Angelique Mills is a Queens, New York native that currently lives in Montclair with her husband and four-year-old daughter. Known as the “Queen of Montclair,” she is a local interior designer with fun but chic taste. Angelique started her career in accounting and still has a job in the field, but was really able to focus on her business during the pandemic. The Montclair Girl had the chance to chat with the Queen of Montclair about her growing interior design business. Read on to learn more about Angelique, her life, and what she offers to the interior design world.
(Photo credit: Queen of Montclair)
Montclair Girl: How long have you lived in Montclair?
Angelique Mills: I’ve lived in Upper Montclair for almost 6 years.
MG: What brought you to the area?
AM: Before moving to Montclair, my husband and I lived in Brooklyn and were looking to relocate as we planned to start a family. We heard wonderful things about the diversity of Montclair, as well as their school systems.
MG: Tell us about your design company, Queen of Montclair.
AM: Queen of Montclair is an Interior Design Company that loves to integrate culture through various design aesthetics. We believe that your home is not just a place you live, but a place where you thrive. Our mission is to design your space so that you never want to leave. I mainly connect with clients through Instagram and Tiktok. They love my content and my reels are a whole vibe!
(Photo credit: Queen of Montclair)
MG: What inspired you to get into this industry and then found your own company?
AM: I’ve always had an interest in interior design, which only grew when we bought our home in Montclair. However, being a dedicated member of Corporate America didn’t really allow me the time or resources to explore my passion. After experiencing a series of unfortunate events in the workplace, I decided to dedicate more time to what makes me truly happy.
MG: One of your company’s mission statements is “Where culture and design meet,” can you elaborate on that and what that means to you?
AM: That just means that we encourage people to showcase their authentic selves, through their design aesthetic. I think especially as African-Americans, we’ve often been afraid to express our culture in our personal space, for fear of offending others or making them uncomfortable. I believe it’s time to display images in our home, reflective of our own likeness, through art and design expression.
MG: How would you describe your personal design style? What are some trends or characteristics that you are drawn to personally?
AM: I always say that I wouldn’t describe my personal design style as one thing. I love so many design aesthetics, from minimalistic to transitional to maximalist. If I had several homes, they would likely all be designed differently. However, a common theme that I am always drawn to is designs that embody a “vibe.” And by vibe, I mean something that I can’t explain, but when you see it, you just know!
(Photo credit: Queen of Montclair)
MG: We love that your design process is inspired by fashion, how is that so and how would you describe your personal sense of style?
AM: Being a native New Yorker, fashion is a part of my DNA. This may not apply in all cases, but I always say that if a person’s home is well designed, chances are that they also dress well! I believe that interior design and fashion are so closely related, as they are both forms of art expression. My personal sense of style is much like my design aesthetic. I love a lot of variety, but it’s all got to be a vibe.
MG: What are your top three tips/advice when it comes to designing a home?
AM: Hire an interior designer, don’t be afraid to incorporate elements of your culture into your design, and invest in pieces that will still be relevant/ make a statement years from now.
Read More: What New Jersey Interior Designers Are Saying About Spring 2022 Trends
MG: What would you say are the 2022 trends in design?
AM: Although I try to stay away from obvious “trends”, I would say some design elements that are currently popular include:
- Statement lighting (think oversized globe lighting, etc.)
- Minimal/streamlined décor
- Bold/dark accent walls or wall treatments that really make an impact
(Photo credit: Queen of Montclair)
MG: What are some BIPOC-owned home design brands that you like?
AM: Most of these are interior designers/design enthusiasts, but I would love to see them with a home décor line. Some of my favorites are:
- Neffi Walker (@theblackhome)
- Beth Diana Smith (@bethdianasmith)
- Saudah Saleem (@saudahsaleeminteriors)
- Nicole White (@nicolewhitedesignsinteriors)
- Sister duo Stephanie + Michelle (@blkandhome)
MG: What is the biggest obstacle you’ve had to face in what you do?
AM: I would say the biggest obstacle has been time management. I am still currently employed in Finance, and also a wife and mom, so carving out time to dedicate to growing my business has been difficult. In short, I get zero sleep!
MG: What are your goals for this year?
AM: My goals are to keep learning and growing – increasing my presence on social media (expanding to Pinterest, YouTube, etc.), securing more brand partnerships (that are willing to offer black designers/influencers equitable compensation), and securing a management team.
(Photo credit: Queen of Montclair)
MG: What’s a typical day look like for you?
AM: One word – crazy! Super packed with tons to do.
MG: How do you stay focused and productive in your day-to-day?
AM: Call me old school, but “to-do” lists run my life. Creating lists and actually checking off items as I complete them, keep me motivated and feeling accomplished throughout the day.
MG: What do you enjoy most about what you do?
AM: I love having a vision and seeing it come to life! I love creating spaces that you don’t want to look away from, and I love being able to accomplish that for my clients.
MG: What has been the highlight in your career so far?
AM: Getting recognition and followed on social media from so many people that I love and admire. It blows my mind that so many celebrities love and support what I do. These are people that live in the best cities around the world and have probably seen (or live in) the best most well-designed homes. And they love mine! Definitely a pinch-me moment.
(Photo credit: Queen of Montclair)
MG: What advice would you give to those who want to start their own business?
AM: I would say a few things. First off, just start! Sometimes this is the hardest thing to do, but I guarantee you will get nowhere if you don’t start. Be a student- take time to really understand and learn the business you want to embark on. Be consistent. It’s easy to get derailed, but make it a mission to stay the course and keep going! Be really good at what you do, and never stop getting better.
Local Fun
MG: What is your favorite restaurant in the Montclair area?
AM: Faubourg – the atmosphere is as good as the food.
See More: A Montclair Home Makeover by Interior Designer Julieta Alvarez
MG: What is your favorite boutique in the Montclair area?
AM: Over The Moon – cutest baby/kids clothes.
(Photo credit: Queen of Montclair)
MG: What do you love most about the Montclair area?
AM: I love the diversity of Montclair. I also love the proximity to NYC.
MG: What is your favorite thing to do in Essex County?
AM: Probably walk down Bloomfield Ave and shop. (I’m a serial shopper!)
MG: Tell us about another business in the area you admire.
AM: I really love deVine Plantery.
MG: What is your favorite outdoor place to spend time in Essex County?
AM: Any of the parks – my daughter loves them.
(Photo credit: Queen of Montclair)
MG: What is your favorite place to work out in Essex County?
AM: Zura Montclair pre-pandemic, and my home gym currently.
MG: Where do you go out with friends in the area?
AM: The MC Hotel
MG: What is something you think needs to come to Montclair?
- Beauty Supply Store (for Black and Brown people)
- African Hair Braiding
- Dance Studios for Kids
- Black Beauty Salons
- Krispy Kreme (guilty pleasure!)
Keep up with Angelique on Instagram, TikTok, and her website.
