From a breakout starring role on the hit TV show Toddlers & Tiaras to NBC’s Bravo Game of Crowns was able to navigate a successful reality TV/business model with product brands that made her a millionaire at 6-years-old. She new stars in a hit show on Amazon Prime called Next Big Thing NYC and is a Brand Owner and Beauty Influencer.
HI ISABELLA BARRETT! CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF, WHO IS ISABELLA BARRETT IN YOUR OWN WORDS?
This is such a great question and for me I feel like it continues to change as I grow. My core values have always been to be kind, always listen to my client, and as I learned from an early age work hard because it does pay off. I love fabrics and textures and my favorite part about designing is trimming the garment and customizing the buttons and detail. Bringing a suit from cute to couture is such an exciting moment in the process and one of my favorites.
YOU HAVE BEEN AN ENTREPRENEUR SINCE YOU WERE 6-YEAR-OLD RIGHT? WHAT DOES A 6 YEARS OLD DO AS AN ENTREPRENEUR, I’M TRYING TO UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU WERE DOING AS A 6-YEAR-OLD?
At 6 -9 years old I was best suited for my creative input, most of the time the colors and styles I would pick for our products would out sell the “guys who got the big bucks” in the front office..lol Another big factor for me was I had the platform to reach millions of people/clients because I was on TV. Marketing is a key element to success so also having the perfect website and social media played a role when they would look up the brand. I also think growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, I was always around the mindset of you can do it on your own was a big factor.
HOUSE OF BARRETTI PRIDES ITSELF IN BEING 100% VEGAN AND CRUELTY-FREE MAKEUP BRAND. HOW DID THIS IDEA COME TO YOU? WAS THERE ANY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE OR INSPIRATION BEHIND THE DECISION?
SO the Houses of Barretti label is a mother company for all my brands. From my Line of Couture Suits to my Skincare and Clothing we kept them all under the same name like any big fashion house.
Eco and Environmentally Safe product lines are extremely important to our company as a whole. My generation especially has a responsibility to be aware of how products are made, who they are tested on and where they are coming from. All our products are made in the USA and Canada and our clothing is still made in New England to this day by retired seamstresses.
WHAT HAS CHANGED FOR YOU SINCE COVID?
Everything! I think the most dramatic changes is how we reach our clients and retailers. Traditionally we would attend buying shows like ENK or Dallas Mart where retailers could easily see our quality and craftmanship. Our products would help “sell them selves” by just the impressive look and feel however now we spend a lot more time creating content for social media that try’s to do the same thing.
WHAT FASHION AND BEAUTY INDUSTRY TREND ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN 2021?
Hands down I am truly excited about the return of Runway Shows, this is such a valuable asset in selling our brand. This past September House of Barretti Suits was one of 8 designers asked to show at Time Square NYFW which took place outdoors. The show was then virtually televised on the Global Fashion Channel. This experience while on a smaller scale gave us hope of bringing back Runway shows and Showrooms. September 2021 is set to be and epic showing as all major designers return to New York for LIVE in-person shows and you can bet House of Barretti will be there!
YOU ALSO STARED IN AMAZON PRIME’S NEXT BIG THING NYC, DID YOU WATCH YOUR SHOW AND HOW DID YOU FEEL ABOUT IT?
Our Show Next Big Thing NYC follows 8 teen on there quest for success, from Olympic hopefuls, Singers / Producers to Miss Teen its exciting to see behind the curtain. I love the show because the idea of showing Teens becoming successful and the highs and lows is so relatable the only thing that stinks is due to Covid we couldn’t show alot of the Live performing or tour my factory or attend the Olympic Prelims but Season 2 will be able to follow your favorite cast members doing just that.
ANY MEMORABLE MOMENT(S) WHILE SHOOTING NEXT BIG THING NYC?
I have so many amazing memories from the how! In Episode 3 we shoot the photo that ends up on the Billboard in Time Square 6 months later. In Episode 4 & 5 we rent this epic 22, 000 sq ft Lakehouse and have a Prom since all of ours were cancelled. And in Episode 6 we go to a Castle that you have to see to believe! The Season Finale is coming so if you have not watched it yet its a must!
WHOM DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR IDOL OR BIGGEST MOTIVATOR?
I really admire Kirs Jenner and Kyle for there business and entrepreneurs savvy skills. By far my biggest motivator is my mom and shes a mentor and my best friend. She lets me create and make mistakes as well as set goals and no matter what vision I have she never says no.
HOW DO YOU GENERATE NEW IDEAS?
I love working with Vision Boards and writing in Journals also going to fabric stores in the Garment District and garbing swatches is always another great way to get inspired. For My Skincare I love googling hashtags and looking for Strong Model Posies and positions.
WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS?
My Future plans are to continue to grow and try new ideas, release my Teens Guide To Business Book and start to travel again.
ANYTHING, YOU WOULD LIKE TO SAY TO OUR READERS OR UPCOMING ENTREPRENEURS?
I think the most important thing I can say is to anyone who may want to start a brand but feels they don’t have any money or maybe working a fulltime job and dont think they have enough time is DO it! Take the leap of faith because life will never give you a red carpet rollout and say now is the time but if you truly believe in yourself everyone else will too. I have a book coming out called “A Teens Guide to Business” and while its labeled Teen the advise is universal.
To know more about Isabella Barrett don’t forget to follow her on Instagram @isabellabarrett123
