Meet Jillian Barberie | Artist, Interior Decorator, Lifestyle Influencer, and Breast Cancer Survivor

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

Hi Jillian, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Once I left my career in hosting and journalism, I realized that I still had so much to share with others, specifically with women. Thus, I took to social media to share my passions in painting, home decor, and consistently sharing my challenges and wins via my Instagram Lives. I found an entire group of women who had experienced chronic illness, divorce, loss, etc. and no topic was off limits for my Instagram family, I don’t refer to these lovely people as social media followers because I’d like to think that I helped them by sharing my vulnerabilities, and in turn they helped me grow and overcome some very difficult and painful experiences.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Hollywood is notorious for being cut throat and incredibly competitive but that wasn’t my experience for the vast majority of my career. I was blessed with wonderful colleagues and endless opportunities that gave me a positive perspective that the only competition I had in the entertainment industry was with myself. I never felt the need to be a gatekeeper with information amongst other colleagues, especially women, because there had been so many men and women in my field who had helped to guide and protect me so I always wanted to pay that forward. Thus, I always encourage people entering the business to be generous with their time, and always be open to mentoring others.

I like to think of myself as a risk taker which has been a beautiful experience for me throughout my life and career. I made the decision to become a journalist at 19 and quickly moved from Toronto, Ontario to Montreal in my early 20s working as a weather forecaster. Before 25 years old, I decided I wanted to move to the United States and took a wonderful forecasting job in Miami, FL which eventually led to a life changing career in entertainment and hosting in Los Angeles that lasted for over 30 years. I firmly believe in taking calculated risks that feel authentic!

The most important decision that contributed to my success was not comparing myself to others and embracing the concept that there’s room for everyone.When you enter any field with the outlook that the only competition you have is with yourself, it quickly helps you grow and continues to motivate you to learn and stay curious.

I’ve found that curiosity, willingness to take risks, and approaching each opportunity with sincere openness has been vital to my success in any goal I’ve pursued.

In my 20s, 30s, and 40s, I was constantly busy with my work as a host and journalist which kept me very busy in a career that I was passionate about. In truth, the entertainment business doesn’t encourage balance; however, I learned to create balance by cultivating friendships in Los Angeles that created a sense of family since my relatives still lived in Canada. Therefore, I was able to prioritize my friendships and social life as my career was taking off. Ofcourse, once I had my beautiful children in my 40s, I created balance by focusing on motherhood and relishing my time with Ruby and Rocco while I received help from wonderful helpers so that I could continue working. The reality that I want for women who are pursuing their careers is that there will seldom be balance nor the ability to have it all; however, you can still find joy in the journey and embracing peace with the imbalance. My favorite quote is by Sir Anthony Hopkins: “today is the tomorrow you were so worried about yesterday.” The reason I love the quote is because it helps keep me in the present and continuously reminds me that all we have is now!

I truly believe I was born with an affinity towards creativity and artistry. From childhood, I loved to draw and paint that I rediscovered and pursued after my recovery from breast cancer. I needed something to channel my energy towards during challenging times, and that happened to be painting and home decor. Of course, I consider my time in entertainment as a major artistic endeavor; yet, that was only one area of my creativity and these days I find interviewing artists and survivors of challenging times on my social media platforms to be a beautiful and stimulating artistic outlet. Additionally, my passion for interior decorating is a type of artistry that brings me a sense of peace and joy.

I want my legacy to be that of a survivor who faced many difficult challenges while still remaining vulnerable and empathetic towards others. I want to be remembered as a kind and open person, very simple but significant to my heart.

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?
I have some favorite hidden gems throughout the Los Angeles area. Of course, for eating out Sol y Luna Mexican Restaurant is a favorite family owned and operated business that has the best atmosphere and Mexican food which my family and friends absolutely love. I’d also recommend going to the Malibu Country Mart and simply walking around and people watching while taking in the beautiful views of the ocean and nature that surrounds you from all angles. There’s a lovely Greek restaurant in Malibu called Taverna Tony’s that has a fun atmosphere and the most delicious food! In terms of art and home decor, I’d absolutely recommend Chandeliers & Tulips in Agora Hills that is an interior design store which offers beautiful decor and art.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Thank you to my children, Ruby and Rocco – the loves of my life, my family, friends, and social media family who have encouraged me every step of the way!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/askjillian/

Twitter: https://x.com/askjillian

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JillianBarberieReynolds?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Youtube: https://bit.ly/AskJillianYT

Image Credits
Non applicable. The site only let me upload 2 images so I will have Aubrie from aubrieahmadpour@gmail.com email all of the photos that total 9 photos.