5 Dallas Creatives We Loved Featuring in 2023
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Being a CandysDirt.com freelancer has its perks. For starters, my mega-talented co-workers. I’m in awe of the quality content these folks put out every single day. I also love that I get to interview such a diverse group of intriguing people. We’re talking renowned interior designers, innovative retailers, even a singing chef. This past year didn’t disappoint. Read on for five of my very faves.
Flea Style Founder Brittany Cobb
I said it in my story and I’m saying it again here: Brittany epitomizes cowgirl cool. She not only oozes style — the journalist-turned-entrepreneur had a great idea and ran with it. The original Deep Ellum Flea Style location morphed into a mini empire including five retail stores and a robust online business.
The merchandise mix shares one commonality: It all screams “Brittany” — signature hats (you seldom see her without one), vintage cowboy boots, and Boho-inspired fashion.
In her own words: “I never had a rigid idea of what it was going to be. I was always open to ideas, failing fast, and staying really curious.”
Read how she cultivated her signature style into an enterprise that fans in Dallas (and Fort Worth, Frisco, and Prosper…) simply can’t get enough of:
Designer/Entrepreneur Noel Pittman
Not long after she relocated to Dallas, I interviewed Noel for a story I was doing on 2022 Kip’s Bay participants. Turns out, it was just the first of many successes the LA native would enjoy in her new hometown.
In the past two years, she’s built a burgeoning interior design business. And this past fall, she opened a retail emporium/showroom — a cozy, cottage-like space on W. Lovers Lane.
“My dream was to open a shop where I could showcase my style. You walk in here and immediately understand my aesthetic,” said Pittman.
Read about the unique treasures you’ll find at Noel Pittman’s new Lovers Lane store and understand why readers said they’re ready to shop:
Floral designer Claire Rathbun
Claire’s passion for floral design happened by chance. “I was scrolling through YouTube videos and stumbled on this florist creating a beautiful arrangement out of flowers from the grocery store. I was mesmerized and thought, ‘I can do that.’”
True that. Her arrangements are innovative, fresh, and totally on-trend. Just ask Allie Beth Allman agent Cathy Cole.
“I started incorporating Claire’s talent into my listing package a couple of years ago. Her floral designs are nothing short of breathtaking, showcasing a unique blend of creativity and artistry that harmoniously complements the diverse aesthetics of our home listings.”
Read how Claire Rathbun stumbled upon her inspiration — and her undiscovered talent — that would lead her career in a new direction:
Antique store owner/psychiatrist Joel Holiner
When Dr. Holiner’s affinity for antiques outgrew the space to house them, his wife put her foot down: “I know you love this stuff, you have beautiful things, but we can’t have anymore. You need to get a shop.”
He took the suggestion to heart. MD Antiques is more than just a surprise in Medical City’s Building A Atrium. It’s a treasure trove of 18th and 19th Century English, French, Continental, and Oriental antique furniture and decorative arts — not to mention the only antique store in the world with a hospital location.
Read why M.D. Antiques is the perfect retail therapy:
Singing Chef Clayton Kahler Brown
As an aspiring singer in NYC, learning to cook was a necessity for Chef Brown. He couldn’t afford to eat out. The classically trained vocalist also took bartending and kitchen prep gigs, working hands-on with top professional chefs.
It was great training for Culinary Crescendo, the in-home meal prep and event catering venture he launched after returning to Dallas post-pandemic. Interior designer Michelle Lynne is a huge fan.
“It’s always a whirlwind at my house. Making dinner was stressful and a time suck,” she said. “Chef Clayton molds his deliverables around what we need.”
Read how Chef Clayton blends his passions of cooking, singing, gardening, and entertaining into one dream job.
