5 minute read
Cover Story: Isabella Barrett
The Self-Made FASHIONISTA
Written By: Sandra Sherard Photography: Ivona Kaplan (@ivonakaplan)
We can’t discuss business without discussing self-made millionaire, Isabella Barrett. She is a well-known child TV star, model, singer, influencer, and designer with a line of attire and accessories that are sure to have you wanting more. Isabella saw a void in the fashion industry and took on the task of filling it like many successful business people and entrepreneurs do. This led to a niche that has blossomed into a chic, stylish brand that sells everything from high-end skirt suits to comfy casual wear. It has also put Isabella on the map and given her the opportunity to branch out and explore other ventures!
Based in both Rhode Island and New York City, this 15-year-old teen mogul is making her mark all over the globe, but her hometown in Rhode Island is where her heart is. Now if you haven’t been to Rhode Island, Isabella tells us, “Rhode Island is one of the most beautiful States you will ever visit!” They are known as the Ocean State because they have a beautiful coastline. She recommends spending time in Newport, specifically. “From our cobblestone streets, cute shops, to sunset cruises and historical mansions, this is where I spend my summers when I am not traveling. Taylor Swift even owns a home here because of the beauty of the ocean and the easy commute to NYC by train!” Isabella says. Many of you may recognize Isabella from the show ‘Toddlers and Tiaras.’ This iconic show changed her life in so many ways! “The level of success I have created came from having such a huge national platform to be involved with. One of Isabella’s most memorable moments on ‘Toddlers and Tiaras’ was when she said, "I put the “it” in Italian baby " on the show. “People still come up to me and say that to this day,” she laughs.
Being on TV as a child not only gave Isabella an amazing platform to reach millions of people but it also served to propel her brand. She was able to use her success to promote and sell items, such as her “wear your wins” accomplishment bracelets, which went viral and became a household name called Glitzy Girl. Isabella mentions how grateful she is for all the TV opportunities she was given, “as they were like commercials for things I wanted to promote and do,” including becoming a fashion designer. Isabella’s fashion line, House of Barretti, highlights her creative expression and has helped to make a name for Isabella in the fashion world. House of Barretti has even graced the stage of NYFW on multiple occasions. Her couture suits are definitely a visual of her passion and commitment to creating chic, high-quality products. Isabella was actually inspired to dabble in fashion design pretty early on.
“My passion started when I started designing my own pageant dresses for competition. As I started to do TV and film, I wanted to design cute clothing that was also comfortable since I was wearing it most of the day. Chanel has been a big inspiration to me and classic looks with a more youthful feel is what House of Barretti represents.”
While all of her collections house beautiful pieces, her custom, couture skirt suits are surely an eye-catcher. They capture the essence of style and beauty, while also providing comfort, and can definitely be classified as statement pieces. “When looking for suits for different events, I found no one was making cute sets for teens that fit well. When I saw a gap in the market, I thought this would be a good item to offer as part of my already successful blazer line and people loved it,” Isabella says.
A gap in the industry wasn’t the only driving factor in pursuing design. Fashion has also had a major impact on Isabella’s confidence. As a little girl, anytime Isabella would go shopping and got new clothing she would run home and clean her whole room just to hang it all up. “The feeling of having something new to wear has always been exciting to me.” Isabella hopes to inspire others, especially girls, to feel confident and empowered with her clothing.
Like most self-made millionaires and entrepreneurs, Isabella’s ventures don not just stop at fashion. She also has a skincare and jewelry line, as well as gives business tips and advice in her new book, such as what it takes to be an entrepreneur. “Being a true Entrepreneur is hard work, but hard work pays off. Having my businesses to work on after school or weekends has kept me on a great path and keeps my mind working productively. I love never being bored or not having something to do,” Isabella tells us. Not only that, but she shares some of the things she has learned along the way as a business owner. “I have learned some of my best lessons through my failures. It’s important to know business is about learning, not just about yourself, but also your clients,” and she could not be more right! “Failure” in business, and in general, is simply a learning lesson that can redirect you to an even better path.
There are plenty of new projects in the works for Isabella. House of Barretti will soon be featured in Miami Swim Week, Hamptons Fashion Week, and NYFW, where they will showcase a new street wear collection, suits, and gowns. She also has a new book in the works called, "A Teen’s Guide to Business," which will be coming out in July 2022, and she has even been working on getting back into music! When she isn’t working hard on managing all of her businesses, she either jet skiing, 4-wheeling, or just outdoors being active in some way. To get the latest updates on Isabella and her House of Barretti collections, follow her on IG and FB at @houseofbarretti and @isabellabarrett123.
