We had the good fortune of connecting with Anitra Terrell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anitra, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I was laid off in 2013 and took it as a sign to forge my own path. But before deciding what to do next, I sat and thought about the happiest moments in my life. An 8 week trip I’d taken to Ghana a couple years prior surfaced repeatedly and I knew the next chapter in my life had to involve sharing that experience. One day while shopping for home decor I noticed there were nice things on the shelves but nothing that resonated with me or reflected my lifestyle – that was my lightbulb moment. Reflektion Design was born to fill that void and offer authentic African decor and accessories for the culturally inspired.

What should our readers know about your business?
There have been several highs and lows while running Reflektion Design. I started my business in 2014 after being laid off so my savings were the primary source of funding. It got to a point where my savings were almost exhausted so I decided to seek full-time employment and run the business part-time. Interestingly, a few months into working full time, I was laid off again so I found another job and, believe it or not was laid off from that job as well. After the third layoff, I realized going back to work was not the answer so I decided to get super focused and haven’t looked back since. That was around 2017. Along the way I’ve learned to be patient with/enjoy the process, do the work and get clear on your why. Reflektion Design is known for celebrating/creating an Afro modern aesthetic. An emphasis on paying homage to the various artistic traditions throughout Africa while using a discerning curator’s eye for modern patterns sets us a part. I am passionate about offering products that help customers create a home that feels collected, not decorated. A home that makes you feel grounded because it reflects who you are. The company mantra is, See Yourself at Home which guides the design direction for the business. Having products in West Elm stores as a part of their WE Local initiative was a major brand accomplishment. I am also proud of the amount of notable press Reflektion Design has received. Being featured in HGTV, Vanity Fair, Better Homes & Gardens, Essence Magazine, and others reminds me of how far I’ve come and how much what I do resonates. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I must shout out: My mother for instilling a sense of focus and confidence in my brother and I at an early age. My partner Wesley who is my support system, sounding board and an integral part of Reflektion Design’s operations and creative execution. My hometown, Philadelphia for being a culturally rich, inspiring place to grow up in. Ghana who will always hold a special place in my heart and be the inspiration behind my business.

Website: https://www.reflektiondesign.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reflektiondesign/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reflektiondesign

Image Credits
Credit all images as Reflektion Design

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.