We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Louie Barroso a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Louie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about the best boss, mentor, or leader you’ve ever worked with.

There are many people I can attribute my creative successes to. I really value mentorship, on both the giving and receiving end, as I’ve seen its boundless positive effects. Two relationships I appreciate wholeheartedly are with Ting & Ian Barnard, two bosses who won’t let me call them “boss.”

Ting gave me a chance at my first consistent job as a writer that not only paid the bills but also opened my eyes to what being a full-time creative & community figure can be. At that point in life, I had already spent many years exploring mentorship as a creative with blog writing and event planning for The Daily Note. With Ting, I was able to further shape my purpose as a writer without worrying about surviving until the next check. The real gem though is she helped me see how impactful my words and being true to myself can be. She’s immensely skilled at helping people learn about themselves in a way that can propel them into their bright futures and she does it with such unique compassion.

Ian built on the foundation Ting set and deepened my appreciation for the communities I’m in by helping produce the videos he directs for clients. The videos are typically impact focused and highlight amazing people doing phenomenal work to better others. He approaches it with care and integrity so that the product not only helps get the message across, but speaks from the soul of whichever client it is. That takes a lot of honest conversation, analysis skills, and wisdom he won’t admit that he even carries.

The support and friendship Ting & Ian provide has helped (and continues to help) nurture the core qualities I have that make me the heartfelt creative I am today. I’m sure I’m not alone in that sentiment, as I see them try to do the same with others just by being themselves. They won’t let me call them “boss” because they have become family.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Like many entrepreneurs I wear a few different hats. I’m a creative content writer, a poet, co-owner of The Daily Note, associate producer for Ian Travis Barnard, and relationship manager for Legacy Collective RI.

All these roles came from the tagline: “ask me to write something, I’ll figure it out.”

It began with The Daily Note. I signed on as a blog writer and became so invested I put my own funds into further enhancing the product. This led to event planning, primarily with monthly poetry nights.

As an associate producer, I assist with brainstorming concepts for videos, coordinating with clients, venues, vendors, talent, and other industry professionals, and at times, being on location during production to ensure smooth operation and workflow.

With Legacy Collective RI, my main responsibility is admissions.

Each role serves the other and I came into them by leading with my heart & my drive to support others. Whether it’s lending my mind as a poet, planning a production, interviewing a potential student, connecting people with each other, or having a general consultation about life, I try my best to give as much care as I’m capable of in the moment. I would hope that translates when people reach out to me.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

One of the best feelings in my lifetime so far as a creative is when people tell me how and why my poetry made them feel something. Knowing I could connect with them in a deeper way is priceless. My poetry starts from within, so when it resonates with someone it warms my soul.

How’d you meet your business partner?

I met Cøøg, the other co-owner of The Daily Note, years ago in high school through mutual friends. They kept saying how much we reminded them of the other (much to our annoyance) to the point we had to just talk. We’ve been inseparable since.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Wherewordsplay.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louiethebee_/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louiebarroso/
• Twitter: https://x.com/LouieTheBee
• Other: https://www.legacycollectiveri.com/

Image Credits

Profile picture: Dylan Conrad

Others: screenshots and downloads from Instagram along with Ian Travis Barnard, Rich Ferri, Mike Braga, Rafael Medina, Richard Staples & Dylan Conrad