We were lucky to catch up with Travis Barnes-Roberson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Travis, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I developed my strong work ethic by observing my parents’ exemplary dedication and discipline. From a young age, I witnessed them consistently putting in long hours and giving their best effort both in their academic endeavors and while pursuing their careers in insurance and banking. Despite their demanding professional lives, they created a fulfilling home life and maintained an active social life.
Moreover, my grandparents on both sides of the family significantly shaped my work ethic. They instilled in me the values of hard work and perseverance by working relentlessly to achieve their goals and maintain their desired lifestyle, regardless of their challenges. Their determination and commitment became a source of inspiration for me.
Additionally, I am fortunate to come from a long lineage of diligent workers. The stories and experiences of my ancestors have been passed down through generations, further reinforcing the importance of hard work and the rewards it brings. The legacy of hard work and success in my family motivates me to strive for excellence in all my endeavors.
Overall, my work ethic is a product of the positive and driven examples set by my parents, the influence of my grandparents, and the strong work ethic that runs deeply through my family history. I am grateful for the valuable lessons I have learned from them and will continue to apply these principles to achieve my personal and professional goals.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My name is Travis Barnes-Roberson, and I am a communications specialist and curator based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Originally from Lancaster, South Carolina, I have always been passionate about connecting people and fostering community engagement. My husband Antonio and I started a small business called The Mimosa Way. Our mission is to hold innovative and network-centered events that support local communities with pride, honesty, and authenticity.
At The Mimosa Way, we believe in creating events that bring people together and encourage them to give back. Our vision is to empower individuals to contribute to the community through innovative events that promote philanthropy. As the curator for our business, I oversee and coordinate every aspect of our events, from logistics to design, ensuring that our vision is brought to life.
One of the most exciting parts of my job is the logistical work of planning an event. While it may sound mundane to some, it is a thrilling adventure. From setting the date to selecting the perfect plates, every decision I make contributes to the event’s overall success. Seeing all of my hard work come together and witnessing the joy it brings to attendees is incredibly rewarding.
In addition to event planning, I am passionate about curating art for local shows and competitions. Collaborating with talented artists and bringing their creations to life is a fulfilling experience for me. I enjoy seeing my ideas and concepts transformed through the artistic lens of those I have commissioned.
Furthermore, I am a local community college professor teaching communications while pursuing my doctoral degree in the same field. Sharing my knowledge and expertise with students is another way for me to contribute to the growth and development of our community.
Currently, The Mimosa Way is gearing up for our annual art gala, which will be held on March 2nd, coincidentally the same day as my birthday. This event is extraordinary as we will donate the proceeds to a local non-profit in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Mint Museum Uptown will receive this donation, furthering its mission to provide art and other ideals to the Charlotte community.
If you want to attend our art gala or contribute to our cause, please click the link below to grab a ticket or visit our website at Themimosaway.com. Join us in making a difference through art and philanthropy, and together, let’s create a more vital and vibrant community.
https://www.themimosaway.com/events-1/the-vibe-presented-by-the-mimosa-way
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I see that my level of communication, perseverance, and creativity are the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have had the most impact on my journey. These skills have been instrumental in overcoming challenges, seizing opportunities, and finding innovative solutions.
In terms of advice for those early in their journey, I encourage them to become lifelong learners. Embrace the mindset of a forever student and constantly seek out new knowledge and skills. The world is changing quickly, and staying updated is crucial. This could involve attending workshops, taking online courses, or reading books in your field or areas of interest.
Additionally, I emphasize the importance of perseverance. The journey may be extended and challenging, but it’s crucial to stay committed and never give up. Success rarely happens overnight, and setbacks are bound to happen. However, with perseverance, one can overcome obstacles and continue moving forward.
Lastly, I recommend being open to feedback and criticism. Constructive feedback can be a vital tool for growth and improvement. Actively seeking input from mentors, colleagues, or even clients can help identify areas for improvement and provide a fresh perspective. It’s vital to approach feedback with an open mind and use it as an opportunity to develop and refine one’s skills.
My advice is to embrace a growth mindset, be resilient, and constantly seek opportunities for growth and improvement. Anyone can make significant progress on their journey with the right skills and qualities and a willingness to adapt and learn.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
Everyone has their strategies for dealing with feelings of overwhelm, here are some of the things that I do that I feel as though will help others:
1. Take a break: Step away from the situation causing you to feel overwhelmed and engage in an activity you enjoy. This can help distract your mind and provide temporary relief.
2. Prioritize and break it down: Make a list of tasks or responsibilities and prioritize them based on urgency and importance. Breaking larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps makes them feel less daunting.
3. Practice self-care: Take care of your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Ensure you get enough necessities, such as sleep and healthy foods. Self-care can help replenish your energy and resilience.
4. Reach out for support: Talk to someone you trust about your feelings of overwhelm. This can be a friend, family member, or even a therapist. Sometimes, expressing your feelings can relieve you and give you a fresh perspective.
5. Practice mindfulness or meditation: Mindfulness or meditation exercises can help you focus on the present moment and reduce stress. It allows you to let go of worries about the past or future and stay grounded.
6. Time management techniques: Explore techniques like the Pomodoro Technique or creating a daily schedule to prioritize and organize your tasks effectively. This can help reduce feeling overwhelmed by creating structure and focus.
Everyone’s overwhelming experience is unique, so finding strategies that resonate with you is essential. Feel free to experiment and see what works best for you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.themimosaway.com/
- Instagram: @_thet_
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-barnes-891001127/
Image Credits
Photographers: @thejustinfloyd : Justin Floyd @ceeiam : Sierra Jordan @iamfrxy : Frey @darrena.co
