Meet Shaady Ghadessy. Shaady is a native-born Austonian who has over fifteen years of marketing experience in the nonprofit, hospitality and CPG sectors and currently serves as the Brand Marketing Director for healthy meal provider Snap Kitchen. She led local marketing efforts for iconic W Austin Hotel where she crafted unique guest experiences with her efforts recognized locally as the 2015 Culinary Arts & Hospitality Austin Under 40 winner.
Outside of work, Shaady is a graduate Leadership Austin and enjoys spending time volunteering with the Young Women’s Alliance as a mentor in the Connect program. Shaady also serves as President of the Texas Food and Wine Alliance, nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering awareness and innovation in the Texas culinary community through grants, educational programming, and events.
What Brought You to Austin?
I was born here after my parents immigrated from the Iran in the late 70s so that my father could attend UT, Austin.
What Is Your Favorite Thing About Austin?
The people! I’ve found that Austin is unique in that we’re all connectors. You need a business intro for a new pitch and there is very likely someone knows someone who is willing to make an introduction. The people here are hospitable and genuinely looking out for one another.
How Does Your Career Affect Your Life in The City?
I work in the food services industry and spend time volunteering on the Board of the Texas Food & Wine Alliance. As a result, I love spending time exploring the incredible food and beverage scene that makes up our city. The level of talent and creativity in our city is like none other and there’s truly something for everyone.
What Neighborhood Do You Live In?
Northwest Hills
What Are Your Favorite Things About Your Neighborhood?
My two favorite things about living in Northwest Hills are the fact that I can walk to a Galaxy Café for my favorite Buddha Bowl, and that during high school football season my alarm clock is the Anderson High School marching band practicing.
You're Having Dinner at Your Favorite Restaurant in Austin. Where Do You Go and What Do You Order?
I’m likely at Bufalina Due getting an incredible wine rec from their bar staff and ordering a Taleggio pizza.
Where Do You Fall on The “bring Back the Armadillo / Don’t Dallas My Austin” or “hooray for The Development” Spectrum?
I’ve grown up with the city. As I get older, my interests shift and grow much like Austin. I’ve enjoyed some of the growth and opportunities new developments have brought, but the key is finding that balance to grow sustainably. We have to remember our roots and our culture of having one another’s back – and be smart and thoughtful in how we enable growth.
Your Best Friend Is Moving to Town. What's the Best Piece of Advice to Give Them?
Get on the Cowboy Pools (stock tank pool) waitlist now – it gets hotter than you can imagine here.
Best of Austin
Best Patio
Love the rooftop patio at Shortie's
Best Margarita
House marg from Eldorado Cafe
Best Bar
Lala’s Little Nugget
Best Coffee
Summermoon Coffee
Best Breakfast that Isn’t a Taco
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes from Josephine House
Best Photo Opp
Inside Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin at the Blanton
Best Local Business
Casero - the best cheese boards & charcuterie gift boxes
Best Daytime Hang
Contemporary Austin
Best Music Venue
Austin City Limits Live
Best City Event
Austin Museum Day
Are you an Austonian in the know? We'd love to help you share your story and connect with localities in the area! Feel free to reach out to us and follow us on social media.
