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In Puerto Vallarta, two lesbian couples are making their presence felt through their relationships and professional endeavors. Alison Lo, a performer working at various venues, and Elena Zolezzi, co-owner of Elixir Mixology Bar, along with Claudia Victoria and Carmen Porras, who run the restaurant OCULTO by El Arrayán, are building businesses and fostering community in this Mexican city.
Celebrating Alison Lo and Elena Zolezzi
Alison Lo and Elena Zolezzi are leading lesbians who embody resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to fostering inclusivity in the LGBTQ+ community.
Alison was born in Los Angeles, California, but spent her formative years in Bellevue, Washington. With roots tracing back to Hong Kong, she has always had a rich cultural background that informs her perspective. From a young age, Alison dreamed of becoming a journalist, a news anchor, and a show host. Her passion for storytelling led her to study journalism, setting her on a path toward presenting and leading, with a commitment to truth-telling at its core.
In recent years, Alison found herself contemplating relationships, manifesting a desire for a partner who was kind, focused, and queer-identifying. Little did she know that the very next day, she would connect with a woman she had admired from a distance for years. This unexpected turn of events highlighted the power of manifestation in her life and the surprises that love can bring.
Elena, on the other hand, was born in Ciudad Obregón, Sonora, Northern Mexico, and raised in Puerto Vallarta. Her childhood aspirations were as diverse as they were imaginative, from wanting to be an archaeologist to dreaming of working in the circus with the Ringling Brothers.
While exploring her identity, Elena realized she simply never fell in love with men, and her heart gravitated toward women. Her career journey began in the service industry, where she honed her skills in coffee shops before embarking on a decade-long adventure with Carnival Cruise Lines as a mixologist. Alongside her best friend, Laura Jaimes, co-owner of Elixir Mixology Bar, she envisioned creating a welcoming space for everyone in the LGBTQ+ community. They sought to establish a bar that fostered an inclusive atmosphere, where individuals could connect and enjoy good drinks in a friendly environment.
The paths of Alison and Elena first crossed at Elixir, where Alison enjoyed a cocktail. But after sometime, one night, as the bar was closing up for the evening, she had the audacity to knock on the door to ask for the Wi-Fi password. This brief interaction would lay the groundwork for a deeper connection that would unfold about 3 years later. Their true spark ignited when, after a chance encounter at Casita & Garden, Elena invited Alison to a birthday celebration. In a quintessentially lesbian gesture, Elena soon entrusted Alison with a set of her house keys.
As a power couple, they have faced the challenges of balancing their busy schedules during high seasons while nurturing their relationship. Their commitment to open communication has been essential in navigating the demands of their professional lives, allowing them to prioritize rest and connection. They acknowledge that mutual respect, embracing their independence, and viewing their love through different lenses—as friends, partners, and business collaborators—have played a significant role in their success.
Together, they have built a thriving business landscapes, with behind the helm of Elixir Mixology Bar and Alison, working tirelessly between performance venues throughout the city and managing entertainment at Casita & Garden last season, they both serve as beacons of community and inclusivity. Their dedication to uplifting other queer individuals in Puerto Vallarta has not gone unnoticed. They are actively engaged in making plans for events during Puerto Vallarta 2025 Pride week, bringing several exciting events to Elixir, ensuring that the spirit of celebration and support continues to flourish within the community.
Alison and Elena’s journey serves as an inspiring reminder that love, resilience, and collaboration can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Their advice for other LGBTQ+ couples is simple yet profound: “Mind your own business as you walk through life and don’t listen to anyone else’s opinions on your life.” This ethos encourages individuals to embrace their unique paths and to focus on what truly matters—their own happiness and fulfillment.
In a world that often seeks to define and categorize love, Alison and Elena exemplify the beauty of creating one’s own narrative. As they continue to lead by example in their personal lives and professional endeavors, they serve as role models for others in the LGBTQ+ community, proving that love knows no boundaries and that together, incredible things can be achieved.
Celebrating Claudia Victoria and Carmen Porras
Claudia Victoria and Carmen Porras exemplify the beauty of a partnership that melds romance with professional triumph. Their story is a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of love, as they navigate both personal and professional realms together. As co-owners of OCULTO by El Arrayán, they have created a vibrant space that celebrates their Mexican heritage and culinary artistry while embodying the spirit of inclusivity.
Both Claudia and Carmen hail from Mexico City, a bustling metropolis known for its rich culture, diverse population, and culinary delights. Claudia, a self-proclaimed “Chilanga,” grew up dreaming of becoming a marine biologist or a photographer before eventually setting her sights on law. Her path led her to the culinary world, where her passion for food and hospitality blossomed. Carmen, on the other hand, was drawn to the hospitality industry from a young age. Growing up, she and her brother would play “hotel,” taking turns as guests and staff, unknowingly laying the foundation for her future career in hotel management.
The journey of self-discovery for both women was not without its challenges. Each faced moments of realization that their happiness lay in relationships with women. For Carmen, after experiencing a few unsuccessful romances with men, she found her true happiness in the arms of another woman. Similarly, Claudia recognized her attraction to women from a young age, but it wasn’t until she began dating that she understood the depth of her feelings.
Fate intervened when they met through their mutual friend, Regina, in what was essentially a blind date. Though initial sparks were absent, their friendship grew over the years, eventually blossoming into romance. The turning point came when they began working together at the restaurant El Arrayán in 2003. As they collaborated on this project, they discovered a deep connection that would solidify their partnership, both in love and business.
The couple’s professional journey has not been without its hurdles. The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges to their restaurant, forcing them to adapt and rethink their approach. However, it also provided an opportunity for them to simplify their lives and focus on what truly mattered: their love for each other and their passion for hospitality. In 2021, they launched OCULTO, a more intimate dining experience that allows them to welcome guests into their space while offering a relaxed atmosphere and exceptional service.
What sets Claudia and Carmen apart is their unwavering commitment to each other, both personally and professionally. They recognize that love is the cornerstone of their relationship and strive to be better partners every day. Their approach to maintaining a healthy work-life balance is refreshing; they emphasize the importance of keeping conversations about work separate from their personal lives. This strategy has allowed them to navigate the complexities of running a business together while nurturing their romantic bond.
Their success story is a beacon of hope and inspiration for other LGBTQ+ couples. Claudia and Carmen emphasize the importance of respect, communication, and shared laughter in a relationship. They encourage others to cherish their off-work time, focus on the joys of life, and not sweat the small stuff. Learning and growing together, while caring for one another, form the foundation of a lasting partnership.
As they continue to thrive in their business and personal lives, Claudia and Carmen serve as role models for aspiring couples in the LGBTQ+ community. Their story is a celebration of love, resilience, and the joy that comes from building a life together while honoring each other’s identities and aspirations.
Claudia and Carmen stand as a testament to the power of love and partnership. Their journey is a reminder that with respect, understanding, and a shared vision, couples can create magic in both their personal and professional lives. As they continue to flourish, they inspire others to embrace their true selves and pursue their passions, proving that love knows no bounds.
This article is from our Summer 2025 print issue. You can view it here.
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