I had the joy of friending carpet and textile designer, Malene Barnett (Malene B) about 6 or 7 years ago while I was still designing products. She has always been fashionable, creative with a sweet yet feisty spirit. Malene also has the most beautiful brownstone I have ever had the joy of hanging out in. Check out how she takes time for herself as well as the great tips she offers for creating a sacred space in your bedroom.
Name: Malene Barnet
Age: 43
NoireCare Practices: I exercise, eat clean, drink a gallon of water a day, when I really need to shut down I go to a reggae party and bust a whine and sweat. My goal is to live as healthy and as long as possible so working out, eating right, taking time to be in silence, surrounding myself with people who care love and support me and filtering out things that don’t work in my life are important. There are so many components. it also changes, what you needed 10 years ago is not necessarily what you need now.
I do a lot of strength training because I never wanted to be a physically weak woman. My mother did not raise weak women. I wanted to be able to lift my groceries or the rugs I design.
How did you as a business owner make the call to start your day at 10 am when folks are always hustling? Early in my career I made the decision because I knew how important it was for me to function in the day. I knew I needed to work out to clear my mind in the morning and I needed a chance just not to think about anything. Whether it’s thirty minutes or an hour I need the time because working out is like a meditation for me. It took about 3 years for me to also go on the flip side and make sure I stopped my work day at a certain time, which is 7pm. I also take a lunch break where I move away from everything and sit and eat.
Did you grow up witnessing self care rituals? My mother has always gone out to take walks, I remember watching my mom cook all of her food and even measuring it. My mother took time to take karate with me and play racquetball and I even remember her taking time to learn how to swim. We were always an active family, it was a natural progression as I got older to continue to incorporate that into my life.
Working out and taking care of myself also gives a sense of freedom and independence which I personally yearn for
Do you feel like your exercising and maintaining an active lifestyle informs your ability to create? Yes, because I use the time to think of what I want to do next, ideas for products come to mind. When I workout with friends I share my ideas and ask questions.
What would you say to your girl who says she doesn’t have the time or the resources to begin a self-care ritual or to take timeout for herself. Stop being in denial, the reality is we all have the same amount of hours in a day. So you have to decide how important you are . If it means you have to wake up at 4 or 5 in the morning to get a workout or something in then just go to bed earlier. There are too many free videos online that you can do at home or just put on a pair of sneakers and walk. Find something that you like to do and just make it a part of your life like brushing your teeth. One last thing don’t wait for others, you are in charge of getting something done for you.
Photo Credit: The Selby
- Start with the bedroom, it’s the place you spend the most time in and stick to the basics.
- Make sure you have a comfortable bed invest in a good mattress and good sheets.
- Paint the room in a color that enlivens your spirt something peaceful and makes you smile.
- Have good light, don’t cover the window with heavy drapery. Let the sun in be grateful to see the light and feel the sun beaming on you. Show your gratitude. Bring light into your space.
- Surround yourself with artwork that is meaningful. Wakeup to inspiration.
- Eliminate the tv if you can so that it doesn’t become your go to distraction.
- Declutter, keep a clear space, learn how to let go of things you don’t need.
Follow Malene Online
Website: https://maleneb.com twitter: @malenebcarpets Instagram: @malenebcarpets @maleneb
