Bet On Black: Self-Made Larry Morrow Built A Career Out Of Building Relationships
Less than a decade ago, Larry Morrow stood empty and hopeless in a New Orleans casino.
He had just lost $30,000 on a failed bet and was left only with his stifled pride and hurt ego when he decided that it was time to invest his money in a more lucrative gamble.
The author of the recently released book,All Bets On Me: The Risks and Rewards Of Becoming an Entrepreneur, has earned acclaim as one of the most prominent event curators in the nation, all with the help of an idea that was born the night he lost everything.
Now, the young gambler's rolodex is stocked with some of the industry's biggest names, but his story started behind the barbershop of a childhood friend. "I grew up right there in the 7th ward," he said. "Growing up, me and my friends would shoot dice as one of our hobbies. It kept us out of trouble. At my friend's dad's barbershop, just gambling all day and having fun. That kind of helped mold and grow who I am today."
He continued, "I became numb to gambling at an early age because I learned the value of a dollar at an early age. When I lost my first dollar, it hurt. But the moment I lost it, my immune system grew. I was able to gamble more and lose more and it [did] not affect me as much."
Larry learned at an early age that big risk equals huge reward. "Risks are something I have to take. It's something that motivates me and drives me to keep going. Never knowing what the outcome may be, but hoping the outcome will be what you want it to be."
Little did he know, his innate ability to develop relationships and his affinity for risk-taking would later allow him to build a model for entrepreneurship unlike one that the business world has ever seen. After losing his entire savings in the Casino one night, Larry shifted his business model and began investing in bringing local talent to New Orleans for curated events. His roster of guests included entertainers that were well above local standard, and over time, his knack for relationship building earned him a permanent spot in Black Hollywood and the title of "King" in his city.
Along with his newly released book, Larry also recently opened a restaurant with his mother that gained the attention of Forbes and has already hosted a number of guests including Teyana Taylor, Drake, and the cast of Power.
His goal is to offer a positive role model of a black man as an entrepreneur and prove that success doesn't really have a job description. He said, "I want to be able to inspire people and encourage people to love what they do. I think some people are still living in that old American dream that you have to get that piece of paper to be successful. There's athletes, there's doctors, rappers, actors, but when you think of an entrepreneur, it doesn't sound like an ideal job title."
"I've been writing my own checks for the past 7 years, and that's not easy. Sometimes it's not knowing where you're going but just knowing you have work to do."
xoNecole got a chance to sit down with the 27-year-old New Orleanian to talk more about how he built a stable career out of simply betting everything on himself.
I read a lot about how risk propelled your career forward, as well as relationships. I see you built an empire out of just being able to develop valuable partnerships. How important has reputation been during the progression of your career?
Throughout my journey it meant so much because it makes working with others a lot easier when you have a reputation for doing A1 business. That helped me grow. It's dope that people can speak highly of what you do. I always tell people it's not really the money, it's more about the relationships. The money is just an extra piece, but relationships are something you can grow from, and not just financially.
What's the biggest lesson you've learned about relationship building throughout your career?
Not abusing those relationships. A lot of people get in relationships and they automatically reach out and try and see what's in store for them. People come to the table looking to see what's for them, but my approach is different. I bring the table to the table, and then I discuss being fruitful. I never came to the table with my hand out. To build a relationship, you have to build organically and not look for anything from each other, just let it happen. If we all benefit each other some way in the future, that's fine too. But never come to the table looking for anything.
Switching gears, what do you think it was that drew you to your partner?
The fact that she wasn't available to anyone. She was somebody who kept herself exclusive. I tell her mom all the time she did a great job raising her kids. Our first year talking, it wasn't based on sex. She made me wait over a year for us to have any sexual intercourse. And that alone said a lot to me, but it also made me realize it's also not all about sex. It allowed us to bond and get to know each other in that year.
"It was a challenge and it was something different for me and I'm up for the challenge."
How do you balance your relationship despite your chaotic work life?
It's a challenge, but I'm blessed to have a woman that understands my life. Work for me is on my phone, on the go, creating things. Being an entrepreneur is a nonstop grind but she handles it well and is in tune with my vision. I dream so big, I shoot for the stars. I'm so passionate about life and the things I want to do for my family.
It would be impossible to be in a relationship with someone who didn't get it or I wasn't compatible with or someone who didn't trust me because I spend a lot of hours working. Empathy, compatibility and trust help keep us balanced.
What solutions or tips do you have for couples that may have chaotic schedules?
Whenever you decide to be with somebody, make sure you're with somebody that understands your work life. Understand your partner, understand their dreams and aspirations.
Has relationship building in business been as easy in your romantic life as it has been in your career?
No it ain't been that easy. When you're dealing with somebody on a day-to-day basis, maintaining relationships is the hardest part. In the business world, that has been easy but it's a little bit different when you're building with your girl. Let me simplify it, it's not as easy and I don't think it should be as easy. It's definitely a challenge, but I enjoy a challenge, and I'm up for it.
Keep up with Larry on Instagram by clicking here.
Taylor "Pretty" Honore is a spiritually centered and equally provocative rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a love for people and storytelling. You can probably find me planting herbs in your local community garden, blasting "Back That Thang Up" from my mini speaker. Let's get to know each other: @prettyhonore.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LISTÂ HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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When discussing the topic of raising children, discipline is often the first thing that comes to mind. Children need discipline. Full stop. But what is discipline? And how do we draw the line between discipline and revenge?
The origin of the word "discipline" can be traced back to the Latin word "disciplina," which means "instruction" or "teaching." Over time, however, discipline has come to be synonymous with punishment, with parents relying on shame, fear, and/or physical pain to curb undesirable behavior.
Teaching takes time, so nipping it in the bud in whatever fashion parents deem necessary (within reason) has become the norm. But is this what’s best for children? And when does it become less about curbing undesirable behavior and more about getting our licks back for offenses we feel our children should know better to do?
In my work as a parenting coach, I’ve often heard parents say, “I asked him nicely three times before spanking him. He didn’t stop doing it until I did, so clearly talking doesn’t work.”
And the parent isn’t wrong. Talking often doesn’t work the first, the third, or the even the 10th time. And the reason is directly tied to brain development.
Children cannot and do not process information the way an adult can. Auditory processing is not fully developed until a child is 14 or 15 years old. And even then, if a child has auditory processing delays or Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), they may always struggle with processing auditory commands. According to Susie S. Loraine, MA, CCC-SLP, the term auditory processing refers to how the brain perceives and interprets sound information. Several skills determine auditory processing ability—or listening success. They develop in a general four-step hierarchy, but all work together and are essential for daily listening.
Without this understanding, discipline can easily become revenge because parents will then view their child’s misdeeds as a personal slight. Instead of teaching them to do better, parents now want to show them the consequences of not doing better. This is why it's imperative for parents to discern between discipline and revenge to maintain healthy relationships with their children.
5 WAYS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN PARENTAL GUIDANCE AND RETALIATION:Â Â
​Understanding The Intent
Discipline is rooted in love and concern for the child's well-being. It focuses on teaching lessons and helping children understand the consequences of their actions. Conversely, revenge-driven actions stem from a desire to inflict pain or punishment as payback for perceived slights or disobedience. Parents should reflect on their motives before taking disciplinary actions. Ask yourself whether your intention is to help your child learn or to make them suffer for upsetting you.
Example: If a child accidentally breaks a valuable item, a disciplinary response would involve discussing the importance of being careful and working with the child to come up with a way to replace or fix what they’ve broken. On the other hand, a vengeful reaction might involve yelling, harsh punishment, or bringing up past mistakes to intensify guilt.
​Maintaining Emotional Regulation
Effective discipline requires parents to remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations. It's natural to feel upset or frustrated when children misbehave, but responding with anger or resentment can escalate the situation and blur the line between discipline and revenge. Before addressing the issue, take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts.
Example: If a child cannot follow instructions, a disciplined response would involve calmly explaining why their cooperation is necessary in working with the child to accomplish the goal. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve shouting, name-calling, or resorting to physical punishment out of anger.
​Promoting Growth and Learning
Discipline should always aim to promote growth and learning. It involves guiding children toward making better choices and understanding the impact of their actions on themselves and others. Effective discipline strategies include positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and providing opportunities for reflection and growth.
Example: If a child repeatedly forgets to complete their chores, a disciplinary approach would involve discussing the importance of responsibility and finding solutions together, such as creating a chore chart or setting reminders with Siri or Alexa. In contrast, a revenge-driven response might involve imposing overly harsh punishments or belittling the child, which can undermine their self-esteem and hinder their ability to learn from their mistakes.
Momo Productions/Getty
Building Trust and Communication
Trust and open communication are essential components of a healthy parent-child relationship. Discipline should strengthen this bond by fostering trust and encouraging children to confide in their parents without fear of judgment or retaliation. When children feel safe and supported, they're more likely to accept discipline as a form of guidance rather than punishment.
Example: If a child admits to breaking a rule or making a mistake, a disciplined response would involve listening to their perspective, discussing the consequences of their actions, and working together to find a solution. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve accusations, blame, or shutting down communication, which can erode trust and damage the parent-child relationship.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Parenting is a learning journey, and, disciplining children is a delicate balance between guiding them toward responsible behavior and nurturing their growth. By understanding the intent behind our actions, maintaining emotional regulation, promoting growth and learning, building trust and communication, and seeking professional guidance when needed, as parents we can help our children built on love, respect, and understanding.
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Featured image by Courtney Hale/Getty Images