Ariel Hererra, co-owner of The Tailgate, said unpredictable West Texas weather and imposter syndrome are challenges, but the confidence and support she shares with Sean and their partner JD have been key to their success. Hererra was a guest on a recent episode of the Best of Midland Podcast.
“We have an outdoor music venue, and we live in West Texas, where the weather is not always on our side, so that has definitely been something we've had to navigate through,” said Hererra in a recent edition of the Best of Midland Podcast. “Another thing Sean and I struggle with is imposter syndrome, which is really prevalent. It raises questions like, 'Can we do this?' and 'Is it really possible?'—at least on my end, for sure.”
“Our third business partner, JD, is someone I’ll say this about: Sean and JD both have this blind confidence in each other and in all of us,” Hererra said. “We all share this belief that we can do it. I know Sean can do it, and I know JD can do it, and they help lift me up to believe that I can do it, too. I think that dynamic is really important in our partnership, as it has helped us get to where we are now.”
Co-owned by Ariel Herrera and Sean Elphick, The Tailgate is a 5,000-square-foot venue in Midland’s Permian Basin, offering family-friendly entertainment, local talent, and a variety of food options. With features like food trucks, a stage, a video wall, and a turf area, it hosts sporting events and private gatherings, making it a popular spot for unforgettable experiences.
Best of Midland Podcast is hosted by Ryan Shewchuk and Terra Avery. It is an extension of the broader Best of Midland program, which aims to support small, local businesses by showcasing them and the people behind them. Their website lists top businesses and upcoming live events happening in the area.
The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.