Welcome to Business Innovators Magazine…Please introduce yourself and a brief thumbnail sketch of your background.
RB: Hello my name is Robin Barth, and I am the CEO & Founder, Blue Tortue (Sea Turtle) LLC – Blue Tortue is a modern artisan jewelry, accessories, apparel and gifts retailer catering to the coastal leisure lifestyle woman and differentiates our brand with a patented trend-setting accessory. Innovator of New Official US Patent (IP) – Ladies Fashion Novelty Accessory – Highly anticipated launch 2016-2017. I am a creative visionary with a passion for smart design in the areas of Packaging, convenience, and ‘art by design’ chic lighting and rustic/modern furniture “Designs By Selia.” My professional background includes: 8 yrs high technology computer components and systems distribution account sales management, b.o.m. management, procurement, 925 Silver athleisure artisan handmade jewelry designer and loungewear apparel, curator, web development, marketing, market brand strategist. Interior custom home kitchen/bath design, textile lodge home decor handmade pillows and table design. Hand painted furniture, leather inlay furniture, and home decor refurbishment. Writer Book “Girls Have Value” – Based on my personal and professional, entrepreneurial journey with life lessons to share a message of hope with young women of our future (read more on our website – the book still in edit and four children’s books (WIP) with a positive message for girls genre 5yrs old. Long term aspiring screenplay director, family-comedy-animation, screenplay treatment, screenplay original story (WIP).
BI: What would you say is the area in business that you are most passionate about and why?
RB: Passion for creative self-expression and enjoying the process of evolving through creative projects and new launch of our trend-setting patented accessory.
Overall, I would sum this up as my true passion for literally “creating from a space of nothing.” Each project or product that I engage in has to have a purpose with a purpose. It must have value. I believe each of us have unique gifts and talents that add ‘value’ to our society… no matter how great or how small. The smallest act of kindness can move mountains and can be contagious to those in our sphere of influence.
BI: How are you different than your competitors?
RB: Blue Tortue continues to evolve, and there are many great competitors to mirror, however, we are pioneering our way with new product innovations and/or design innovations that we have yet to share with the world. We believe will add economic growth and stability to our world in pockets of the market not currently being addressed. We think big; we base our methodology on the 2009 marine methodology with a balance of where design meets intellect. We take calculated risks and collaborate our marketing strategy with mutually beneficial partnerships. Blue Tortue’s mission is to please our customers on a daily basis, have fun while doing it, and add value to their lives and our world at large. We continue to add value to our world through the eyes of a child as we join humanitarian efforts where compassion led with action towards a forward humanity vision and also offers donations options to our customers to supports the local and national organizations that are synergistic to our brand.
BI: Please tell me about any recent business accomplishments that you are most proud of and why?
RB: I was recently accepted to innovation certification program at Stanford but at this time have put school on hold during this phase of the business. I continue to listen to self-study webinars and courses through this school at this time. I do consider myself an inventor and innovative leader and look forward to increasing my knowledge in this area.
BI: What Leadership qualities in Leaders do you most admire and why?
RB: Inspirational – Those who inspire others and uplift others on their path will accomplish great things.
Temperance – In times that are ambiguous to stay focused, stay steady on the course and trust your decisions until the fog clears. Most mistakes can be undone.
Pioneer – Take the leap of faith and step out of the box to innovate.
Fairness – Fairness in all dealings.
Good Listener – Listening to others makes them feel appreciated. It means a lot to be heard.
Determination and Resilience – Keep going when the times get tough. Lead with integrity and know that it is ok to be vulnerable.
BI: What has been a key element of your success?
RB: Resilience – I have been able to adapt quickly and restructure the organization to create a solid foundation based on market changes, trends, and increasingly diversifying and differentiating my product base. Determination with focus. Taking action, trusting my intuition/gut and my closest allies and partnerships.
BI: What are some of the business projects that you are currently working on that you are excited about and why?
RB: – Government funding project – Patent product development in conjunct with US company.