#28TM: SHOPBLACKCT

The mission of SHOPBLACKCT.com is to challenge structural racism and transform the legacy  of economic and social inequity in the U.S. by providing a platform to drive business to and  awareness of local Black-owned businesses. 

The success of SHOPBLACKCT.com is thanks to many people working together to make a  difference by spreading the word about our site and offering resources to elevate and amplify  Black-owned businesses in Connecticut. A team of volunteers give their time, energy and talent  to keep this site running and relevant. Team members do not profit anything off of the site nor is  the site used for any financial or personal gain. This effort is 100% about giving, lifting up others  and expecting nothing in return. 

What Does Black History Month Mean To SHOPBLACKCT This Year?

I asked one of the many volunteers that work together to make SHOPBLACKCT a reality, what does Black History Month mean to them this year? Read below for their thoughts.

With Black History Month upon us, it is important to recognize how vital Black-owned  businesses are to the American economy and celebrate their many contributions Black  entrepreneurs have made throughout history. 

Supporting Black entrepreneurship generates growth and opportunity in multiple ways through  our communities.Yet, Black-owned businesses receive less business financing, less often and at  higher rates, with just 1% obtaining a business loan in their first year. Compounded by the effects  of the COVID-19 pandemic, they continue to face disproportionate challenges to succeeding and  expanding. One way to help? Support local Black-owned businesses. Our goal is to amplify and  elevate Black-owned businesses in Connecticut, encouraging consumers to choose to "shop  Black" in an effort to address systemic racism and economic inequalities that exist. 

What Is the SHOPBLACKCT Team going to do Post Pandemic?

ShopBlackCT.com has brought together tens of thousands of people (if not more!) across Connecticut and the United States through our free platform. While we love connecting virtually, we are looking forward to having some in-person events where we can foster community on an even deeper level.

#28TM: Anderson Somerselle

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

To Learn More About Anderson Visit:

Website: https://somerselle.com/

Instagram: @somerselle_ny

Facebook: @somerselle

Pinterest: @somerselle

LinkedIn: Somerselle

#28TM: Janelle Williams Hughes

Janelle Williams Hughes is a writer, interior designer, and lover of all things that illustrate the ingenuity of her fellow human beings. She is the co-owner of KJ Design and Mortar Styling LLC, a home staging and interior design firm based in Baltimore, MD. Her interior design work has been featured in publications including Apartment Therapy and she was recently selected to serve on the House Beautiful Advisory Council. In 2020, she started the #shareblackspaces campaign and initiative to promote the variety of designers of color that exist across the globe.

Janelle's writing has appeared in internationally known publications including Reader’s Digest, Black Enterprise, Shop Smart/Consumer’s Report, Heart & Soul, and Harvard University’sTransition Magazine online. Her skills have supported various federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and its Administration for Children and Families, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and National Institutes of Health; U.S. Department of Education Centers, Offices, and programs; U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; and U.S. Department of Transportation. She completed her undergraduate education in journalism at Howard University, and her graduate studies in Publications Design at University of Baltimore.

What Does Black History Month Mean To You This Year?

Celebrating Black History is a daily experience for me. I strive to share and honor it through my interior design projects, blog and IG profile (BmoreJanelle.com), my poetry, and in the daily stories I tell my children. As I take in the history (past and present) that has been shared all month, I keep telling myself that I will become more committed to calling out systematic racism when I see and experience it, and also more committed to self-love. As a black woman, I have so much to feel proud of, not only my own accomplishments, but also how far those before me came so that I can make it where I am today. Black people and people of color truly amaze me! We exude strength, creativity, resilience, and love. I am continually inspired by the stories that we tell and those that we are still creating.

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

It's so hard to say! But travel is definitely at the top of the list, particularly planning more road trips to find unique home decor shops and goods. I am so inspired by handmade, craftsman, and bespoke goods...the stuff that you can only find off the beaten path.

To Learn More About Janelle Visit:

Website: www.bmorejanelle.com

Instagram: @bmorejanelle

Instagram: @@kjdesignandmortartstyling

Instagram: @shareblackspaces

#28TM: Tiffany DeLangie

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.

To Learn More About Tiffany Visit:

Website: prettyrealblog.com

Instagram: @prettyrealblog

#28TM: Sarai Reed

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.

To Learn More About Sarai Visit:

Instagram: @apron.saint

Website: apronsaint.com

#28TM: Danielle Deavens

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.

To Learn More About Danielle Visit:

Website: https://boldxchange.com/

Instagram: @bold_xchange

Facebook: @boldxchange

#28TM: Kevin Fuller

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: Tiffanni Reidy

Baltimore native Tiffanni Reidy is a multi-hyphenate creative whose work ranges in and between interior architecture, creative direction, graphic  design, photography, and publication design. Her interior architecture work takes an emphasis on renovation design in both the commercial and  residential realms; while her collaborative projects include creative direction and a focus on local craftsmanship.  

Tiffanni’s residential design clients are creative-minded. They are looking to achieve a modern, color-filled, vintage-inspired aesthetic that honors  historic elements, and accentuates the clean lines within their architecture.  Tiffanni’s work with businesses is conceptually driven, and hones their  interest in transforming their brand into a three dimensional space that people love to hang out in.  

Tiffanni has always loved interior spaces. She received her Masters in Interior Architecture from The George Washington University, and has an undergraduate degree in graphics and photography from Syracuse  University; both of which influenced her affinity for bold color and attention  to light and shadow. Prior to launching Reidy Creative in 2018, Tiffanni  worked as an interior designer in the D.C. metro region, and served as the  Founder and Creative Director of DomiCile Magazine. She was inspired by  the notion that the connection felt by those in a neighborhood or region could be amplified by learning about locally handmade and homegrown products from small businesses. Driven by her passion for localism, Tiffanni's favorite spaces to design are those where families and communities live and gather in celebration of each other. 

What Does Black History Month Mean To You This Year?                           

This month, and increasingly for the past year, I have been paying more and more attention to Black creatives. I have always been inspired by Black art, but I think this month I've tried to read more about artists whose work I love, and to connect with them over social media if possible. With so many  artists being promoted during the month, this is a great time to find work I may have not been familiar with before, which I can hopefully bring into my  work in the future.  

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

I would love to go on a little retreat with my friends. Many of us are small business owners who have felt even more isolated for the past year. It will  be so nice to spend time with more than one person, and to give everyone  a hug.

To Learn More About Tiffani Visit:

Website: https://www.reidycreative.com/

Instagram: @reidycreative

#28TM: Demetrius Robinson

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?

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

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

Where Are The Tastemakers Now? Podcast Interview w/Riche Holmes Grant

This year I launched The Moodboard Podcast to continue the discussions around race, culture, and interior design all year long. Today, listen to a special Mother’s Day Edition with Host of #Therichelife on Youtube, Riche Holmes Grant.

Riche Holmes Grant is the host and executive producer of “The Riche Life" an inspirational how-to web series featuring home decor, entertaining, cooking, DIY and self-care/personal growth tips to help other women live their richest lives too (pun totally intended!).

She is the founder, designer, and chief mom behind BambiniWare™, a Martha Stewart-endorsed line of stylish, patented baby products for the adventures of mommyhood.

For a decade prior to starting BambiniWare, Riche was the president and chief academic officer of Innovative Study Techniques, a highly sought-after test prep, tutoring and admissions company that she founded in her hometown shortly after graduating from law school. She’s still licensed to practice law in New York and Maryland, but only the fun stuff!

She is a lifestyle content creator and influencer whose clients have included Martha Stewart, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Subaru, and Williams Sonoma. Her work also has been featured by west elm, Pier 1, LOFT, HuffingtonPost.com, NPR, Essence.com, SheKnows.com, and Ebony magazine.

In 2014, Riche was named one of the top “Forty Under Forty” business leaders in Prince George’s County, MD; in 2015, she was a style finalist in the Martha Stewart American Made Awards; in 2017, she was a regional finalist in the inaugural WeWork Creator Awards; and in 2019, she was named a Better Homes & Gardens Stylemaker, one of 80 top influencers in the lifestyle space selected by Better Homes & Gardens editors.

She is a former appointee to the Maryland Governor’s Commission on Small Business and a former board chair of GirlTrek (the largest public health non-profit for African-American women and girls in the US).

Riche is a graduate of Columbia Law School and Brown University, including a year at the London School of Economics. She lives between the Washington, DC area and Los Angeles, CA with her family.