Southern Spaces for Beautiful Living

Hi there!  It's been a couple of weeks, but I'm back with some pretty exciting news!

Back in May I received a Facebook message from Hoffman Media requesting my mailing address.  Apparently, they were hoping to send me a copy of a design book I was featured it.  Of course, not having any prior knowledge of what they were referring to, I kindly asked for more information.  It turns out, they were putting the finishing touches on a book entitled Southern Spaces for Beautiful Living and a project of mine previously featured in their premiere issue of Southern Home magazine would be included in the new book.  "Say what?"  OMG!  Ok, a magazine is one thing, a design book is another.  I could hardly contain my excitement! 

After telling practically everyone close to me, I eagerly awaited the package in the mail.  I waited, and waited and waited some more... It never came.  I checked the Internet weekly for mentions of the book and finally one week in mid-June it appeared on Amazon and subsequently Barnes and Nobles' website. Shortly thereafter, it was added to the publisher's website.  The release date they all indicated was September 8th. "September 8th?" Urgh!! I determined that even if the pre-released copy was on its way, I'd still want another, so I put in an order on Amazon and waited some more.  I waited, and waited and waited.  That is, until today...

On September 8th, expecting to receive an Amazon shipping notification, I received a shipping "update" notification instead.  The book would be shipped on Monday, September 12th.  NOOOOO!!!!! 

Well, this weekend yet another update landed in my inbox informing me that my shipment was sent and would be received before 8pm on Monday, September 12th.  After waiting an excruciating 8 hours for the mail person to arrive, I FINALLY received the package.... (Cut to live video)

How exciting is that?  (Ignore the fact that I look like a crazy person.) I honestly recorded it just to capture the moment, but it's so funny that I decided to share it with you guys. According to the media company, the book is the ultimate guide to Southern design.  It  breaks down beautiful living room by room. From kitchens to living areas to master suites, you’ll find a range of looks that embrace the region’s signature styles, as well as savvy ideas from experts and homeowners, to make the most of every space in your home.

Hoffman Media

I haven't even had a chance to look through it yet.  I did glance at the back credits and I saw a few of my social media/design friends included as well. 

So, I'm officially published in a book!  And, in case you're wondering, it's my home office that's included. 

Cam Richards Photography

I'm so very grateful to the folks at Hoffman Media.  They were the first national publication to allow me the honor of gracing their pages and I'm truly humbled to be among the amazing talent included in their latest release.

I know I've said it before but this journey continues to amaze me.  Five years ago, I never would've dreamt that I'd be here today.  It is both a testament to the favor of Almighty God and to setting your mind to something and stopping at nothing achieve it.  Let's mark this day down, because the half has not been told and I'm just getting started. ; )

If you're interested, you can purchase it on Amazon (slightly discounted) HERE.

Until next time...

"A New Opportunity!"

I hope you all had an enjoyable Easter holiday weekend.  I was able to get away for a bit and am actually still enjoying a little time off.  I thought I'd pop in to share with you a little good news I received recently. 

A couple of months ago I received a call from the Pride Magazine-Charlotte Editor.  You may recall, my Reinvented Furniture story featured in the November 2015 issue.

Anyway, she was calling to inform me that the magazine was in the process of sprucing up their website.  They were also looking to add a blog featuring local subject matter experts from a number of areas that might be of interest to their readership; one of which was interior design. 

Needless to say, I jumped at the opportunity.  Pride Magazine has a long-standing history in the Charlotte community for being a go-to information resource for the African-American community and I'm honored to have been asked to contribute.

You can find me there once each month sharing home decorating ideas and inspiration.  As always, I'm sure they'll be plenty of budget-friendly design tips too!

This month, I thought I'd begin by introducing myself to the Pride readers.  Hop on over to check out my introductory post HERE. 

What an awesome opportunity! Until next time...

"QC Exclusive!"

Several weeks ago I received an email from QC Exclusive magazine.  They were interested in featuring my business in an upcoming issue and wondered what projects I was currently working on that they might be able to include.

Excited about the opportunity, I began running through my mental Rolodex of potential projects and remembered that I'd recently completed a fun One Day Design Plus project that had yet to be photographed. 

After reaching out to the client, we got to work pulling together a few extra touches and scheduled the shoot for just a few days later.  You'd never believe how much work goes on behind the scenes to pull off a photo shoot. 

It looks all glamorous in a magazine, but it's mostly ironing, moving heavy stuff and lots of sweating involved.

Honestly, sometimes there's even some stealing from your own home.  : )

(Hey, sometimes you've gotta do what you've gotta do.)

A little preliminary work on the day before the shoot and a return visit several hours before the photographer was set to arrive, and we were ready. 

It was an exhausting day, but it came together quite nicely.

I'm included in the Folio (Foundations) segment of the March/April 2016 issue.  It took me a while to hunt it down but when I finally did, I was extremely pleased with the outcome. 

 They ended up incorporating a few photos from some recent projects as well.  If you're local, be sure to pick up copy at the locations listed HERE.

If you're not, you can read the feature and the entire issue HERE. 

I'm humbled and honored to have been included.  These past four years are still hard for me to comprehend.  Who would've thought when I hit that "publish" button on January 1, 2012 to post my first blog, we'd be here four years later.  Wow!  Pinch me. 

Special thanks to QC Exclusive magazine, Cam Richards Photography and Monique Floyd Photography. 

"Today's Charlotte Woman Feature"

Several weeks ago I was contacted out of the blue by the Editor of Today's Charlotte Woman.  She informed me that they were putting together an article for their April issue that would highlight several local interior designers. She then informed me that they'd like for me to be one of them.  "Say what?" Yep, me.  She went on to say that it would be a pretty quick turnaround and that they'd love to get a photo of me in a space I designed for the feature. 

Needless to say I was thrilled and after the initial excitement wore off, I immediately started going through my mental Rolodex of projects trying to think of the perfect space.

I knew my last client project would be perfect.  So I contacted the clients and they were game.  I pulled together a few props from my home and the Dwell by Cheryl inventory and set up a time to do the photo shoot. 

Thanks to a great photographer and a little help from my intern Kia, it all went off without a hitch. 

I was finally able to get my hands on a paper copy last week and I couldn't be happier with the result.

What an amazing opportunity. I am so very thankful for all of the blessings God is providing.  It truly has been an amazing ride, and this is just the beginning.

You can see the full article HERE- (http://issuu.com/tcwmagazine/docs/todays_charlotte_woman_apr_2015?e=5554085/12093385)

See page 21.