Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendrick Nicholson.
Hi Kendrick, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I first came to deep Ellum in 2008 for a show at curtain club. Even at 14 years old I felt something special about the neighborhood. From then on id join a band and lie to my mom (sorry mom) and get rides and eventually drive out there almost every week or weekend for shows at The Door, Trees, and Curtian club. As soon as I graduated highschool for a job a security at The Door & Prophet bar as door security. It’s been a true story unfolding since that moment. Fast forward 14 years later I’m now Bar manager at Three Links & a lead bartender at Shot Topic! It’s been along and difficult road to this point but I’ve never given up on this neighborhood. With my new position I’m beyond excited to do my part to keep Deep Ellums integrity strong!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It for sure was a long process. The Door was a staple but being a 1500 cap venue had its handicaps for sure. There were 1 to 4 shows a week which was cool; but at $10 an hour…
Thankfully I was given the opportunity to help open The Bomb Factory as a stage hand when the business at The Door was slowing down. Even then the slow seasons of working at a venue no matter the size was becoming detrimental. Eventually I reached a point where I desperately went to every single bar in the neighborhood looking for security work. Wits End directed me to Select Start and THAT was my second wind in the neighborhood. I worked hard though the pandemic running door, working for Amazon, and eventually becoming a talent buyer for Third string productions. Overtime I left Amazon and third string and put everything into Select Start. They has given me the chance to bartend and the money was the most I’ve ever made, but the reality of service industry came full force with it. Overtime I ended working for Shot Topic as well; Then came Three Links shortly after. Since then it’s been smooth sailing.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Ive played in numerous bands and worked in many bars in the neighborhood since 2009. To this day im just a well known face in the Deep Ellum neighborhood. I’ve always seeked a sense of community and being able to say im a part of the community is something im beyond proud of. i started here at such a young age and im privileged to see the insane changes thats come.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
the best advice i could think to give is just go for it. the other day i heard somebody say “shoot for the moon and land on a star” simply if you dont try you will NOT succeed. your stature doesnt matter if you have a good work ethic and the drive to make things happen.
i wish i didnt hold myself back in the past. i went so long being a support character and not fully utilizing myself
Contact Info:
- Website: https://unitytxroc.com
- Instagram: pharoxken
- Twitter: pharoxken
