Revisiting the 2024 Designer’s Corner Most Intriguing People
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One of the gifts of being a Candys Dirt writer is the amazing array of quintessentially cool people we get to meet. This week, I’ve rounded up five of my most memorable interviews over the past year.
Janelle Alcantara
First up: Briggs Freeman Realtor Janelle Alcantara, a multimillion seller who stepped out of her comfort zone to fulfill a bucket list fantasy – playing drums in a rock band. Her inspiration: Metallica, Motörhead, Foo Fighters, and Motley Crue.
Janelle is the epitome of badass. She has found her calling – and it totally suits her. “I’ve always been infatuated with drummers. They’re the backbone of the band,” she said.
Read how Janelle balances her double life – superstar agent by day, rock ‘n’ roller by night.
Leonard Volk
Dallas legend Leonard Volk is a true Renaissance Man – FAIA architect emeritus, author, photographer, community leader, and world traveler. Ninety-six and still going strong, he was at Interabang Books this past April to promote “Everyday,” chronicling six decades of his personal photography and essays.
Both the words and the images are mesmerizing. “Selections in the book summarize my conclusions from architectural design and photography about art, craft, and life,” he said. “I hope readers will consider the issues I have found important and build their own.”
Read more about Leonard’s insightful journey.
Niki Samuel
Of all the years I’ve attended the Dallas Art Fair, I’ve never enjoyed it as much as experiencing it through the eyes of interior designer Niki Samuel. In addition to her impeccable interiors, she’s also an accomplished painter and sculptor.
Niki’s passion for the fair was contagious. “I love the palpable excitement when art lovers move around together, in and out of halls, hoping to be inspired and discover a special piece of art,” she said.
Read more of Niki’s illuminating observations – including her picks of standout pieces.
Sherry Hayslip
Another perennial favorite is the Dallas Kips Bay Decorator Show House. For interior designer Sherry Hayslip, this year was especially meaningful – the iconic French Renaissance-style venue was designed by her late husband, acclaimed architect Cole Smith.
Sherry’s “Bibliothèque des Tournesols” – or Room of the Sunflowers – pays tribute to the building’s original sunflower motif. “What matters most to me is expressing Cole’s spirit. I’m looking forward to people enjoying the house and remembering who he was.”
Read how the “decorating gods” impacted Sherry’s Kips Bay experience.
Chris Blackburn and Andrew Gilbert
Texas Counter Fitters co-owners Chris Blackburn and Andrew Gilbert are not only business partners, but passionate advocates for giving back to the community. This year, the visionary duo partnered with two local nonprofits – Dwell with Dignity and After 8 to Educate – to sponsor a pair of seasonal initiatives designed to uplift those in need.
There’s still time to support TCF’s “Daring to Mention the Unmentionables” underwear drive benefitting homeless DISD students. Now through December 31, simply scan the QR code above to select from a curated assortment set up to go directly to the charity.
“The greatest gift we can give is sharing our time and resources with those in need,” said Chris. “It’s a reminder that the holidays are about compassion, connection, and kindness.”
Read more about how the Dallas design community embraces the gift of giving.
