now all peoples are paying more attention. Friends of mine from other races are actually not just giving lip service or stopping at placing a little black square on their IG posts. They are caring enough to learn about "our Black American" heroes and heroines. They are having uncomfortable conversations with their friends, close relatives and communities. We are beginning to respect that Black history IS American history. It is not to continue to be a side note. We are challenging the absence of Black faces, Black voices, and Black perspectives in art, design, and culture. Black people are some of the most brilliant, resilient, gifted and triumphant people groups to walk the planet. That should be honored and respected. They have been a voice for the voiceless. How does that saying go? A rising tide lifts all boats.
And for us to truly understand ourselves we have to go back further than the sixties, further than slavery. We all have to continue to work to make sure our full stories are told and are balanced to correct mis-education or partial education. It is the removal of omissions for me. Black history this year is still being written and still being discovered. We must keep moving forward.

What Is The First Creative Thing You Are Going To Do Post Pandemic?

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Does everybody say travel? It's amazing the things you take for granted until they are gone. You know what I would love? I miss seeing LIVE events and dance theater performances like Alvin Ailey "Revelations" & other Broadway shows. I get so inspired! It would also be great to go to a summer concert series in the park again.

To Learn More About Zhay visit:

Website: zhaystylestudio.com

instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zhaystyle/

Minted Store: http://shrsl.com/2n0ds

#28TM: Kymberlyn Lacy

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Kymberlyn Lacy, is the Former Vice President of the Black Interior Designer's Network, she is also the founder and CEO of the award-winning interior design firm, International Flair Designs whose been featured in Forbes, Oprah's O Magazine, and Essence. Kymberlyn is greatly sought after for her business acumen and effective leadership in organizational management, strategic planning, strategic partnership development, contract management, and team building. She brings an interdisciplinary approach to leadership and a professional perspective that dovetails with best practices in her respective industry.

She has single-handedly developed strategic partnerships with national powerhouses such as IMC, Uttermost, Williams-Sonoma, The Pottery Barn, Verizon Wireless, and Hilton Hotels to only name a few. Her philanthropic efforts and commitment to social change has garnered numerous awards and an official day "Kymberlyn Lacy Day" in her honor in the State of Arkansas.

She also has a love and dedication for mentoring young interior designers, creatives, and nonprofit organizations . She is currently working with the STEM Coalition to integrate the field of architecture and interior design as an identifiable, integral component of STEM education.

Her work has been featured in Elle Decor, Essence, NBC, Designer's Today, NBC, IONTV, CBS, and FOX 16 in addition to a growing list of others.

What Does Black History Month Mean To You This Year?

Coming from a long, family lineage of educators who were pioneers and forerunners of desegregating schools in the South researching, studying, and knowing our rich heritage and culture was foundational if you were a part of my family. Black History was celebrated and embraced daily through curated art collections, cuisine, music, architecture, fashion, and style to only name a few.

Since I was a little girl it was ingrained in me that “African American history is what cultivated history as we know it today. Always, live your life as if you are drafting a blueprint for the generations to come.” The quote stemmed from my grandmother, but it has always been one of the core values I have patterned my life and purpose after.

After the heightened awareness of Black History, spanning the globe recently. I am more hopeful than I have ever been, more optimistic, and I have never been prouder of our resilience; and how we continue to change the trajectory of our country.

Recently, I have noticed an uptick in supporting minority owned business’ spanning cultural bounds. Although, I am grateful to service a clientele base that is culturally diverse, it is heartwarming and inspiring to witness allies rallying in support of minority owned business’. It is my greatest hope the support and efforts are continued and flourish for your years to come.

What Is The First Creative Thing You Are Going To Do Post Pandemic?

Having the ability to “Monitor and adjust” is infectious. Instead of complaining about how, when, and what business and our daily lives once were pre-pandemic. Our design team took a step back to evaluate all of our systems from on-boarding clients, rebranding, to implementing more robust CRM’s; leading to advancements that will enhance high touch point areas for a more seamless design experience for the clientele we service.

Like many of my clients, traveling was on the top of my list pre pandemic (Africa and India). The pandemic has sparked a newfound interest with clients. Instead of desiring to travel, they are ‘monitoring and adjusting” to our “new normal” by allowing our design firm to transform their primary bedroom retreats to resemble their favorite oasis, getaway, or resort they once were able to travel to pre-pandemic. Fortunately, I have remained creative throughout the pandemic. I am looking forward to unveiling our rebranding efforts and launching a few surprises as well (stay tuned).

To Learn More About Kymberlyn:

Website: kymberlynlacyinteriors

Instagram: @kymberlynlacyinteriors

Facebook: @kymberlynlacyinteriors

Pinterest: @kymberlynlacyinteriors

Twitter: @kymberlynlacyinteriors

Linkedin: KymberlynLacy

#28TM: Laura Hodges

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Laura Hodges Studio creates tailored, bespoke interiors that incorporate unique vintage and  antique finds, custom furniture, curated art and natural elements. Laura was featured in House  Beautiful as a Next Wave Designer and she recently won a Luxe Red Award for  best Contemporary/Modern space from Luxe Magazine. Laura is also a brand ambassador for the Sustainable Furnishings Council, working to increase awareness for sustainable interior design. 

What Does Black History Month Mean To You This Year?

I hope that soon there won’t be a need to celebrate Black history one month out of the year. I  hope that this last year of social change will be more sustainable and translate into year round integration of Black culture and history. 

What Is The First Creative Thing You Are Going to do Post Pandemic?

Post-pandemic, I’m most excited to travel! We had a family vacation planned for England and  Wales last summer so I’m looking forward to taking that trip.

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#28TM: Abigail Marcelo

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Casa Marcelo, an Interior Design firm, was founded by Abigail Marcelo Horace in 2017.  With a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Interior Design and over a decade of experience  designing for notable Interior Design Corporate firms, including Dumais ID and Hendricks Churchill. Abigail brings her extensive knowledge, refined eye, and exquisite  cultural taste to any space she designs. As a first- generation American and a daughter  of Dominican and Panamanian immigrants, Abigail brings a unique perspective and palette to her ideas. The name Casa Marcelo is a nod to her heritage, to her ‘familia’,  and to her ‘hogar’ (home).   

Casa Marcelo's mission is to help career women & Moms to alleviate their mental stress by providing home therapy. Abigail provides her clients a personalized design  experience and translates her expertise in order to consistently execute high-level, quality design. As a new mother and member of a large family, Abigail realized the need  to create design systems and functionality within the homes of her clients. She specializes in shaping beautiful spaces that inspire creativity and expand unused potential. Abigail’s previous clients have described her as organized, thorough and solution-oriented, leaving them impressed with her mindful execution of their projects. 

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“I love to learn about my client’s quirks, nuances and dynamics because I want people to feel at home when working with me. I want them to feel secure and taken care of. I want people to be empowered by their spaces, enabling them to thrive in every other area of their lives because it all starts at home. A well-designed space promotes peace, clarity, and inspiration in the midst of chaos in the outside world.” 

Casa Marcelo has been previously featured on Dwell, Design*Sponge, Tastemade  Home, Mercury Mosaics, and more! 

What does Black History Month mean to you this year? 

Black History Month is such a beautiful celebration this year. Usually, I felt that only Black brands and individuals were engaged in the celebration, but I’ve seen people from  many backgrounds participating, especially after the events of 2020. For me it means progress, and that we are still breaking barriers. We are making history and that is truly amazing! 

What is the first creative thing you are going to do post pandemic?  

Go to a museum!! Or travel to a destination with incredible architecture, like Cambodia. I  really miss walking through museums, being inspired by art and sculptures. I think I have taken it for granted in the past, but I want to make an effort to go more frequently  and to take my son with me!

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#28TM: Anderson Somerselle

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Anderson Somerselle has come a long way from the Virgin Island beaches of his childhood.  Employing the charismatic spirit he was born with and later developed as a radio personality,  Anderson has spent the past decade cultivating close relationships with the artists and CEOs of  interior furnishing brands around the world. With an intuitive understanding of current and  upcoming trends, Anderson has served as the critical point person between brands and the  designers who rely on their products. He entered the industry working in sales management,  visual merchandising and design consulting for well-known businesses such as Pier One, Arhaus  Furniture, and Modshop. He spent years fostering close connections with designers and driving  sales for brands as the Purchasing Coordinator at Holland & Sherry. Most recently, as the Textile  Manager at John Rosselli & Associates, he put his eye for design to good use as he helped brands  develop new collections and highly effective visual marketing strategies. As CEO of  SOMERSELLE, he will utilize his decade of interior design experience, his arsenal of industry  allies, his keen sense of design trends, and his radical vision for the growth opportunities  available to the modern showroom. 

What does Black History Month mean to you this year? 

After the awakening this country experienced last year, I feel that all eyes are on the Black experience. This Black history month, our story of inhumane treatment and inequality is being  shared on a GLOBAL scale like never before. The BLM movement has ignited a humanitarian effort to begin atoning for the wrongs that have been done to Black people, and to fix the systemic problems that  continue to foster injustice. Beyond that, the hidden stories of our profound contributions to civilization are FINALLY being brought to light and being celebrated. So, for me, this Black  history month symbolizes the start of a true freedom from the shackles that were put on us over  400 years ago. TIME IS UP! 

 What is the first creative thing you are going to do post pandemic? 

The first creative thing I want to do after this pandemic is to throw a big party. I can’t wait to have all of our SOMERSELLE partners here in NYC, so I can introduce them to my beloved NY design community in person.

Somerselle Collection

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#28TM: Tiffany DeLangie

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Tiffany is the founder of "Pretty Real"- a space filled with home design tips, family-focused celebrations, and DIY projects. She is also the mama of three- Genevieve, Nadia, and Dax; and the wife to Joe who shows up on her blog occasionally to help with projects (She love it when that happens)!

After a 6 year stint in corporate America, she decided to stay home with her kids, and while there were some days where an office seemed so appealing, most days she felt blessed to be a stay-at-home mama. Now, with all three of her kiddos in school full time (boo! but yay!), Tiffany focuses on her corner of the internet- primarily her home and Instagram.

What Does Black History Month Mean To You This Year?

A phrase I've seen lately that resonates is "Black History is now." I think it's important to look back and validate the struggle- the people who have sacrificed their lives and freedom for the freedoms we enjoy today; but it's also important- and uplifting- to look at our achievements today. I love seeing our people demonstrate excellence, break records, and eliminate "firsts," in every industry up to the highest level. I'm so proud of us.

What Is The First Creative Thing You Are Going To Do Post Pandemic?

We've been discussing an RV trip across the country. As a family of 5 with 3 littles, it's an overwhelming thought (dare I say downright scary?! ha!) but after being cooped up for over a year, I want to visit all the wide-open spaces.

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To Learn More About Tiffany Visit:

Website: prettyrealblog.com

Instagram: @prettyrealblog


#28TM: Sarai Reed

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Sarai Reed is a home consultant based in Washington, DC. working to re-imagine the concept of home; and to help people feel more at home in their spaces. Sarai created Apron Saint in 2017 with the goal of celebrating and promoting the art of homemaking, regardless of expertise, square footage, or resources. Apron Saint seeks to elevate the art of homemaking while making it accessible for everyone.


What Does Black History Month Mean To You This Year?

This year, and every year, Black History month is about celebrating Blackness. It's about supporting Black-owned businesses, not just buying things, but really championing them. It's about honoring our ancestors and shutting down performative ally-ship when it rears its ugly head. It's about reveling in our Blackness. Oh wait, that's every month!

What Is The First Creative Thing You Are Going To Do Post Pandemic?

The first creative thing I'm going to do post-pandemic is go antiquing with my girlfriend down south. A lot of shops are still open, but I really want to make a trip of it, eat some great food, and stay at some cute boutique hotels. Sourcing hasn't been the same. Shopping online is great, but nothing beats visiting a few small second hand furniture stores or a big ole flea market in person and ending the day with a great meal.

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To Learn More About Sarai Visit:

Instagram: @apron.saint

Website: apronsaint.com




#28TM: Danielle Deavens

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Danielle Deavens is the co-founder of Bold Xchange, the most convenient way to buy Black online. The e-commerce shop offers a  curated collection of products from Black-owned brands—items like coffee, tea, candles, and skincare. Danielle, along with her  partner Doug, tries all the brands Bold Xchange carries, and has tested dozens of products in search of the best Black businesses have to offer. 

When she's not hunting down new brands to try, Danielle is writing about them; extending the life of her first career—magazine  journalism—by penning product roundups, brand spotlights, and features of Black creatives for outlets like Apartment Therapy and  The Kitchn. 

What does Black History Month mean to you this year? 

Every year, Black History Month is a celebration of Black icons, Black culture, and the moments that have shaped Black life. This year specifically, it feels necessary to give shine to the "ordinary" Black people throughout history. Over the past year, essential  workers have quite literally kept this country going, providing care, sustenance, education, and other vital services. They have been going to work every day, despite unbelievable circumstances, and they are rightfully being hailed as heroes. So it feels fitting to look back and  celebrate the Black people who may never end up in a history book, but who were vital to their communities as well—teachers, neighbors, care givers, and so many others whose work and impact too often go uncelebrated. For me, that has meant taking time to  ppreciate my own ancestors, without whom I would not be here. 

What is the first creative thing you are going to do post-pandemic? 

One of my favorite things about working on Bold Xchange is speaking with business owners, and I'd like to do more of that in person.  I moved to St. Louis in early January, and I can't wait to explore the Black business community here, getting entrepreneurs in front of the camera to record their stories, challenges, and triumphs.

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#28TM: Kevin Fuller

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I am what you might call a self-made artist, and I have always owned my own business. For many years, I was in construction and when my company began to fall on some hard times I began looking for other things to do. It was during this time that I began the art of taking furniture that had long been forgotten and bringing new life into it. My first project was a beat up chair that I purchased for twenty dollars. It was in pretty bad shape, but I loved the design of the chair and the “bones'' of it were good. I took the chair to a friend’s workshop, and I began watching videos and reading books on upholstery. Once I finished the chair, I found that I was getting compliments from not only my friends, but from complete strangers. That encouragement gave me what I needed to experiment with other pieces of furniture.
As I began to develop my style and skills, I found an upholsterer who was willing to let me apprentice. I love “the hunt” of finding just the right piece of furniture to fix up, and I also enjoy spending my time in the fabric store going over different materials and patterns. Restoring and renewing furniture is more than just a business for me, it’s my calling. Now I’m back to being a business owne,r and have built a business from my gifts and passion.  I’ve always said “I don’t do furniture for a living, I do furniture because it kept me living”. 


What Does Black History Month Mean To You This Year?

Last year, the pandemic had me reading everything about being Black. So this year my biggest commitment to this month was to share information in a fun and creative way. 28 days, 28 different pillows all black and white, 28 different historical Black facts. Some deep and some fun. Our history isn’t all about struggle. Black people are so creative, and after 45 presidents we’re still here creating and growing. This year I’m celebrating Black Americans and celebrating my Black friends winning.

What Is The First Creative Thing You Are Going To Do Post Pandemic?

It’s time to develop my own furniture collection. For 2 years I've been sitting on some designs for a mass production line of furniture. I’ve researched too much, we don’t know what tomorrow will hold so it’s time to take the next big step. 


To Learn More About Kevin Visit":

Website: https://theekevinfuller.com/

Instagram: @theekevinfuller

Facebook: @theekevinfuller

#28TM: Demetrius Robinson

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I'm an Indianapolis based interior designer, content creator and lifestyle expert. I tell visual stories through both photography + videography mediums. I'm the founder of At Home with Savvy, a home lifestyle brand dedicated to inspiring others to live a more elevated home lifestyle!

What Does Black History Month Mean To You This Year?

To be honest, I'm at a place in my life where I'm relearning what Black history truly means to me. The stories I learned in school only make up such a small portion of what Black history looks like! -I want to learn more about the giants of who's shoulders we stand on today! I want to know more about my lineage because today, I can only go back as far as my Great Grandmothers. As a Black man I have a lot of work to do, but I'm committed to doing the work

What Is The First Thing You Are Going To Do Post Pandemic?

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The first thing I'm going to do is follow through with my two-week vacation to Paris and Rome. We booked that vacation back in June of 2019 and was scheduled for May of 2020 but was postponed due to COVID-19. Although travel isn't necessarily creative it fuels my creativity! -I can already visualize driving through the country roads of France and eating some of the best Italian food France has to offer.

To Learn More About Demetrius Visit:

Website: www.athomewithsavvy.com

Instagram: @athomewithsavvy

#28TM: Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas

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Recognized as one of the Top 20 African American Interior Designers,  Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas is the owner and Principle Designer at Interiors by Design (IBD) based  in Silver Spring, Maryland. Her loyal client base continues to grow from the expansive tri-state area known as the DMV, which encompasses Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia.

A highly  creative and seasoned designer, Dennese has a diverse national client base as well, with projects  ranging from primary homes to vacation/second homes across the US and in the Caribbean. She  attributes much of her success to her commitment to establish meaningful and trusting  relationships with her clients. Dennese believes that client trust is essential to her professional  and business growth. Her client relationships enable her to introduce innovative designs that  reflect both client lifestyle and elegance in all of her projects. Her clients all appreciate her impeccable eye for detail and her commitment to leave no detail unattended. She creates  luxurious surroundings and makes it affordable for every client! 

Dennese brings over 20 years of experience to her residential and commercial design projects.  Her refined technical skills have enabled Dennese to manage and oversee the complete design  and construction of a full range of home and commercial renovation projects. Interiors by  Design has a talented and committed staff that contributes to every client’s project from start to  finish. Their resourcefulness and immediate response to every client concern assure clients that  their project is a high priority to IBD. 

Dennese earned her A.A. Degree in Interior Design from Bauder College in Miami, Florida. She  has showcased her talents in a number of show houses over the years and been featured in the  Washington Post and many other print and on-line design publications. She is an active member  of the District of Columbia Building Industry Association (DCBIA), the Women Presidents’  Association (WPO) and the Black Artists & Designers Guild (BADG).

What Does Black History Month Mean To You This Year?

Knowing the Past Opens the Door to the Future…

Lonnie Bunch, President of the Smithsonian Museums Black History Month recognizes the perseverance of Black Americans to thrive despite  immense oppression and it celebrates our ability to overcome and achieve the  extraordinary! 

Black History Month serves to renew powerful inspirations that fuel my creativity and unrelenting drive to succeed in my business, Interiors by Design. There is no more powerful force than a people steeped in their history. The challenges of the COVID pandemic remind us that despite our differences, we are all in pursuit of life, liberty, and the good life. I perceive  Black History Month as an ongoing vehicle for change and progress, stimulating an interest in  the talents and accomplishments of Black professionals, artists and creative designers. In  celebrating Black History Month we are reminded not just of our immense progress as Black  people, but more importantly we are provided an opportunity to broadcast to the world the  limitless capacity we have to impact the future of our global society. Black Lives Matter has created a rise in interest in Black contributions to the world of business. My hope is that we are  able to celebrate Black Creativity and stimulate further interest in Black owned businesses such as my Maryland based company, Interiors by Design. My client base is racially diverse but my  goal is the same for every client’s home design…to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary! 

What Is The First Thing You Are Going To Do Post Pandemic?

CREATIVITY…POST PANDEMIC means client travel and designing the great outdoors… 

This “new normal” that we have adapted to survive the pandemic has limited our interactions  and ability to socialize/connect with our clients. The inability to share a cup of coffee, shake hands, show fabric samples to my clients and be seated next to each other is important in  developing client connections. I miss the ability to communicate and travel “freely.”  

As a national design studio, Interiors by Design has clients in Florida, Texas, Georgia, the Caribbean and beyond. The pandemic has sparked an enormous interest in outdoor living. In  Florida, the lanai has become an extension of the home complete with fireplaces, fire pits, pools,  outdoor kitchens and so much more… all enclosed inside a screened “cage.” Texas does all  things “big”! The outdoor barbecue has taken on new dimensions. My clients await my arrival  to transform their plush spaces into opulent outdoor sanctuaries…complete with outdoor  carpets, tropical plants setting in elegant planters…and so much more. Outdoor living rooms  have become essential to family life in our ever-changing world…where we have hopefully  grown to appreciate one another more…  Interiors by Design travels…always prepared to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary!

To Learn More About Dennese Visit:

Website: http://www.interiorsbydesignmd.com/

Instagram: @interiorsbydesignllc

Houzz: Interiors By Design LLC