The Mood Board Interview Series

I'm excited to kick off a new season of The Mood Board Podcast with the interior designer Lauren Makk aka the #HomeGirlNextDoor. In the interview, I discuss with Lauren how she originally got into interior design, and why she calls her mom the original Martha Stewart. Plus, we dig into what was it like to go on the Drew Barrymore show and host so many memorable HGTV shows. Don't forget to check out the shoppable mood board of our conversation at angelabelt.com. 

As we kick off the month of June, Father’s Day & Juneteenth are quickly approaching, I wanted to share my interview with Blair Paysinger, the Co-Founder of the shop, Post21.  The online shop was created by a Blair and her mother who for years, wanted a comprehensive marketplace that focused on modern and design forward products from black-owned businesses.  This week for our interior design game we focus on a recent article from Food52, The Predictions Are In: 12 Home Decor Trends We’ll See in 2022 .  Blair shares which of these trends she loves or hates, and how some of these trends could come to Post21 in the future.  Be sure to check out the shoppable mood board of our conversation at angelabelt.com. 

This week I'm talking with John McDonald, the Founder of BOXI by Semihandmade.  BOXI designs beautiful, high-quality cabinets that ship straight to you, pre-assembled and fast.  All of the cabinetry is made in the US, and it can be used for the kitchen, bedroom and beyond.  In this conversation, I dig into John's roller coaster of a ride of how he started his original business Semihandmade. As always check out the shoppable mood board at angelabelt.com, and pick up the latest issue of Better Homes & Gardens to see Part 2 of my home tour. 

It’s May and I am back with a fresh new batch of interviews!!!  As interior design content creator and freelance writer, Albie specializes in connecting her decor-obsessed audience with beautiful pieces and functional design to transform their ordinary spaces into extraordinary dreamscapes.  We will also dig into her upcoming design conference, The Meridian experience which is June 8-11th in Bellevue, Washington. This week's interior design game is all about Albie's take on storage and organization trends for the home. Be sure to check out the shoppable mood board at angelabelt.com to learn more about this interview. 

For the last week of Women's History Month, I wanted to give a shout out to a woman who has always helped me grow in my career.  This is also one of the top 5 most listened to epsiodes on the podcast, even after 2 years!!! Danielle is the Home Director for Apartment Therapy, which is a lifestyle blog and publishing company focused on home design and decor. I hope you enjoy our talk where we discuss Danielle’s editorial journey into the interior design industry, and what is Apartment Therapy doing in front of and behind the lens to create more diversity? Plus, this week’s interior Design Game is called Name That Trend.  

So excited to continue the good vibes for Women's History Month with my podcast interview with Anitra Terrell, founder of Reflektion Design.  Anitra designs and sources African decor for culturally inspired people who love unique, colorful pieces that are reflektive of who they are.  I want to talk about how has her business pivoted in the new normal since there are so many manufacturing delays especially with vendors abroad.  I also wanted to learn how she continues to grow her brand through her Society6 collection, and her Blog series, How We Live.  Check angelabelt.com to join the interior design game this week, THIS OR THAT, and to get inspired for your next vacation with the shoppable mood board. 

Happy Women’s History Month!!! Nasozi Kakembo is the founder and creative force behind xN Studio.  Her company name derives from her very own, which is a Ugandan name meaning something to look up to in praise of.  It is this Ugandan heritage that inspired her to establish a brand that allows her to bring the beauties of her cultural heritage into homes around the world.  I will dig into how Nasozi started her business, and frankly what is her “why” to keep going.  Also, be sure to check out the shoppable mood board at angelabelt.com. 

On the last day of Black History Month, I wanted to connect with the Director of Brand Marketing at Society6, Stephanie Dixon.  I am showcasing pieces from Society6's Discover Black Artists Collection throughout my entire home in my upcoming exclusive home tour with Better Homes & Gardens magazine. I have always been impressed with the marketing strategy behind Society6. This brand is constantly trying to stay above the curve with initiatives like the @Society6community or providing Skillshare classes for artists that want to be a part of the platform. Plus, creating curated mood boards from interior designers and taste makers in the By Design series. I wanted to connect with Stephanie to learn the origin story behind Society6, and also hope that this conversation will inspire new artists of color to join the platform.  To shop this conversation check out angelabelt.com. 

Happy Valentine's Day! I feel like today's episode is all about self-love, and following your passion. Nicole Crowder Upholstery is a Black-owned furniture and upholstery studio creating commissioned, generational, one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture and home furnishings like meditation pillows, poufs and more.  We are going to talk about Nicole's new Upholstered Furniture Home Collection with World Market, which features her vibrant and eclectic mixed prints with World Market's unique silhouettes.  For this week’s interior design game, Nicole shares her insights on some vintage pieces, which ones are worth salvaging and which ones you should just throw away.  Check them out at angelabelt.com, and you decide if you would repurpose them or throw it away? 

I’m excited to be kicking off the second week of February with Diana Adams, the potter behind the brand Sample Haus. I have been a huge fan of Diana’s work for awhile, and I had the pleasure of showcasing some of her pieces in my upcoming home tour with Better Homes & Gardens.  I wanted to dig in with her this week to find out how has she found a way to thrive as a Black woman is a space that is often reserved for white potters.  Plus, I wanted to know how listeners could help with her current fundraiser for NCECA to bring more people of color to attend this event.  Check out the shoppable mood board on this conversation at angelabelt.com.