Meet Peyton Garcia | Writer & Editor

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

Hi Peyton, why did you pursue a creative career?
I feel like when anybody chooses to pursue an artistic or creative career, it is passion that drives that decision. Careers in art, music, or writing are often endeavors that require a lot of your personal time and creative energy for little monetary reward. These career paths are certainly not the paths of least resistance. When you choose a career like this, you’re more often than not doing it because it fills you up with joy and pride and passion. I write because I love it. It’s a creative outlet. I can express myself in written words better than I can in any other way. I can transport people to different times and new places. I can give a voice to the voiceless. I can connect people who didn’t know they had anything to connect over. It’s not an easy career path, but I am just floored every single day that I get to wake up and do the thing that I love most. Do you know how many people probably wish they could say the same thing? I’m incredibly lucky. And that’s a reward you can’t stick a price tag on.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I write primarily for magazines right now, and I love it. I mostly enjoy and have experience in human-interest profiles and food editorial. But I do have dreams of someday writing a novel or perhaps a memoir—though I’m not quite ready for it yet. Writing professionally is not for the thin-skinned or faint-hearted. You have to have a real appetite for criticism. It’s also a very competitive field that requires a lot of energy for little pay. In my own career, I’m most proud of how quickly I’ve managed to make a name for myself. For me, it’s been all about putting myself out there and not hesitating to seize an opportunity, which I think can be said for almost any career path. If I want something, I ask for it. If they tell me no, I build my case and ask again. It’s all about proving yourself. You can’t just hope to be noticed or wait for an opportunity fall into your lap wrapped with a bow. It’s about looking for what you want and pouncing the moment that door cracks open. It’s about selling yourself, your brand, and your work, and proving your worth. You only reap the reward if you’re willing to take the chance.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a Colorado native who grew up in and around Denver and the surrounding metro area. In my opinion, there is no better place to live. My top three must-do’s for any out-of-town guest: food, beer, mountains. The perfect itinerary is going to be a Rocky Mountain hike, a good meal, and a craft brew, in that order, every day that you’re visiting. As a local food writer, I have a lot of opinions on the best places to chow down, and Denver’s blossoming dining scene is home to most of my top picks: Avanti, ChoLon, Linger, SuperMegaBien, Sushi Den to name a few. Of course, Boulder has some can’t-miss stops as well: Flagstaff, T-aco, Oak at Fourteenth, Aloy Thai. If you’re any guest of mine, come ready to EAT! As for the beer, if you don’t explore Colorado’s craft brew scene, did you even come to Colorado? There’s no limit to the homegrown beers worth sampling here, from O’dell’s and New Belgium to Four Noses and Avery, and the many, many, many options in-between. Then, of course, the star of the show: the majestic Rocky Mountains. As an avid hiker/backpacker/camper, I can fill any day with a new RMNP hike, fly-fishing adventure, or overnight camping trip. Nothing works up your appetite like a day in the mountains! For bonus adventures, I’d also recommend walking around Pearl Street in Boulder and Olde Town in Fort Collins. A trip up to Vail, Aspen, Estes Park, or Telluride wouldn’t go amiss either!

Website: www.peytongarciamedia.com
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/peytongarci