Growing up in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans, Louisiana, Rico was always surrounded by beading through family and started dancing in the Second Line as young as 2 years old. While intrigued by "Mardi Gras Indians" Rico learned the methods of beading under Big Chief Demond Melancon in 2011. Rico was then introduced to the historical culture of Black Indians also known as “Mardi Gras Indians” and the importance of the Black Masking Culture.
At 13 years old, Rico made his debut with his first suit as Spy Boy of the Young Seminole Hunters, one of many groups that spend months preparing complex suits to honor the roles and stories of indigenous people on Mardi Gras Day. The Spyboy’s role is to March ahead during parade routes acting as a lookout.
Through High School, Rico continues perfecting his beading craft while exploring new passions like skateboarding which kept Rico out of trouble, and became more fascinated with shoes and fashion.
In 2018, despite doubt from his Big Chief, Rico claims his independence with his own handmade 100+ pound suit made from glass beads and feathers, created without any help from his Big Chief. This special moment was featured in an independent film by Michal Pietrzyk “All on a Mardi Gras Day” where he shows Big Chief Demond Melancon his final piece on Mardi Gras Day.
