The Life You Want to Lead

Curating a Home That Tells Your Story through Art

Curating a Home That Tells Your Story through Art
One of the most powerful ways to tell your story through in your home is by curating a collection of art and books that speak to your who you are, where you've been, and where you're going. For me, that means surrounding myself with the works of emerging Black artists and coffee table books that capture the depth and richness of African American life and culture.

Curating art and books are about joy and connection. My collection brings me happiness because it tells a story of culture, history, and personal inspiration. I love talking about the meaning behind each piece in my collection. It's a constant reminder of why I'm inspired by them. Every work of art and book I own is intentional, deeply personal, and serves as a way to highlight where we’ve been, who we are, and where we’re going.

My love for collecting started when I visited a friend's home, where I first saw the power of creating a space filled with meaningful art. Their collection reflected history, culture, and personal expression. Growing up, I attended Black art demonstrations my aunts or my mom's friend house. That introduced me to the beauty of our culture through visual storytelling. It's incredibly crazy to see my own collection as a constant source of inspiration, reminding me of the richness of our culture and the importance of preserving it through art.

Art can evoke emotion, spark conversation, and preserve history. Supporting emerging Black artists allows me to own one-of-a-kind pieces while also contributing to the visibility and success of these creators. I source art directly from the artist, the art galleries that they are in residency with.  This ensures that artists receive full recognition for their work. Each piece I bring into my home is unique and speaks to resilience, challenges traditional narratives and celebrates Black beauty.

Books have always been a gateway to history, knowledge, and creativity. My coffee table book collection is not only decor, but it reflects all that above. Some of my must-have books include The New Black Vanguard by Antwaun Sargent, which celebrates Black creativity in photography and fashion; Carrie Mae Weems: Kitchen Table Series, a powerful exploration of race, gender, and identity; Black Futures by Kimberly Drew & Jenna Wortham, a vibrant collection of essays, art, and reflections on the future of Black life; Crown by Sandro Miller, a stunning visual tribute to Black beauty and identity; and The 1619 Project: A Visual Experience, a powerful reimagining of America’s founding through the lens of Black history. Each book in my collection is a conversation starter, an opportunity to learn, and a tribute to the voices that shape our culture.
By intentionally choosing pieces that resonate, I am building a space that not only inspires me daily but also tells the world who I am. How do you curate your space to reflect your identity? Drop a comment below, I’d love to hear about the art and books that mean the most to you.
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A New Year Doesn’t Need New Things. It Needs Meaning.

A New Year Doesn’t Need New Things. It Needs Meaning.

Our homes are our refuge. They should reflect our lived experiences, our inspirations for now and our hopes for the future. They should reflect our personalities and what matters to us most. Getting there is deeper than just decluttering. It starts with asking yourself some real questions: who are you? what brings you joy? what makes you feel beautiful or confident? These weren't easy for me, but they do matter. 

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A Seat At The Table: Holiday Season

A Seat At The Table: Holiday Season

November crisp air is here. The leaves are continuing to fall at a faster rate, and everyone is beginning to shift into the holiday season. This time of year excites people as they think about giving the gift of joy through community service, holiday parties and slow evenings with friends and family. We unwrap gifts, cook soulful meals and open our doors to everyone we love. To me, this is community.

 

When you look up the word community you will find several definitions. Community is a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common, a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests and goals, a group of interdependent organisms of different species growing or living together in a specified habitat. Community is about being together at its heart. I find that with all of the things going on in the world today, people are seeking community more and more. We are indeed in uncertain times, but what is certain is the love and affection that each of us crave. So how do you create community you ask?

 

Creating community doesn't always begin with a big gesture. It can start with a single invitation. Sometimes when I feel like really cooking something good or a favorite meal, I'd send a text to someone who I haven't seen in a while inviting them to come and pull up a chair at our dinner table for a warm meal and catch up.

 

 

For me, having a seat at the table isn't just about being present, it's about being welcomed and I want to make space for every voice and every story. Now that we’ve started ‘Sunday Suppers’, I’ve made that space- often times building the ‘table’ from scratch by seating old friends with unfamiliar faces with hopes that by the end of the night they all feel like family.

 

Community isn't something we stumble upon. We build it one intentional moment at a time. We create it when we listen to each other's stories, when we pass the bowl of salad and when we show up when life feels heavy.

That’s what I hope to nurture through Sunday Supper and through the work we do here at November First. It’s a reminder that connection doesn't require perfection, just presence. It is the beauty of slowing down long enough to share something real: a story, a meal, an object with soul.

 

When we make space for others, we discover that community isn't only around us but it is US. It just takes us offering a seat at the table.

 

 

 

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A New Season. A New Rhythm.

A New Season. A New Rhythm.

There’s always something about the first day of a new season that makes me stop and breathe a little deeper. Fall is here.

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Morning Rituals: How I’m Building the Life I Want, One Sunrise at a Time

Morning Rituals: How I’m Building the Life I Want, One Sunrise at a Time

In a time when everything feels loud, unpredictable, and a little unstable, I’ve learned that how I start my day can change everything. Morning rituals aren’t just about habits—they’re about survival, joy, and setting the tone for the life I want to lead.

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Objects with Soul: The Beginning

Objects with Soul: The Beginning

Growing up, most of us didn’t think much about the things in our homes. The vase on the shelf, the couch pillows we rested our heads on—they were just... there. But as an adult and a homeowner, I’ve come to understand just how deeply the things that surround us can shape how we feel, live, and connect.

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4 Home Decor Trends via The Philadelphia Flower Show

4 Home Decor Trends via The Philadelphia Flower Show

I recently attended the 2024 Philadelphia Flower Show with my mom for a mommy and daughter date. It's always something I look forward to because it signals that Spring is on the horizon. This flower show is the nation's largest and longest running horticultural event. This year's theme is "United in Flowers" and we were definitely united. I feel like flowers do that to you especially during the wintertime when things are cold, and depression is a high. When you walk into the convention center, you can't help but stop and smile, talk to other flower friends while smelling the freshness of the tulips, trees, roses, and the hundreds of other flowers that are on display. 

As, I walked through I couldn't help but notice four trends that would certainly brighten up your home as the Spring season steps in: 

Spring is coming so why not get a start on it now and start reaping the benefits of these trends. I couldn't help but be inspired by all of the colors, fragrances, and being around people celebrating the unveiling of a new season. My mom and I had a great time taking in all of the flowers and enjoyed each other's company. Cheers.

 

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BHM 2024: Meet Our Black Creators

BHM 2024: Meet Our Black Creators
We celebrate our black creators all year long however in honor of Black History Month, we will celebrate the black creators that help make The Collective by RaeFarrell great.  Continue reading
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