Fishburne inspires, encourages others
By Will Brown, DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER • March 10, 2010
Kenan Fishburne came to Tallahassee in search of another degree. What separates the Quincy-based interior designer from her neighbors is she found it pertinent to share that knowledge with others.Maybe it was her exposure to the world as the daughter of an Air Force officer. Or the value of education instilled by parents Charles and Dot. But Fishburne has always sought to help others.
"A lot of the things I've been able to do have been because of my talent," Fishburne said of her good fortune to work on projects such as the Florida House of Representatives chamber throughout her 30-year career. "Design is about reaching into someone's environment and impacting them."
Fishburne, owner of Main Street Design Inc., was flattered to be considered one of the 25 Women You Need to Know, especially because so many of the women profiled are successful in business and in volunteering. She joked that her staff must really like her, since longtime employee Beverly White nominated her.
"(Kenan) has made such a difference in the lives of all who know her as she so unselfishly gives of her time and talents," White wrote in her nomination. "She is truly a woman that inspires and encourages those around her with her indomitable spirit and kind heart."
That was exemplified when Fishburne's close friend, Bill Sigmon, died from a brain-related injury following a bicycle accident. As the president of the Pilot Club of Tallahassee — a service organization that promotes brain safety — Fishburne's chapter provided thousands of helmets for young cyclists with the help of Pilot International.
It was while attending Stetson University that Fishburne realized she wanted to become an interior designer. It was also during those years that she knew giving back to her community would be a priority, as she and others were trying to tackle the social problems of the day.
These days, her son Ethan Treacy is the college student and Fishburne is the parent with the worldly knowledge to provide guidance in navigating problems that arise.
Fishburne said her only suggestions are to remember that every action matters to someone and one's life will be enriched by realizing the impact they may have on others.
"I have never let my gender interfere with my idea of what I can do," Fishburne said. "It's just not important. I am a person first, and I have things to offer."
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more about Fishburne's design firm from the Gadsden County Chamber of Commerce
Main Street Design, Inc., located at 9 West King Street in Quincy, is a full service licensed interior design firm that has been serving Quincy, Tallahassee, and the surrounding area for nineteen years.
They have enjoyed assisting area businesses, schools, libraries, government facilities, and residents in making their design decisions, whether it be remodeling, additions, space planning or decorating new or existing structures.
In addition to their many residential projects, some of their notable commercial projects include the Water Street Hotel and Marina in Apalachicola, the Governor’s Mansion Legacy Library, the Gadsden County Library, and the Legislative Chamber for the House of Representatives.Past pro-bono work includes Big Bend Hospice, Refuge House, Ronald McDonald House, the Dezell House, and the Quincy Music Theatre.
Kenan Fishburne, the owner and head interior designer, has thirty years experience and a Master’s degree in Interior Design from Florida State University. Kim Newell, with a Master’s degree in Architecture, Mary Radcliffe, a full-time interior designer, and Beverly White, the office manager, complete their design team. For information, contact them at (850) 627-2662.
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