Like many of you, I’ve been reflecting, reading, listening, and most importantly, finding ways to take action to support BIPOC (Black and Indigenous People of Color) over the last few weeks. There is much to learn and I’ll be using my social platforms to share resources, information, and highlight the voices of those who need to be heard above my own for a while. In the meantime, I’m continuing to build actionable plans to support this movement in my personal life and business going forward. There are a million ways to be anti-racist, and looking at your own circles is a great place to begin and make an impact.
One realization (of many) that has come to light for me throughout the last few weeks is how I’ve neglected to surround myself with BIPOC within the design community, and in turn, contributed to this lack of diversity. To the Black folx in this industry – I am sorry that you have been underrepresented and unappreciated for far too long. It should not take an uprising for this to be realized, and you deserve better.
With that in mind, I am VERY excited to highlight some incredible black artists, designers, and makers here that are truly inspiring to me. If you work in design or just enjoy design, I encourage you to follow them, engage with them, and support them now and going forward.
Enjoy! xx CH
Goodee
Goodee is a curated marketplace for the conscious consumer. Founded by brothers Byron and Dexter Peart, their shop has a beautiful selection of homewares, gifts, and more.
Laura Hodges Studio
Laura Hodges is an interior designer with a beautiful, clean, and collected aesthetic. Her firm is based in Baltimore, D.C, and she was recently named one of 2020’s top 20 designers!
Amy Lauren Studio
Amy Lauren is a fine artist based in CO. She uses a variety of mediums and I‘ve recently becoming obsessed with her collection “In Full Bloom,” which are stunning hand-painted pen and ink florals and botanicals on paper.
Jomo Furniture
Jomo Tariku is an Ethiopian American industrial designer & artist specializing in African themed modern furniture. He is defining a new language of modern African-themed furniture. I cannot get over these chairs!!!
Bolé Road Textiles
Bolé Road was founded by Brooklyn-based designer Hana Getachew and all the pieces are handwoven by artisans in Ethiopia. The textiles are simple, yet so versatile.
Brigette Romanek
Bridgette Romanek is an interior designer based in Los Angeles. Her firm, Romanek Design Studio is an AD 100 firm and creates stunning interiors in a variety of styles.
Tracie Hervy
Tracie Hervy is a ceramicist who makes gorgeous, simple ceramics with thoughtful details. Her most recent work is inspired by the simplicity of prehistoric vessels.
Elan Byrd
Elan Byrd is a multidisciplinary artist and textile designer based in Miami, FL. She is “deeply influenced by the cultural commonalities of ancient civilizations through their use of materials, architecture, woven textiles and the symbols they created as the earliest form of communication.”
Lolly Lolly Ceramics
Lolly Lolly Ceramics was created by founder Lalese who makes everything in her studio in Columbus, OH. I love the way she adds sculptural elements to everyday items like mugs!
Grain & Knot
The wooden goods at Grain & Knot are lovingly hand-crafted by founder Sophie in her home studio. Her pieces range from brushes to vases but all have an artful approach.
54 Kibo
Founded by Nana Quagraine, who was born in Ghana, raised in South Africa, and now lives in New York. Nana founded 54kibo along with a team of executives, investors, and advisors committed to sharing the vast creativity and talent the African diaspora has to offer the world.
Jasmine Rose Design
Jasmine Rose is an interior designer based in New York City. We have the honor of working with her on her branding and look forward to sharing more about her firm and design perspective soon!
