Welcome to Take 60, quick one-minute stories about new faces in our industry that might help you move the needle toward future success. Retailers, designers, manufacturers, and more — Take 60 covers them all, so check back each week for a new addition to the mix.

Mark Abrams, owner and designer, Port 68: I have a degree in advertising from the University of Alabama. I interned my junior year with Raymond Waites, also from Alabama, for his company at the time, Gear, in New York, which was my first introduction into the industry in 1984.

I met Michael Yip when he was at Oriental Accents and years later, I was a licensee under Mark Abrams Designs for OA. Michael and I wanted to start our own company, which is how Port 68 came to life in the fall of 2008 and debuted at High Point Market April 2009 in Interhall, where we are still located today.

Abrams: Michael came up with the name. Number one, it was important to us to have worldwide trademark rights, and number two, our products come from ports all around the world. Everything comes in a container, except for artwork and upholstery which is done in Chicago.

The numbers six and eight are very good in the Asian culture, and they mean smooth sailing and prosperity. We are bringing product from all over the world with good karma.

Abrams: Inspiration comes from all over the marketplace, antique and even grocery stores. I will see a pattern on a leg of a table I like from somewhere and expand that design or pattern and see if we can produce it in porcelain.

Abrams: We do two major introductions a year at the High Point Market, so for those who could not attend, Dallas and Atlanta will be new for them. We will have new collections, artwork, lighting and accessories. Green is big right now; it’s trendy, but always classic. We also have a lot of colorful artworks that you can live with for a long time.

Abrams: Start with the front door. Is it clean? Are your windows clean? No one wants to step inside a dirty store. Make your windows sparkle all the time.

Flip your store around. If product has been in the same spot for six months, you need to move it around.

Layer new lighting and accessories and turn on the lamps. Play music, make the store smell nice, and tell a story with your product.

What is your design style at your home? Comfortable, eclectic, traditional with Asian inspiration. Antiques. It’s things I have collected all over the world and marketplace. It all works together.

What is a trend you predict/ are excited to see in 2023? Color!

What is your favorite item from Port 68? The best seller that season! I am excited for what is coming and has not been seen yet.

Where are you from? Demopolis, Ala.

Do you enjoy living in High Point? I do. I have literally had 10 cross-country moves, but High Point is the hub for this industry and where I spend most of my time. It’s convenient.

Lauren Roses is Home Accents Today’s product editor, responsible for selecting and compiling product and trend stories, and for overseeing product submissions and coverage of intros and market debuts. Lauren studied at the University of Arizona and has lived in San Diego, California and New York City. Prior to joining Home Accents Today, she worked in marketing and project management for several prominent interior design and real estate professionals. In early 2018 Lauren moved back to her home state of North Carolina where she enjoys reading, animals, hiking and spending time with family.

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