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

Hi Aria, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process was honestly that I was tired of working for others and making them and their businesses successful. I wanted to be the one to take full credit for the work I was doing in my community, without someone else or an organization taking credit, I was also lucky to have my supportive fiance in my corner telling me to take the jump and make drag performing and event producing my full time job. I do not think I would of been able to take that leap with their support.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Aria PettyOne is the big, green, Queen of the Southwest! I came up with my drag persona back in late September 2019. I knew I wanted to do drag but I did not just want to be another pretty female presenting performer. Aria allows me to encompass how I have always felt, like an outsider, an alien. I took all those feelings of not fitting in and put it into Aria, and I think she help make the other outcast like me feel not so alone.

My proudest accomplishment so far has been being named Fresh Face of Colorado Drag at the 2022 DIVAS Award in Denver. Being from a smaller area and getting second place overall in the state showed me that you do not have to be from a large city to be noticed for your hard work.

I got to where I am today professionally by working hard and being organized and professional. I know its basic to say but if you do not put in the hard work to make your business successful no one will. Being a intense Virgo, my organization skills have really helped me out when it comes to keeping myself and business in check. Finally being professional behind the scenes and when out of town performing or visiting another drag scene has helped my word of mouth marketing for bookings.

The biggest lesson I have learned along the way is to believe in yourself. If you believe in you business or idea and truly put in the work needed to be successful you will. It is not easy by any means but you have to be your number 1 fan and biggest cheerleader.

I want the world to know that about my story is that the amount of failures I have had greatly outweighs my successes. I have been knocked down more than once but I get up stronger and smarter every time. I would not be where I am today if I did not fail and grow from those failures. Nothing will ever be perfect or exactly how you picture it in your mind but right now feels pretty close to perfect for me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Places to eat in Durango: 11th Street Station, Lola’s Place, and Union Station are great for options since they all have multiple food trucks.

T’s Smokehouse & Grill has great BBQ and fried alligator.

Mi Ranchito, Taco Boy, & Tacos Nayarit are my good to for Mexican food.

El Moro & Eolus are great if you wanna splurge on a fancier meal out. Plus the drinks at El Moro are great!

Finally do not forget to check out our local breweries: Carvers, Ska, & Steamworks!

Places to drink/hangout in Durango: Starlight Lounge, The Garage, Lola’s Place, & 11th Street are my go to places to grab and drink and hangout with friends.

Other places: floating or rafting down the Animas river, hiking one of the many trails here, and of course checking out one of our many drag events!

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?
First and foremost my fiance, Ryan Garcia, I am so lucky to have someone who supports me no matter how out there my ideas are. The Queermunity & POC community in Durango, I love getting to be a small part in bringing people together and giving them places to freely be themselves. My family back East who supports me from afar. Lastly Queer youth, I want nothing more than for Queer youth to feel safe in their community and know that they do not have to go to a “big city” to live their authentic life.

Website: https://linktr.ee/AriaPettyOne

Instagram: Aria PettyOne

Facebook: Aria PettyOne

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