It’s KenBarbie: Jack of All Trade
Whether it’s blogging, radio, TV, cosmetics, or coming up with new apparel for his “Pretty Boos”, HE does it all. Born and raised in Richmond, Va, Ken, better known as KenBarbie took Richmond and now the world by storm.. and I got to sit down with the one and only to get the inside scoop!
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
“Well, I don’t have cliché struggle coming up story. I was born and raised in Richmond, Va, and I graduated from Varina High School. I’m really reserved but extremely observant. I think a lot, and am very analytical about what I see and make judgments on the inside, which then translates into who I become on camera, and in print; where I’m more outspoken; and showcase those thoughts. My platform allows me to speak on everything that I would normally keep inside. At a level where people look forward to it, and that’s awesome.”
How did your cosmetics line “For Pretty Bitches” and other business endeavors such as the clothing line come about?
“Initially, my goal wasn’t necessarily to start a business. The blog actually came first. I’ve always been into music and pop culture. I actually thrive off of it. Music is my first love and I definitely wanted to do something in that industry, however I can’t sing a lick (LOL) so I knew my opinions and knowledge of the game would be my strong point. Most people would be surprised to come across the fact that I’m a bit of a nerd. I would constantly get onto Wikipedia and study different artist and chart records, etc. I wanted to do something where I would be able to state my opinion on what [I] was interested in. I also wanted to give something that was REAL. With celebrity blogs you can always tell who the writers’ audience is geared towards and who they are getting paid to like. I wanted to be the source that changed that, where you know you’re getting the real of it all. When I first started the blog, I would just be speaking my mind and throwing out cute sayings; slogans that I would use often. Then out of nowhere I started noticing people quoting them, and my thoughts on social media like Facebook and Twitter and tagging me in it. I didn’t think much of it, initially. But once the responses became overwhelming, I realized that I really had something unique. I started putting them on T-shirts. So from the blog, everything else just began to fall into place. When it comes to the actual name, (of the cosmetics line) it came from one of my many and probably most popular slogans: “Pretty bitches do pretty things”. I wanted to put more of a positive light on the word bitches. Using the word ‘bitches, is a conversation point. Of course so many people frown upon the term and it’s sometimes negative connotation, but I believe while words have power, it’s as much power as you give them.”
Who is your biggest motivation?
“My community is my biggest motivation. There has never really been a gay personality whose stick is not their sexuality. I wanted to show everyone that [we] can be out there and sexuality not be the ringleader. I’m not a gay media personality, I’m just a media personality who happens to be gay. I wanted to do something for my community to show that we can do more than what is expected of us, and show that we are the same as everybody else. Blend communities and show we can do this.”
So have you had any negative experiences because of your sexuality?
“Initially there were many negative experiences. Especially when it came to booking KenBarbie to host a party or putting Kenbarbie on a flyer because it would deter heterosexual males from wanting to come to that event and even some females. I just dealt with it. I understood that I had to put in work (2 years) to get people to respect me. Starting out I did not think that anybody would care. I cared A LOT about what people had to say. In the beginning I would always filter what I had to say to reach people. Over the years I’ve learned how to do and say what I wanted to the point where I didn’t feel like I was compromising myself, but also being able to make everyone relate and not make it seem like it was geared towards a specific audience. And it’s gotten me to a place where I’m respected and have all audiences enjoy my work, regardless of sexuality.”
What does your family have to say about all that you’ve done?
“You know, I try to keep my business separate from my relationships and family. For a while I kept it from my family. It wasn’t until someone else brought it to their attention. Once they learned of what I was doing, they were curious as to why I hadn’t mentioned it to them. I just like to keep that part sacred because the reality is that people can be hurtful, what I do sometimes makes me a target and my family didn’t choose that career path, I did. So I feel it’s important to keep that line there.”
Where did the name KenBarbie come from?
“First, let me say that I am TIRED of the Nicki comparison. She has absolutely nothing to do with where my name came from. When I was growing up I went through a lot which made me lack confidence all around. A figure that stood out to me when I was younger was Barbie. She was everywhere. Why? Because she lived in her own fantasy world where she could do anything and be anything that she wanted to be. I had to take time to learn who I was and build myself up. Now that I’m there, all I focus on is complete positivity despite what anybody has to say.”
How did you get into TV and radio?
“Well it started with an interview that I had with my now radio partner Pumpkin. From there our relationship blossomed. Although it happened by accident it has now become one of my top priorities because not only do my Pretty Boos want to read what I have to say, but they want the visual to go a long with it. There’s something about it that just brings everything together.”
Your cosmetics is the latest project, tell me a little bit about it.
“We’re actually well on our way to out 2 year anniversary in just a months, initially we launched with just 7 stick shades, each representing and named after one of my quotes, since then we’ve began to establish it as more of a full line which is something I’m really excited about and proud of. eventually want to expand and make every type of makeup. Right now our selection is huge with the lipsticks, foundations, palettes, eye shadows, mascara, and so much more, it’s something to appeal to everyone, from your casual make up user, to a professional artist. That’s the goal of the line. It will come in every shade for every girl out there. I want to to make every girl feel confident.”
What do feel is your biggest accomplishment?
“I am equally proud of everything. The one thing I had not planned on everything so early in the game was the cosmetic line. That was more so a long term goal that happened faster than I planned. Also, most recently I was featured on TMZ’s live television show as a correspondent, so that was definitely a major move, that even had me sitting back like “Wow, this is real.” You never really know the reach you have and who’s watching.”
You’ve been known for dropping products for your Pretty Boo’s without warning, what’s next?
“(LOL) yes! I like to get my BEYONCÈ on and hit them with surprises. BUT I have a few things up my sleeve that I don’t want to speak on too much right now. My birthday is in May, which is also “KenBarbie Appreciation Month”, that’s all I’m going to say (LOL). My Pretty Boos know that there’s always a couple surprise releases within that month. So I’ll definitely stay true to that. Oh yeah, I’ve been working on this ongoing project called “Ken In the City”, so be on the lookout for that. It’s definitely taking my television presence to the next level. It’s almost five years and counting. The sky is the limit!”
Well, there you have it folks. The one and only KenBarbie: celebrity bloggers, radio/TV personality, T-shirt pusher and cosmetic mogul! Head over to ItsKenBarbie.com to see what he has to say about the latest in music and pop culture. Tune in to the ThePShow.com OR legacyinte
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