We were lucky to catch up with Vanessa Barnes recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Vanessa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

The biggest risk I have took, is starting a blog from scratch. Taking a different approach by focusing on transparency with the consumer. There has been a shift in the last decade, of what’s being marketed and sold to the consumer. The consumer has more say in what type of products they like. This would eventually lead into starting a small business. Which I had never intended on doing. If I never started blogging, it wouldn’t have lead me to where I currently am period.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

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.

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.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new clients have come from social media. Our target audience have all been direct from social media.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I have had success with Sakura Marketing (www.sakuramarketingfirm.com).

Andrea Romero, and her team, helped tremendously on brand awareness. As a result, the site received the first social media verification on Pinterest. Having an indie luxury eyewear brand, your items are set at a higher price.

Contact Info:

• Website: fashionmixtape.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/shopfashionmixtape
• Facebook: Facebook.com/fashionmixtape
• Twitter: Twitter.com/fashionmixtape

Image Credits
Leah Moller Model: https://instagram.com/brianna.crivello?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=