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A look inside with AphroChic
People & Parties
A look inside with AphroChic
May 18, 2023 | New York | Kamila Harris
A look inside with AphroChic

On May 18, Resource Furniture, in collaboration with Business of Home and AphroChic co-founders Jeanine Hays and Bryan Mason, hosted the launch party for the couple’s new book, AphroChic: Celebrating the Legacy of the Black Family Home. The evening was not only a celebration of this critically acclaimed publication, but also an exploration of the significant roles that memory, family history and culture play in the creation of “home.”

The launch party itself was an amalgamation of intellectual discourse and artistic expression. Hays and Mason joined Business of Home editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen and event and fashion designer John Goodman, whose home is one of 16 featured in the book.

The discussion delved into various aspects of the Black family home, exploring the history of Black homeownership, its cultural significance in the United States, and the evolving design trends that continue to honor its legacy. After the discussion, guests enjoyed a reception and the opportunity to have their newly purchased copies of the book personally signed by the authors. On hand to celebrate were Tammy Bolden, Zumi Madera, Anderson Somerselle, Gerald Posley, Gail Davis, Antonio DeLoatch, Alexis Audette, Wendy Landau, Margaret Schwartz, Sharon Roberts and Emily Auffrey. 

Hays and Mason’s own home in upstate New York, named the AphroFarmhouse, incorporates several pieces from Resource Furniture’s collection of transforming and multipurpose furnishings, including a shelving system for the couple’s library—an essential space displayed prominently in their book. Another notable addition was the LGM revolving wall bed, featured in their wellness room/guest suite. By day, the LGM acts as a shelving unit with an integrated fold-down desk. When overnight guests visit, the LGM revolves on a track to reveal a comfortable queen bed. 

“Resource Furniture is honored to have partnered with AphroChic,” said Challie Stillman, vice president, marketing and brand strategy for the company. “The launch party celebrated not just the release of a highly influential and important work, but the shared vision of creating spaces that blend creativity, functionality, personal style and values as well.”

It was so wonderful to celebrate this extraordinary book with Jeanine, Bryan, John and the team at Resource Furniture,” said Petersen. “So often, the Black family home has been left out of conversations about what design is or curriculums about what design should be. This book blends history and homes to upend that narrative and create space for these stories to be shared and valued. One of its central themes is the power of placemaking and self-expression, and I was honored to continue that conversation with this event.”

“Aphrochic: Celebrating the Legacy of the Black Family Home”
“Aphrochic: Celebrating the Legacy of the Black Family Home”
“Aphrochic: Celebrating the Legacy of the Black Family Home”
Jeanine Hayes, Bryan Mason and John Goodman, with Kaitlin Petersen
Jeanine Hayes, Bryan Mason and John Goodman, with Kaitlin Petersen
Jeanine Hayes, Bryan Mason and John Goodman, with Kaitlin Petersen
Jeanine Hayes, Tiffany Farney, Margaret Schwartz and Kaitlin Petersen
Jeanine Hayes, Tiffany Farney, Margaret Schwartz and Kaitlin Petersen
Jeanine Hayes, Tiffany Farney, Margaret Schwartz and Kaitlin Petersen
John Goodman and Anderson Somerselle
John Goodman and Anderson Somerselle
John Goodman and Anderson Somerselle
Jeanine Hayes
Jeanine Hayes
Jeanine Hayes
John Goodman
John Goodman
John Goodman
Bryan Mason, Gail Davis and Jeanine Hays
Bryan Mason, Gail Davis and Jeanine Hays
Bryan Mason, Gail Davis and Jeanine Hays
Tiffany Farney (left), Antonio DeLoatch and guest
Tiffany Farney (left), Antonio DeLoatch and guest
Tiffany Farney (left), Antonio DeLoatch and guest
Jeanine Hayes, Bryan Mason, John Goodman and Kaitlin Petersen
Jeanine Hayes, Bryan Mason, John Goodman and Kaitlin Petersen
Jeanine Hayes, Bryan Mason, John Goodman and Kaitlin Petersen
Jeanine Hayes, Bryan Mason and John Goodman
Jeanine Hayes, Bryan Mason and John Goodman
Jeanine Hayes, Bryan Mason and John Goodman
Resource Furniture’s Challie Stillman welcomes guests
Resource Furniture’s Challie Stillman welcomes guests
Resource Furniture’s Challie Stillman welcomes guests
Jeanine Hayes, Bryan Mason and John Goodman
Jeanine Hayes, Bryan Mason and John Goodman
Jeanine Hayes, Bryan Mason and John Goodman
An attentive crowd listens in
An attentive crowd listens in
An attentive crowd listens in
Forty guests attended the panel conversation
Forty guests attended the panel conversation
Forty guests attended the panel conversation
Jeanine Hayes, Bryan Mason, John Goodman and Kaitlin Petersen
Jeanine Hayes, Bryan Mason, John Goodman and Kaitlin Petersen
Jeanine Hayes, Bryan Mason, John Goodman and Kaitlin Petersen
Kaitlin Petersen
Kaitlin Petersen
Kaitlin Petersen
Jeanine Hayes, Bryan Mason, John Goodman and Kaitlin Petersen
Jeanine Hayes, Bryan Mason, John Goodman and Kaitlin Petersen
Jeanine Hayes, Bryan Mason, John Goodman and Kaitlin Petersen
Jeanine Hayes, Bryan Mason and John Goodman
Jeanine Hayes, Bryan Mason and John Goodman
Jeanine Hayes, Bryan Mason and John Goodman
Guests applaud the panelists
Guests applaud the panelists
Guests applaud the panelists
After the panel, guests enjoyed a festive reception
After the panel, guests enjoyed a festive reception
After the panel, guests enjoyed a festive reception
Anderson Somerselle and Julia Noran Johnston
Anderson Somerselle and Julia Noran Johnston
Anderson Somerselle and Julia Noran Johnston
John Goodman (center) and guests pose with their copies of “AphroChic: Celebrating the Legacy of the Black Family Home,” in which Goodman’s home is featured
John Goodman (center) and guests pose with their copies of “AphroChic: Celebrating the Legacy of the Black Family Home,” in which Goodman’s home is featured
John Goodman (center) and guests pose with their copies of “AphroChic: Celebrating the Legacy of the Black Family Home,” in which Goodman’s home is featured
Molly Jackson and Kim Trepanier
Molly Jackson and Kim Trepanier
Molly Jackson and Kim Trepanier
After the reception, Hays and Mason signed copies of their book
After the reception, Hays and Mason signed copies of their book
After the reception, Hays and Mason signed copies of their book
After the reception, Hays and Mason signed copies of their book
After the reception, Hays and Mason signed copies of their book
After the reception, Hays and Mason signed copies of their book
After the reception, Hays and Mason signed copies of their book
After the reception, Hays and Mason signed copies of their book
After the reception, Hays and Mason signed copies of their book
Resource Furniture’s Gabriella Pomata shows off the capabilities of the company’s multipurpose product line
Resource Furniture’s Gabriella Pomata shows off the capabilities of the company’s multipurpose product line
Resource Furniture’s Gabriella Pomata shows off the capabilities of the company’s multipurpose product line
Resource Furniture’s Gabriella Pomata shows off the capabilities of the company’s multipurpose product line
Resource Furniture’s Gabriella Pomata shows off the capabilities of the company’s multipurpose product line
Resource Furniture’s Gabriella Pomata shows off the capabilities of the company’s multipurpose product line
Resource Furniture’s Gabriella Pomata shows off the capabilities of the company’s multipurpose product line
Resource Furniture’s Gabriella Pomata shows off the capabilities of the company’s multipurpose product line
Resource Furniture’s Gabriella Pomata shows off the capabilities of the company’s multipurpose product line
Business of Home and Resource Furniture co-hosted the celebratory event
Business of Home and Resource Furniture co-hosted the celebratory event
Business of Home and Resource Furniture co-hosted the celebratory event