Today we’d like to introduce you to Dani Shepherd.
Hi Dani, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve spent the past nine years working in marketing, both within agencies and directly with brands and clients. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work across so many different areas of the industry, from branding and digital marketing to partnerships, PR, content, and events. I’ve always loved the creative side of what I do and the process of taking an idea and turning it into something people can actually see, experience, and connect with.
When I became pregnant with my daughter, I started thinking a lot about what I wanted my career to look like once I became a mom. I knew I wanted the flexibility to be home with her and really be present for those early years, but I also knew I wasn’t ready to give up the work I loved. I still wanted that creative outlet and something that was mine professionally. That’s really where Swoon Social was born.
What started as a way for me to continue doing the work I loved on my own terms has grown into a much bigger vision. Today, Swoon Social is a creative marketing and experiential agency offering event planning, brand partnerships, website design, branding, PR, paid advertising, aerial photography and videography, and more. A large part of my work has naturally evolved into producing events centered around motherhood, wellness, and community, as well as connecting brands with events and creators in ways that feel organic and mutually beneficial.
I am continuing to grow, and in Q4 I will be launching a talent management sector, which feels like a really natural extension of the brand partnership work I’m already doing with creators.
One of the things I’m most grateful for is that I’ve been able to build a career that doesn’t require me to choose between motherhood and work. I genuinely love what I do, but I also love having the flexibility to be home with my daughter, spend time with her, and watch her grow. Swoon Social has given me the opportunity to continue building something I’m proud of while creating a life and career that work for this season of motherhood—and I’m really excited to see where it continues to go.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not completely smooth, but I think that’s part of building something of your own. One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to balance motherhood with entrepreneurship. The flexibility is one of the things I love most about what I do, but working for yourself also means there isn’t always a clear “off” switch. I’ve had to learn how to be intentional with my time, set boundaries, and accept that some seasons are going to be busier than others.
We’ve been impressed with Swoon Social , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Swoon Social is a creative marketing, experiential, and partnerships agency based in Austin. At the core of what I do is helping brands create experiences and build connections that feel intentional, memorable, and genuinely aligned with their audience.
A large part of Swoon Social has become event planning and experiential marketing, especially within the motherhood, wellness, lifestyle, and family spaces. I love taking an idea from the very beginning and bringing every piece together—from the concept, branding, and venue to sponsors, vendors, activations, gifting, marketing, and the actual guest experience. I also work with brands on partnerships and PR, website design, branding, paid advertising, social strategy, and aerial photography and videography.
One thing I think sets Swoon Social apart is that I don’t approach events as just events or marketing as just marketing. I’m always thinking about how everything works together. An event can create content, introduce a brand to a new audience, build community, generate organic social exposure, create long-term partnerships, and give people a real-life experience with a brand. I love finding creative ways to make those pieces connect.
I’ve also built a really strong network here in Austin, particularly within the motherhood and wellness communities. Because I’m genuinely part of those communities myself, I understand the audience beyond just demographics on a marketing report. I know what resonates, what feels forced, and what actually gets people excited to show up and engage with a brand.
I’m probably most proud of the community and relationships that have grown alongside Swoon Social. Some of my favorite events have brought together 100+ moms and their children, dozens of local businesses, and national brands in one space. Seeing brands form relationships through something I created—and then continue working together afterward—is one of the most rewarding parts for me.
The next chapter I’m especially excited about is expanding Swoon Social into talent management in Q4. I’ve already been working on the brand side of creator partnerships, so representing creators and helping them build thoughtful, long-term brand relationships feels like a natural evolution.
Ultimately, I want people to know that Swoon Social is intentionally multifaceted. I love being able to look at a brand and say, “What do you actually need?” rather than trying to fit every client into the same package. Whether that’s an event people talk about afterward, the right partnership, a new website, a brand refresh, PR, content, or a larger marketing strategy, I want Swoon Social to be the creative partner that helps bring the vision to life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.swoonsocial.co
- Instagram: swoonsocial.co
- Facebook: Instagram.com/swoonsocial.co
