We recently had the chance to connect with Alyssa Barber and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Alyssa, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I am most proud of building a system that allows me to thrive in a solo at-home work environment.
What no one tells you about creating something by yourself is that finding self-made structure and battling loneliness can be incredibly challenging. I went from having a team of people to bounce ideas off of, to lean on, and to experience the work week with, to being alone most of the day with no sense of structure in sight.
Once I became a solo, full-time creative, I quickly learned that too much freedom can be just as bad for your workflow and mental health as not enough freedom. Using time-blocking methods, building breaks into my schedule, and prioritizing a flexible yet stable morning and evening routine have been game-changing.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Alyssa Barber, and my digital world, NewLifestyleABB, is a safe online space where others can gather to connect over sustainability, climate education, conscious consumerism, and so much more.
Through highly engaging short and long-form video content, I can connect things people use or care about in their everyday lives to their impact on the planet. Showing people that when something is a better alternative for the Earth, it should also be a better alternative for your home, wallet, body, mind, and community.
Community-based solutions are at the core of what I do. I believe that a strong community, in person or online, can help create a better future. In addition to my content, I host in-person climate community events in St. Louis, where I live—anything from clothing swaps to climate cafes to film screenings. I work to make these events free or low-cost to expand access and teach others how they can host similar events in their own cities.
Growing up in the Midwest, I observed that the middle of the country was often excluded from many conversations, particularly those related to climate change. I wanted to teach people how to find a community of people who care, regardless of their background.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
The various mentors throughout my life. My mentors were not chosen by me. I stumbled upon most of them by accident. Many of them have been teachers, professors, co-workers, and even family members.
In the moment, they’re just another person in my life. In later years, I have found that they taught me so much, and they are even the reasons I made it through many of my most challenging career and life moments.
The common thread of all these life mentors is that they saw my potential when I couldn’t. They took me seriously when I didn’t even take myself seriously. The subconscious knowledge that there was someone I respected who believed in me made a world of difference.
I take every chance I get to go back and thank this small group of people.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self that even if a dream feels silly or unattainable, you know deep down you have what it takes to make it possible. You should start taking the smallest of steps today in that direction.
If it starts to feel bad, drop it and walk in a different direction. Use the knowledge you gain from trying new things to make your experience even better when you start over again. There is no shame in starting again. You are never too old for a redo.
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. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That imperfect wins can’t be a cause for celebration.
The world is heavy. When you work in the climate field, seeing failures and what I call “half-wins” is all too common. It’s the moment where you get some of what you fight for, but often with another trade-off.
It’s standard for this industry to push to the next thing constantly. We need to fix something else. How do we need to focus on the next big thing? In a fast-moving world, this motivation to build a better future is crucial, but so is slowing down, acknowledging what has happened, and celebrating our accomplishments.
Gratitude is medicine for burnout. It doesn’t resolve all the issues, but it can alleviate the symptoms and help you keep moving forward.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
I’m building and nurturing my community: my friends, family, work relationships, and neighbors.
Not every connection is full of joy and laughter. Sometimes it’s hard. Sometimes it’s experiencing something not so great together.
Building these relationships, even when it feels easier to be alone, I know will pay off in years to come, when it’s my turn to have a bad day, a bad year, or even a bad decade. Having these people to confide in, celebrate with, and make the mundane memorable is what I look forward to.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bio.site/newlifestyleabb?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacr3YcZnxeuFvfero5apMGmUK4VGtV7lp89XZVzNrYX1Et8SdGbb1fz4mUh0g_aem_Al-Wy9WLAjMjm0B9NHii6g
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newlifestyleabb/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssa-b-228886113/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newlifestyleABB/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NewLifestyleABB
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@newlifestyleabb
