Nicole White, Nile Johnson, Erika Ward, Justin Q. Williams, Carmeon Hamilton, and Don Ricardo Massenburg are six powerhouse Black interior designers who are gaining some much deserved recognition. TOV Furniture has launched The Voice Collection to push back at the lack of visibility of the Black design community and industry with the 20+ piece series.
“It was never a hard decision for us to create The Voice Collection,” says Chaya Krinsky, CEO of TOV Furniture. “We all share a community of followers, a love for design, and a belief that furniture should represent who you are. We had the opportunity to be a part of a major moment in industry history and provide a stage for these six designers to showcase their exceptional talent. While we feel that a collection of this size has come far too late, we are thrilled to be able to help bring it to life.”
TOV Furniture is known for being bold, playful, and luxurious – but also approachable. In the past ten years, the family-owned company with a female-focused message has become one of the fastest growing furniture brands out there. TOV’s furnishings reflect the latest, while also creating the next trend.
Each designer worked closely with TOV’s team from start to finish on their pieces, everyone bringing a different flare to the collection. The time and effort that went into each design is evident, and the personal inspiration can’t be missed. Carmeon Hamilton’s four pieces each reflect a major design moment she’s experienced, while Nile Johnson’s three pieces are named after his children. The Voice Collection is a resounding success, and we’re looking forward to seeing where these talented minds take us next on their journeys.
Erika Hollinshead Ward is an interior designer with a commitment to timeless interiors, lifestyle, and wellness as Owner and Principal designer of Erika Ward Interiors. She’s sought after by brands and consumers alike. With a foundation in business finance and over a decade of design experience, Erika educates consumers on the benefits – financial and intrinsic – of a well-designed home. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, she also champions initiatives that rally designers and vendors to bring great design to disadvantaged groups.
Carmeon Hamilton is the Memphis-based interior designer, content creator, and lifestyle blogger behind her brand, Nubi Interiors. Her 15 years of experience in multiple facets of the design industry, from public healthcare to residential to retail and merchandising, is the foundation of her work in discovering the beauty in all things.
Justin Q. Williams is an Atlanta, Georgia-based interior designer who developed a business – Trademark Design Company – with the goal of bringing quality design to the masses. Since 2009, he’s gained clientele all over the country within the home and lifestyle divisions. As a teen, Justin then not only designed homes from start to finish, but also developed renovation plans for his family’s home and worked alongside the contractor who became a mentor. His hope is to make fashionable yet functional spaces for people who seek him out, helping others live better by elevating spaces, one home at a time.
Don Ricardo Massenburg, founder of Design Inkredible, has a passion for interiors, the arts, and early childhood education. As a designer, he’s recognized for his bold use of color, pattern, and lush textiles, as well as his leadership in the industry. As an education specialist, he assesses how the environment impacts learning. But no matter what, his end goal is to elevate spaces and quality of life.
Nicole White is CEO and Principal Designer of Nicole White Designs Interiors, a full-service boutique interior design firm in Sunrise, Florida. Bringing together her love of design and writing, brought about the creation of her blog Live Laugh Decorate. There she showcases behind-the-scenes details of design projects, shares tips on affordable design ideas, and talks design trends. A native of Jamaica, Nicole is inspired by the colors and textures of the Caribbean, and enjoys fusing those elements in her designs. She prides herself on designing a home guided by her client’s passions – no matter the style.
Nile Johnson was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, and currently calls Kennett Square, a western suburb of Philadelphia, home. He’s Interior Design Principal of Nile Johnson Interior Design as well as an adjunct faculty member in the Interior Design department at a local college. Nile is a supporter of underprivileged youth and a Black Artists + Designers Guild member.
To learn more about The Voice Collection, visit tovfurniture.com.