Advertisement:

Carol Poet is one of the most prominent interior designers in Los Angeles. When most would be preparing for retirement, she has given birth to a second business, launching a high-end furniture line with pieces made of beautiful and exotic woods and elegant upholstery, and through the process had a re-birth of her own sexuality.

From an early age, Poet taught herself to cook, clean and sew.  To amuse herself, she would re-arrange furniture and paint walls. She notes, “I was really the first Martha Stewart, and all before the age of ten.” An unorthodox childhood at best, but a natural stepping stone to her future careers.”

Early on, Poet fell in love with the world of fashion and design. It led to a short, sweet career as a clothing buyer in New York. Somehow, the fragrant allure of the Pacific reached her in the canyons of the garment district and she returned to the West Coast, this time settling in Los Angeles, deciding to marry her love of fashion and fabrics with the world of interior design and furniture.

After an initial apprenticeship, Poet landed a coveted position with an architectural/interior design firm. She soon became a partner, and the business and was renamed Landa-Poet Design Associates. During the decade of this partnership, Poet became a certified Interior Designer. She served on the board of Directors of the International Society of Interior Designers and is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers. She founded her own interior design firm Poet Design Company in 1987. It was important to Poet that her line had a classic look, a style that feels more like New York, Chicago or Miami than LA. That sensibility comes from her early influences on the East Coast. 

During this period of her life, there was a lot to celebrate, however with success came a setback.  Poet’s marriage ended, and she fell into the arms of a very good girlfriend who was there to console her and help pick up the pieces, and soon the friendship became romantic. From then on, it was nothing but an uphill climb.

Poet is heavily involved with the political and cultural aspect of the gay community as well. She has made several trips to Washington for the Aids Quilt, she was elected to be a board member of MECLA, Municipal Elections Committee of Los Angeles. The first organization to contribute to politicians that are supportive of civil rights for gays and lesbians. To add to the extensive list, are Girls Inc, LAYN, GLSEN, Africa Millennium and the New West Hollywood Library Campaign.

From East coast to West, Poet’s life has lead her through quite a journey. She has given new meaning to the phrase, better late that never, starting a successful interior design company, and re-evaluating her sexuality, and with no plans to retire anytime soon.

Post a Comment:                                                                                     (0) Comments: