The Kanju Team

Meg Bartos The Visionary Explorer, Founder of Kanju Interiors

Kanju Interiors was born from Meg's deep admiration for African artistry and craftsmanship, a love sparked during her travels across Africa in the renewable energy and agriculture sectors. As Kanju's founder, Meg has created a platform to celebrate the stories and traditions of African creators. Now based in Maine with her partner Jacob, she balances entrepreneurship with outdoor adventures, make-it-up-as-you-go cooking, hosting friends along the beautiful coast, and doting on her three adorably mischievous Basenjis—Rameses, Dakarai, and Penny Lane.  

Fun Factoids about Meg

  • Window or aisle? Always window.
  • Favorite sandwich? Chicken salad with avocado. Or spicy Chicken Popper wrap from Roly Poly. Or finger sandwiches? Just give me all the sandwiches! 
  • Childhood nickname (and why!). M&M... M is the initial of my first and middle name, and my Mom's name is Candye.
  • The most random fact you know. One about pigs comes to mind... but I'll let you all google that one on your own. 
  • Random home gadget that you feel adamant EVERYONE needs. Chicken shredder.
  • If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?  Probably Elias, by Dispatch.
  • Worst fashion trend you ever participated in? Oh wow.... high heeled "jelly" sandals, in middle school! And thigh high plaid socks (thanks to the movie Clueless).
  • What's your go-to workday drink and snack? Iced tea, smoked salmon, and anything crunchy.
  • Favorite comfort meal. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and mac and cheese... same since I was 3! 

Maya Crawford The Advocate for Art and Equity, Operations VP

For over seven years, Maya has brought her passion and advocacy to her work at Kanju, championing the voices of African artists. Her expertise in cultural policy and equity elevates the stories behind the pieces we share, ensuring their impact is felt far and wide. Maya's commitment extends beyond Kanju—her deep involvement in the arts community, both locally and nationally, solidifies her role as a true advocate for creativity and equity. When she's not advocating for artists or advancing Kanju's vision, Maya treasures time with her family, especially doting on her nieces and nephews, and finds joy in cooking and hosting intimate gatherings that bring people together.

Fun Factoids about Maya

  • Window or aisle? Aisle - I have a very small Bladder (TMI?).
  • Favorite sandwich. Bacon and Mayo on white bread.
  • The most random fact you know. The price of a glass of wine at a restaurant is usually the wholesale bottle cost. 
  • A random home gadget that you feel adamant EVERYONE needs. The Joseph Joseph Stainless Steel Garlic Rocker - because garlic is the best!
  • What's your go-to workday drink and snack? Whatever Teresa puts in front of me. Usually a combination of random food found in the fridge. ;) 
  • Favorite comfort meal? Shepard pie - potatoes, lamb, peas, and carrots in gravy! What's not to love? 

Teresa Reitz The Storyteller of Spaces, Fulfillment & Customer Service Manager

For six years, Teresa has been a cornerstone of Kanju's fulfillment and customer service team, helping customers find the perfect piece to bring their vision to life. With a rich background in home furnishings, she understands how design can transform a space into a personal sanctuary, and does much of the styling for our photo shoots to help bring the full kanju aesthetic to life and inspire us all with amazing combinations. She is also our energizer bunny, keeping the warehouse organized and lovingly packing customer orders once the perfect pieces have been selected. Outside of work, Teresa is devoted to family, managing her husband's band who brilliantly cover the beloved Beatles, and spending time with her six grandchildren, who inspire her joyful approach to life and work.

Fun Factoids about Teresa

  • Window or aisle? Window! 
  • Favorite Sandwich. Great Outdoors #21 on wheat w/mayo and specially dressed. Not to be specific or anything.
  • Childhood Nickname (and why!). Tresie. Because a mother's love is everything. ;)
  • The most random fact you know? One bottle of wine is made from approx. 700 grapes.
  • Home gadget you feel adamant that EVERYONE needs. Dust Buster for picking up poofs of Husky hair.
  • If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be? In My Life.
  • Is a hot dog a sandwich? No. 
  • What day should be a holiday that isn’t? Christmas Eve.
  • Worst fashion trend you ever participated in? BIG Hair.
  • What’s your go-to workday drink and snack? Dr. Pepper and anything cheese (I know, I can't believe I'm still here either).
  • Favorite condor meal? Candye & Donna's Thanksgiving Feast.


Nicole Green The Architect of Aesthetic, Marketing Manager

As Kanju's marketing manager, Nicole blends cosmopolitan sophistication with a passion for storytelling. Drawing from her experience with luxury brands like Donna Karan and Estee Lauder, Nicole crafts campaigns that capture Kanju's essence. When she's not shaping Kanju's marketing vision, she enjoys exploring Dallas with her husband and their beloved Shetland Sheepdog, Sheffield, visiting farmers' markets, listening to thought-provoking podcasts, all things wellness, spontaneous weekends with friends, and soaking up inspiration from museums.

Fun Factoids about Nicole

  • Window or aisle? Aisle.
  • Favorite sandwich. Classic BLT.
  • Childhood nickname (and why!). Icky, my younger siblings could not say my given nickname, Nikki, when they were tiny.
  • Home gadget you feel adamant that EVERYONE needs. Berkey water filter.
  • Worst fashion trend you ever participated in? Low rise jeans... overall trying to be too on-trend when I was younger rather than leaning into my own authentic style.
  • What’s your go-to workday drink and snack? Hot Tea, any kind. The day is not complete without bridging a to-go tea from home. I am a meal-eater, not a snacker. 
  • Favorite comfort meal. Onion soup and spelt bread made by Mom. Or really anything she makes, she’s a master at-home chef.

Liz Jensen The Adventurer at Heart, Operations Associate

 Liz draws her inspiration from the great outdoors, infusing her work at Kanju with creativity and a sense of wonder. As part of the operations team, she brings thoughtful precision and enthusiasm to every project. When she's not at work, you'll find Liz rollerblading by the lake, hiking national parks, or tending to her garden, always finding beauty in the details. Her perfect day? Soaking up the sun with her two cats before heading out to dance like nobody's watching! 

Fun Factoids about Liz

  • Window or aisle? Window. Gotta catch the view!
  • Favorite sandwich. Ruben with extra kraut.
  • Childhood nickname (and why!). Libby Lou. My sister couldn’t pronounce Lizzie Louise and it just stuck.
  • Home gadget you feel adamant that EVERYONE needs. Dimmable/color changing light bulbs in every lamp. Don’t even think about turning on the “big light!”
  • Worst fashion trend you ever participated in? Bumpits…I did feel fabulous at the time, though.
  • Favorite comfort meal. My mom’s French onion soup. I still haven’t found anyone who can do it better!

Deb Culbertson The Curator of Connection, Customer Experience Associate

Deb's world is centered on making meaningful connections—whether with people, art, or treasured pieces that enrich our lives. As Kanju's Customer Experience Extraordinaire, she ensures every item feels handpicked just for you. Her artistic background in costume design lends an eye for detail and a flair for storytelling to every interaction. Outside of Kanju, Deb is deeply immersed in Dallas' vibrant music scene, designing costumes for artists and musicians, where her love for creativity and connection shines.

Fun Factoids about Deb

    • Window or aisle? Window, by the wing. Gotta make sure no goblins have latched on.
    • Favorite sandwich. BLT with real mayo. Avocado optional.
    • The most random fact you know. A venus flytrap can eat a whole cheeseburger.
    • A random home gadget that you feel adamant EVERYONE needs. A citrus squeezer. Fresh juice is the best for cooking and for cocktails. The proper way to use it is pulp side down. 
    • What's your go-to workday drink and snack? Some form of caffeine and random grazing snacks.
    • Favorite comfort meal? Pozole Verde homemade or Pozole Rojo from Avila's.