We’re looking forward to introducing you to Christina Boudreaux . Check out our conversation below.
Christina , 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 a normal day like for you right now?
Equal parts chaos and cozy.
Sometimes it’s walks to the thrift store, farmer’s market or library with my nine-month-old in tow, other times it’s baby on the hip visiting work accounts.
Some days it’s a picnic in the park with new friends or meeting up with my oldest friend in Denver over drinks and oysters, other days it’s taking myself out to happy hour with a good book.
One moment it’s organizing a beer fest (or five) and the next it’s heading out on the road with my three favorite people in search of sand and ocean waves. Or having a planning meeting with a fun local venue and then meeting up with my husband for a little downtown Austin date night.
I’ve had friends tell me I’m good at finding balance, but it hasn’t always been that way for me. It’s something I’ve had to experiment with for years to find a place (and an amazing support system) that felt just right to me. That place feels like the perfect mix of freedom, stability and a schedule filled to the brim with so much laughter and love.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Christina Boudreaux, a marketing manager in Austin’s beer and booze scene. It’s the first career that I ever fell completely in love with, and it’s an industry I hope to be in for a long time to come. I get paid to do what I love, and I’ll never take that for granted. And while the fun events and freebies are certainly nice perks, what I love more than anything is the authenticity of this field and the people who work in it.
The craft beverage world is community-centered in such a genuine and beautiful way. I’m really proud and grateful to be a part of that.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
From early childhood into early adulthood, I thought that I needed to be palatable to others in order to like myself.
False. (Said in Dwight Schrute’s voice, because I am nothing if not a millennial loving Office fan.)
I’ve had many moments lately where I’ve felt so acutely aware of my joy. Of my journey to where I’m at right now, and how good it feels to finally be here.
And if that feeling comes with not being liked by everyone? Thank goodness for that. As young adults tend to do, I was once so distracted with trying to be liked that it took me years to realize that I do not like a lot of people. (Dear younger me: A lot of people really suck!)
In being more selective with who I choose to give time to, I’ve found that this time is too precious to waste on being palatable. And in giving that time back to myself, I’ve found peace.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
That I am so much more than what is in my blood.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
For this one I asked my best friend of 20+ years to answer, because she knows me better than anyone. Her texts below.
“Freedom (not in a creepy Republican way.) Adventure! New experiences. Setting and reaching goals. The people closest to you. Pride. Pride in who you are and where you come from (broadly), pride in your favorite people and in pride in your work/ambition. Then I’d say reading and drinking a glass of wine or coffee in a special or sentimental spot.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
Reading and drinking a glass of red with a good book – my best friend knows me well.
But where I feel the most at peace, that place would easily be my mid-thirties.
It is incredibly freeing to get to a place where your life feels so full and complete that the outside noise really just doesn’t matter anymore. Years of self-work and therapy (and finding the right dosage of Zoloft) have brought me to this place of quiet contentment and joy that comes from knowing that I did it. That I’m here now.
For years in my early thirties, I cocooned myself from the world a bit. I shut most everyone out except for the handful of people in my innermost circle. It was self-serving in some ways, but I did my best to listen and learn not just about myself, but others too. I read a lot. I still traveled (and became smitten with solo travel during this time) and sought out new experiences often. But the social butterfly that I was in my twenties was long gone. That version of me was completely exhausted and had developed a bounty of trust issues from handing out too many benefit of the doubts.
I don’t think I will ever have the desire to be the open book I once was in my twenties. My privacy is a luxury, and it’s one that I can’t afford to lose. But at thirty-six, I feel the world opening up around me a bit. Or maybe I’m opening back up to the world again. Either way, it’s a very nice place to be. I’m a little wiser and I’ve found lovely people to share my days with. I’ve also finally realized that I am not truly an extrovert, just an introvert with a lot to say.
At the beginning of this summer, my little family and I took a road-trip that spanned five states and so many cute coffee shops, delicious bites and eccentric AirBnbs. We stayed in a renovated former train station and danced to live Cajun a music at a charming little bar in Louisiana. We devoured fried seafood in Gulf Shores, Alabama and had a family beach shoot during a stunning sunset in Perdido Beach, Florida.
Near the end of the trip and back in Louisiana, I somewhat spontaneously decided to get a tattoo. A bee, as a reminder to face my fears (I’ve always had a fear of flying things that sting.) and as an ode to the best job I’ve ever had. It’s a constant visual nudge to always fight for the things that bring me the peace that I’ve worked so hard for. Even if it sometimes stings a little in the getting there, it’s pain that’s more than worth it in the end.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: christinagoingplaces
- Other: TikTok – christinaboudreaux89
Image Credits
First and last photo – Light By Iris, Portland Photography
Second Photo – Erin Marie Photography, Alabama/Florida photography
