Sophisticated, stunning, classy, and confident… only begin to describe Chucha Barber. This incredible baby boomer with business acumen is the president of Chucha Barber Productions. She has won numerous awards and recognition for her talents as a producer. As I visited in her home recently, she spoke with deep passion about her job and so much more.
Could you tell me about what you do for a living?
I’m a storyteller. My production company turns ideas into documentaries, videos, programs, and podcasts. We learn about significant topics and amazing people, then create ways to inform the public. I love the opportunity to capture a vision and help people understand. It can be some deeply poignant and painful truth or a topic much more lighthearted and humorous.
Which topics have really touched your heart?
While each one is memorable, a few are important on a deeper level. One was regarding the Miami Grand Prix and another was the truth about oysters and their impact on the environment. We also worked with Lauren’s Kids Foundation to shed light on various forms of child abuse. My most personal project is still in the works. It is about my father. He was the first Latin-American editor at the Miami Herald and had unique interactions with Fidel Castro.
How do you unwind and relieve stress when not working?
Finding the right balance between work, nutrition, exercise, and rest is the key. I love to cook and to garden. Or enjoy quiet time with nature. Food, art, and music are all dear to me.
Could you say a bit more about that?
I’ve loved music since my youth. Later I served as a museum director and came to appreciate art. Every piece in my home has a wonderful story to go with it. Now food made with loving hands is beautiful, no matter how simple or complex. A loaf of bread is a feast for the senses. Shredded hearts of palm from the Amazon rainforest is one of the most delicious and memorable dishes ever.
What’s the most fun thing you’ve ever done?
Marry my husband! He’s my best friend and we have a huge crazy family of many shades and colors. We are a big happy variety and lucky to all love each other.
How do you feel about Tallahassee and about travel?
This part of northern Florida is beautiful because of all the canopy roads, springs, and trails. Everything grows well in the soil here, flowers, vegetables, herbs, and orchards. I’m grateful to have traveled many places. I look forward to going back to Los Angeles and also plan to some day visit Norway.
Any advice on how people should treat one another?
People need to maintain respect and a sense of humor in order to promote healthy dialogue. We all need to focus on the present instead of the past. We just need to learn how to listen to one another.
What makes you an exuberant person?
It comes back to my high energy and finding a balance in all I do. I have a lot of gratitude, which is why I continue to live a life of abundance. There are always reasons to be joyful.
What would you like to say to the world?
The most important human organ is the heart, which allows us to love others. Some people focus too much on the skin and color. Choose to be fully alive as long as your heart is beating. If we love all people and choose to listen to the heart beats of others the world will truly be a much better place.
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Dang y’all! Chucha Barber has so many great stories and great life lessons to share. Here’s hoping we all listen to others as we find that balance in our own lives.
Please leave your comments on what you loved best about this interview.
