#190: Malene B (Friday, August 20)

The other day I was jogging through my neighborhood. A block from my house, I walked past a house with a bold, bright door. It's color was different from anything I'd ever seen in the neighborhood. In fact, I've only ever seen that color on a house in the Caribbean and Brazil. I remember thinking to myself, "The person who lives here is very creative and they have a wonderful spirit." You just can't be boring and plain if you paint your front door in a vibrant color. It's impossible. For a few days following, I altered my jogging route just so I could see the door that reminded me of home.

Two weeks later, I met the "owner of the door" at an event for a mutual friend (see how fate works?). Her name is Malene Barnett, and she is a carpet designer. We connected instantly; her personality is just wonderful. Aside from being gorgeous, she's very talented: her work has been featured in tons of magazines and she's also designed for private labels like Nicole Miller and Martha Stewart.

And, best of all, she's a socially responsible designer who supports Aid to Artisans and Goodweave.

So check out Malene's website at www.maleneb.com and get one of her amazing area rugs for your home.

Be excellent!