30/03/2022
Laramina Barnes-Lara, co-founder and partner of South West Artist Group sadly left this world yesterday. Mina loved the entertainment industry. Starting as most actors do, Mina was introduced in the industry to Sherry Robb in Los Angeles, where she worked on such films as Jurassic Park, doing background work and assisting the Robb Company with talent management and representation running submissions to casting offices all over Los Angeles. While subsidizing her passion as most actors do, Mina also developed a passion in the food industry working as a waitress and building that career up to management.
When she met the love of her life Joe Lara, she was working in New Mexico at the corrections facilities managing kitchens. Upon moving to Arizona, she and Joe married and began her life in Tucson where she continued working at COTA but always remained connected to local films, production crews with a heart and passion to be a voice, be engaged and contribute in any way she could as long as she could be on set. During this journey she met so many people in the Tucson market that impacted her life including Paul Loh, co-founder with Mina and they began Third From the Right.
So many stories, so many people, so many sets, so many meals, so much love.
Mina fell ill in December of 2020 when she suffered a heart attack and covid. In May of 2021 she went on a health hiatus to focus on herself with every intention of returning back to the world she so loved.
Today we give honor to Mina in her beloved memory. To her husband and love Joseph Anthony Lara we send our deepest condolences. To Mina's parents and family, our hearts mourn with you. To the actors of SWAG, we all cry with you. To all of you who was touched by Mina we stand in solidarity in the memory of her.
To myself, I will cherish the successes, the relationship, the sisterhood, the laughter and the tears we shared. My heart is broken. Rest Mina in Peace, and may your laughter and smiles shine down on all of us as you watch from Heaven. Until we meet again.........
