We had the good fortune of connecting with Rosana John-Mitchell and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Rosana, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
As young children, we are often asked about our aspirations for the future and what we want to “be” when we grow up. Although it’s a well-intentioned question, the idea of finding that one lifelong passion and turning it into a job, where we’ll supposedly never work a day in our lives, has caused me significant angst.
Initially, this notion led me to intertwine my entire identity and self-worth with my chosen profession. It took me years to realize that my job is just one aspect of who I am; it doesn’t define my entire being. With maturity, I’ve come to understand that I am a multifaceted individual capable of embodying multiple roles simultaneously!
While pursuing a creative path may seem “easier” than being an attorney, it’s essential to recognize that like any other pursuit, creative endeavors require dedication, time, and effort to refine my skills and consistently produce high-quality content.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Despite working as an Attorney-at-Law for nearly nine years, I find that this title fails to capture the essence of “my work”. Instead, I have fully embraced the concept of being a multipotentialite, a term popularized by Emilie Wapnick. Recognizing my diverse range of interests and skills, I excel as a “Jack of all Trades.” Rather than considering this a drawback, I see it as a strength that sets me apart. Within my vast array of interests, one focal point lies in environmental law and policy. I have developed expertise in this field, particularly in areas such as Climate Justice, Loss & Damage, and Corporate Sustainability. Additionally, my growing interest in Public Health policy and its intersection with the law presents another relevant narrative, especially as I reside in the Caribbean, where the prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases is alarmingly high. Moreover, my passion for teaching and empowering individuals as a Real Estate Law lecturer is a significant aspect of my professional life.
Another noteworthy passion of mine is my Instagram microblog, Radikal Rose Eats. What initially started as an outlet during the pandemic to share my “Quarantine Creations” has evolved into the premier platform for culinary experiences in Grenada. This endeavor allows me to merge my passions for photography, content creation, public speaking, education, community based tourism and discovering hidden culinary gems.
Although these interests may appear disparate, they all share a common thread—problem-solving. Whether it’s navigating property acquisitions in Grenada or recommending local restaurants, I excel at assisting others with practical solutions.
However, being a multipotentialite does come with its challenges, particularly in terms of time management. Though I still grapple with this aspect, I have developed systems to maintain my sanity. Firstly, I’ve accepted that I cannot pursue every interest simultaneously and have learned to prioritize different pursuits based on their relevance at different times. I’ve also recognized the value of deep work and the importance of dedicating focused time to specific tasks, enabling me to concentrate on one goal at a time instead of constantly context switching. Furthermore, I’ve embraced the significance of rest and recharge, understanding that taking breaks is vital for sustaining productivity and nurturing creativity.
To anyone reading this, I encourage you to embrace all facets of yourself. In a world that often emphasizes specialization and niches, it is perfectly acceptable to be a generalist. Being a multipotentialite provides a unique perspective and a valuable skill set that can be applied to various challenges and opportunities.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Grenada, recently recognized as the World’s first Culinary Capital by the World Travel Food Association, boasts a vibrant and diverse gastronomic scene that begs to be celebrated. During my friend’ visit, I highly recommend joining the Spice Foodie Tour: A Taste of La Baye, a meticulously curated culinary adventure that I have created in collaboration with Real Grenadian Taxis and Tours.
This tour invites you to explore both renowned and hidden culinary gems in the captivating Big Parish of St. Andrew. To begin our tour on Saturday, we’ll kick off the day with a traditional Grenadian breakfast from Cookie’s Pastry Delights which will be served withTri-island Chocolate factory’s signature Cocoa-Shell tea. We will also have the opportunity to learn about Tri-island chocolate factory and sample some of their delicious chocolate.
Our next stop takes us to Balthazar Junction, where we’ll delight in fresh coconut water straight from the nut, relishing the experience of cracking it open and enjoying its sweet jelly.
Continuing our gastronomic journey, we’ll venture to Wangi Doubles stand in Grenville, where Ryan adds a Grenadian twist to the Trinidadian-style Doubles, creating a truly unique culinary fusion.
Afterwards, we’ll visit the bustling Grenville Market to explore a vibrant array of fresh produce, immersing ourselves in the vibrant local culture. Our next stop brings us to Boogie’s Buss up Shut, where we’ll savor his legendary Lambie Buss up Shot, and if we’re fortunate, we may even be treated to a brief performance of one of his Soca hits.
The tour continues as we make our way to Paradise Junction, where Susan serves delicious roasted corn, with my personal favorite being the boiled corn.
At Ants Nest, we’ll have the opportunity to taste our national dish, Oil Down, while experiencing the unique process of peeling and cutting the various local produce that goes into this flavorful dish. Alternatively, we can sit on the front porch, people-watch, and let our appetites build up again.
Finally, we’ll conclude the tour at Daniella’s in Lakabaka, where she bakes sweet potato pudding the traditional way using a metal barrel oven, which has firewood, at the top and a coal pot at the bottom, (“Fire below and Fire Ontop”) imparting a deep and rich flavor to the pudding.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents have played a pivotal role in honing my ability to successfully manage multiple responsibilities. I vividly remember during my final examinations in secondary school when I contemplated pausing my piano lessons to concentrate more fully on my exams. However, my parents, recognizing the realities of life, wisely advised me against it. Actually, much to my frustration, they didn’t allow it! They taught me that life doesn’t operate in isolation, and instead, we must learn to balance different aspects simultaneously.
Furthermore, my time at St. Joseph’s Convent St. George’s has greatly contributed to my growth as a well-rounded individual. The school actively fosters an environment that encourages students to engage in diverse extracurricular activities.
Website: https://radikalrose.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radikalrose_eats/?hl=en
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/rosana-john-a746b795
Image Credits
DCJ Photography Sonix Photography