Brenda Barnett isn’t one to sit still very long. As a mother of four, raising a family takes up a good chunk of her time. But she wanted more than that. So, she started her own business. And then another. And another. And success is beginning to follow.
Barnett operates three businesses: Brenda Barnett Photography, Design on a Dime, and Precise Residential Cleaning and Organizing. Each of them tap into a passion for her and allow her to find time to support her family above and beyond simply caretaking.
“It started in 2018 with my photography business,” said Barnett. “I didn’t foresee having three businesses. I just wanted to do photography, and I wanted to help support my family. I’m super passionate about taking photos, but I always got in my own way.
“I always worried, not that I wasn’t good enough, but whether people would like what I do. It’s always hard to say that out loud, because I’m one to encourage other people. I’m not very good at it for myself.”
Getting started in photography isn’t as easy as it may seem. Equipment is vital, and all Barnett had was an old SLR that her husband, J.C., used. Fortunately, her husband recognized the importance of supporting her interests.
“My husband has been supportive about all my businesses,” said Barnett. “He knew I was passionate about photography and that I was taking photos on my phone all the time. I didn’t have a professional camera, but I started preparing myself mentally to do what I could with the old camera we had.
“He gifted me with a brand-new Nikon camera with extra lenses. I was beside myself. I couldn’t believe it. To have him there to support and encourage me and to keep pushing me has been a huge factor in me starting three businesses. And I’ve had his support all along the way.”
Unfortunately, 2018 became a busy time in Barnett’s life. She gave birth to her fourth child, and she wasn’t able to stay on top of the photography business. Then COVID hit and changed the world for everyone. She became discouraged.
“But I’m a believer in Christ, and I know what I have envisioned for myself and what these businesses are going to be,” said Barnett. “I just have to have faith, and I have to work hard at it.”
Barnett began rebuilding her photography business last year, but by the time 2022 rolled around, it still wasn’t where she wanted it to be. That’s when inspiration hit again.
“I questioned whether I was supposed to be doing this, “said Barnett. “Shortly after I would think that, God would come to me and answer, ‘Yes. You’re doing the right thing.’ “But what else could I do that I am passionate about and that would bring in regular income?
“I have been wanting to clean houses. I love to clean. I wanted to start a cleaning business so I could set my own schedule and still be there for my kids. I never really wanted a 9 to 5 job. That’s why I love being my own boss.”
It didn’t take long for Barnett’s opportunity to arise. She was sitting with friends at a church function when the topic of house cleaning came up.
“A friend was talking about needing a new cleaning lady, but in that moment, I held myself back,” said Barnett. “But part of me said, ‘This is your opportunity. Grab it.’ So, I did, and she ended up being my first client.”
The success Barnett experienced with Precision Cleaning and Organizing was almost immediate. She publicized her creative templates and cleaning and organizing work on social media and found out quickly that the market for her work was larger than she had anticipated. Still, she felt there was more she could do.
“Initially I wanted to go to college to study interior design,” said Barnett. “My husband encouraged me to create something out of that. I spoke to a friend about it, and she said, ‘You have no idea how big the market is for that.’ Even in Kokomo, so many people want that, even if it’s just going in and helping hang pictures. It doesn’t have to be making over the whole house.
“That’s where Design on a Dime came from. I want to help people but also make it affordable for moms like me with kids to support; people who don’t normally have it in the budget for redecorating. I wanted to create something affordable that helps women keep their homes up to date.”
The new businesses mesh well. Barnett was able to utilize both of them recently, where she helped a woman clean, organize, and then decorate her home.
“It’s like living a dream,” she said. “Even if all the people who reach out don’t confirm an appointment, just the inquiries tell me I’m in the right business.”
As her three businesses grow, Barnett knows that will come a time when she is at her maximum. Further growth will be limited by the time she has available. When that day comes, she hopes to make the businesses a family affair. She hopes to hire her mother to assist in the cleaning, organizing, and designing.
Until that time comes, Barnett is focused on promotion. Business cards, yard signs, and advertising are in the mix. But for now, those interested in her work can visit the Facebook pages for each of the businesses. Brenda Barnett Photography, Design on a Dime, and Precise Residential Cleaning and Organizing.