Meet Barbara Robison | Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Barbara Robison and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Barbara, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
My husband and I tried to expose our son to as many new things as possible through reading, travel and just exploring Los Angeles. Then as he developed we supported him in his efforts to select a future career. He changed majors in college because of new interests. After working for a few years, following graduation, we supported his decision to go to law school, with a scholarship and student loan. We provided assistance as we felt we could. We never tried to impose our own interests and desires on him as far as careers. Through exposure and support he landed in a career he enjoys and does well at. He and his wife have done the same with my two grandsons.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started out in college as a home economist /dietitian, but decided I did not want that as a final career. I moved into the home economist in business arena, which I really enjoyed. Eventually, I joined Sunkist Growers, Inc. in Los Angeles and became director of the Consumer Affairs Department, part of the Marketing Department. I loved my job. I had worked hard to get it and develop it over the years, convincing management that providing customer information and answering their questions and concerns was good business. I had opportunities to travel all over the U.S. and Europe and parts of Asia to work on consumer programs. I had a supportive husband and developed many good friends, and we continually helped each other out. You must believe in yourself, be able to take criticism and work with it, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Call on good friends and don’t forget to encourage and help young people who are just beginning as you develop your expertise. Liking what you do is very important because so much of life is spent working. And don’t be afraid to take some risks as you move along. Being creative in any job usually involves risks but that’s what really enjoying your job is all about, whether it’s with a company, with a small business or on your own.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Some of my favorite spots to visit in the LA area are: Huntington Library, Pasadena for gardens, art, historical exhibits; Reagan Library, Simi Valley, lovely views, interesting U. S. history; Boccaccio’s Restaurant, West Lake Village, delicious food and drinks while sitting on a scenic lake front; Noise Within Theater, Pasadena, excellent unusual plays; .Parkway Grill, Pasadena, great food and drinks with lovely ambiance; Magnolia’s Boutique, Arcadia, women’s clothes and accessories plus decorative home items carefully selected by owner; Davenport’s Restaurant, Encino, special raw oyster and other seafood bar, plus good food, drinks and service; a drive to top of Stunt Road above Calabasas for terrific views; movies at Ace Hotel Theater in downtown LA.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe a lot to many groups and individuals for helping me get my book “Victory with Valor” published. A group I am especially indebted to is PAWS, a writers’ critique group in Pasadena. Critique included good and bad comments, but didn’t discourage continued writing. Comments were not personal and we all wanted members to succeed. I went home from each meeting anxious to review comments and improve my writing. Several members have published at least one book. .

Website: https://barbararobison.weebly.com/