Meet Debbie Barbarita | Owner/Artist

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

Hi Debbie, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I sort-of fell into it. I have always loved drawing, but my younger sister was more of the artist in the family. Unfortunately, she passed away. After her death, I started drawing again in her honor. A few friends asked if I could put my art on notecards for them, which gave me the confidence to pursue other products for my artwork. I don’t think I intentionally set out to have an artistic or creative career, but once I started I became so passionate about what I do, and love every minute.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Getting where I am today professionally evolved slowly. I had a great support system with my family and friends who have encouraged me to do what I love. One of my biggest challenges was to become more confident in myself and my art. Definitely, a lesson learned. Another challenge I have is self promotion. I tried to overcome this by promoting my product… not me. I took a long time finding, for instance, the quality of flour sack towels that I would be proud to have my artwork on. Also, it was important that any product, other than paper products, were printed with direct-to-garment printing; a water-based ink that bleeds into the fabric leaving the printed area feeling softer. So this became my ‘story’ and my way of self promoting. I am so proud of my artwork and my style of drawing. I think what I would want the world to know about me and my story is you are never too old to do something you love, and if you are passionate about what you do somehow opportunities and a career might just find you instead of you finding it.

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?
If my best friend came into town, one of the first things I would do is make dinner reservations at my favorite restaurant for at least two of the evenings. One night inside and the other sitting in the courtyard with a fire. I would also arrange for a visit to the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens on the first day followed by dinner. The second day would probably be a day of shopping and maybe stopping in some of the stores that carry my products. Then home for drinks on our porch (weather permitting) and a homemade pasta dinner. A trip the next day to the Carnegie Museum of Art, late lunch with a group of old friends and onto a late dinner. Day four, I would plan a trip to a small town not far from us and tour Fallingwater, a Frank Lloyd Wright designed house. After the tour, drive to Fort Ligonier that is a British fortification from the French and Indian War. We would stay in the town for dinner at a cute little restaurant on Main Street. On they last day of my friends visit, I would let her decide. If the weather still permits, maybe a quick round of golf followed by a relaxing dinner at the course to rehash what a great week we had together.

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?
I would dedicate my shoutout to my younger sister, Paula. Unfortunately, with her untimely death, she gave me the confidence to not wait to do something I love. My mother thinks she has a hand in my artwork, which gives her comfort. Of course, I could not do this without the support and love of my family. My husband, children and grandson are behind me 100% and enjoy watching me grow. They are my biggest fans! With their encouragement, I have been able to have a career that I never dreamed of, even if it is a little late in life.

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