K Anne Designs

Kerri Besse made the point that there is more to a career than climbing the corporate ladder. Besse is a 2003 graduate of URI’s Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design Department with a minor in Art. After graduating, Besse began her career working in high-end fashion. After returning to school to learn about textiles and surface design, Besse developed an interest in the weaving and rug industries. Today, she is self-employed and does freelance work for multiple interior textile companies. She noted that the pandemic has caused longer lead times and higher prices. Communicating virtually has become normalized. New innovations are helping the industry to adapt to the virtual business environment.