Today we’d like to introduce you to Haven Darcy.
Hi Haven, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in South Austin way back when Whole Foods was a small local health food store. I got my first baseball glove at Rooster Andrew’s sporting goods, and by first taste of Austin’s live music scene at Liberty Lunch, La Zona Rosa and the Backyard.
After finishing school, I dedicated myself to my love of travel and adventure. I spent the next decade traveling all over the USA exploring the incredible beauty of our National Parks, journeyed through Europe, taught English in China and backpacked across Southeast Asia. It was during this time that I became infatuated with maps.
Upon returning home to Austin I found so many places and businesses from my youth were gone, outpaced or outpriced by the rapid growth of our city. I realized that I wanted to do something to help support local businesses and also promote the unique aspects of Austin that draw folks from all over the world to our city. Maps was the answer I was looking for.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Of course there have been challenges and struggles! I imagine every aspiring entrepreneur has faced their share. My largest obstacle has been reminding people of the value of print media. In the current climate of virtual reality, instant gratification and social media marketing, my push for a return to the physical and tangible experience has at times felt like I am swimming against the tide. But tides change. I stopped fighting the “current”. We developed an App and downloadable WebMap to bridge the gaps in reach and availability while still focusing on a product that can be held in your hands and deliver real world experiences.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Discovery Map of Austin is a FREE, hand-illustrated map. We have designed the Map with a dual purpose. The first is to provide an avenue for local businesses to market themselves directly to the 28 million annual visitors to Austin. The second is as a tool for locals, new Austinites, and visitors to explore the wide variety of flavors, unique experiences, and quintessential shops and venues that make Austin such an exciting and vibrant place.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I think perhaps the thing that surprises people most about me is the sheer quantity of experiences I’ve collected in my life. New adventures and learning new skills absolutely feeds my soul. From building an acoustic guitar, restoring a 1959 Chevy Apache truck, to visiting remote Tibetan monasteries or climbing the sea cliffs of Ao Nang Thailand, I simply want to experience as much as possible in life!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.discoverymap.com/Austin
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/havendarcy?igsh=MTNhZDludTZ0ajRnNQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1A6rtNSF7T/
