From Beats to Boutiques: My Road Trip from Raleigh to High Point
Every now and then, a trip reminds you exactly who you are — why you create, what fuels you, and how art, music, and design are all part of the same beautiful rhythm. My recent trip from Atlanta to North Carolina was one of those moments — a perfect blend of hip-hop, history, and high design.
Raleigh: Rhythm, Reunion, and a Little Brother Show for the Ages
On October 24th, DJ Rasyrious and I packed up the car — more computer than car, honestly — and hit the road to Raleigh. We had a whole six hours of good company and great hip-hop: Tribe, OutKast, Little Brother, a few deep cuts from our playlists that always hit right. We arrived later than planned to meet up with my bestie Aja — an art lover, lyricist, and hip-hop encyclopedia — which left us just 90 minutes to get ready for the show.
The Little Brother concert at Lincoln Theatre was sold out andelectric. The air conditioning hit like an Apple Store, but thankfully I was rocking my Don’t Doubt Your Dope hoodie. DJ BlaaqGold set the tone with a set that was pure heaven — his D’Angelo tribute was a moment. When Phonte and Big Pooh hit the stage,
it felt like coming home to the golden era. Seeing Darrin Brockington and Joe Scudda perform live for the first time sealed it — this was a night for the books.
We closed the evening at the after-party, still floating from the music, sipping Happy Bird Seltzer, and laughing way past our bedtime. A time was most definitely had.
High Point Market: Design Disneyland
After DJ Rasyrious headed back to ATL for her own show, Aja and I took a day to recover — tailgating with friends at NCCU’s homecoming, reconnecting with my old high school friend Paul, and reminiscing about how far we’ve all come since those teenage years.
Sunday morning we hopped on Amtrak to High Point — my first train ride since I was eight — surrounded by Buffalo Bills fans on their way to the Panthers game. Once we stepped off the train, it was like stepping straight into design heaven.
After being swindled into $18 lattes (rookie mistake!), we grabbed our badges and hit the streets. Sensory overload doesn’t even begin to describe it — textures, colorways, materials, lighting, and artistry everywhere. My Meta Ray-Ban glasses were working overtime capturing it all.
We connected with Pasha Furniture and Surya first — two companies whose craftsmanship and commitment to design are exactly the kind of energy I want to infuse into House of Nambili and SewFresh Upholstery. Over the next few days, we soaked it all in. Aishah of Boddo Studio joined us, and after Aja headed home, we ventured to CoHab Space, an offshoot of HPMKT that felt like an artist’s dream come true — painters, ceramicists, photographers, all collaborating and creating. Inspiration overload.
Lessons in Texture, Light, and Legacy
By the final day, I was flying solo and determined to make the most of it. I finally made my way to De Leo Fabrics — where I met Casey Berry and Lisa Gilmore — and I’m so glad I did. Getting lost in the antiques market on the way only added to the adventure; I found friends (and inspiration) in every detour.
Brands like Hinkley Lighting, Magnus Leather, Blue Ocean Traders, Jonathan Adler, Vahallan, and Noir Furniture completely redefined how I think about color, texture, and staging. I took pages of notes on everything from wall treatments to display techniques.
One of the biggest highlights? A company asked if I’d be interested in becoming their upholstery and repair point person for clients in the Atlanta metro area. The answer was an immediate, enthusiastic yes.
What This Trip Taught Me
High Point felt like visiting MoMA on steroids — a fusion of art, design, and endless inspiration. It reminded me that House of Nambili is on the right path: merging culture, craftsmanship, and storytelling in every piece.
This trip also taught me the power of showing up — not just as a spectator but as a participant. I brought my lookbook, and that small act opened doors I hadn’t even imagined.
Now, as an official Buyer at HPMKT with new vendor accounts and partnerships in motion, I can’t wait to bring more of these elevated, culturally rooted designs to my clients.
Huge shoutout to my AirBnB host for the perfect spot to recharge each night. And to everyone who made this journey unforgettable — from the beats of Little Brother to the brilliance of High Point — thank you for reminding me that creativity doesn’t live in one lane. It flows everywhere.
Stay tuned for the photo and video recap from my Meta Glasses. Until then — keep your eyes open, your playlists fire, and your spaces soulful.
— niCo, The Heirloom Alchemist