Meet Aria PettyOne | Drag Performer/Producer

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

Hi Aria, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Starting your own business is a huge risk just to begin with. It takes a lot of courage to bet on yourself in today’s day and age. For myself when I think of risk I tend to think if this fails will I recover, in a way that makes me feel okay with this failure.

As an entertainer I have to take more risk than the typical small business owner. Usually I’m not only having to sell my business but also myself. Personally I believe to grow you have to take risk and just got for it!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Being Aria PettyOne is the greatest job I could ever ask for. Starting out as a performer and becoming a producer and event organizer has been profoundly life changing.

What sets me apart from other performers is that I created the drag scene in my town. When alot of other performers got to walk into a community that has had drag already I had to build that. To see how much the scene has grown in my small town and that my message has expanded to other communities is amazing.

My proudest moments have been winning multiple awards in Colorado for my art and producing skills. Helping other performers get chances to expand their art. Bringing queer representation to rural communities throughout Colorado.

Getting to where I am today was not easy. I had to take a risk and really bet on myself because I knew that my community needed this outlet and someone had to be the one to do the work. It’s never easy to bet on yourself but it is so fulfilling to become successful on your own.

The most important lesson I learned along the way is to not be afraid to ask for help. Your friends, family, and loved ones want to see you succeed and asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness it’s a sign of growth.

I want the world to know about my story is that anyone can do it! You just have to work hard and really believe in yourself. I know it sounds cliche but it’s the truth and if it’s worked for me it can work for you!

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!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband, Ryan Garcia, deserves the most recognition outside of myself when it comes to the success of my business.

He really pushed me to just go for it when it came to starting my business and has supported me every step of the way.

It’s amazing to have someone believe in you so much and allow me to shine.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariapettyone?igsh=enpscTJxYXQ2dHdr&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AriaPettyOne?mibextid=LQQJ4d