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

Hi Kaye, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started Billiboo® to create a global wellness platform for girls ages four to young adult. Our tagline “free to be you” is rooted in wellness and our brand is meant to empower and encourage self choice. You have to believe you’re free to be yourself to truly choose what’s best for you. We hope that our brand encourages young people, particularly girls, to become exactly who they believe themselves to be. Currently, we offer products, primarily produced in small batch and from women owned brands, which are designed to empower girls to increase their self-awareness, self-identity, and self-care. In the near future, we will be offering a wellness curriculum to offer support to those who want to receive tools for enhancing their self-awareness.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business was created at the height of the global pandemic, a time when we all had to access the tools we had to survive our new way of life. Since this time, I’ve thought a lot about how some of my own tools have helped me cope with daily circumstances. One tool that stands out is mediation. I plan to incorporate coaching practices in a curriculum for our Billiboo® free to be you girls in the near future.

When I think of our brand, I think of it globally. I think of the tools that would be necessary in order for a child, a girl to feel that she’s free to be herself at any given moment. Education and an incredible support system are tools that we can all use, but I know that we don’t all have access to these tools. My hope is that our business will create a space to make meditative practices fun for all to learn and implement daily.

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?
We’re all about family, so I would spend the week planning with the kids in mind…

The great thing I love about living in the suburbs of Atlanta is you never really have to go far to have a good time! The areas surrounding Roswell, GA are just a short drive away.

I would start the week with a hike at Kennesaw Mountain or Amicalola Falls Park. It’s always to good to get outdoors and
enjoy fresh air!

We would dine at any restaurant on Canton Street in downtown Roswell. The atmosphere is electric here and there’s usually some space for a little freedom with the kids.

Other great places to dine, in the surrounding areas, include Halcyon where there’s wonderful outdoor greens-pace, a sand box, and play area where kids can run free while adults enjoy good company, food, and drinks! We’d also grab a bite from any of the great restaurants in downtown Alpharetta, which has its own unique green space for the kiddies to run free. There are usually outdoor events happening all the time at these two locations.

Amongst other fun activities, I would cap the week with a trip to the Slime Museum (Sloomoo Institute) in Atlanta. My daughter and I had so much fun the last time we went. We were there for three hours!

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 want to Shoutout my family! Without the encouragement of my husband, children, and family, I wouldn’t be empowered to be exactly who I am. As I continue to write my own story, I can feel them rooting me on, even when they don’t fully understand. I’m thankful for the unique gifts of my son and daughter, both of whom have kept me grounded and focused on building legacy. I’m thankful for my friends and all who’ve encouraged me in my career and business thus far.

Website: www.billiboo.com

Instagram: @officialbilliboo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billiboo4/

Other: Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/kayebarnwell/

Image Credits
Dana Simone Roswell UMC

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