In this episode of the OLISE Podcast, Bilen Zeremariam sits down with interior designer and founder of House of Black, Toni Black, for a candid and powerful conversation about fighting racism in the design industry. Toni shares what it was really like trying to break into interiors as a young Black woman, including the bias she experienced during recruitment and interviews, and the resilience it took to keep going when doors repeatedly closed. She reflects on how prejudice shaped her strength, why representation still matters, and what it means to stand firm in your identity while building a business in a competitive industry. Alongside this, Toni talks about pivoting into lighting design, what it taught her about mood and atmosphere, and how her work evolved into hospitality projects shaped by emotion, memory, and the senses. She also introduces House of Black, a brand and interiors agency “where stories are lived,” bringing together strategy and design to build fully immersive concepts, from narrative and naming to scent, service, and spatial experience. In this episode • Toni’s creative upbringing and path into interior and spatial design • Fighting racism and navigating prejudice in recruitment • Resilience, perseverance, and standing up for your value • The power of pivoting, and what lighting design taught her • Designing through emotion, memory, and the senses • Leadership, loyalty, and building strong team culture • House of Black and holistic hospitality design • Delegation, burnout, and building a sustainable studio • Identity, heritage, and designing through multiple perspectives Headline Sponsor This episode is supported by Calibre Climate, specialists in bespoke climate control for high-end homes. Their goal isn’t just temperature control, it’s creating environments that feel effortless, balanced, and considered. Caliber Climate works closely with architects and interior designers to deliver quiet, beautifully integrated air conditioning solutions. https://www.calibreclimate.com/ Perfect for: Interior designers, architects, students, studio founders, hospitality creatives, and anyone interested in leadership, resilience, identity, and building a more inclusive creative industry. Listen & Watch Full video available on YouTube Audio on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms Guest Links: Toni Black https://www.instagram.com/toniblack.official/ House of Black https://houseofblack.design/ Follow OLISE Magazine: Website: https://olisemagazine.com Instagram: @olisemagazine LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/olise-magazine/
