What is the beauty about designing carpets? What or who inspires you?
It allows me to design on a large canvas. I’m inspired by people, places and cultural ceremonies from around the world.

You created carpets for some big names like Nicole Miller, Martha Stewart, Nautica, Liz Claiborne and even Nate Berkus. You were even featured, I hope we can show the video here. Of all the big names and big things that you’ve done, what would you say is the highlight of your achievements up until now?
Some of my custom project highlights include the presidential suites as the Revel Hotel, Le Jardin Le Cote a boutique hotel in Mauritus, Albany State University and my most recent partnership with Surya, the leading supplier of home accessories. This partnership creates a wider distribution for Malene B carpets.

You are household name in business now When did and how did you get started?
This is news to me, But thank you! I’ve been networking and I’ve been fortunate to receive media coverage in both national and international publications that include Interior Design, House Beautiful and New York Magazine.

What was your experience as a Black woman traveling alone to countries like India?
 I’ve received warm welcomes when I traveled to places like India. India is one of my favorite places to visit because of the culture, history and food. I am eager to learn about different cultures. But it’s a different experience traveling to Asia’s countryside because it is often the first time the local people are seeing a person of African descent. The key is to understand that most of the natives experiences have been limited to their environment. So I’ve learned not to take the stares and desire to touch your skin personal.  

You are one of the few women in a male dominated industry. How do you handle that? What is it like?
Actually I think there are more women than men carpet designers so we don’t feel the male domination. Our industry has a balance of women and men carpet designers with diverse styles and business models. We are very supportive and provide resources to each other. Our camaraderie developed through our Goodweave membership, an organization that certifies that the carpets are made child labor free.

I didn’t know you back then when you had locs and allowed me to take that fabulous picture but when and why did you start locing?
I wanted to experience all kinds of natural hairstyles. I had two strand twists, cornrows, threading and an afro. At the time locs was the only natural hairstyle that I had not explored. My journey to loc my hair began in 2001 and ended in 2008.

Did you have locs when you started your company? If yes, do you feel like you were perceived differently with your locs?
No I started my business with a very low Caesar cut. My low haircut became my signature look. But my Caesar cut has progressed to a modern style Mohawk. Its my new signature. 

Why did you cut your hair off?
The truth is that I wanted to save money and simplify my life. I was very much into styling my locs on a daily basis but it became expensive, time consuming plus the hairstyle no longer fit my lifestyle. I would use rollers, braids and so on to create interesting styles. In April of 2008 I cut off my locs to signify my rebirth.

Many women in the Black community don’t want to cut off their hair when they go natural because they don’t feel attractive. I don’t think you have that problem but there is this notion in our community that a short natural is not feminine. That is what was said when Viola Davis was at the Oscars wearing her natural. What do you have to say about this and do you have any tips for women who don’t want to cut their hair because they are afraid they won’t feel attractive?