Texas Archives - Page 2 of 20 - Taylor Scott Nelson

Finding Community and Creativity at #Ad2TheConvo: Hustlers Panel & Networking

April 9, 2025 No Comments

On April 9th, I had the pleasure of attending #Ad2TheConvo: Hustlers Panel & Networking at RichesArt Gallery in East Austin — an event hosted by Ad 2 Austin and sponsored by Spotter. I walked in expecting a solid panel discussion and some casual networking. I walked out feeling deeply inspired, more connected to the local creative scene, and affirmed in my own journey as a communications professional exploring new ground.

The night centered on a panel of four women entrepreneurs — all self-made, all proudly tied to their culture, and all navigating the highs and lows of side-hustling in Austin. Panelists included Julia Wezio, co-founder of ATX Grand Prix Club; Karla Martinez, founder of Betty Bobble; Kassandra Chapa, founder of Firulais Co.; and Marisa Garza, founder of KEFI by MG. Each of these women shared the story of how they launched their ventures, what keeps them motivated, and how their personal and cultural identities are woven into the fabric of their brands.

General, Nature, Texas

Texas VegFest: Celebrating 10 Years of Community and Compassion

April 5, 2025 No Comments

I spent my Saturday afternoon soaking up the energy, flavors, and creativity at the 10th annual Texas VegFest—and it did not disappoint. Held at Fiesta Gardens along the shores of Lady Bird Lake, this year’s event brought together an incredible mix of food vendors, nonprofits, musicians, and plant-based enthusiasts from all over Austin. Whether you’re vegan, veg-curious, or just hungry and open-minded, this festival had something for everyone.

The weather was a little unpredictable (classic Austin spring), but that didn’t stop the crowds. I wandered through rows of vendor tents sampling all kinds of veggie-based goodies—from BBQ tempeh sliders to vegan tamales to inventive dairy-free desserts. And of course, I picked up my fair share of stickers, tote bags, and free swag along the way.

General, Texas

Launch Pad Job Club’s Orientation: Navigating Job Search Strategies

April 4, 2025 No Comments

On April 4th, I had the opportunity to attend the Launch Pad Job Club’s New Member Orientation at the ACC Highland Learning Center, a place I had never visited before but was eager to check out. The former mall turned high-tech, eco-friendly community college campus was buzzing with students and job seekers alike, making it the perfect setting for this unique workshop and networking event.

The New Member Orientation is designed to help individuals who are new to the club or returning after a hiatus, providing a space for support and professional development. It’s held weekly on Fridays, offering a chance for members to gather virtually or in person for career coaching, advice, and motivation. As someone currently in the job search trenches, I was eager to see what insights the session could offer, and I was not disappointed.

General, Nature, Texas

Stories That Flow — A Night at the Water, Texas Film Festival

April 1, 2025 No Comments

On April 1st, I attended the 10th Annual Water, Texas Film Festival, hosted by the Texas Water Foundation at AFS Cinema here in Austin. It was an evening filled with stunning visuals, personal stories, and powerful reminders of just how deeply water is woven into the fabric of Texas life. From the Hill Country springs to the Gulf Coast bays, water isn’t just a resource here—it’s a part of who we are.

The festival showcased a lineup of short films, each capturing water’s role in Texas through a different lens. Some focused on environmental issues, others celebrated the cultural or recreational connections we have with water. But all of them shared a common thread: water matters, and the way we talk about it matters just as much. It was a compelling showcase of the way storytelling can elevate conservation—and bring people together.

General, Professional, Texas

Ad 2 Austin’s “Pitch Your Agency” Night: Exploring the Agency Scene in Austin

March 27, 2025 No Comments

On Thursday, March 27, I headed over to Sangfroid! in near the UT Austin Campus for Ad 2 Austin and Austin Ad Fed’s “Pitch Your Agency” night—a fast-paced, high-energy showcase where local agencies had around three minutes with a short slide deck to present themselves and their service offerings. I wasn’t there to pitch anything myself, but as someone exploring career paths and considering a return to the agency world, it was the perfect way to get a feel for what Austin’s creative community is up to.

The setup was simple: each agency had a tight window to explain who they are, what they offer, and what makes them different. It was kind of like speed dating, but for marketing shops. The variety was impressive—not just in terms of services, but in personality, purpose, and approach.

General, Professional, Texas

Marketing Jam MegaMixer: A Night of Good Vibes and Even Better Connections

March 20, 2025 No Comments

On March 20th, I had the chance to attend the Marketing Jam MegaMixer at Haute Spot’s private recording studio, and let me tell you—it was a great time! Hosted by some of Austin’s top marketing and communications organizations, the event was the perfect mix of networking, music, and just all-around good vibes. Whether you’re into marketing, PR, UX, or just connecting with creative people, this event had something for everyone.

From the get-go, it was clear this wasn’t going to be your typical stiff, awkward networking event. The whole vibe was relaxed and welcoming, making it easy to dive into conversations with people from all kinds of professional backgrounds. The venue, Spectra Studios in Cedar Park, had a laid-back atmosphere that set the tone for the night. No suits and ties here—just people enjoying great food, drinks, and a fun environment while they mingled.

One of the best parts was getting to connect with folks from AMA Austin, Club Ichi, PRSA Austin, AAF Austin, Austin Content, Austin UXPA, Women Communicators of Austin, and Ad 2 Austin. It was amazing to meet so many talented people across different sectors of marketing and communications, all in one place. Whether we were chatting about the latest marketing trends or how industry technology is evolving, the conversations were super engaging and insightful. It really reminded me of how interconnected all of these fields are and how valuable it is to learn from each other.