Today we’d like to introduce you to Piero Arevalo.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I originally started Ripcord as a barback part-time. I never worked at a bar but had lost my job so needed to start working somewhere. I always believed that nothing falls apart they only fall in place. At the time, I didn’t realize that I had falling into the right place at the right time. I started to love the culture and all the customers at the bar. I learned how to bartend because I was just trying to help the bartender out when it got busy. I then learned on how to make flyers and ran their social media trying to help the bar events be more successful and have more exposure. Later on, I became an official bartender and then became an assistant manager. It’s always a great feeling when your job appreciates you and rewards all your hard work. I think as a company Ripcord is always open to new ideas and helping the community so I am glad to be part of the team.
Has it been a smooth road?
Ripcord is a neighborhood leather bar but its more than just that. I think a lot of people have a negative image when it comes to the leather community. People forget that all the gay rights we have now was started with all the trans, drag queens, and the leather community being themselves and not conforming to the hetero norm. When I first started working a lot of people saw Ripcord as a dark creepy lit place but now they are able to see that its a neighborhood leather bar that teaches and embraces differences no matter your kink or lifestyle.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am more known as the bartender but I am also an assistant manager, social media manager, and event organizer. I have also created the Ripcord t-shirt design and working on other bar march. My main focus lately has been helping and organizing events for the bar. With the help of Barbara Coa (Local Bearded Drag Queen) we started Kinky Queens and she also started D-RAW. We have also had great success with our Glow Parties and spotlight performances. We have teamed up with Rosé (local drag queen) to have Punk Goes Drag an Alt Rock Drag show. The owner has been more open to new ideas to showcase more local artists. For Kinky Queens we have local artist to come by during the shows to showcase their merchandise. During the show, we also have kink demos to teach everyone who might not be familiar with roping, flogging, electro stimulation, wax play, and etc. I am proud that we are able to give a spotlight to all the creatives of Houston and also teach the community about kinks in a safe space.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the diversity of Houston. We have so many different cultures here and that’s what makes this city so great. I can’t travel the world but I have learned so much from all the different people I’ve met through my years here in Houston.
Contact Info:
- Address: 715 Fairview St Houston, TX 77006
- Phone: 713-521-2792
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ripcordbar
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ripcordbar
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ripcordbar
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ripcord-houston-4
Image Credit:
Julio Briceño, Cesar Wallace, Richard Ramirez II
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