Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Lorraine Barker of North Phoenix

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Lorraine Barker. Check out our conversation below.

Lorraine, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Firstly, my work and career bring me so much joy in my life that it is difficult to think of other things that measure up. I will say, I really love a good book. Reading brings me joy. Being able to learn, to escape, and to zone out in the pages of a good book really adds a little bit of flavor to my life.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a fashion designer and costume designer, and frequently blend the worlds of fashion, theatre, and music to create my art. I have a clothing brand called Raine, which is inspired by the entertainment industry and geared towards creative professionals like musicians, actors, models, and run crew to name a few. I also costume design theatrical productions and am working on pivoting to television and film for costume work. Ultimately, creating art and contributing to entertainment and media fulfills me to no end.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
To me, this is a trick question. I think my relationship with myself is truly what shaped who I am today and how I view myself. I have always remained true to myself, and marched to the beat of my own drum, even if that meant being bullied or outcast by others. I have always done what I wanted and liked to do, and will continue to do so as long as it serves me and does not harm others.
I believe folks should trust their inner instinct and goals before letting anyone else influence them, and that way they will find their truest form of happiness in their life.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I am resilient. Any time I have encountered lows in my life, I have felt my feelings, go through it, and then pick myself back up and become stronger than ever. I have gone through some stressful and heartbreaking situations in my life but those instances have taught me that I am strong, resilient, and can keep going no matter what.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Actually, not really. When I have my networking hat on, my business persona, my social act, I tend to be more bubbly and feminine and very outspoken with others. When I am in public I try to put on a public version of myself that is personable, approachable, and fun. But when I go home to my two cats after a long night out, or spend a quiet night in with close friends, I can be much more reserved. I may present myself as a social butterfly and the life of the party, but most of the time I prefer alone time in my quiet home reading a good book with a candle lit, my phone on “Do Not Disturb”. Without my quiet time, I never am able to reload that social battery that I present to the public. It’s important to have reset time.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I lived authentically. I want people to remember me as someone who did what she wanted, unapologetically, and lived her true desires and hopes and dreams out to the fullest. I want to have a legacy of being one-of-a-kind, unique, but genuine.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lorrainebarker.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorrainelouisebarker/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorrainebarker/
• Twitter: https://x.com/raineclothingco?lang=en

Image Credits
Karla Camacho, Aubrey Kocis, Rodrigo Photography