We’re looking forward to introducing you to Christy Bryan. Check out our conversation below.
Christy, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Outside of work, one of the biggest joys in my life right now is serving as Vice President of my neighborhood HOA board. We’re gearing up for our National Night Out celebration in October, which is like the ultimate block party with a purpose—bringing families together, partnering with the city and local businesses, and creating a space where neighbors can truly connect. It’s so rewarding to see the excitement and pride this event stirs up in our community, and I love being part of making those connections happen. The work also takes me back to my early days in grassroots-style marketing—everything from the door-to-door outreach and building sponsorship packages to the more creative side of the event planning itself. It’s been a fun and fulfilling way to blend my professional skills with something that directly impacts the place I call home.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Some of your readers may remember me from my last interview, when I was deep in my entrepreneurial chapter with Mary Kay and loving life as a stay-at-home mom. That season was such a special gift—it gave me the chance to grow in new ways, connect with people one-on-one, and soak up those early years with my son.
Since then, my path has shifted a bit as I’ve stepped back into the corporate world and now work full-time in Conference Services on the North Texas campus of a major Financial Institution. It’s been an exciting transition because I still get to do what I love—creating experiences that bring people together—but now in the heart of a major finance tech hub, surrounded by the energy of a dynamic and innovative campus.
What I’ve realized is that my entrepreneurial spirit didn’t disappear when I stepped back into corporate life—it just shows up differently. Whether it’s building partnerships, planning events, or finding creative ways to connect people, I still get to lean into those same passions and skills. Having lived on both sides—entrepreneurship and large-scale corporate strategy—I think my story is really about blending those worlds. And right now, I’m enjoying this season of using my creativity and leadership to make an impact both at work and in my community.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that has most shaped how I see myself is without question the one I have with my son. Becoming a mom has changed me in ways I never could have imagined. It’s stretched me, challenged me, and inspired me to make choices I might not have had the courage to make before. With him in my life, I’ve had to make difficult decisions about what environments, relationships, and opportunities would best support his ability to learn, grow, and thrive.
He reminds me every day why I push myself to grow, to lead with kindness, and to show up fully. He is truly the most influential person in my life, and he continues to shape the way I see myself– as a mom, a professional and as a leader.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
If I’m honest, my life has been made up of nothing but moments where I’ve wanted to quit or give up. Sometimes I did, and that was okay—because it wasn’t failure, it was simply recognizing that something wasn’t right for me or for the season I was in. Other times, I pushed through, and those moments made me stronger, taught me something invaluable, or led me to achievements I never thought possible.
I don’t believe giving up is always a bad thing. Sometimes it’s about being honest with yourself and having the courage to choose a different path—one that feels more aligned, more intuitive, and more authentic. For me, it’s never been about ‘quitting’ as much as it’s been about learning when to dig in and when to pivot, and both choices have shaped me in meaningful ways.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the hospitality industry tells itself is that things are “back to normal” post-pandemic. The truth is, our industry is still struggling economically, and one of the hardest challenges right now is staffing quality talent. I think part of the reason is that technology—while incredible in so many ways—is quietly robbing us of some of the interpersonal and soft skills that hospitality lives and dies by.
This industry fully rides on people’s ability to interact face-to-face, to read a room, to anticipate needs, and to make someone feel truly seen. Those skillsets are becoming rarer as more of our world moves behind screens. Don’t get me wrong—I love the advancements. ChatGPT is one of my favorite and most used tools in business. But at the same time, we’re hurting for young, up-and-coming talent who can take up the torch and carry hospitality forward with those human skills that no technology can replace.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m at home with my family. So much chaos happens outside the four walls of our house that I don’t truly exhale until I’m back in that space. Walking through the door allows me to check the stress of work and obligations at the doorstep and shift into a different rhythm.
I’ve been really intentional about creating an atmosphere that feels balanced and peaceful. There are always flowers around—if not live ones, then faux. Candles or essential oil diffusers are a constant, filling the rooms with calming scents. Our walls are lined with family photos, and our sons artwork has a proud, prominent place throughout the house. We often have music playing and our furnishings are warm and cozy, with soft lamp lighting that makes everything feel inviting.
All these little elements come together to signal ‘home,’ ‘peace,’ and ‘safety.’ It’s not fancy, but it’s deeply meaningful to me and my family, and it’s where I feel most grounded.
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Image Credits
Family Photo by Christie Gare Photography
