#28TM: Zhay Smith

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?

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

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: Delia Kenza

Delia Kenza is a Brooklyn-based interior designer who specializes in complete renovations of urban living spaces. She officially launched her career in home design nine years ago, putting her stamp on a diverse range of projects – from her own real estate investments to renovations for clients who place trust in her design vision for their homes.

She realized her passion for design at a young age, heavily influenced by Delia, the grandmother whose name she shares. “She was elegant in everything she did, everything she wore, and in how she lived,” Delia says. A seamstress by trade, Delia Kenza’s grandmother surrounded herself with beauty.

Preferring bold, clean lines, a muted palette, natural materials and a neutral palette augmented by carefully chosen color accents, Delia Kenza creates custom interiors with a modern aesthetic that incorporates subtle touches of the past. This parallel appreciation for the past and present results in a delicate, comfortable and thoroughly pleasing balance that bucks current trends, is never static, and relies on her organic sense of what works.

Buoyed by her grandmother’s influence and a life of rich experiences, (including a short stint as a self-taught auto mechanic, and years as a successful lawyer, Delia Kenza’s design inclinations have resulted in beautiful, practical and unique interiors. Her work has been featured in publications like New York Magazine, Brownstoner and Dwell. She is one of 50 designers featured in Carl Dellatore’s book, On Style Inspiration and Advice from the New Generation of Interior Design and has appeared on platforms such as, HGTV and Open House New York.

What Does Black History Month Mean To You This Year?

For me, Black History is every day because Black history is American history. But, this year, Black History Month means so much more to so many. We had a heart-wrenching last few years, and our contributions and voices must be recognized, seen, and heard. Black people are standing firm and are continuing to refuse to be put in a box.

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

For me it’s definitely going to be travel, I miss it SO much!!!

To Learn More About Delia Visit:

Website: www.deliakenzainteriors.com

Instagram: @deliakenza

#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: Malcolm Simmons

Originally from Virginia, Malcolm spent most of his childhood growing up in tropical environments like Honduras and Brazil, which inspired his diverse perspectives on life and design. He majored in visual communication design at Virginia Tech, where his graduating thesis was all about the correlating aspects of interior and graphic design (which included a very convincing theory that  designing the function of a printed piece is no different than designing a functional physical space). Since then, he has leaned into a love for small-to-large DIY projects, renovating homes across his home state of Virginia, and hopefully inspiring others to do the same. Malcolm is the owner of an interior design consultation company named Mas Means More, a design contributor for Emily  Henderson Design, and has been featured several times on Apartment Therapy. 

What Does Black History Month Mean To You This Year?

While I celebrate Black history every day of the year, February feels a little more powerful to me this year than it ever has before. All  eyes are on the ever-persistent trend of racial inequity in America, and while it's nothing new to those of us in the Black community; an increasing number of people appear to be steadfast in their pursuit of justice, education, and reflection. Personally, I'm planning to  use my small platform this month to speak to people who aren't necessarily in my echo chamber to shed some light on little-known  Black history movements, and my personal experiences as a Black man in America (particularly in an industry with not many faces like  mine). 

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

TRAVEL. 100 percent. I gain a lot of my inspiration from new places--particularly architecture, the design of public spaces, and hospitality design that are unique to specific cities, states, and countries. I'm so ready to get back out into the world when this is all over!

To Learn More About Malcolm Visit:

Instagram: @malcolmsimmons

@masmeansmore_interiors

Website: masmeansmore.com

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.