As I started to wiggle myself out of my self-imposed hibernation, I started to think of the type of merchandise I wanted to source or design for the company this year. For ideas, I began thumbing through stacks of Elle Décor and Architectural Digest magazines. I dusted off some old decorating books and even searched the Internet to see what the home decorating trends were for the new year. Although I like to remain aware of what is going on in the industry, I am more than rel

Emotionally, this year didn't start well for me. I had just suffered yet another devastating loss, with the passing of my cousin Thea Nerissa Barnes on December 28, 2018. Thea, was a major influence in my life who had inspired me in countless ways. In an attempt to keep her legacy alive, I decided to dedicate 2019 to her memory. I didn't fully know what that would look like, but whatever the case, I knew it would entail me working my butt off. I can honestly say that's what I