Copyright: Bradford Noble
Dear Everyone:
Our first edition of MODEL THRIVERS features an interview with one of the greatest authorities in thriving that exists, I might say safely. Her name is Brini Maxwell. She is unbeatable when it comes to possessing a thorough knowledge of home design, ideas for entertaining, and truly fantastic house hold tips, all of which were demonstrated beautifully on her Style Network television show which began airing in 2004. She has somehow managed to pinpoint all of what exactly made the home and fashion design of the 50s, 60s and 70s so fantastic and inject it into everything she does. Presently, she's quite busy with her new line of home products entitled Felix Populi (which loosely translates to "happy people" in Latin), but she graciously took the time to answer a few questions with truly fascinating answers.
Seeing as Brini is not only an expert thriver but an expert New Yorker as well, I simply had to know where she thrived best. The answer was her home: Chelsea.
"It's probably my best thrive spot. It's residential, yet convenient to all the suppliers I use for my business. You can walk to so many parts of the city easily and I have many friends in the neighborhood." Her business, of course, is the delightful, previously mentioned Felix Populi. Take yourself to the website and buy up everything. Now.
Ms. Maxwell has always been my go-to-guide for quick home fixes, of course, but also a general reference for household mood, if you know what I mean. Your living room could be decorated flawlessly but you've got nothing without a comfortable atmosphere, whether you're staying in or entertaining guests. One of the best ways to go about setting the perfect mood is music, I'd say, and Brini was not without tips regarding living room soundtracks.
"I particularly like the genre of production, or library music," which is, as Brini explains, music created for film and television production to use as background and incidental music. "When you hear selections of it from the past they have a very distinctive sound-- a sound that really reflects the era in which they were recorded." Her favorite titles include "Music for TV Dinners" and "The Sound Gallery CDs." I would suggest creating your veryown collection of library music as soon possible. Really.
Music and location are all well and good, but I wanted to know Brini's secret to success. When asked the secret to thrive, Brini had much to say. "Doing what you want to do with your life. Don't get stuck in a job or relationship that you don't want just because you think it's expected of you." Genius. "Another would be expressing your creativity-- being creative is such an important part of life." Very genius. "I'd say being comfortable with yourself is an important part of thriving." Often overlooked, extremely genius.
To end this edition of Model Thrivers, I've included Brini's Perfect Day: a description of how this model thriver does her thing on a daily basis. I know you're excited.
"It starts with a trip to the gym - I go to David Barton. The cardio sets me up for a productive day. I then go back to my apartment and have a little breakfast - a banana/strawberry smoothie or a half a grapefruit, a bowl of organic corn flakes and some orange juice. Then the day starts in earnest. Maybe it's a bit of shopping for the raw materials for my product line in the garment district, or perhaps a visit to one of my manufacturers. Then perhaps it's time for lunch with a friend, which I might have out at one of my new favorite places - Sweetiepie on Greenwich Ave. After lunch I might have a meeting with a buyer or maybe get together with my director of photography for my video projects. Then it's back home where I'll make myself a nice dinner - lately I've been particularly fond of my almond chicken and potato salad. After dinner I might see a film revival with a friend or just stay home and work on a sewing or embroidery project in front of the television."
Best,
Jordan (And Brini)
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