Today we’d like to introduce you to Ricardo Oviedo.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Before anything else, I was raised by women of incredible strength, resilience, and sacrifice—I owe everything to them.
Growing up in Frisco, Texas as a first-generation kid was bittersweet. There’s a quiet kind of wealth tied to the city—one where your zip code alone opened doors. I had access to well-funded schools and opportunities that shaped my curiosity and ambition. My mother, a single parent, supported my ambition and curiosity. She taught me one of the most important lessons I carry to this day: if there isn’t a path, you make one.
Despite the opportunities around me, my upbringing also exposed me to stark contrasts. I grew up in a trailer park—one of the few visible reminders that poverty exists even in one of the most affluent cities in the country. I would have relatives and friends in neighboring cities that weren’t given the chance to learn or grow- they had to work twice as hard to be considered into a program all I had to do was sign up for, simply because they were in another zip code. My upbringing shaped how I see the world. I’ve always felt a deep responsibility to support people who feel stuck, unheard, or overlooked.
From a young age, I threw myself into community initiatives and nonprofit work. I was fortunate to be part of partnerships and efforts that most wouldn’t expect from a middle or high school student. I’ve always believed in the potential of my community, especially in making opportunities more equitable—not just something tied to where you live.
My identity shaped my voice. Being first-generation, openly queer, and living with arthritis forced me to grow into someone unapologetically bold and outspoken. In a city that wasn’t always welcoming, especially when I was younger, I learned to speak up—not just for myself, but especially for others.
Today, I continue that work in my professional life. I work within the legal field, where I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with powerful attorneys, engage with members of the judiciary, and work alongside brilliant legal professionals.
Outside of that, I’ve dedicated myself to advocacy and community impact. I served on the local board for the Arthritis Foundation, where we helped secure funding and raise awareness for those living with chronic illness. We’ve hosted events that raised tens of thousands of dollars, partnered with organizations like the Dallas Stars, and even advocated on Capitol Hill for increased support across Texas, for all non-profits.
More recently, I’ve joined the committee for Queer Young Professionals, a part of the LGBTQ+ North Texas Chamber of Commerce. Through this, we want to create safe, affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals—whether they’re out and proud or still finding their voice.
Ultimately, all of my work is rooted in something deeply personal. While it’s meant to serve others, it’s also a way of healing—to show my younger self that my family’s sacrifices were not in vain, and that there’s someone out there who might find hope, support, or peace in what I do.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has hardly ever been a smooth road—and I’ve learned not to expect it to be.
As a first-generation kid, I often stepped into roles early on that many people don’t. I helped neighbors and family members navigate systems that were unfamiliar or intimidating—translating documents, communicating with officials, and advocating in situations that required confidence beyond my years.
At 14, I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis after months of being poked and prodded, going through test after test while doctors tried to figure out what was wrong with me. I was put on a mix of pills, steroids, and painkillers that felt never-ending—nothing really giving answers, just temporary relief. The pain got so bad that I ended up in a wheelchair for about six months. It was exhausting, frustrating, and honestly scary to not understand what was happening to my own body at that age. I was the first in my family to go through something like that so young, so there wasn’t anyone who really knew how to handle it. It made me learn how to find strength in myself when there wasn’t anything else to rely on.
At the same time, I was still trying to figure out who I was. I always knew I was queer—there was never really a question about that. What was different was how open I was about it. There were so few of us that we could’ve been counted on one hand, and everyone knew who we were. Frisco still felt small then—everyone was in everyone’s business. We were known as “that gay one,” and people didn’t want to be around us out of fear of being seen as queer by association. That made things like friendships and relationships complicated in ways they shouldn’t have been at that age. But I never really knew how to be anything other than outspoken and unapologetic about who I was
Still, I refused to shrink myself. I’ve always been outspoken and unafraid to challenge environments, regardless of someone’s background or influence. That resilience became a defining part of who I am and continues to guide me.
Life still brings challenges—and it always will— but everything I do now has a purpose that’s personal to me. It’s for the younger version of me—the one who didn’t always feel seen, who had to figure things out without a guide, who carried more than they should have. I want them to know it all meant something. That none of it was wasted. At the same time, I know there’s always someone facing something heavier, and that perspective keeps me grounded. I focus on honoring the people who’ve shaped me by pouring that same strength, care, and inspiration back into my community. And if there’s another “little me” out there, I want them to feel like they’re not alone in it—that there’s something on the other side of all of it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Palacio Oviedo?
Palacio Oviedo is something I’m incredibly proud to have founded. It’s more than a business—it’s a vision.
“Palacio” represents a “palace” of ideas and services—a space designed to feel safe, elevated, and rooted in culture. Everything we offer is intentional. The goal is to create an experience that feels both professional and personal, where people feel supported and seen.
We provide a range of services including consulting, notary work, and community-centered initiatives. I’m a licensed Notary Public with over four years of experience, including mobile and online notary services, as well as loan signing. I work with individuals handling personal matters like wills and directives, as well as with law firms to help facilitate documentation and move cases forward.
What sets Palacio Oviedo apart is our foundation in community and culture. We’re not just providing services—we’re creating connections and building trust. The long-term vision is for Palacio Oviedo to become a household name known for integrity, reliability, and for fostering spaces where community, culture, and excellence intersect.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Don’t wait for a path—create your own.
You don’t need to have everything figured out to start. Confidence comes from trusting that you will show up for yourself, no matter what direction your journey takes. That belief gives you the courage to keep trying, even when things feel uncertain.
I still don’t have everything mapped out—and it still calls out my fears. What matters is moving forward with intention, learning from every experience, and trusting your ability to learn and grow through whatever comes your way.
Pricing:
- Complimentary consultations are available for all services
- Every consultation is centered around listening, understanding your needs, and helping you find the best path forward
- Services are designed to be accessible, supportive, and tailored to each individual’s situation
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.madebyoviedo.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herecomesricky/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herecomesricky
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardo-oviedo-37a089229/
