Hey there, 23-year-old me!
Listen up, I’ve got some words of wisdom from the future. Let’s talk about failure… Yeah, I know it feels like you’ve had more bad bosses than anyone in the world with those 22 jobs, but trust me, it’s not the end of the road. Mom always taught us to embrace our imagination, even when we sucked at school. And guess what? That imagination will make us rich! So, keep getting back up even when your back’s against the wall.
Now, let’s talk about Dad. That guy knows how to have fun in life! If you listen to dad more, all you’ll have to focus on while building a business is having a damn good time. And you know what? He was right. Life’s too short.
That diner waitress job you’re busing tables for? It’s gonna change your life. Trust me on this. And when that handsome man offers you a ride home, you better take it! He will give you $1,000 to start your own real estate company. Yup! A thousand bucks!
I know what you’re thinking ‘real estate?! I don’t know anything about real estate!’ Trust me you’ll learn. And guess what?! You’ll be the biggest name in the industry. People will stop you on street corners to ask your opinion on the market.
Along the way, you’re gonna meet incredible people, some not-so incredible people, make connections, and learn the ins and outs of running a business. It’s gonna be tough, but it’s gonna be worth it.
You’ll also fall in and out of love, one too many times. You’ll get your heart broken and you’ll feel like you hit rock bottom. But eventually you’ll find your better half, and guess what?! He’s a Navy captain! You go, Barbie!
Your next title will be your best yet: Mom. You’ll have the family you’ve always dreamed of. It’ll take more effort than expected, but those 7 rounds of IVF will all be worth it. Your heart will overflow with love!
(Continued in comments!) #lettertomyself #advice #youngerself
2 facelifts & 100 deals later…
I’m often asked what I’d tell my younger self, and to be honest it’s my least favorite question! I wouldn’t be where I am today without the obstacles and setbacks I fought through along the way, and for that reason I don’t hold onto regrets. But I recently stumbled upon a picture of myself in an outfit almost identical to a new suit I just bought! It made me stop and think about the long road young Barbara had ahead of her, but also how delicious it was.
So at 75 years and 3 facelifts young today, here are a few things I’d tell my 25 year old self. I hope you find them helpful too.
-Don’t you dare underestimate the power of your own instinct. Trust your gut, it’s a summation of everything you’ve learned and it won’t often lead you astray.
-The Old Boy Network that won’t let you in? Don’t worry about them. You can move in silence while they count you out, but they’ll soon take notice when you become their biggest rival.
-When you have an idea, move on it immediately. Don’t worry about whether it’s a winner or a loser, just throw a lot at the wall and see what sticks. And let me tell you something – those nasty failures? Your best successes will follow soon after. You’ve just gotta stay in the game long enough to see things turn around.
-Use your gift for choosing good people to build a great team ready to join hands and lift each other up. With them beside you, you’ll build a business even bigger and more powerful than you dream.
-Don’t forget to make time for fun. Plan a boondoggle for your company, play out that wacky theme party, and get your vacations on the calendar. It’ll multiply your creativity, build a loyal team, and create an unparalleled sense of camaraderie that’ll make you the most desirable shop in town.
PS: Green might be our color!
Can you believe it’s been 15 years since the very first episode of @sharktankabc?! What a ride it’s been.
I’m just crazy about my fellow sharks, and after 15 years together, we’ve truly become a dysfunctional family, much like any other. Allow me to introduce you to the cast of characters:
@mcuban: Mark’s the big brother we all look up to. He’s the tech-savvy, visionary investor who always has a keen eye on the future. His energy and enthusiasm are infectious, and he’s been a guiding force for many entrepreneurs who’ve entered the Tank. He’s also a human calculator who handles all my numbers on set! It’s a joy to sit next to him.
@robertherjavec: Robert’s the kid brother who’s full of energy and always has the newest toy. He’s got a heart of gold and a penchant for mentoring entrepreneurs, helping them find their footing and achieve their dreams. And he always is having fun on set! He’s smiling bigger and brighter than all of us.
@lorigreinershark : Lori’s the middle child of the group, and she often plays the role of peacemaker. She brings a sense of balance to the sometimes fierce negotiations in the Tank and her ability to spot a winner is uncanny and boy can she sell a product!
@thesharkdaymond: Daymond’s the family favorite. His genuine desire to uplift others is truly inspiring. He’s not just a shark; he’s a mentor and a friend to the entrepreneurs who walk through those doors. Plus he has the best dance moves in the Tank 🕺🏻
And all roads lead back to Mr. Wonderful: And then there’s @kevinolearytv, of course. He’s our resident bully, always ready with a sharp critique or a ruthless negotiation tactic. But beneath that tough exterior, there’s a sharp business mind, and boy is it ‘Wonderful’! His brain is better than his watch collection!
As for me, I’m not entirely sure what my role is in this family, but I know that I’m snug as a bug claiming it as my own. We may have our quirks and differences, but it’s made us a close-knit and formidable team for 15 years.
(Caption continued in comments)
Never ask for a job if you’re able to build a business instead.
#sharktank #business #success #entrepreneur
I love Mother’s Day because for me it’s a day to pause with double appreciation for becoming a mom.
I don’t for one second forget the long road of failed in-vitros while trying to have a child of my own. Each disappointment felt like the loss of a child. Throughout those 7 years, every Mother’s Day was a brutal reminder of what I couldn’t have, the saddest day of the year.
But the years came and went and the long shot miracle finally happened…our son Tommy was born and all the pain forgotten. Every day became a real life Mother’s Day filling up the hole in my heart.
I start every Mother’s Day thinking of the thousands of brave woman not celebrating today. They are indeed the most courageous woman in the world fighting through disappointment and heartbreak to give birth to a child they so very much want. These women are part of me and I visualize holding your hand tight with the optimism of someone on the other side who knows full well that miracles certainly do happen.
#MothersDay #HappyMothersDay #SendingLove #Invitro #IVF #ivfjourney
✌️months too long… are you ready for it, Paris? 🩷🇫🇷
#erastour #swiftie #taylorswift #taylorswiftedits #taylorswifttraviskelce #taylornation
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Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, Eras Tour, The Eras Tour, Paris, Paris Swifties
Here’s my take on “The Garden of Time!” Swipe to see my real Met Gala look ➡️😂 I took this year’s theme: “Sleeping Beauties” a little too literally 💤😴 #metgala #metgala2024
Here’s my take on “The Garden of Time!” Swipe to see my real Met Gala look ➡️😂 I took this year’s theme: “Sleeping Beauties” a little too literally 💤😴 #metgala #metgala2024
I’m sorry, I don’t really have two sisters named Barbara! 😂❤️
If you want to succeed, you gotta learn how to overcome failure.
#success #work #hardwork #failure
Cheers to all the small business owners! You have the best job in the world! ❤️ #SmallBusinessWeek
Shark’s Version
#taylorswift #sharktank #taylornation #whosafraidoflittleoldme #ttpd #torturedpoets #torturedpoetsdepartment
IT’S GONNA BE MAY 😂❤️ @justintimberlake @nsync
If you haven’t been to Central Park yet this spring, grab you lotion and head on over. This is the park at it’s prettiest and the the tall trees steal the show! 🍃🌷💕
If you enter on 98th street and 5th avenue, you’ll find the oldest surviving elm in America on the left. (First picture here.) Manhattan Elms escaped the Elm blight which traveled through their root system. The majestic Elms of Central Park escaped the blight because Manhattan is an island!
If you haven’t been to Central Park yet this spring, grab you lotion and head on over. This is the park at it’s prettiest and the the tall trees steal the show! 🍃🌷💕
If you enter on 98th street and 5th avenue, you’ll find the oldest surviving elm in America on the left. (First picture here.) Manhattan Elms escaped the Elm blight which traveled through their root system. The majestic Elms of Central Park escaped the blight because Manhattan is an island!
If you haven’t been to Central Park yet this spring, grab you lotion and head on over. This is the park at it’s prettiest and the the tall trees steal the show! 🍃🌷💕
If you enter on 98th street and 5th avenue, you’ll find the oldest surviving elm in America on the left. (First picture here.) Manhattan Elms escaped the Elm blight which traveled through their root system. The majestic Elms of Central Park escaped the blight because Manhattan is an island!
If you haven’t been to Central Park yet this spring, grab you lotion and head on over. This is the park at it’s prettiest and the the tall trees steal the show! 🍃🌷💕
If you enter on 98th street and 5th avenue, you’ll find the oldest surviving elm in America on the left. (First picture here.) Manhattan Elms escaped the Elm blight which traveled through their root system. The majestic Elms of Central Park escaped the blight because Manhattan is an island!
If you haven’t been to Central Park yet this spring, grab you lotion and head on over. This is the park at it’s prettiest and the the tall trees steal the show! 🍃🌷💕
If you enter on 98th street and 5th avenue, you’ll find the oldest surviving elm in America on the left. (First picture here.) Manhattan Elms escaped the Elm blight which traveled through their root system. The majestic Elms of Central Park escaped the blight because Manhattan is an island!
If you haven’t been to Central Park yet this spring, grab you lotion and head on over. This is the park at it’s prettiest and the the tall trees steal the show! 🍃🌷💕
If you enter on 98th street and 5th avenue, you’ll find the oldest surviving elm in America on the left. (First picture here.) Manhattan Elms escaped the Elm blight which traveled through their root system. The majestic Elms of Central Park escaped the blight because Manhattan is an island!
Celebrate Small Business Week! Apply today to join the #ShesConnected by @att community for a chance to win $50,000 for your small business. Head to att.com/shesconnected to apply or nominate your favorite women-owned small business. Connecting Changes Everything. #SmallBusinessWeek
*Open to US residents 18 . Other conditions apply. See Official Rules at att.com/shesconnected for complete details. Void where prohibited.
#ad What do you think, did I get enough limes for #MargaritaCon? Now it’s time to make some Margaritas with @astraltequila!
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I had a blast seeing all the smart, smiling faces during our latest live Q&A session. Got a question? Come join the fun at BarbaraInYourPocket.com!
For the first time ever Sharks, Dragons, and Lions from around the world met to further sustainability goals.
Join me in speaking up to protect our planet. Talk to your family and friends, appeal to your local leaders, and encourage businesses in your community to #ActNow for the #GlobalGoals https://bit.ly/3THYUuU @UnitedNations