Austin Way Magazine - GreenGale Publishing - There is a place beyond the crowds, beyond the ropes, where dreams are realized and success is celebrated. You are invited.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/666142
44 AUSTINWAY.com BEHIND THE HYPE Ten years afTer esTablishing gianT noise, Pr goddess ElainE Garza is sTill leaving her indelible imPrinT on ausTin, one clienT aT a Time. women of power PhotograPhy by Seth olenick; necklace by coPeland Jewelry A decade ago, Elaine Garza, husband Rich, and their infant daughter left New York for Austin, where she started public relations agency Giant Noise with only Spin and Vibe as clients. Now with a staff of 30, mostly in Austin but also in New York and San Antonio, and noteworthy clients from South Congress Hotel and the Paramount Theatre to Fun Fun Fun Fest and Olamaie and Sway restaurants, the boutique PR powerhouse celebrated its 10th anniversary in January with a blowout party at Hotel Emma in San Antonio (another client and one of Travel & Leisure's Best New Hotels for 2016). Preparing for Moontower Comedy & Oddity Festival (April 20–23), Garza talks with Austin Way about life, laughs, and career. Big break: "Liz Lambert, who is a pioneer in hotels, gave me my first shot, and I will be forever grateful to her for allowing me to work on Hotel Saint Cecilia. It opened a lot of doors." San Antonio love: "San Antonio feels like Austin maybe 10 or five years ago. It's an unbelievably exciting place right now." Finding balance: "I have two kids, ages 8 and 10. I try to make it home for dinner three times a week, and I take big, crazy family vacations. It's not easy, but I think any working mom has the same challenge." Laugh fest: "My love for the Moontower Comedy Festival literally has no bounds… It doesn't feel like work at all." 1208 E. Seventh St., #1, 512-382- 9017; giantnoise.com . Scene influencer