Meet Rico Penn | Multi-Talented Artist

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

Hi Rico, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I personally think risk taking is very important because most things you do in life requires you to take a risk. I had to sacrifice plenty of things in my life just to be where I’m at, it was a core piece and the decision I made was to take that risk to get to where I am now. I had to go through lots of arguments with my parents because of the decision I made to be a creative/artist. Even, on the positive side the other opportunities I have gotten was by taking a risk because nothing was ever really handed it was working for it and telling myself I have to go for it (which was taking that risk). So at the end of the day it’s very important that people see risk as a good thing it’ll push you further in life, just as it did me.

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.
You know, I think what sets me apart is that I’m not afraid to go after it. What I mean by that is failing isn’t an option but I’m okay with failure for the time being before I figure out a plan to make whatever it is I’m going for happen. I have a lot of determination/motivation to get to where I want to be.

Generally, I’m most proud of myself for transitioning into another art. I was choreographing (dancing) for a while and I definitely wanted to try something that I haven’t done in so long which is singing. I started full time making music this year and honestly I’m excited that I told myself I will do it instead of thinking or dreaming I would do it.

I got to where I am today because I didn’t set any boundaries on myself I went out there and auditioned for dance opportunities, started teaching, making videos on YouTube, traveling to different states meeting new people, connections also go a long way because all it takes is one person to know someone else who is in the entertainment industry. I put myself out there because no one else is going to do it for me so I did it. Then meeting my close friend Ali Tomineek (Artist) was the set off for my career and I thank him every single day for trusting me choreographing to his music, performing alongside him at shows, even so he offered the opportunity to me to be apart of the Netflix show Rhythm & Flow for one episode. Ali definitely helped the path open up for me.

I can definitely say it was not easy, I didn’t have the best childhood growing up but I’m grateful I went through it because it motivates me to be better and keep moving forward through all the trails. I overcame the obstacles because I didn’t give up, most people would probably just think it’s the hardest thing to get out there but if you keep your head up and move forward, put yourself out there more the door will open for you eventually. Giving up is not an option keep pushing. Plus, surrounded yourself with people who also understand your craft that can also inspire and motivate you to keep pursuing is what I had that kept me going through each obstacle.

The lesson I really took in was you’re always a student before a master at anything you do. Continue to learn from every single person because being a sponge soaking in knowledge is what I had to do. I always say “i’m still learning” no matter how old I get because there is always someone out there who knows more than you. Also, nothing ever comes easy in life you have to work for it unless you’re in the right place, right time.

And to the world, I want everyone to know that my story is something I want people to understand and take in to be inspired by. I want to impact people in a good way and that “anything is possible” don’t ever give up! Because if I can continue to push myself every single day, you can too the goal isn’t that far if you can believe in yourself. More work to be done, so LET’S GET IT GOING!!!

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.
Hiking is one thing on my list that I love to do, great scenery once you reach the top (any hiking spot is beautiful). Definitely thrift shopping at Desert Industrial, love this place because they have so much clothes, house items, shoes, etc… to shop from its great! If it comes down to eating oh do I love to eat, I’m big on breakfast I would recommend First Watch, great breakfast or for brunch either or. Also, love taking walks around the parks generally any park that looks nice because walks are essential. I’m big on traveling so I’d even go to Prescott, Flagstaff or Winslow beautiful little towns. The zoo’s are also wonderful here another thing I’d like to recommend. Last, any lake because it gets hot here.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I will definitely shoutout plenty of people, but I will start off with my mom she’s been my rock, once she understood that the arts was something I truly wanted to pursue. My brothers that are my closest friends they inspire me & push me to keep moving forward. Then I’d say everyone that I have encountered because those people also have pushed me to be great and that the grind never stops until the dream is complete. So thank you to every single person that is apart of my life because without all of you I wouldn’t be where I am now. I love everyone!

Instagram: @Ricothehero

Youtube: Enrique Penn