Life & Work with Bailey Rivera

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bailey Rivera.

Hi Bailey, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
If we are lucky, we go through struggles and let them change us for the better. Through one of my most difficult chapters, I was able to discover solitude and art, having no idea where it would lead me. I locked myself in my apartment for a whole summer painting and learning the beauty of self-love. At some point during that time, about nine years ago or so, I randomly decided to give myself a fresh start and stumbled into Austin. To be honest, I had no idea what I was in store for. All I knew was I craved culture and connection. Austin was everything I needed and more. I explored the city through its various events, especially art-centric ones. That was the next leg of my healing. I let somebody talk me into submitting my paintings into a showcase, I agreed reluctantly and then didn’t make the cut. At first I was discouraged; but one of those random epiphanies dropped from the sky and I decided I would just produce my own showcase. I was able to gather about ten artists, a food truck and a space.

However, the space was Austin Beerworks and doesn’t have many walls, so I made some! All of the sudden this new corner in my brain unlocked and I discovered I had this natural knack for detail in the flow of events. From there, the rest was history. I volunteered with RAW, HOPE and a few other art organizations and threw another art event of my own… much larger scale. I remember standing back and looking at what I managed to pull together and all the smiling faces that came to support. I was amazed at what I had accomplished. To be honest, I didn’t know I had it in me. In those moments, I decided, ‘this is what I am meant to do, I have finally found my path’. After completing ACC’s Hospitality/Tourism and Event Management program, I happened upon my next venture. Almost three years later and I am still here at The Venue ATX. Since then, we have added on two other locations, The Pub and fourth & co, and we continue to grow. Not only am I the events director, but I get to contribute my creativity and ideas and see them come to fruition. Though challenging, it has also been rewarding. I continue to learn what I am capable of, and the gratification in that is unbeatable.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As with everyone, it has been a tough few years with the curveballs we have been dealt. In the events and hospitality industry, we had no idea what to expect next. Our team managed to show its resilience through it all and continues to do so. I would be lying if I said it has been easy. However, growth comes from the challenges, so bring it on!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
One of the biggest compliments is when a friend sees something art related and tags me or shares it with me. What better thing to be associated with than art? I am continuously amazed by the artist’s mind. Although I discovered my love for painting nine years ago, I have had difficulty showing it to the world. The vulnerability that comes with that is something only artists will understand. It’s like… ‘hey here’s something I created with my heart and soul, please don’t hate it’. Ironically, I have thoroughly enjoyed mentoring artists who are just starting out and need guidance and offering them a platform to show their work. Curating art shows and event production in itself are creations. I have spent most of my energy on that and strayed away from painting and creating my own pieces. However, I have recently been diving back into it and it’s like seeing an old friend again. I have made the proclamation to myself (and now to you) to start taking myself more seriously as an artist. I aim to work hard at learning how to develop my skillset, as well as my gusto, and finally begin taking my own advice I have loved sharing with the beautiful budding artists I have been so lucky to meet. Wish me luck!

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Volunteer! What is it you enjoy being around? Plants? Volunteer at a plant shop! I am actually currently doing this myself simply so I can be surrounded by plants and other plant people and learn while I am there. The current position I have now came about because I volunteered during a SXSW event. I wanted to learn the ropes of special events, and as soon as I showed up, I told myself, “I am going to work here, they just don’t know it yet. Boom! Two months later, I was hired and they haven’t been able to get rid of me yet. Also, you have to put yourself out there and find your vibe tribe. Tell people what you’re passionate about at any given chance and watch how the connections start to come about naturally.

Contact Info:

• Email: Bailey@MethodThree.com
• Website: methodthree.com
• Instagram: @Sbaiceship