Check out our interview with social media influencer and fashion designer Bunny Barbie.
After breaking free from an abusive reality TV contract, Bunny turned to social media to show people who she really is off-screen. With her newly found freedom, she passionately expresses her creative nature through creating content from her unique lifestyle and experiences. With Bunny’s increasing popularity, she has gained a large verified social media presence on TikTok with over 161 million likes and over 1.9 million followers, Instagram with over 144,000 followers, and YouTube with over 536,000 views and over 48,000 subscribers.
Bunny is not your typical content creator. You can also add fashion designer and philanthropist to her repertoire. Throughout her life, she has struggled with finding clothes that were flattering. With no luck, she took matters into her own hands and designed her inclusive clothing line BUNZIE with the goal of making anyone feel confident.
Follow Bunny on IG @thebunnybarbie & TikTok @thebunnybarbie
Hi Bunny, please tell us a little about you?
I am The Bunny Barbie and I am a social media personality, fashion designer & entrepreneur.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Energetic, outgoing, authentic
Who has had the biggest impact on your life so far and why?
My husband. We are partners in life and business and I feel that he has taught me a lot with his business background.
How and when did you become a social media influencer?
I had originally signed a contract for a reality show that I ended up not pursuing. During the pandemic, I started posting lifestyle content that I was able to be in control of and began authentically gaining followers.
What mindsets helped make you so successful and popular?
Not caring what other people think of me gave me the “raw” edge that I feel followers enjoy watching. I also didn’t give up on things if something didn’t work out; I continued to strive for my goals and keep moving forward no matter what was thrown at me.
When you started your social media accounts, did you expected such success?
Not at all!
What inspired you to get into fashion?
Growing up I was always bullied for having dirty clothes and clothes that didn’t fit me. My home life was very neglectful plus never being able to fit in clothes from any store really led me into having my own style. Pants have never properly fit me. I have very wide hip bones with small legs so either the waist fits and they are baggy or I can’t button them but the legs fit. I never even knew what a tailor was until my 20s. Also in my 20s, I was known for always wearing a mini dress every night because I knew a dress would always stretch over my hip bones. When I started TikTok, I shared my experiences and places (still hardly any) that I can find clothes without tailoring them.
What’s your advice for the newer designers, models and influencers?
Be authentic, be true to yourself, and go after your dreams
Now tell us about your fashion brand BUNZIE.
BUNZIE was created for women who want to feel confident in their style. It’s so easy to throw on a matching set or a dress that makes you feel like “wow” from BUNZIE. It wasn’t even an option for me to have standard clothing sizes. I wouldn’t fit in them! How inauthentic would it be for me to start a line that I can’t even fit in off the rack. Beyond that I wanted to extend the sizes on the other side as well. It was a big financial risk starting with 9 sizes. Just to put it in perspective, the clothing tags alone cost $10,000 for the sizes. That’s not including pattern making for each size – sewing cutting, storing, etc. It was definitely a risk for a small drop, but the emotional reward of having women of all sizes tagging me in videos everyday feeling their best self was well beyond worth it.
Favorite look from your collection and why?
The bow tie dress because I wear it every other day. It was one of my first “staple” pieces and I just love it
What would you say a color that resonates with you the most and why?
Right now I’m into turquoise because it is bright and bubbly
As a popular fashion designer and influencer, you are followed by so many people. How do you feel about the pressure to always do the right thing, and encourage people to follow their dreams?
I feel that if I am focused on doing what is right, then you don’t feel the “pressure” of choosing what is right. What is right for one person may not be right for another, so staying focused on your goals is a must. Just be you and the people who like you will be there.
Tell us about your own reality tv show Legally Bunny. That’s amazing!
Originally, I had a reality show I was proposed for that wasn’t good. I ended up leaving the contract and gaining my own platform. So I figured I would start my own show and make TikTok’s so people could know me without a producer portraying me a certain way. After leaving my reality show’s abusive contract, I wanted to create my own show on my own terms. It’s on legallybunny.com. I choose Legally Bunny because I am constantly told Bunny is not my name—when it legally is! Self-producing really gave me the control to show things how they really are. I’m hoping to film a new series in the next few months!
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Focus on yourself and your own goals. Always wash your face before bed. Taking care of yourself is the most important thing you can do long term.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you have learned so far?
That no one prepares you for motherhood! Also, your thoughts become your reality—manifesting is a big thing!
Which project is still on your bucket list?
Expanding BUNZIE in all the various avenues.
What did you learn from your biggest failure?
Just keep going. If you quit after something doesn’t work out, you won’t succeed by not trying something else.
What’s next for Bunny Barbie in 2022?
Continuing my current path and expanding the Bunny Empire!
Please describe a typical day for you. What is your daily routine like?
Every day is so different that I actually don’t have a typical routine. Most days consists of me spending time with my family, on-the-go, and working through all of that. All of these things are happening every day, all, seven days of the week
If you were a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
I really am drawn to the name “Legally Bunny” which is why I named my show that. I get told very often that “Bunny” is not a real name, when in reality it is my actual name!
What is your own definition of happiness?
Spending time with my family and having the freedom to do what I want with my time.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
“We Found Love” because it is my son’s favorite song!
Name one your strengths.
Resilience.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Eleanor Lambert.
Do you support any charities?
I have been a part of BabyCycle for 8+ years and am also launching my own charity called BUNZIE Cares.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Spending time with my family on the beach. We live on the beach and my son loves to play on the shore. I truly enjoy just getting to sit out there with him and my husband watching the sunset each evening.
Where we can follow you?
Social Media @TheBunnyBarbie (TikTok, Instagram, Youtube) and my reality show on bunnybarbie.com
Photo Credit: Chris Martin @bychrismartin
