Best Ever Brainstorm

Best Ever Backdrops™ was one of the best ever brainstorms I’ve ever had. I was inspired to create these backdrops because I was tired of watching my photographer and stylist friends lift ridiculously heavy boards that could qualify them for a gold medal in weight lifting.

And yes, the rumors are true: I created the company in two weeks… `cause that’s what I do when I’m not working as a television writer/producer. I’ve been creating, designing, and manufacturing custom products since 1994 by my other company, HomePlates Worldwide.)

So, here’s how it all started:

I launched my new line of backdrops on May 1, 2019 at the Everything Food Conference where Lindsay Cotter and Brooke Lark were hosting Foodie Bootcamp and I asked Brooke to help curate the collections for the event.

I provided the backdrops for the event at no charge… and they were a hit. Everyone loved them. No one could believe how realistic and how lightweight they were… and completely stain resistant!

This gorgeous “Watermelon Pizza” was taken by Brianne Izzo from Cupcakes & Kale Chips:

The amazing Skyler Burt of We Eat Together was one of the mentors, truly one of the best photographers — EVER. He’s incredibly talented and he and I teamed up to create a collection of his favorite textures for Best Ever Backdrops.

Check out The Skyler Burt Backdrop Collection here. Use his promo code when ordering: for 2 backdrops = 4 textures for $199: SKY4FORU and for 15% off one item, use SKYLER15

And… here’s a heads up: Skyler and I will be doing some very cool workshops. If you want to get on the list, sign up here.)

And the rock-star, goddess Joanie Simon of The Bite Shot was also on hand as a mentor…

And, Brooke Lark:

The event was a blast and I was thrilled to meet so many amazing bloggers, stylists, and photographers.

The original name of my company was Food Blogger Props. Most everyone who attended the event was a food blogger… but there were many other types of bloggers, stylists, and photographers attending the 3-day conference who wrote about beauty, travel, fashion, and other areas — and well, they felt left out.

Sooooo, on May 17th, sixteen days after they were introduced, I realized the name didn’t accurately reflect the company and changed it — as easily as the backdrops can change the look of your shots.

So now, the name is Best Ever Backdrops™ because, well, they are the best ever.

This name was chosen as they help all photographers achieve their best ever shot. They’re a total game changer for everyone in the photography industry and here’s why:

• They’re 100% waterproof: no warping, they’re virtually indestructible.
• They’re completely stain resistant: Go for it! Toss tomato sauce, spill wine or olive oil… smoosh a raspberry — whatever — they wipe clean.
• They’re ridiculously lightweight — throwing a turkey in the oven weighs more.
• They’re completely non-glare.
• They’re oh-so-affordable. Yep. They cost less than one from some other company — that you can’t lift.
• You can mix and match and select your own designs.
• Each backdrop comes with 2 textures.
• They ship FREE in the USA in about 2 days.

Because of the enormous popularity, a few weeks later, I launched my company in Canada and the UK (which also serves the EU customer) and there are NO duties or custom fees — just a nominal local shipping charge.

People ask me how I do what I do… well, I’ve been creating products since 1994 for my own line (I invented the first decorative light switch cover that required no rewiring and launched my company in the UK) and that led to my creating products for companies and brands, large and small across the globe.

I also added to the Best Ever Backdrops collection, so check out a variety of props and accessories including UNbreakable Slate Trays and non-glare plates and platters… so check them out!

One thing that hasn’t changed: my product and my goal:

At the get-go, my mission was to eliminate the backbreaking and heavy lifting that shouldn’t be a part of a photographer’s job description… and I knew there was a better way to make the backdrops that were considered “the norm” in the industry.

But “the norm” wasn’t working — or acceptable — or realistic. And I’ve never followed “the norm.”

Having been on the manufacturing side as a product developer and inventor of lines for hundreds of companies over the years, I have also invented my own brands and product lines and when when I entered this fun and amazing “foodie world,” I saw a problem and a need and came up with an easy way to fix it.

So, here’s what I came up with at the onset — and it’s still my goal:

Instead of one ridiculously heavy board that costs a bloody fortune, or a tiny square board… with Best Ever Backdrops™ you get: FAST, FREE Shipping in the US, (48 contiguous states) in about 2 days… or delivered Internationally with local shipping charges and no duties or customs fees.

Nothing is ever out of stock… or out of style.

So — that’s the story. I love the creativity, the joy people get from doing what they love, and I want everyone to succeed. If I can help get you there, I’ve done my job.

Join the Private Facebook Group for bloggers, stylists, and photographers and tag @besteverbackdrops on Instagram.

OH!! And one more thing: I also created a company to help bloggers create their own line of products… so they would no longer have to rely on promoting someone else’s products through affiliate links. I launched Private Label Brand Academy in January 2020 to help businesses and bloggers promote themselves and generate revenue by showing them how they can create their own line of custom products as I’ve been doing for decades.

Drop me a note if you have questions. I’d love to hear from you.

xo,

Barbara Hobart