After over a year or two away, I attended F.I.E.S.T.A. again and was reminded why it’s such a valuable part of Austin’s startup scene.
F.I.E.S.T.A. stands for Founders, Investors, Entrepreneurs, Startups, Techies, and Austin Newcomers. It’s a monthly meetup designed to help early-stage founders connect with peers, potential investors, and other members of the entrepreneurial community. While it’s open to all, the focus is on providing resources, networking opportunities, and visibility for those building and growing startups.
The event is usually held on the third Tuesday of every month at Capital Factory, a well-known hub for Texas entrepreneurs. The format is simple: share your elevator pitch, highlight any wins or needs, and be open to helping others in the room.
Since the start of Taylor-Made Socials, I’ve been experimenting with what it looks like to create easygoing, inclusive social spaces for adults in Austin to meet new people without all the awkwardness that can come with traditional networking or bar-hopping with strangers. It’s not about hype or big ticket productions—it’s about showing up, being real, and creating the kind of social spaces I wished existed when I was trying to make new friends in this city.
Each event has been a learning experience, and each one has offered its own surprises, challenges, and moments of connection. Here’s a closer look at what we’ve done so far.
Pizza Party Social at Tony C’s Pizza & Beer Garden (Our First Event) – Saturday, January 25
Our very first social mixer was hosted at Tony C’s in North Austin, and I couldn’t have asked for a better kick-off. The weather cooperated, the seating setup was lively but not overwhelming, and people started showing up before the official start time — something that told me I was onto something. The crowd skewed a little larger than expected, which created this really natural buzz of conversation that carried through the event. Some folks came solo and found themselves at tables with total strangers-turned-new-acquaintances within minutes.
What made this event special wasn’t just the turnout, but the tone it set. People weren’t glued to their phones or trying to “network” — they were just there to relax, chat over pizza, and enjoy a shared experience that didn’t require dressing up or having an agenda. I left the event physically exhausted but socially energized, with a mental list of ideas to try next.
Last night I attended Ecosystem Space, a monthly happy hour hosted by the Space Workforce Incubator for Texas (SWIFT) and the Space Force Association, held at Capital Factory in downtown Austin. Part networking mixer, part brain trust, the event brought together technologists, government representatives, entrepreneurs, academics, and curious thinkers—each playing a role in shaping Texas’ place in the growing space industry.
At first glance, you might not expect a communications professional with a background in sustainability to show up at a space-sector event. But in reality, the overlap between space and sustainability is significant and growing.
Whether it’s using satellite data to monitor geographic data, designing closed-loop life support systems for long-term missions (i.e. water recycling and regenerative agriculture), or exploring how space design innovation can inform sustainable development here on Earth, the space sector is inherently about resourcefulness. It’s about doing more with less, often in environments where every ounce of energy and every drop of water must be carefully managed.
That’s why I was drawn to attend.
Selfie with a poster for an upcoming conferenceAttendees at the Ecosystem Space eventThe SWIFT and event support staff
I’ve had a very interesting roller-coaster of a career track, and wouldn’t want it any other way. I began my marketing career at a boutique automotive firm and then worked my way up to larger communications agencies. While I learned and my skills grew, I felt like there was still something missing. Passion. So I took a step back from a traditional path to find it. Through environmental education and adventures in sustainability, I found a career track I’m passionate about using my seasoned marketing skills.
The list below starts with my most recent job and goes back in sequence below:
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.
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.
