By Nyah Wright-Walker | BG Falcon Media intern
Allison Barnard’s path began in 2001 at Bowling Green State University where BG24 News played a major role in shaping her future.
“That was my lifeline during those college years,” she stated.
After reporting and anchoring on campus, Barnard began her professional career at Fox Toledo and later moved to Fox 8 in Cleveland.
She recalled this shift as life-changing.
“I was able to work with people I watched growing up,” she explained. “The confidence they had in me really built the confidence in myself.”
During her seven years at Fox 8, she covered major events such as the NBA Finals and the Republican National Convention. But balancing work, grad school, and raising three children eventually led her to step away.
“I was doing too much… my health was starting to suffer,” she mentioned.
For Allison, storytelling has always been at the heart of her work. Though she’s no longer in a traditional newsroom, she says journalism still shapes everything she does.
“I am currently out of the news business,” Barnard shared, “except for I feel like I am sort of promoting news as well.”
Allison currently runs Independent Eclectic, a vintage and name-brand reselling business with a mission. Each month, she features a Northeast Ohio business, organization, or individual doing good, and donates 20% of her sales to them.
“I go to these locations, learn about what they’re doing, and then spread that good news,” she expressed proudly. “It’s been so fulfilling for me.”
Launching Independent Eclectic allowed her to reconnect with her passion for community-centered storytelling.
“This job shows who I am and who I want to be’, Allison reflected.
Her journey highlights the power of following work that feels meaningful, even when it leads you down an unexpected path. Her advice for current students is simple:
“Believe in yourself,” she advised. “When you’re doing authentic work that you believe in, then you’re going to fly.”