We had the good fortune of connecting with Kevin Barnett and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kevin, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Hard work – as defined by Webster means a great deal of effort or endurance. This meaning holds true when as it relates to being called a father, a “Blue Collar Father” who is committed to seeking a generational shift, in the communities in which I came fro and leaving a legacy behind for all children, specifically black and brown ones and those of minority to be able to soar like eagles from.

Throughout my career, I noticed that I outworked everyone in the room, to only receive the same incentive as my counterpart.  My thrive for greatness meant that I needed more, I needed to become my own brand, an owner and controller of my own destiny.  Having the determination and will, were easy but identifying my purpose, was something I had to search for.  I realized that I had a passion for people, specifically identifying connecting similar strengths to forward a mission.
My personal mission has been written, but to children, I had to create something different.  I had to have a feeling of completeness that only those connected to the underlying struggle of voiceless children can hear.  My future is one built on attempting to redefining the following:
  • Leaving a legacy
  • Diversity Inclusion
  • Community Endeavors
I am reminded and committed to a quote by Martin Luther King, Jr:
If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As for all the entrepreneurs before me, I took a leap of faith and went head first into building the opportunity I wished for. My experiences and career path allowed me the opportunity to discover all of the relevant information I would need to understand what I didn’t want for my own business. My ability to connect with others and sense of leadership has set me apart from those who are in my space. Becoming a father began the process of rethinking my future, it’s the most proudest moment of my life. The idea of someone else relying on me jump started the process of opening my own business. The journey wasn’t easy and I’m transparent about how hard being an entrepreneur is, staying true with yourself and recognizing loyalty over royalty helped me throughout my journey. There’s a sense of sacrifice that’s attached to being an entrepreneur and having the ability to go after your dreams, I wanted to attain that feeling. The world needs to hear my story one day but what I rather go on record saying is this, I’m determine to expose black and brown creatives to new career paths, this wasn’t something I had early access to and I understand how important it is for the development of our children and communities.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
1. Bike trail through Hermann Park (6am call time)
2. Tenfold Coffee Shop – dopest spot in HTown
3. Flower child – great lunch spot (Houston Heights location in my favorite)
4. Simone on Sunset – wine break (but of course)
5. Third Ward – Emancipation Park (Historic Lesson about Black Excellence)
6. Soul Food Vegan – feed the mind, body and soul
7. The Flat – nightcap

Must see/tryout spots:

1. Cool Dad – @coolxdad
2. Lucille’s
3. Chef Andre Nieves Dinners
4. Blacks Bodega
5. Herban Frequency
6. Robert Hodge Studio
7. Houston Sauce Pit
8. Roots popup
9. The Alley Kat Bar & Lounge
10. Shoot with Fred Agho
11. Yogi Juan session
12. The Breakfast Klub
13. Purchase “Made By Rich God”
14. Kele’s Kloset – Third Ward Location

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Lacee Jacobs – Fiancee
Knox Jean Barnett – Daughter
Malvie Williams – Mother
2ill Family
Chris Rodriguez
Brent Blair
Francios Achan

Website: www.Nettlifestyle.com
Instagram: @nettlifestyle

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