Meet Andrea Rainge | The Mississippi Modernist Event Planning and Décor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrea Rainge and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrea, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born in a small-town Clarksdale MS. When I was 5 years old, my mother moved my sisters and I to Milwaukee, WI and worked as a nurse’s aide. She wanted more resources for her daughters and felt that moving to the Midwest would provide that. My mother instilled southern values within us, and they were essential to my sisters and I being respectful and successful women. Seeing my mother, a single mom, work countless hours to make sure my sisters and I had a good life is what I strive to do for my children. I was raised with God being most important, then family and to always be a good person.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I started The Mississippi Modernist by accident. I had bought my first home when I moved to Dallas, 7 years ago. When I moved in, I had no real design aesthetic. I just wanted it to be cute. I woke up one day and looked around and hated everything I had done to my home, and I knew I wanted a modern farmhouse but boho type aesthetic, so I started following two of my favorite IG influencers Carmeon Hamilton and Holly from Our Faux Farmhouse both were a balance of what I wanted in my home. I began DIY projects and posting photos and videos on social media platforms and viewers would ask me to decorate their home and things kind of took off from there in the home décor aspect. Later, the Christmas trees were a hit on social media. I posted my family tree then; I was asked to style 10 other Christmas trees in Dallas and my hometown.

Now, here I am 3 years later, and I’ve travelled to about 4 cities styling trees and the process brings me so much joy. Social Media played a big part in where my business is now. A forever student, I am learning as I go in areas and navigating business management with intent. I am a hardworking mom, the business is in the pop up shop phase. Currently, I am developing a luxury throw pillow line in the upcoming year and I’m always taking classes to perfect all my skills. I am grateful for the growth.

The Mississippi Modernist is a brand that pays homage to three of the greatest women in my life: my mom who is still practicing in the health field but continues to refurbish old things and make them stunning and my aunt and grandmother, who are no longer here with me Earthside, their love for decor is what fostered mine. My grandmother and aunt took their homes, which weren’t always in the best geographical locations, and made them so beautiful. The brand represents strength, overcoming, and perseverance.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my friend was visiting my first stop are the model homes in areas like Prosper Celina Mansfield etc. I love visiting the model homes. We would spend a day in the design district for sure. She would have to go take a self-care day and get her hair done at The Big Chop Salon. The vibe there is unmatched. Next up, Legacy West, it’s beautiful there. We’re hungry now, so we’ll head over for great food, cocktails, and music at my favorite restaurant Brew City Kitchen. The ambiance and culture there feels like home. I’m a foodie, so we would make several pit-stops to eat most of the trip.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

The Inspirations, my mom (Carolyn Word), and of course my two angels grandma (Olia) and my Aunt (Denice).

The Reasons my children (Anija Braelyn,Bryce and Braxton) it’s important that they know what my journey looks like, that way they will understand what faith is, what hard work sacrifice and never giving up looks like, all that I am is because they are. My sisters (Tanekeya,Rondra,and Jimira) are my sounding boards, those voices that tell me to get up and get things done, remind me of where we come from and why we strive for better always. My entire Word/Rainge family (Rodney) my secret weapons of encouragement.

Lastly, The Motivators  Andre and April Ruffin @Brew City Kitchen and Cocktails and Darshel Renee @The Big Chop Salon they keep me afloat focused and have my back through everything.

Instagram: themississippimodernist

Facebook: Andrea Rainge

Image Credits
Drewzki Exposure (Milwaukee WI)