Meet a working mom with beauty, smarts, style... and a brand new booming design business

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So often, I am inspired by my fellow Bulletin writers, and that was the case for this week's article.

Black Like Us is written by Jiquanda who, during Black History Month, will highlight Black-owned businesses. I wanted to support her mission by writing about some businesses I work with that deserve to be in the spotlight, starting with Whit Interiors and Lesa Lewis-Whittingham.

This quote on Whit Interior's website epitomizes everything that Lesa believes. It's what she does day in and day out for countless clients-- many of whom are return customers.

She leaves beauty behind wherever she goes from her projects to her showroom; everything is better once Lesa gets her hands on it.

I was lucky enough to meet Lesa a few months ago, when she first opened shop in the building right in front of my little cottage office in our town center. As she was setting up her showroom, a couple of my summer associates came running in and said, "Wait...another design business is going up right beside OURS??!!"

I giggled at how territorial and protective they were being and said, "It's ok guys! There is plenty of business for all of us, plus just wait until you meet Lesa." They soon realized the new showroom was a GOOD thing, and what a great opportunity it was for us to have Whit so close.

Especially Lesa.

The moment I met her I knew I LOVED her and invited her to be part of our REFRESH team. She is officially our go-to person for all our client's textile and upholstery needs.

In fact, in less than a year, we have worked together on many projects from custom cushions, to throw pillows to upholstery to full blown draperies. It's so easy to collaborate because we just get each other, and always seem to be on the same page--plus, my clients really appreciate her knowledge, creativity and swift efficiency.

She is a breath of fresh air and a total pro all at the same time.

I want you to get to know Lesa a little bit so you can feel her aura, check out her work, and learn how she got to where she is today.

HOW DID IT ALL BEGIN?

(I couldn't resist posting this picture. SO CUTE!)

Lesa: "I grew up in a household that epitomized current home décor trends. My mother was a perfectionist, dragging my sister and I on many a Saturday to find the perfect teal lacquer vase, or the brass 5 bulb floor lamp to cascade over our “living room set” (can you guess the decade?). From transforming 80’s traditional, to 90’s modernism, to simply switching out pillows and drapes each season, I loved every minute... And it stuck."

WHAT'S HER TRAINING?

Lesa: "My initial major in college was textile design, as my appreciation for pretty things could not be defined. Fashion was the path a started on, honing my style, helping others with theirs and understanding how beauty is literally in the eye of the beholder."

GOING OUT ON HER OWN...

Lesa: "In July of 2021, I opened Whit Interiors. My position as the Store Manager of Calico was ending, as the company closed our location due to new ownership. I was devastated. I loved my clients, my team, and custom décor! I spent over 20 years in the fashion and design fields, helping beautify spaces and updating styles, while incorporating client’s wants and needs. I knew the backend of custom design, sourced awesome fabrics, built relationships throughout the industry… I couldn’t let go. Thus Whit Interiors!"

WHAT WAS AN ON THE JOB LEARNING CURVE YOU HAD TO GET THROUGH EARLY IN YOUR CAREER?

Lesa: "When I began my career in interiors, I didn’t always trust myself. I came from the world of fashion, which was a smooth transition style wise, but interiors is more permanent. I would second guess my designs and change major details based off a client’s suggestion, instead of leading with what I knew was the best design. I had to learn to trust my instincts!"

HOW DO YOU COME UP WITH THE DESIGNS FOR YOUR CLIENTS? DO YOU HAVE A GO-TO METHOD? OR DO YOU JUST LET THE CREATIVITY FLOW?

Lesa: "My clients are my number one source of inspiration. I believe your home should reflect you. The clients style, adventures, family dynamic all inspire me when designing. It’s the small details in a favorite family photo or their go to vacation destination that get my wheels turning. I once designed an entire living room space, taking cues from the history of the home with reference from her favorite bed in breakfast. The space came out awesome… I added my touches to a style that she loved but never verbalized."

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE DESIGN FROM YOUR PORTFOLIO?

Lesa: "I think almost every project is a favorite as I am working on it. One that stands out, is a client who wanted an early Palm Springs inspired living room. There was a single fabric swatch of an elephant (I know, random) that inspired it all. The space was simple, but the details pop (trim in the panels, awesome hardware, simple relaxed furniture) and the clients were fun to work with!"

I can't wait to see what this year holds for Lesa and REFRESH, and to continue working together to make client's happy in their homes.

Now that you've had a little nibble of Lesa and her work, I know you want to see more so follow her Instagram to find out what she's working on next!

Also: stay tuned for my next Black History Month article featuring Uncork and Unwind, and two of my favorite people. Keshunde and Chasity run the boutique wine shop and in my article, you'll learn more about their story, you'll find out what his "day job" is, and you'll get a peek into some of the design Chasity does on the side.

Until then,

XX Kerri-Lee