Slender, gregarious retailer Ryan Naico is a people-person
MARK STOKES | Illustrator
mark@markdrawsfunny.com
Name and age: Ryan Naico, 27
Occupation: Retail and service industry
Spotted at: Target Cityplace
Zodiac: Leo
Mix master: This slim, handsome young man of Russian, Irish and Mexican descent was born in the small town of Sierra Vista, Ariz., and reared in Jackson, Miss. Ryan moved to Dallas at 19, and currently resides in North Dallas with his boyfriend, Paul.
Ryan has worked in the retail and service industry since he was 17, a career he enjoys. “I like being around and meeting new people. Helping people gives me a sense of accomplishment. I feel rewarded.”
Music man: A band nerd in high school, Ryan loves music — he has musical notes tattooed on his arm to prove it. He has mastered the trumpet, flute, clarinet, mellophone and French horn. He enjoys concerts, music venues and live shows around Dallas.
Ryan is a family man: He came out at 16 (his senior year of high school), though he says everybody already knew they were just waiting for him to confirm it. His very open and supportive family accompanies him to Pride and block parties. “I try and spend as much time with them as possible.”
One of his favorite things to do is go for walks, sit outside with his Chihuahua-terrier mix, Puff, and read. Elizabeth Wurtzel, Chuck Palahniuk and Stephen King are his favorite authors. You can also find him at outdoor festivals, such as Taste Addison and Octoberfest, unless he’s hanging out on the Strip at JR.’s, Alexandre’s or The Grapevine Bar.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition December 13, 2013.