Hi there and welcome to BlackCatMade!

Who am I?

My name is Barb Wallace and I am from Columbus, OH and currently reside in Fort Myers FL. A few years ago, I relocated to Florida from Boston, MA which is where my bodybuilding and bikini making journey began.

I have been an artists since I was a child.

From drawing Fashion Sketches during class in school to attempting to sew Barbie Doll clothes, fashion has always been a part of my life. I have always found myself drawn to glitz, glamour and pretty things!

 I started my career in Fashion as an Assistant Merchant. I decided that although I loved being in fashion, I really wanted to be on the creative side of things. I left my stable job to bartend and pursue a degree in Fashion Design. After 5 years of hard work and dedication, I graduated from Columbus College of Art & Design with a BFA in Fashion Design.   I stayed in Columbus for a few years and worked at Bath & Body Works designing accessories. During this time I also participated in multiple fashion shows where I created garments from thrift store treasures. I landed a job in Boston, MA and decided to pack up and move.

So, why bikinis you ask?

For many years I have had an interest in Fitness and have had some knowledge of the Bodybuilding Industry.  I always thought that it would be cool to make the suits for competitors to wear but never really pursued it.

Then a few years ago, my best friend decided to start competing and was coveting a Wonder Woman inspired suit.  I said “you know what? I am making that suit for you.”  BlackCatMade was born.

I researched and practiced and purchased books and patterns and practiced some more.  With each suit, I learned something new and I got better and better.  I also fell in love with it.

Then along the way I thought why not compete myself?  And in 2016, I hired a wonderful coach and with the support of friends, family and coworkers I started competing.  Initially I thought I would do one or two shows to learn more about the industry and be done with it.  Of course it didn’t quite work out that way and I ended up competing 6 times. Becoming a competitor made me a much better designer as I was able to learn through trial and error on myself.

Each suit I make is like a work of art to me.  Every client is important and my ultimate goal is to design beautiful suits and make every competitor feel like a star.  This is your day to sparkle and shine and it is my job to help make that happen!