Crew Spotlight: Fatou Ceesay
I am delighted to introduce you to one of my dearest friends, who also happens to be a fabulous interior designer, Fatou Ceesay. Her bright, creative spirit shines through in everything she does, including getting dressed (case-in-point: see above!). While delighting us with fire outfits, she’s also wowing clients at Vida Design, where she’s an interior designer and project manager. To start things off, I asked her what and who is inspiring her lately.
FC: I am forever inspired by African women and their ability to confidently layer patterns and colors with bold jewelry so beautifully. You will always find a thoughtful integration of color in my designs because I believe in their ability to add so much joy and life. Kelly Wearstler, her and team always always put out something new and exciting that pushes the needle on interiors.
One of my favorite things about interior designers is how their personal style threads through so many aspects of their life: their work, their home, their fashion. And I couldn’t agree more that color brings us joy and life! I want to see more people embracing color in their homes and workplaces.
Quin, a recently completed multi-family residential building in Denver | Design: Vida Design | Photo by Shelsi Lindquist
Speaking of which, I want to hear about this gorgeous apartment building, pictured above. What was the overarching design concept?
Woven Vibrance. The project is located in the Santa Fe arts district and we wanted to celebrate that. Studying the historic and current demographic of the neighborhood was very inspiring and a huge catalyst in pulling together a project that is very art forward. We took a cues from the diverse and eclectic vibe of the neighborhood, weaving that artistry through, keeping the background subdued and allowing art and furniture to standout.
Quin, a recently completed multi-family residential building in Denver | Design: Vida Design | Photo by Shelsi Lindquist
Art is truly a window into and reflection of culture. I love the adage ‘Start with the Art’, as a starting point for any interiors project and it’s so beautifully executed in this one.
Quin, a recently completed multi-family residential building in Denver | Design: Vida Design | Photo by Shelsi Lindquist
The furniture and art story in this project turned out so beautifully. There’s an antique arch installed in the lobby that took months of coordination to carry through. It took a lot of people coming together to make this small project a very mighty one.
I am drooling. No one asked, but my favorite thing about this project is how integrated the artwork is with the interior design. Full wall murals, this stunning archway, and the standalone pieces that relate in concept create character in a brand new space.
When not serving us lewks or designing gorgeous spaces, Fatou is also running a small business, Jarrabi Collective. Tell us more about that and what motivated you to start it.
This is a long time dream. I’ve wanted for a long time to showcase work from amazing artist and artisans in Gambia and Africa in general. Gambia is a small county in west Africa, where I’m from, and I’ve grown up seeing beautiful sculptures and fabrics that weren’t celebrated the way I think they deserved because they were seen as inferior to western goods. Recently I’ve also noticed African made foods in high end shops selling for prices I know are not trickling down to these makers. My intention is to work with the makers and provide them with living wages while sharing their beautiful work with the world. Small world right now, but a girl can still dream.
We love a girl who dreams, and I personally love my insense holder from Jarrabi! What aspects of this business bring you the most joy and what are you excited about?
Anytime people interact with the products and they are excited and curious about them, that brings me immense joy and it’s affirming. I would love to scale Jarrabi and get more consistent at promoting it to get it to the masses. I’m also really excited about the new markets my work is in and learning about those places and the types of designs those lead to. In general I just feel like there’s so much to take in right now and I’m soaking it all in.
Say no more, check them out for accessories for your home or your next project, knowing you’re supporting a small local business and Gambian artists at the same time. Give them a follow on social media! Thank you so much for chatting and sharing your light with us, Fatou!
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