Hello, I'm Barbara Hobart.
I was inspired to create a line of photography backdrops because I was tired of watching my photographer and stylist friends lift ridiculously heavy boards and slabs of marble that could qualify them for a gold medal in weightlifting... and Best Ever Backdrops was born.
When I am not working as a writer/producer, I create custom products via my other company: HomePlates Worldwide -- which also manufactures Best Ever Backdrops.
I wanted to create a backdrop company that fits your needs... which is why I offer two types of surfaces in 3 standard sizes, which won't break your back, or the bank. I also wanted to make it easy for you to create your own custom backdrops. I understand how important your job is and I do my best to make it easier and do what you do best -- create!
When I'm not creating backdrops...
I work with all sorts of different companies from global brands, bloggers and content creators, to inspired entrepreneurs to help them create products and build their brands.
And so, in January 2025 , I launched a new company with my brilliant friend, Sara called The Swag Hags Together, we have 50 years combined experience creating and developing custom products and branded merch... everything from subscription boxes to spice lines, and any other product you've dreamed of. We'll help you create incredible gifts for your followers & clients.
We also created a FREE BRAND AUDIT to help you discover how to take your band to the next level. You can also join our Free BRANDED BADASSES community where we teach you how to build your brand and have fun working with us and others.
Sara and I also created Red Hats For Change... our own brand which you can check out here.
Please let me know if you have any questions. And if you want to know a bit more, I've included a longer bio below.
Best,
Barbara's Story
I am a television writer/producer and also a manufacturer of custom products and branded merch.
The manufacturing thing started back in 1994 when I was in Los Angeles puttering around her garage (what I do when I don't want to write) and I accidentally came up with a fun, new way to decorate light switch covers. (Back then, decorative switchplates weren't even a "thing" much less considered a tangible product.) In 2004, after visiting friends in London, I invented and introduced the first injection-molded decorative light switch cover to the UK -- which required no rewiring, and launched my company across the pond. A few years later, wanting to leave no continent undecorated, in 2008, HomePlates Switch Covers were introduced to the Australian marketplace.
Since that time, I've expanded my company and I create, develop, source, and consult with companies to help strengthen their brand identity through custom products and branded merchandise. While years ago I accidentally created my first product, today, I help my clients create theirs -- on purpose.
Some products are sold on a retail level which is a great way to generate a new revenue stream, others are used as promotional products (aka SWAG) at trade shows, special events, and to develop my client's brand awareness.
For over 2+ decades, I've worked in a variety of spaces: from helping global brands build their brands to working with entrepreneurs and business owners and professionals get their message out... I love helping my clients put their brand in the hands of their customers.
Some of my clients include Laura Ashley, British Home Stores, John Lewis Department Store, Aspace, BBC America, Organic Girl, Live Nation, House of Blues, WIC, The Coca Cola Company, The Campbell's Soup Company, Blake Shelton, Netflix, Comcast, Carnival Cruises, Opry Entertainment, Dark Matter Coffee, Brianna's Salad Dressing, Gifford’s Ice Cream, and many others.
And yes, I still write and produce for the stage and television. I created The Quarantine Diaries, a series which started as a fundraiser for The Actors Fund to help those in the entertainment community during Covid19. We raised over $100K and I am immensely grateful we were able to make a contribution.
On a more personal note, while I've spent my career behind the camera, here's a look at me "in action" -- the one and only time in 30+ years I've been on a stage. I was asked to read a piece I'd written, and well, here I am.