Spotlight on Metropolitan Designs

Art Business News, Sept, 2003 by Carol King

Brooks said that among other licensing considerations, a jewelry line designed for boutiques is in the works. She also said she is working on a book for children.

Brooks is noncommittal about future pursuits in the licensing arena. "I have a business plan, but it is in pencil," she said. "Pocketbooks were never a part of the plan, but look where we are now. The biggest lesson I have learned is that you have to be flexible. You never know where life will take you and if you are too rigid, you may miss out on opportunities."

She notices the irony of the turns her life has taken. "It's funny that I started out selling painted clothes, and here I am now," she said. "Life has come full circle for me. I used to be a starving artist who had one pair of shoes, which I spray painted depending on the outfit I was wearing. Now, I eat, and I eat well!" ABN

FACTS & FIGURE

* Because she grew up financially challenged, Brooks now supports several charities, including Make A Wish Foundation and Dress for Success.

* Brooks does mentoring and lecturing and employs students from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., as interns.

* For more information about Metropolitan Designs, e-mail metroart@msn.com or call (845) 255-4015.

BY CAROL KING ABN Contributing Editor