Meet Amanda Payan Farris | Creative Consultant, Mom, “HYPE GIRL”, Podcast Host

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Payan Farris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, what do you want your legacy to be?
Maya Angelou said, “People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.” How we make others feel, how we rise above differences, how we embrace our faults and dare to grow is what gives heart beat to Legacy. I want people to say they felt loved, HEARD and empowered by me. You can have all the things, go to all the places and be crazy successful .. but if you don’t apply your gifts to help others in this world, if you don’t touch others hearts on your journey, your impact won’t leave a trail of light.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
2020 was such a heavy year for the world as a whole. Watching people argue and be torn apart due to political opinions in this country, losing hundreds of thousands of Americans due to COVID-19 as well as seeing so many additional lives lost due to discriminatory acts of violence was enough to bring anyone to their knees. But with darkness there is always light. 2020 also brought so many people out to protest for things they believe in. Community is being built in major cities everywhere as people join together to keep each other safe during this pandemic, and for me personally, 2020 gave me more time with my family and an opportunity to tap into my creative side and start making so many of my dreams a reality. In the most “grass roots” way, I taught myself how to start a podcast – Hype Girl Mindset (@hypegirlmindset), I spent countless hours interviewing local bands and learning how to create feature content for my music project Local Marquee HTX (@localmarqueehtx). I am the Managing Consultant for Houston Latina Bloggers (@houstonlatinabloggers) and I just entered into an Ambassadorship with Own Every Piece (@owneverypiece) here in Houston, TX. AND THIS IS MY DREAM WORK. My full time job is Mom to my 5yr old son Deacon. This plunge into my creative dreams came after a contract position that ended unexpectedly. At the time, it felt like a setback. What I have grown to realize was that everything I learned during that time was preparing me with the tools I needed to stop daydreaming about what I REALLY wanted to do and make it a reality. What looks like a setback should be treated like an opportunity to grow and “level up”. Its up to you to mold your mindset for greatness. Take the time to learn your craft. Surround yourself with individuals that you can learn things from and share your gifts with. My life LITERALLY just began at 40; it’s never too late to chase your dreams no matter what your age is. My dreams never sleep. There are many nights that I work while my family is asleep. If there is a fire in your heart and you’re not willing to risk the usual, you’ll have to settle for the ordinary. Hype Girl Mindset Podcast ~ “Hype Girl Mindset” is about what you tell yourself you CAN & WILL be. The biggest truths about who we are come from knockdowns, hard no’s and selfish wants. You don’t get to the finish line till you have learned to accept yourself, hold yourself accountable and learn to love the reflection that stares back at you in the mirror. The relationship we have with ourselves is the most important one we’ll ever have in this life. So, let’s do the hard things and manifest your destiny. Now Streaming –> Apple, Spotify, Amazon, Google & iHeartRadio Podcasts IG :: @hypegirlmindset Local Marquee HTx ~ Lover of all genres but crazy about local music. Local Marquee is fueled by this passion. Starting in Houston and spreading through Texas, we are a digital platform spotlighting local musical talents, upcoming shows, venues we LOVE and new music releases throughout the year. Every quarter I sit down with my “Featured Band” for a one on one interview where I get to know the people behind the music and what inspires them to chase their music dreams. You can check out my latest interview with RōZy (@therozyofficial) live now on our Instagram page. IG :: @localmarqueehtx Houston Latina Bloggers ~ The purpose of Houston Latina Bloggers is to create a nationwide awareness of Houston-based Latina Writers and Bloggers. As well as establish an online presence within Social Media and PR groups. While disseminating relevant and pertinent information not only to the Latino/Hispanic community here in Houston but also to other local writers and Bloggers. Twitter :: @houtxblogueras IG :: @houstonlatinabloggers Own Every Piece ~ Own Every Piece is a campaign run by a team at the UTHealth School of Public Health. Mission is to empower women of all ages to take control of their lives by showing real and honest information about birth control. Much like this campaign, we’re a diverse team whose lives encompass many colors that are constantly shifting. Our ages span from 25 to 75, but our mission remains the same: We want you to own every piece of what makes your life beautiful, including birth control. IG :: @owneverypiece The Creative Studio HTx ~ The Creative Studio HTX is a Creative Shared Space in the heart of Houston’s Downtown. We are an agency of skilled creative minds and talents, as a team we can strategies to build your brand or business content. IG :: @thecreativestudiohtx

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
HTown, TX born and raised and I fall more in love with this city every day. Not only is this city the Energy Capital of the World, Home of NASA & The Houston Space Center its also known as: Space City Hustletown Clutch City HTown Bayou City Screwston ,,, Texas. The culture is diverse, music venues are legendary, and the food will fill your heart & soul. Crawfish season is a religion, Houston BBQ will make your head explode and the Mexican Food is what tourists come to experience; my FAVES, The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation & Chapultepec Lupita. Don’t forget to visit Chinatown for some of the most amazing Ramen you’ll ever have. My personal favorite place is FuFu Cafe and I’ll sit in traffic just to bring home my favorites. Houston has 3 parks that are a “must visit” while you’re here; Memorial Park (newly renovated with some of the best running trails), Buffalo Bayou Park (you can bike, kayak & canoe, see the famous Cistern, & see the bats come out at Sunset from under the Waugh Bridge) & Hermann Park where you can also visit the Houston Zoo and are walking distance to the Contemporary Arts and Natural Science Museum). The Museum District (MY BACKYARD I’m a 3rd Ward Gal) houses some of the best Arts, Science & Children’s Museums in the City. The Children’s Museum & The Houston Museum of Natural Science are my kiddos top 2 favorite places to visit … get a membership if you live in town (trust me!!) it will pay for itself in the first two visits. Houston Nightlife caters to this diverse city just like the restaurants do. Uptown, Downtown, Midtown & the Washington Corridor has something for every one .. makes you wanna visit huh? Don’t even get us STARTED on sports.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The foundation of who I am as a person, without a doubt, was nurtured by my Mom, Cindi Brake. She gave me so much wisdom about life and how to fulfill myself with every lesson she learned. Her encouragement to live life to the fullest and experience all that I could was a gift I still carry with me. But its not always smooth roads and sunny days. So much of who I have grown to be is very much dedicated to the people along my path who didn’t believe in me. Those who said “no” to me and those who let me down. With each hurdle that life gives you, there is always an opportunity to grow. Being able to sit with yourself and audit your own behavior is a life tool that never expires. Without growth your successes only go so far. NEVER limit yourself because you refuse to see your shortcomings and growth opportunities.

Website: https://www.instagram.com/houstonlatinabloggers/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highteawithpayan/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-payan-farris-2884968/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hypegirlmindset

Other: https://www.instagram.com/hypegirlmindset/ https://www.instagram.com/localmarqueehtx/