Our very first #mitzimodel, Asime (pronounced Ah-seem-uh) is one of the lighting designers here at Mitzi. Just 25 years old, Asime has garnered a strong design portfolio, starting with her studies at Iowa State. Asime has a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Industrial Design, experiencing some very niche internships and post-grad jobs along the way. Scroll to find out more about our youngest designer and her affinity for cheesy snacks and classic novels.

 

So you went to school for industrial design—are we safe to call you an industrial designer?
 

I would consider myself both an industrial and lighting designer. I began as an intern for GE appliances, then switched to home décor and kitchenware with a company in Brooklyn with national distribution. Now, lighting!

 

 

You have New York roots. Tell us more about that.
 

I’m originally from Beacon, New York (a nearby neighbor of Mitzi HQ) but have been a bit all over the place. Texas, Iowa, Kentucky, and Florida — I consider that a lot for my age.

What would you say is your favorite Mitzi fixture from this collection?
 
I’d have to go with the Immo Sconce. It has some history for me here. Immo was one of the first sconces I sketched for Hudson Valley Lighting and I absolutely loved it! I had to send in preliminary sketches and I was too afraid to submit Immo, as she’s a bit “off the cuff.” During the final days of designing for Mitzi, the head of the design team saw my Immo sketch and loved it, just like I had! Immo made the cut and I’m happy to see her as part of the collection.

 


 

 

Go-to snack?

 

Bread and cheese! Any cheese – smoked gouda, goat cheese…

 

Dream vacation destination?
 

I’ve been lucky enough to travel to a lot of places for my age, but I haven’t been to Asia yet, so I’d say Asia…then, everywhere else!

 

Favorite Instagram account to follow?
 
 

@designmilk for sure, or @thecoolhunter_.

 

Favorite childhood book?
 

The Outsiders – I have that book memorized.

 

Dream paint color?
 

Okay — I’d love to pair navy blue walls with marble and hammered copper. Can’t you see it? Ah, it’s my dream bathroom!

 

Best form of exercise?
 

I’ve recently gotten into hiking, but it’s definitely not for me (laughs). I enjoy going to the gym and following a routine. My sister is a personal trainer so she has helped me set up what exercises are best for me.

 

Cocktail of choice?

 

White Russian, no — a Bloody Mary. What’s the occasion? I have a few favorites.

 

#MCM?*
 

Ryan, my boyfriend. Cheesy, I know, but you know me and cheese…

 

#WCW?*
 

Ruby Rose, she’s so cool.

 

*(#MCM = Man Crush Monday | #WCW = Woman Crush Wednesday)