Akesha Locklear Patterson, purchasing and display manager for Locklear Interiors, Inc. graduated from American Intercontinental University. She began working at Locklear Interiors as an assistant to Gail Locklear, as well as visual assistant creating the store displays. She later had the opportunity to work on projects with senior designers. Akesha gained experience by observing the senior designers and helping organize and manage jobs while in college.

For three years, Akesha formulated the design plans and has been an integral part of the design and construction of eight New Avenues furniture stores. She has worked with architects, contractors and the corporate office to design and prepare specifications of materials and develop space plans. She was also the buyer for all furniture and accessories for the New Avenues stores and oversaw their build out and installation. She was also actively involved with all advertisement and marketing strategies and had the opportunity to design and participate in commercials for New Avenues.