We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Barrie Schwartz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Barrie below.
Barrie, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
In my journey, I’ve cultivated a personal compass that serves as my guiding force. I often advise others to identify four core life values they aim to uphold consistently. While the daily activities may vary, having this compass ensures that one approaches tasks with intention and authenticity. For instance, my values include adventure, flexibility, integrity, and creativity. I regularly evaluate my actions to ensure they align with these values, allowing me to infuse purpose into what I do.
When I first was beginning my business, My House Events in 2012 I saw that I loved hosting dinner parties and connecting people to amazing food experiences. With that in mind I worked towards honing in on how to turn that into my lifestyle and purpose.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Originally from the suburbs of Detroit, I have been the proud founder of My House Events for the past 12 years, with the last three years being spent in both Los Angeles and New Orleans. I began my journey in 2011 when I moved to New Orleans after graduating from college. At the time, I was working as a waitress while trying to figure out my next steps. It was during this period that I started hosting impromptu pop-up events at my home in New Orleans, partnering with chefs that were passionate about ideas that represented their backgrounds.
By 2012, I also began organizing food truck festivals and collaborating with talented chefs throughout the city. Under the name My House NOLA, we aimed to shake up the private events industry, which seemed saturated with uninspired menus and repetitive use of the same chefs. Recognizing the need for a change, we made a pivotal decision and rebranded ourselves as My House Events.
Today, My House Events works closely with stellar Black, Brown, LGBTQ+, and women chefs. Our approach is hyper-collaborative, ensuring that each event receives an unparalleled and refreshingly unique food and beverage experience that truly reflects its distinctive story.
With our headquarters in New Orleans, My House Events has grown to include a team of five dedicated individuals, including my business partner Danielle Lee, who serves as our CFO. In 2020, I made the exciting move to Los Angeles to expand our business and draw inspiration from the vibrant food scene that continues to awe me.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, three pivotal qualities that significantly influenced my path include being a connector, acknowledging my areas of weakness and effectively delegating tasks, and maintaining a long-term strategic outlook.
For those at the early stages of their journey, I emphasize the importance of continuous openness to evolution and attentive listening to whats happening around you. Are people interested in a certain thing that you didn’t think they would be? etc. . Recognizing when to pivot or halt is crucial.
Additionally, fostering a supportive community of individuals who become enthusiasts of your brand is invaluable. Learning to leverage their support is key—always remember, it’s not just about you; it’s about the collective effort and really building something sustainable!
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
Our ideal client is anyone looking to host an event. That comes in the form of venues that don’t have in-house catering, event planners, people getting married, and brands looking to do something experiential.
We are also a mission based company working a focus on diversity and representation, we are proud to partner with a stellar lineup of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), Women, and LGBTQ+ chefs, striving for equality and empowerment in the culinary industry. So a client super into our mission is important!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.myhouseevents.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/myhouseevents
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrie-schwartz/
Image Credits
Elise Eberle, Emily ferretti
