Leighenne Rivero is event manager and designer with Whirlwind Events.
Are you where you’ve always wanted to be?
I’ve always wanted to be my own boss, so yes, in that regard.
What is your biggest professional challenge?
My biggest professional challenge is balancing creativity with budget – many times clients find it difficult to accept the real costs of the beautiful images they find online.
What is your biggest life challenge?
My biggest life challenge is overcoming fear of failure! Sometimes when you are faced with many obstacles, it can dishearten you and encourage thoughts of giving up on your dreams.
When you look to the future, what do you see?
In my future, I see a successful business with a strong network here in Barbados and internationally. Team work makes the dream work in the event industry.
What is your favourite pastime?
I enjoy reading as well as listening to music.
What is your favourite meal?
Definitely a well made lasagne!
On Saturday nights, where are you likely to be?
At home, if I am not working.
What upsets you the most?
I’d say being treated with disrespect – I find on many occasions persons can be condescending and that really gets under my skin.
What is your guiding philosophy?
The only real failure in life is not trying. Don’t be afraid to take on new challenges and risks. You never know what good will come from your efforts, but you know for sure what you would gain from not trying- nothing.
If you had the chance to manage Barbados for a day, what would you do?
Aside from the pressing issues of water shortages, road repairs and garbage collection; I think I would find ways to encourage restaurants and hotels to infuse more of Barbadian culture into their offerings, as I feel there is a lot of focus on international influences as opposed to local ones. (SC)
