Business Owner, Artist, Columbus Devotee, Mico Cordero | Retrospec Community Series
RETROSPEC COMMUNITY SERIES: MICO CORDERO
Mico is an ambitious entrepreneur, artist, and business owner living in Columbus, Ohio. As a Native Islander from the Philippines, a devotion to his heritage inspires his drive for photography and multiple business ventures. Mico has been on our radar for a while with his vintage white Critical fixie and his moody, stunning photos. Get to know about his day to day, his creative outlets, and what he just can't live without.
R: Describe yourself, who you are, and what you do
MC: My name is Mico Cordero. I'm a Native Islander from the Philippines. I'm a creative director for startup brands taking them from concept to execution, and execution to monetization. I love riding my longboard, my penny board, and my white Critical fixie.
R: You have such a distinct aesthetic and photography style, where do you draw your inspiration from?
MC: Heavy question... but it’s a mix of traveling a lot and creating the photos [to look] as real as it can be.
R: Where are the best places (neighborhoods, shops, restaurants, etc.) to bike to or around in your city?
MC: I ride my bike both to both the businesses that we own in Columbus, Hai Poke (an island inspired street food restaurant) and our organic juice bar. I like to ride it in the morning when I wake up to clear my mind before I start my day at the shop.
R: What does your typical weekend look like?
MC: Wild... Super Wild.. and of course riding as much as I can before the midwest winter comes out.
R: We’d argue that the best memories are made while adventuring outside. Is there a certain outdoor experience that stands out as the greatest memory to you?
MC: First time I've ever owned a bike as a kid. I ramped by bike off this ledge thinking I was a power ranger…[it] didn't go so well. [I] ended at the hospital and got my chin stitched up. Looking back, it was one of the most memorable experiences I've had in my life, it never stopped me from riding my whole life - yay!
R: What is something people would be surprised to learn about Columbus, Ohio?
MC: First and foremost, I enjoy being an advocate for Columbus and its growing community. Not being from Columbus, I have really enjoyed the ability to connect locally and to foster the city's best on a one-on-one level. I intentionally work hard to achieve the best and biggest impact by marketing the new and growing Columbus experience.
R: Do you prefer staycations or vacations, and why?
MC: Vacation for sure. [A] trip to the islands, get a quick surf in and come back refreshed and ready to work.
R: How do you take your coffee?
MC: Iced coffee, little milk, and a dash of simple syrup.
R: What are 3 things you can't live without?
MC: 1. My backpack/gear bag
2. My camera
3. White rice
Shoot Mico a follow on Instagram to see more of his day-to-day, grab some style tips, and maybe plan your own visit to Columbus to visit one of Mico's shops!
START THE JOURNEY
Beat the midwestern winter blues with your own speedy white fixie.
