We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Claire Barnard a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Claire, so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?
It’s really a matter of focusing on my goals and tuning out the noise to continue to be challenged. For me, it begins with a big why — a clear idea of why I’m doing something. Always keeping this in mind helps me tune out other people’s opinions because they might not understand or align with my why.
Criticism or negativity don’t feel as big when I’m anchored in that. I try to look at criticism with a compassionate and learning lens. I think there must be something good in it to make me better, and I burn that as fuel to continue my mission. But if it’s only negativity, I let it wash away.
Also I’m blessed to have an amazing support network — friends and family who help me stay grounded. That good circle reminds me that I am not in it alone and there is something bigger out there. Self-compassion has become essential too. If things go wrong I try not to hold myself to such high expectations and realize things typically work out the way they are supposed to. This is the attitude that has kept me strong, to always be good to myself and not to let myself think the unnecessary.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I began my career in luxury men’s fashion, working in the buying offices of Ermenegildo Zegna and later Brioni. I then transitioned into the family office sector while freelancing on events, which ultimately led to a position at Skanska, a major construction and development company. At Skanska, I had the opportunity to collaborate with executive teams on landmark projects like the Oculus at the World Trade Center, gaining invaluable insight into the intricacies of New York City’s evolving landscape.
Next, I joined <i>Time Out </i>magazine, where I managed client relations and events. This role brought me into the heart of New York’s dynamic cultural scene and eventually inspired me to start my own event and marketing agency, Evoke. By 2019, however, I was craving a change, so I joined Remote Year, a program that allowed me to travel to a different country each month. My journey took an unexpected turn in March 2020, when I landed in Cape Town just as the world went into lockdown.
During that transformative time, I found myself surrounded by an inspiring group of women, each exploring new paths in a rapidly changing world. It was then I noticed a gap in Cape Town’s fitness market and decided to launch SPINHaus, the city’s first boutique spin studio. Designed to be more than a fitness space, SPINHaus created a community-focused, judgment-free environment: no mirrors, a dark room with club lighting, and unique events and experiences where local artists painted live during 45-minute rides or pop ups in beautiful, outdoor spaces. The experience was about fostering connection and creativity, and it became a hub where I formed some of my closest friendships and professional partnerships.
My role in Cape Town expanded further when I was tapped to lead Heineken’s A’Rise project, a music festival celebrating and elevating local culture. This initiative introduced me to a network of talented musicians, artists, and vendors—and most importantly, to Kooldrink, the producer behind the creation of Amapiano pop with Grammy-winning artist Tyla. Kooldrink’s talent and vision immediately stood out, and after a year of persistence, he convinced me to take on the role of his manager.
This year, our work brought us to SXSW in Austin, where A’Rise was featured, followed by a trip to Los Angeles. Unexpectedly, our meetings here revealed that being based in the U.S. was essential to advancing Kooldrink’s career. With that realization, I sold SPINHaus, packed up my supportive South African husband and our two cats, and made the leap to L.A. Since then, we’ve been working tirelessly to launch Kooldrink’s debut EP, secure a record deal, and establish our label, Koolerbox.
Koolerbox has already signed another incredible artist/producer, Otis Wesley, and we’re building a team that prioritizes empowering artists and giving them ownership of their work. Kooldrink’s first single is set to release in just a few weeks, followed by his debut EP early next year. I genuinely believe Kooldrink’s talent will make a significant impact, helping introduce Amapiano to new audiences and redefining what’s possible in the global music scene.
The past year has been nothing short of a whirlwind, and while I don’t know exactly what the future holds, I’m incredibly excited about this new chapter. Looking back, I see how the twists and turns in my career have all led me to this moment, and I can’t wait to see where the journey takes us next.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I think three qualities have had the most impact on my journey: flexibility, recognizing transferable skills, and listening actively.
Firstly, flexibility has been essential. While I set goals, I’ve learned to stay open to change and accept that the outcome may look different from what I initially imagined. Being adaptable has allowed me to pivot when needed, making the journey less about sticking rigidly to a plan and more about growing with the opportunities that arise.
Secondly, understanding transferable skills has been a real game-changer. My career path hasn’t been straightforward, but by recognizing how my knowledge and skills translate across industries, I’ve been able to branch out and work in areas I hadn’t initially expected. This has not only broadened my expertise but also kept me continuously learning and excited about my work.
Lastly, listening actively has been invaluable. So often, people focus on waiting for their turn to speak rather than truly hearing others. I’ve found that so many miscommunications and missed opportunities could be avoided if we simply listened more. Being a good listener has helped me connect with others, gain new perspectives, and communicate more effectively.
For anyone early in their journey, I’d say to practice flexibility by embracing challenges as learning moments, invest in building a range of skills that can transfer across different fields, and make a conscious effort to listen deeply. These qualities can really transform your path in meaningful and unexpected ways.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my parents have done for me has been showing me, in very different ways, what real support looks like. My mom has been my biggest supporter and unwavering presence through all the ups and downs. No matter how unpredictable my life decisions were, she always stood by me. My father’s support, on the other hand, was often conditional. I realized that his love came with strings attached; if I met his expectations or the beliefs of those around him, I would earn his approval. As a child, I was very much a “daddy’s girl,” but only because I had learned that his love was easier to come by if I played into what he wanted me to be.
As I got older, I could see the contrast between his conditional support and my mother’s stable, unconditional love. My mom has been there through all the “unfun” parts of life. She encouraged me to grow into the best version of myself, listened with an open mind, and gave advice—even if it was sometimes a bit much, as lawyers do! More importantly, she allowed me to make my own mistakes without judgment and was always there to help me back up if I stumbled.
Choosing to cut ties with my father and his wife was a difficult decision, but it taught me that I don’t have to remain in toxic relationships, even if they’re with family. That experience has made me even more grateful for my mom and has reinforced that true support is accepting and without strings attached. She’s shown me what a healthy, supportive relationship looks like, and that’s a lesson I’ll carry for life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @clairekbarnard
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairehohlt/
