Interview: Elinor Barbary, virtual assistant and personal concierge
Name:
Elinor Barbary
Business:
Barbary Solutions
Location:
Bristol
Website:
Describe yourself in three words…
Enthusiastic, organised, passionate.
Tell us about your background…
I grew up in a highly creative family, surrounded by art and music. From there I (bizarrely) became an administrator and marketer for most of my working life before realising that my organisational skills could be put to much better use. I decided to focus my energy on helping creative people streamline their lives so they could spend more time creating wonderful things. It was the best decision I ever made.
Tell us about what you do!
I am a virtual assistant and personal concierge dedicated to giving creative professionals the time to focus on doing what they love. I have eight years experience of working in marketing and administration and an inherent love of the creative process. Being a efficient organiser in a family of artists has equipped me with the skills to merge these two attributes together and create Barbary Solutions; a business which aims to fill the gap between art and business.
What inspired you to launch your own business?
I’ve always been very independent of spirit and longed to work for myself, I just didn’t know what to do! Eventually, I realised that if the artists and creatives I knew personally needed my help organising their lives, then there were probably others out there who needed my help as well. So, I came up with the idea for the business and jumped straight in.
What’s your proudest moment so far?
This is a tough one. I like to celebrate the tiny victories which happen every day! Although being asked to appear as a case study for a book on Networking Tips for Women in Business was a very proud moment.
And your greatest project?
One of the most exciting projects I’ve worked on recently was for a painter who was doing an open studio event. I helped her with everything from clearing out her studio and organising invitations, caterers etc for the private view to designing and printing catalogues and keeping a record of the sales made. It was an intense project but great fun to do!
Who or what inspires you?
People who are passionate about what they do and who have the courage to walk their own path. Actually, my mum is one of those people and she never fails to inspire me!
What do you hope to be doing in five years time?
I’m hoping to grow and expand the business over the next few years so I can help more people all over the country, maybe via franchising or associate arrangements. I also have a number of other business ideas I’d like to explore, so watch this space…
When you aren’t running your creative business, you are…?
Reading, studying for two Open University degrees, customising furniture, spending time with wonderful family and friends and exploring the fabulous, beautiful city of Bristol!
Anything exciting ongoing or in the pipeline?
There’s always something exciting going on.
Finally, any words of wisdom to other creative people?
Do your own thing and don’t listen to anybody else. Your path is unique.
And if you never seem to have enough time to be creative – drop me a line!
