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 branded products and merch 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.
With 30-years of experience in product development, sourcing, and manufacturing, I help clients take their expertise and turn it into kickass branded merch that builds brand loyalty and generates revenue.
I work with creatives with big ideas that don’t know where to start and industry veterans looking for a brand refresh.
I will help you create thoughtful, brand-aligned products that feel intentional—and actually get used. Because they are created with your client in mind. Join me at Barbara Hobart where you can learn how to build the brand you've always dreamed of.
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'm a television writer/producer and also a manufacturer of custom products and kickass branded merch -- aka Strategic Swag. I don't slap logos on stuff.
The manufacturing thing started back in 1994 when I was in Los Angeles puttering around my 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 brands and entrepreneurs to help strengthen their brand identity through custom products and branded merch. 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 Strategic 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 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, The Sherry Matthews Group, 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 first time in 30+ years I've been on a stage. I was asked to read a piece I'd written about my mother, Bernice... and well, here I am.