Taylor Nelson, Author at Taylor Scott Nelson

Building Community, One Event at a Time: My Journey Hosting Social Mixers in Austin

June 24, 2025 No Comments

There’s something truly special about helping people find their people.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of creating space for connection, laughter, and belonging—especially for those who are new to Austin, looking to expand their social circles, or simply hoping to have a fun night out. Hosting social events has never just been about filling a venue—it’s about building community, and that’s something I’ve always taken to heart.

Where It All Began: Austin Social Scene

My event-hosting journey began several years ago in 2022 with Austin Social Scene, a Facebook Group with a massive following that brings people together through various social events and meetups across the city. Our events weren’t centered around networking or matchmaking—they were about providing opportunities for making real, in-person, human connections in a city that’s always growing and changing.

General, Nature, Texas

Celebrating Community and Canopies at the TreeFolks Summer Solstice Party

June 20, 2025 No Comments

There’s something magical about celebrating the Summer Solstice — the longest day of the year — with a community that cares deeply about the environment. That’s exactly what I experienced once again at the 7th Annual TreeFolks Summer Solstice Party, hosted by TreeFolks and TF Young Professionals in the heart of downtown Austin.

Held at Hold Out Brewing & Better Half Coffee & Cocktails, this year’s event felt like a true celebration of trees, togetherness, and the power of joyful activism. I’ve attended this event several years in a row now, and it’s become one of my favorite annual traditions. Beyond the games and music, what keeps me coming back is the sense of community — a reminder that environmentalism can (and should) be fun, welcoming, and rooted in celebration.

General, Professional, Texas

E-Bikes, Trailblazers, and Transit Gaps: What I Learned at the Micromobility Meetup

June 18, 2025 No Comments

This month’s Austin Climate Innovation meetup focused on a rapidly growing and essential topic for modern cities: micromobility. Held at Palm Venture Studios, the event brought together sustainability advocates, transportation professionals, and community members interested in building a better, more connected Austin. With drinks, networking, and passionate speakers, the evening served as both a knowledge exchange and a call to action.

The presentations highlighted how smaller-scale transportation options can have a massive impact on our quality of life, climate footprint, and city infrastructure. As our city grows, so does the urgency to reimagine how we move within it—and micromobility is a clear part of the answer.

General, Professional, Texas

Speaking with Soul: What Theater, Breathwork, and Breakfast Taught Me About Communication

June 10, 2025 No Comments

Last night, I found myself talking about breakfast on stage—not to entertain or inform, but to experiment. At first, it felt a little silly. But very quickly, I realized: this was public speaking in its most liberating form.

I attended the monthly Public Speaking Playground (TM) meetup at Capital Factory in downtown Austin, hosted by the vibrant and deeply knowledgeable Sammi Sadicario (The Voice Experts). With a rich background in theater, acting, and vocal performance, Sammi brought a refreshing blend of artistic flair and neuroscience-backed insights to what can often feel like a dry topic or nerve-wracking skill: Public Speaking.

Selfie in front of the Capital Factory Stage

*This is the recording from our class session; My speaking session starts at 1:20:38

General, Professional, Texas

Powering the Future: What I Learned at the Intersection of AI and Clean Energy

June 10, 2025 No Comments

As someone deeply passionate about sustainability and conservation, I often think about the water we use, the trees we plant, the waste we manage—but rarely have I taken a deep dive into the complex world of energy infrastructure.

That changed yesterday at MCJ Live – Where AI Meets Energy, hosted at The Sunset Room in downtown Austin. Curated by MCJ Collective and sponsored by J.P. Morgan and Gunderson Dettmer, the event brought together climate tech innovators and energy leaders for an afternoon of bold ideas at the intersection of AI, energy resilience, and climate innovation.

And honestly? It was an eye-opener in the best possible way.

General, Lost Valley, Nature, Road Trip, Rotator

What’s It Like in a Hippie Ecovillage? My Experience at Lost Valley

May 26, 2025 No Comments

In 2017, I traded concrete for cob, traffic for trees, and deadlines for dandelions. For 7 transformative months, I lived at Lost Valley Educational Center, an ecovillage and educational nonprofit tucked into the lush forest of Dexter, Oregon. I joined their Holistic Sustainability Semester—a unique 3-month, immersive, dual certification program in Permaculture Design and Ecovillage Living—and walked away with more than just certificates. I gained skills, connections, and a whole new lens on what community, sustainability, and “living on purpose” can actually look like.

People often ask me after I tell them my story, my sustainability journey: “So what was it like living in a hippie community?” This post is my attempt to answer that, with honesty, nostalgia, and from my current perspective shaped by this experience.