Meet Vanessa Barnes | Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Vanessa Barnes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vanessa, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind the success of my brand is simply not giving up!
Society is at an all- time high of microwave cooked instant gratification. People trying to go viral on social media. What people don’t realize, if you don’t have any long term substance other than your 15 seconds of fame (Yes shortened from 15 minutes).

You will end up with nothing more than flavor of the day. To build something with authenticity, it is going to take more than instant results. It is ok to go at your own pace.

Give your audience/customers something unique! Life will throw obstacles and try to deter you to quit. Start somewhere, with what you have and what you can do. Until you reach a point, where you can further grow.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I got into fashion by simply learning the curriculum. I decided to take an introductory fashion class as an elective in college.

After learning about the overall business structure, of the fashion industry. I decided on majoring in retail marketing. Everything else fell into place. I have had the opportunity to work on music videos and local tv. Which would further me into visual merchandising, to assistant buying. Starting the fashion blog, helped in assisting my passion for growing my career.

The work experience, would then eventually lead me into having an eyewear company. Which is something I never intended on doing. It’s funny where life leads you. What I am most proud of is our ethics! @shopfashionmixtape, is an indie luxury boutique eyewear made in the USA , with transparency. The eyewear is made slow, sweatshop free.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh gosh there’s so much you can do! Maybe Old Town for authentic Mexican food. Or a food hall in Little Italy for variety. Definitely drink a beer or kombucha flight from one of our craft breweries. Outdoor activities including hiking Sunset Cliffs or a boat rental on the harbor. Maybe enjoy some live music at a venue. I think that would be fun!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My credits include friends Gianni La Chica, Carleton Overstreet. Digital Media Agency Sakura Marketing. Model Brianna Crivello. Photographs from Limitless Design Studio. All have helped make it happen!

Website: https://fashionmixtape.com

Instagram: @fashionmixtape

Twitter: @fashionmixtape

Facebook: Facebook.com/fashionmixtape

Image Credits
Limitless Design Studio