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

Hi Barbra, what do you attribute your success to?
Being myself 100%. I show the mess, I say the scary things. I make the art I want to see rather than what I think others want to see — because it turns out I’m not that special (in the best way possible) and other people end up liking it too!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
BARBARIAN® started as a way to express my wild-at-heart rebel spirit — it embraces freedom, being true to yourself and BIG love.

I am a licensed artist. I work with companies to put my art on all kinds of items — from home decor, clothing, accessories, gifts. My art has sold over $6M in merchandise and I’ve been in most major retailers, including collections in Anthropologie and Bloomingdales.

I have a portfolio of over a thousand designs for companies to choose from — and yet it’s so fun to see the same pattern used in a multitude of ways! My prints have been on swimwear, ceramics, bedding, fabric. It’s soooo gratifying to see my art become a part of people’s lives.

(Images of licensed product to be provided)

I’m different from most artists in that I intentionally use my art to manifest the things I desire — and it’s worked in soooo many ways.

It works like this… I paint the things that I want, put them into repeat pattern and put the print all over my life — like a vision board! I’ve manifested everything from a dream home, wonderful biz partnerships, exciting travel and experiences to even the smallest cutest things like a dream kitten haha.

Once I started putting my art into the world consistently the opportunities revealed themselves. The hardest part was putting myself out there and releasing any perfectionism. If you can learn to let go soooo much opens up for you! It’s the biggest life lesson, IMO.

My art isn’t about taking life seriously — it’s playful and fun, because that’s how I want life to feel. Pleasurable. Yes life can be hard but if we insert as much pleasure as possible we can handle soooo much. more.

I am a big proponent of doing daily mindset work and this has helped IMMENSELY in my journey. Dealing with fears, being a good leader to yourself — it takes practice and self awareness. I want to be a model for others so that they can live the bravest most wonderful life that they can. It’s what my art and brand are all about.

Your brain can be a jerk haha. Get your mind right so you can manifest the dream life you deserve!

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?
Food! I would take them on a tour of delicious eateries! Haha.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband Mike who is a huge supporter and believer in the work I do. Julia Wells, my business coach – who gives support on all the biz and emotional sides of life.

Website: https://www.barbraignatiev.com

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

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