Meet Steven Barnett | Stee J : Chief Designer

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

Hi Steven, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I think for by blaqdoor, the most important factor of our success is simply following through on the question ‘What if?’ This allows us to dance on the line of preposterous and practical which is always going to turn heads.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When by blaqdoor was first launched, the idea was to take a hard look at the conventional and explore just how far we could push the boundaries when it comes to fashion accessories. The very foundation of all our designs starts with the question “What if?” and from then on, its playtime.

We pride ourselves on being an inclusive luxury fashion accessory brand and purposefully ensure representation is shown throughout our branding. Our slogan ‘Reserved for the beautiful’ is a celebration of the exclusive being inclusive.

The challenges I’ve faced is knowing when to take risks. I’ve always been a go with your gut type of person. If someone offered me a free ticket to the Moon, my answer would be ‘Yes’ before asking what, why and how. I believe humans have an underrated way of just figuring things out, and if something doesn’t work out, there is usually a lesson in there somewhere which will enable you to either try again, or go a different direction. So long as you keep moving, risks are worth taking. – This definitely speeds up my decision making process.

I also learned that once ego is removed from the equation, is becomes easier to change direction as opposed to giving up all together. Having an open mind opens opportunities. For example, when I first launched by blaqdoor, I never in my wildest dreams thought I’d be entering the sneaker market- yet here we are.

I would like the world to know that creations by blaqdoor are reserved for the beautiful- you.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I like to dedicate my shoutout to Joan Kelley Walker.

Joan is a personal business mentor of mine. She is also a Canadian reality television personality, socialite, philanthropist and fashion designer. She is one of the main cast members of the first season of The Real Housewives of Toronto.

Joan has been involved in charitable and philanthropic endeavors through her participation with the World Vision Canada ‘Starting Strong’ program. Walker has also been involved in HIV/AIDS education and prevention via her work with World Vision. She is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal for her charitable efforts

Website: https://www.byblaqdoor.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byblaqdoor/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/byblaqdoor/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcvC6sCsD-l7NWzNqjjBe9g?view_as=public

Image Credits
Model: Carly Noad Model: Ashley Doe MUA: Desiderio Beauty Photographer: Yveny Jules Photographer: Kevin Allwood Model: Zelia Tica