Inspired by childhood memories of family gatherings, the Austin entrepreneur behind Lived X Leigh is turning ordinary moments into unforgettable experiences.
Some of life's most memorable moments happen around a table.
A beautifully arranged tray of appetizers. Flowers placed just so. The warmth of a gathering where every detail feels considered, yet nothing feels forced.
For Austin entrepreneur Shelby Priester, founder of Lived X Leigh, the appreciation for thoughtful entertaining began long before she started planning events professionally.
As a little girl, Shelby admired her aunt's seemingly endless collection of serving trays, carefully arranged appetizers, and timeless hosting traditions.
Those childhood memories left a lasting impression.
What began as an appreciation for beautiful gatherings eventually became the inspiration behind a business devoted to creating them.
From Marketing to Memorable Events
Shelby's professional journey didn't begin in the event industry.
She started her career in marketing, where opportunities to design and produce events for clients gradually became part of her work.
As those opportunities grew, she discovered that creating experiences was more than an occasional responsibility. It was work she genuinely enjoyed.
Eventually, she made the decision to turn that passion into a career.
Today, Lived X Leigh is an Austin-based event décor and production company that helps clients bring their celebrations to life, from the earliest concept to the final details on the day of the event.
With four years in business, Shelby has developed an approach that combines creativity, organization, and a deep appreciation for the moments people gather to celebrate.
Making Beautiful Celebrations Feel Possible
For many people, planning a memorable event can feel overwhelming.
Between flowers, linens, signage, décor, and coordinating vendors, even a relatively intimate gathering can involve more decisions than expected.
Shelby's goal is to make that process feel more approachable.
Through Lived X Leigh, she offers a coordinated approach to event design and production, handling elements such as florals, linens, signage, and styling within her collective.
By bringing those services together, she helps clients create a cohesive aesthetic while reducing the complexity of managing multiple vendors.
But Shelby believes beautiful events aren't simply about having the largest budget.
"Having the event of your dreams is all about how you allocate your budget," she explains.
Understanding which details matter most to a client allows her to prioritize spending while maintaining the overall vision.
It's a practical philosophy that makes thoughtful event design feel more accessible.
Learning to Embrace the Unexpected
Even the most carefully planned event comes with surprises.
Outdoor receptions can become windy. Rain can interrupt a perfectly arranged schedule. Details that seemed settled can suddenly require a new approach.
For Shelby, learning to adapt has been one of the most important lessons of entrepreneurship.
As someone who naturally pays close attention to details, adjusting plans when circumstances change hasn't always come easily.
But those experiences have helped her become more flexible and discover creative solutions she might otherwise have overlooked.
The result is an approach that balances a clear vision with the ability to respond to whatever the day brings.
The Beauty of Everyday Moments
What makes Shelby's philosophy especially fitting for Texas Living is her appreciation for the smaller moments that make life feel special.
She describes herself as someone who has always loved to romanticize everyday life.
Flipping through a magazine. Enjoying a cup of coffee on the back porch. Setting a table simply because gathering with people matters.
Those are the feelings she hopes to bring into the events she creates.
Her inspiration isn't limited to grand celebrations or elaborate productions. It's rooted in the idea that meaningful experiences often come from thoughtful details.
That perspective also shapes how she approaches her business relationships.
Shelby believes Texas is a place where referrals carry tremendous value, making every event an opportunity to build trust and leave a lasting impression.
For her, doing excellent work isn't simply about the celebration at hand. It's also about the relationships that continue long after the event ends.
Looking Toward Bigger Celebrations
As Lived X Leigh continues to grow, Shelby hopes to expand the scale of the events her company produces.
But even as her ambitions grow, the heart of the business remains connected to those early memories of watching her aunt create beautiful gatherings.
The details may change, and the celebrations may become larger, but the purpose remains the same: bringing people together and creating experiences they'll remember.
Because sometimes, the most meaningful part of a celebration isn't how elaborate it looks.
It's how it makes people feel.
Discover Lived X Leigh
Website: https://livedxleigh.com/
Instagram: @Livedxleigh
Location: Austin, Texas