Today we’d like to introduce you to Gerald Lamina and Kyle Lewis.
Hi Gerald Lamina and Kyle Lewis, thanks for sharing your story. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Twofold: different perspectives coming together
Gerald: I officially moved to Austin in May 2022 with dreams of breaking through into the music scene. After scoping out the nightlife scene in Austin, I was generally unsatisfied with the options for people to listen to electronic music- the venues were limited, and the experiences at those venues were subpar compared to other cities I lived in NYC, Chicago, and Valencia, Spain. From there, I started throwing makeshift events during my first summer to give myself and other smaller DJs a chance to play with a lively crowd. From there, Kyle joined in on the party, and we honed in to elevate our events in a more professional and organized manner.
Kyle: I have been in Austin for approx. 8 years as a fellow Longhorn and had the benefit of seeing the city change in many ways. As a city that attracts a lot of out-of-state migration, there can be fragmentation in the social scene. Going out to bars only takes you so far before that shallow, mundane, recurring experience sets in. I wanted to provide a welcoming, inclusive environment for all styles to find new friends and create a desire to return and build within the Zest community.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s always a struggle to build something from the ground up. Why would people listen to you? What credibility do you have? We had a problem in the early stages convincing our guests that the price was worth it. Although Austin is growing in terms of size and industry in tech, people scoffed at our ticket prices because they were generally higher than the average party. We overcame this with unique experiences and innovative ideas that shattered the status quo with modern-day party throwing. We gave people value in each event in ways they didn’t even know they needed/wanted.
Thanks for sharing that. Could you tell us more about your business?
Zest&Co. is a texturized and engaging event planning endeavor that pushes the boundaries of a classic themed party. We challenge ourselves to add new and fresh ideas for each event consistently. With our themes and correlating activations, the event gives different avenues of engagement, catering to various people. Additionally, we boast the community that surrounds Zest&Co. We truly believe that each attendee adds their unique flavor to the overall collective, raising the energy, vibe, and level of intimacy at each event. We are proud of the community we have created. The amount of friendship that has come to fruition from our events inspires us to keep going. We have never been afraid to experiment with new ideas and to go big when in doubt. We continue to innovate and find creative ways to keep our guests entertained.
What changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The industry in Austin is increasing as more people move to the city. Seeing that Austin is such a “young city,” there will always be room in this industry. We see this industry-shifting into a ‘quality over quantity’ trend. What we mean by that is social settings that demand energy and attentiveness can be exhausting for some. People would rather go big and find a unique event that has them texting their friends for 2 weeks beforehand, deciding what to wear and where to pregame, rather than going out every Friday and Saturday with the same crew to the same three places.
