The Mood Board Interview Series

This week I wanted to share my interview I did last year with celebrity interior designer and 28 Black Tastemaker Mikel Welch.  In this humorous interview you will learn from Mikel it doens't matter where you started, it's just important to focus on where you want to be. Mikel Welch runs a New York based interior design business, Mikel Welch Designs.  Mikel is a former on-air personality of TLC’s Trading Spaces, and his designs have been featured on HGTV, The Real Housewives Of Atlanta and Good Morning America. He has recently been featured on The Drew Barrymore Show for multiple episodes showing viewers how to transform spaces on budget with high style.  His work has also been featured in Architectural Digest, Traditional Home, Elle Decor, People, The New York Times and several other shelter magazines.  

I’m so excited this week to share my interview with 28 Black Tastemaker Demetrius Robinson class of 2021.  Demetrius is the Founder and Creative Director of AT HOME WITH SAVVY. He is an interior designer, photographer, avid baker + home cook, tastemaker and visual story teller. This week I wanted to get his take on being a Black man in the interior design industry, and what has helped him succeed in the industry? Lastly, I discuss some recent interior design trends from Elle Decor that will give you good vibes this year; I wanted to get Demetrius’ thoughts on whether he loves them or hates it.  To learn more about Demetrius and check out the shoppable mood board got to angelabelt.com. 

I don’t know about you, but I am itching to bring in some new home decor looks for my house since spring is just around the corner. One of the brands that I have been really interested in lately due to their geometric patterns and soothing color palette is MINNA. Sara Berks is the founder and creative director of MINNA, an ethically made home goods brand rooted in traditional craft techniques.  I wanted to talk to Sara about how she started her business, and what is she gravitating towards this spring for home decor. Check out the shoppable mood board at angelabelt.com. 

As we enter the second quarter of 2021, many of you interior designers may be asking yourself, “How can I grow my business?” Well hiring Natalie Norcoss and her PR firm, A Design Parternship may be your solution. As a former interior designer turned CEO of a PR firm that targets interior designers and lifestyle brands, Natalie knows how to turn those problems into actionable items to get your business going in the right direction. This week I talked with Natalie about how she started a Design Partnership, and what her thoughts are on the latest trends from Forbes. Also bonus news, Natalie is giving out a FREE content calendar to anyone who fills out this form here! As always check out the shoppable mood board based on our conversation at angelabelt.com.

This week I'm kicking it off with 28 Black Tastemaker Janelle Hughes, co-owner of KJ Design & Mortar Styling in Baltimore, MD.  During this interview we talk about the importance of building community for Black interior designers and creatives through social media platforms and membership organizations.  Plus, I want to talk to Janelle about outdoor trends for 2021, and what does she love or hate.  To shop this conversation check out the shoppable mood board at angelabelt.com.  

This week I'm catching up with the Principal designer/owner Quintece Hill-Mattauszek of Studio Q Designs based in Alexandria, Virginia.  This interview is a part of the series, Where Are The Black Tastemakers Now?  I want to learn more about Design Collective DC (DCDC) which Quintece is a founding member; as well as what were thoughts on the latest interior design trends for the kitchen according to Elle Decor? To shop the conversation check out the shoppable mood board at angelabelt.com. 

As we continue to celebrate Women's History Month, I'm excited to talk with VP of Brand at Jenni Kayne, Sam Moore. Jenni Kayne is the laid-back, luxe lifestyle brand rooted in California minimalism that boasts cult status among celebrities like Jessica Alba, Jennifer Lawrence, and Hailey Baldwin. Sam and I talk about Jenni Kayne's approach to more diversity and inclusion in the brand, and in our interior design game we discuss what does, "Color Me Bright Mean?" As a new trend for Domino magazine. Check out the shoppable mood board from our conversation at angelabelt.com. 

Jacqueline Carmichael, ASID, CKD, NCIDQ, an Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator of Interior Design at Howard University. Inspires students to be social change agents designing equity, restoring marginalized communities impacted by systemic racism while exploring traditional canons of architecture and design.  In this podcast interview Professor Carmichael and I discuss what is she teaching the next generation of Black interior designers.  Plus,  we play an interior design game around residential and commerical interior design trends, are they outdated or still in style? Check out the shoppable mood board around our conversation at angelabelt.com. 

Happy Black History Month!!! I am so excited this month to be having this interview with Jean Brownhill, who is literally making Black history as we speak with her company Sweeten.  I have been looking forward to this interview for awhile because I wanted to learn how Jean got into the contractor's business as an architect; and how was she able to streamline a service that so many people ask me about all the time as an interior designer, “Can you refer a good contractor?”  Check out the shoppable mood board I designed based on our conversation at angelabelt.com.  

As CEO of SOMERSELLE, Anderson has utilized his decade of interior design experience to come up with a new way to approach the showroom.   His e-commerce site Sommerselle is the modern showroom, which caters to interior designers by offering wallcoverings, textiles, and more. Check out the mood board that Anderson designed at angelabelt.com, and get a sneak peak at what you can source from Somerselle.