A community art project that highlights the City of Galveston and the conservation efforts of Turtle Island Restoration Network to protect endangered sea turtles on the upper Texas coast.
BRINGING TOGETHER ART, AWARENESS AND ADVOCACY.
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SOCIAL MEDIA ISSUE SOCIAL MEDIA ISSUE
Being on a small island with a population of 50,000 means that people know their neighbors, community is everything, and most of us take a general interest in the well-being of our island. But with over 8 million tourists visiting each year, the residents often enjoy the residual benefits and drawbacks, especially of Galveston’s online platforms.
We must never forget that the idea of social media is to be social and, with any hope, engage people and communities to come together and share meaningful moments. Navigating a digital community can be a beast. Our island has felt the impacts of social media through increased visibility, new business opportunities, influencer recommendations, and more.
This issue of Culture Clash Magazine focuses on our island's social media scene, what it adds, and what it lacks. We discovered what island influencers are bringing to the table and how our youth feel about it. Our issue highlights positive accounts making a difference in people’s lives, and the content creators responsible for it.
We encourage you to dive deeper into the island’s social media scene and find what works for you. Community comes in many forms and is more important than most realize. Communities both off and online offer a sense of belonging, identity, and opportunities for collaboration and personal growth. Reading and supporting this publication is a start!
Get social with us on any of our online channels, or in person! Next meetup Nov. 15th for the Culture Clash Epic Bash- hope to see you there.
Write us an email or shoot us a comment any time online: CultureClashGalveston.com CultureClashGalveston@gmail.com LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER:
- Janese Maricelli
ON THE COVER: Our cover art, "Wave of Influence," captures the digital current shaping Galveston’s creative tide. It is inspired by the ever-shifting energy of social media where posts ripple, trends crash, and local voices make waves that reach far beyond the island. It’s a reflection of how influence moves in Galveston.
Be a Better Human
What began as a few friends gathering for drinks has evolved into one of Galveston’s most inspiring traditions. The Thursday Happy Hour Club proves that a simple Facebook group can spark genuine connection, strengthen local business, and bring a community closer together.
Photos Courtesy of Contributors
HOW A FACEBOOK GROUP SPARKED A MOVEMENT
As told by Cyndi Hood|By Krista Ruiz
When Cyndi Hood hit “create group” on Facebook, she wasn’t trying to start a movement. She just wanted an easier way to grab drinks with friends. “My group started as 10 women,” Hood recalls. “We gathered weekly to enjoy each other's company and take advantage of happy hour food specials. It didn’t take long to outgrow a group text. The next step was creating a private Facebook group to coordinate meetups.” That simple idea became the Galveston Thursday Happy Hour Club, now one of the island’s most vibrant social circles. But from the beginning, it was about more than cocktails. “Facebook groups are a dime a dozen,” says Hood. “Very few cross over into real-life meetups. From day one, our focus was to support local businesses, especially during the slower months when every dime counts.”
Running a large group comes with its challenges. “Managing a group with diverse opinions takes human resource skills and tenacity,” she explains. “You have to enjoy people because we don’t get paid. Creating a strong admin team isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Keeping peace is paramount, even if it means silencing or removing members.” Despite the work, Hood remains passionate about the community she’s built. Hood shares that collaboration leads to making the island a better place, and her group has brought together lifelong friends and helped promote small businesses. The group’s reach now extends far beyond happy hours. During times of need, like natural disasters, the group comes together and participates in community service efforts. This work led Hood and the group to form a 501(c)(3) along with the West End Lions Club which helped to install food pantries across the island.
Today, the group is as much a cultural fixture as a social one. “We give businesses a free platform to connect with potential patrons,” Hood says. “We’re known for our weekly meetups and themed events. Who doesn’t smile seeing a group of Ms. Ropers or pirates with their pets running around the Strand?”
Now, Thursday nights have become a kind of ritual. Each week, the group chooses a different local spot to gather, bars, cafes, seaside restaurants, and turns an ordinary evening into something that feels like a celebration. “Every week when I post a new location, I can guarantee at least a couple of people have never been there before,” Hood explains. “If they click with the place, they become regulars.” The club has hosted everything from ghost tours and Mardi Gras parties, to Regatta Nights, and even a new Dickens Ball. “We keep things affordable so we don’t alienate anyone,” Hood adds.
The Galveston Thursday Happy Hour Club stands as proof that a social media group can be more than just an online hangout. It can be a real force for connection, kindness, and community. From 10 friends chatting over drinks to a thriving network of hundreds who support one another, the club embodies the best of Galveston’s small-town spirit. What began as a simple “happy hour” has become something much bigger. It is a reminder that when people come together, even just once a week, it can change an entire community.
YOUR FRONT ROW TO GALVESTONʼS BIGGEST EVENTS
FROM MARDI GRAS PARADES TO DICKENS ON THE STRAND, THE TREMONT HOUSE PUTS YOU IN THE CENTER OF IT ALL.
SLEEP UPSTAIRS, CELEBRATE DOWNSTAIRS.
RESERVE BEFORE THE FESTIVITIES BEGIN.
Voices of the Island
From viral trends to real-world friendships, social media connects most of Galveston's high school students, though some without phones find themselves unplugged. We asked Ball High students to offer their unique
GALVESTON’S DIGITAL GENERATION
A Word From Our Teen Contributors
We asked Ball High students to share their perspectives on social media and growing up as part of a generation born into our world’s digital age. Culture Clash wanted to know, “How has social media shaped your day-to-day life on the island? From the apps you spend time on, to online trends; how do they influence school, mental health, and the sense of community in Galveston?”
Aide Flores
These apps not only shape how communicatewe but also how we interact and see ourselves.
Social media has become one of the biggest influences on daily life in Galveston, especially for students. Most of my friends spend hours on Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. These apps not only shape how we communicate but also how we interact and see ourselves. Online trends travel quickly across the island, whether it's a funny sound, a dance challenge, or even a viral news story, and suddenly everyone at school is talking about it. Sometimes it makes us feel closer, but other times it can feel stressful trying to keep up. Social media has also changed how Galveston feels as a community. Local businesses advertise on Instagram, and upcoming events spread through Facebook posts or shared TikToks. Because of this the island feels more connected. For us, social media is not just entertainment; it's where our friendships grow and continue every day. In the end, social media has changed both school and community life in Galveston. It connects us, challenges us, and shapes who we are.
Ever since I was a little girl I have watched my mom dream of having her own business. She has always had a passion for fashion, specifically jewelry. From sitting in the wholesale stores for hours as she meticulously picked each piece, to sitting in the elementary school parking lot to set up a jewelry stand. To watching her receive her first earring design come in the mail, to working at her store, and listening to people say they came because they saw it on social media.
I have watched my mom's dream grow, and social media has played a large part in that. I remember when my mom was first starting her Instagram page, and she was making a post to persuade people to come to a Valentine's pop-up at a coffee shop called Sugar Bean. She proudly showed the family her post. When I got back from school, we went straight to the pop-up. She told us it had been a hit, and people came from seeing the post on Instagram. After, she took me to Target with the money she made from the pop-up. Social media has impacted my whole family more than most will ever know. Now my mom has a store right behind Sugar Bean, and I get to work it. Everyone should visit @shopgabyandgrace on Instagram and the Gaby and Grace store in Evia.
Mason Ritter
Social Media has influenced my life in a lot of ways since I moved down to the island, and since then, it’s helped me discover things about myself, and my own freedom. I’ve been allowed to do much more within the last 5 years, thanks to having my phone available to call at all times. It’s also helped expose me to people who I would have never met if not for our combined interest in indie games on Discord.
That being said, social media doesn’t come without downsides. Cancel Culture is a cruel and extreme way of punishing people over the internet, while it is valid in some cases (example: bigotry, racism, etc.), it is often used when someone has a slightly controversial opinion, and gets blown out of proportion to the point it ruins the person’s life. The internet is an amazing place full of opportunity, but rarely is it used for said opportunities, and instead is used for pointless drama and toxicity.
Thankfully, it’s pretty easy to avoid all of the bad stuff as long as you stay on the tame side of the internet, and stay away from certain subjects and/or apps like Twitter/X as an example. In my experience, apps like Discord and YouTube have relatively friendly fandoms behind the communities and content creators they follow. The internet has helped me in my life immensely and will continue to do so as I keep finding new interests and meeting more people in life.
Audrey
Conner
As a teenager living phoneless in 2025, I get a lot of weird looks, jokes, and congratulations from adults. It’s honestly almost comical to see the varying reactions from different age groups and how they differ. My daily life is shaped by a repeating cycle of getting the latest from other people, apologies from friends when they reference an online joke or meme that I don’t get, and, of course, the question, “Did you get a phone yet?”
Jokes and references, in my experience, are fundamental in deeper connections and friendships, and it's hard to understand many of the ideals that most people are laughing at. The pressure of not just having a phone, but being up to date with the online culture, is building as younger and younger kids are being given phones and accessing social media. Kids as young as 11 are being influenced by dangerous trends and are getting hurt. Schools are having to put new safety laws in place, such as the phone ban, just to make students pay attention. The fact is that students, kids, and even parents are glued to their screens. As a community, people are more likely to whip out a phone and record than offer real help. It can be hard to separate the art from the artist, and even harder to separate the screen from the real world. One thing I can say is I feel more connected to the youth of today when
Leann Laws
Before social media, I would go outside every day to play and had more confidence. I had more of my own thoughts, and didn’t think about what others thought. When I got a phone, I started looking at screens more, and going outside less. At a young age, I wasn’t addicted, but I enjoyed recording videos, watching YouTube, and playing games. I would spend most of my time on games like Subway Surfers, Crossy Road, and Roblox. I also spent a lot of time on Fortnite, and I would say it’s a toxic platform only because it’s competitive, and people don’t take losing well.
That’s when I started to dislike things about myself because of what others would tell me. People would say I sounded like a boy, and call me racial slurs. I would argue but looking back, I regret putting my energy, and time towards that. Kids on that platform curse, and say horrible things because it was what everyone else was doing.
The arguments on games would cause tension within friendships and influence how you acted in school. I feel like online is where most of the negative energy comes from. Social media changes me as a person, and sometimes I lose myself because I’m trying
Alisson Galindo
I feel like online is where most of the negative energy comes from.
Online trends play a huge role in shaping today's life. Culturally, social media has made Galveston noticeable. It has made it a highly visible tourist area. Apps like TikTok and Instagram have shown people the events, and historic landmarks Galveston has to offer. While this boosts small shops and businesses, it can also make the island feel a little bit more commercialized, due to the restaurants and stores focusing
In schools, online trends have been part of students' behavior, and their learning experience. They have brought more learning opportunities to our students, and have given more flexibility to our Galveston families. At the same time, online trends also bring along problems. Teachers must handle more distractions, cyberbullying, and new forms of peer pressuring.
On a personal level, social media inspires creativity, connections, and motivations. Then there is the negative part of it, people comparing you to them or to other people, and the pressure to be like them or be better. It sometimes causes low self-esteem, anxiety, or burnout; especially for young people, trying to balance the good, and exciting things about today's online culture with the need for real connection and self-care. This will always be one of our biggest challenges.
Miya Washington
Being a student at Ball High, I look around at my peers, and I notice that most are connected to social media. My group of friends is attracted to TikTok out of all apps. We send each other funny skits, and reels, without realizing the power that the app holds. Throughout the years TikTok has been used as a news outlet for younger generations who have grown bored of watching TV. TikTok is resourceful for getting information because the videos are short enough for the average person's attention span. I think online trends affect Galveston's culture by opening doors for students to be creative and add their own twist to original concepts. Some may say that social media trends can be mean and harsh, but they can also help students grow mentally. For example, the TikTok trend called "joy-baiting" inspires the participants to spread kindness to all. Another part of social media is called "cancel culture". Most think that cancel culture is a negative thing, but I say that encourages the younger generations to stand up for what they think is right. Cancel culture reminds us that we don't have to tolerate behavior we don't agree with, it gives children a voice when they may not have one otherwise. Overall, social media is a place where you can find information, social interaction, and your standing in the world. It's necessary now and will always be necessary in the future.
Johnathon Vallecillo
Social media is something I use every single day in Galveston. Most of my friends, including me, spend the most time on TikTok and Instagram. It’s where we share talk in group chats, and keep up with trends. Sometimes, it feels like if you’re online, you miss out on what everyone’s joking about at school the next day.
Online trends definitely make their way into school life. For example, if a sound goes viral on TikTok, people will repeat it in the hallways or even use it in class. It can be funny, but it also makes everything feel temporary, like the culture is always switching from one thing to the next really fast.
Social media has also changed how I see Galveston as a community. People will post about local events or even bad weather before it shows up on the news. At the same time, cancel culture and viral moments can feel toxic. If someone messes up, even a small thing, it spreads quickly. That pressure makes people act differently, like they’re scared of doing the wrong thing.
I’ve also noticed older generations use social media more for news or family updates, while my generation mostly uses it for entertainment. In a way, it makes me feel like we’re living in two separate online worlds, even though we’re on the same apps.
Social media is just part of daily life here now, it shapes how we talk, laugh, and even how we see Galveston itself.
THE TAKEAWAY
Maintaining an online presence offers high school students opportunities for creativity, connection, and self-expression. However, it also brings challenges like cyberbullying, unrealistic comparisons, and constant pressure to stay visible. We can all find balance by setting boundaries and prioritizing well-being.
Community support is essential; schools, local and should provide
WEATHERING THE STORM
Life for Black Galvestonians in 1900 and Beyond
EXHIBIT
EXTENDED
Now Open Through 24
JANUARY
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Viewable during regular library hours.
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Behind the Screens: The Admins Who Run Galveston's Facebook Groups
By the Culture Clash Staff · 4 Admins
About
In a world that moves faster every day, Galveston still finds ways to slow down and stay connected. Online or off, people here know the value of community. Across the island, Facebook groups have become modern meeting spots where locals swap advice, share stories, and look out for each other. From small business owners finding support to residents posting updates or visitors uncovering hidden gems, these groups do more than keep the conversation going. They remind us how much stronger Galveston is when we stay connected.
Running these spaces isn’t always easy. It takes time, patience, and a thick skin. We talked with four group admins who keep their corners of the internet alive, learning what makes their groups special, and what it really takes to manage an online community. Here’s a peek inside a few of Galveston’s most talked-about Facebook groups.
Galveston Talk (Original Facebook Page)
Admin: Karen Shields · Private
This group shares information and discussions about Galveston Island, Bolivar, and Tiki Island. Members can post interesting or important content, and while most prefer to read rather than comment, all participation is valued and appreciated.
WHAT WE LOVE: TRUSTED, LONGSTANDING REPUTATION
With over 59,000+ members, both locals and visitors, ‘Galveston Talk-the Original' has consistently been voted first or second in Best of Galveston (Facebook Group) by Galveston.com since 2018. The group played a vital role during critical times like Hurricane Harvey, the Texas freeze, and other weather events, providing timely information and community support.
GROUP CHALLENGES: MANAGING MEMBERSHIP GROWTH AND GROUP AUTHENTICITY
As the group grows, ongoing vetting of membership requests (especially from fake profiles or foreign accounts) requires constant attention. Several imitation groups were created, prompting the addition of "Galveston Talk - THE ORIGINAL" to distinguish the group from others.
I found someones license on the ground. DM me if you recognize them.
Galveston Weddings and Elopements
Admin: Dawn Browne · Private
This group's goal is to create a dedicated online community for couples planning weddings or elopements in Galveston, and for local Galveston-based vendors to connect, collaborate, and share relevant, location-specific information and resources.
WHAT WE LOVE: SUPPORTIVE, FOCUSED ENVIRONMENT FOR COUPLES
Couples and members receive relevant, useful answers without being bombarded by vendor spam. The group maintains a welcoming and stress-free atmosphere for wedding planning without feeling like you're being sold to. Members share honest reviews and experiences, holding vendors to higher standards. Articulate discussions within the group often lead to better expectations and outcomes for everyone involved.
GROUP CHALLENGES: CONTENT MODERATION WORKLOAD
This group offers some curated vendor information and a growing group size increases the number of vendor posts needing review or removal. Post approval, filtering out unapproved advertising is exhausting. The ongoing time commitment to monitor both posts and comments to protect group integrity is real, but worth it.
Galveston
Talk
Admin: Shawn Pachlhofer · Public
This group provides a family-friendly, community-focused space where locals and visitors can share information, stories, and experiences related to Galveston Island, while maintaining a positive atmosphere.
WHAT WE LOVE: POSITIVE COMMUNITY IMPACT & ENJOYMENT
The admins take pride in curating a family-friendly, compassionate space that showcases Galveston in a positive light. There is personal satisfaction in seeing members enjoy the beaches, share memories, and discover hidden gems of the island, which enhances community engagement and appreciation of the area.
GROUP CHALLENGES: FACEBOOK PLATFORM LIMITATIONS
Admins face significant obstacles due to quirky or malfunctioning features on Facebook. These issues can include lack of admin tools (e.g., no “approve all” for flagged posts), random flagging of legitimate content as spam, and no reliable way to get support or feedback from Facebook when problems arise.
Galveston Small Business Besties
Admin: Amy Godeaux Mckeethan · Private
The Galveston Small Business Besties group is designed to help local small business owners in Galveston connect, network, and support one another. The group fosters collaboration through online engagement and in-person meetups, with a goal of building meaningful relationships, aka "business besties," that contribute to mutual success.
WHAT WE LOVE: IN-PERSON NETWORKING THAT DRIVES REAL RESULTS
The group hosts coffee meetups and other events that create real-life connections. These interactions have already led to tangible outcomes, such as new stores opening on the Strand and successful community initiatives like the Pink Friday giveaway. Members benefit from a strong support system of like-minded local entrepreneurs. The group provides a space for encouragement, resource-sharing, and collaboration, essential for small business growth and resilience.
GROUP CHALLENGES: BALANCING ONLINE AND OFFLINE CONNECTIONS
Like many groups, maintaining genuine engagement online is a struggle due to Facebook’s oversaturation and algorithmic noise. Getting members to actively participate rather than passively scroll is an ongoing difficulty. While in-person meetups are successful, translating that same level of connection online remains challenging. It takes effort to ensure the group stays active and valuable between physical events.
Does anyone know a good local..
GRAND OPENING!
The next time you scroll through a Galveston Facebook group, remember: real people are behind every post, keeping the digital tide flowing.
These admins are volunteers, moderators, and motivators rolled into one. Show them some love, follow the rules, and use these groups for what they’re meant to be; community, connection, and care.
#GalvestonTrending
By Krista Ruiz | Photos by Contributors
In the age of social media, discovery happens online through the voices of influencers. Today, influencers are turning Galveston into a digital destination, highlighting hidden gems, documenting everyday life, and shaping how visitors experience the island. Unlike metro cities like Houston, Dallas, or Austin, Galveston’s influencer ecosystem is intimate and island-based. To understand this wave, we spoke with a range of creators, from lifestyle what it means to be an influencer
@ROAMGALVESTON
Brett and his wife call themselves Islanders By Choice. “We’re even newborn BOI—Born On Island,” from North Carolina, Brett landed unexpectedly during the pandemic started as sharing photos of historic with family evolved into Roam Galveston, an account now known for weaving history into everyday content. “Diving deeper than the sunsets, the Strand, the beach resonates with people,” explains. “It gives them a chance behind the veil of a ‘tourist town.’” chasing partnerships, he highlights that truly inspire him. “If a local embodies the heart of Galveston, share their story,” he says. For Brett, influencer culture is distinct from Houston or Dallas, it can feel like influencer. Here, it’s about the island.”
@GALVESTONGIRLY
For Karis, known as @galvestongirly, moving to Galveston was as much about lifestyle as it was about storytelling. Originally from Houston, Karis spent time in Austin for college and work before moving back to be closer to family. “We fell in love with the first house we toured and got the keys in December of 2023,” she recalls.
Karis wanted to challenge the negative stereotypes about Galveston. “People would say, ‘Galveston is so dirty, why would you move there?’ I wanted to show how beautiful and vibrant it really is,” she says. What began as casual story posts and static photos evolved into engaging content.
Her approach is relatability over reach. That relatability translates into real impact. “People message me personally about their experience or how they can't wait to do the various things I share on my page,” she says. Ultimately, her content is about pride of place. “I never want sugarcoat Galveston. It’s historic, laid-back, and a little gritty. But
Mazzie of @gtownisntbrown began her account as a personal archive “It was my way of keeping Galveston close,” she says. What started quickly became something bigger. Early posts featured archival photos, she returned to the island for breaks, her content shifted to real-time moments; skatepark sessions, beach trips, and spontaneous adventures. That carefree, day-in-the-life style is what resonates most. Her audience doesn’t just see staged highlights; they get authentic glimpses into joy of everyday island living. “I think that’s what draws people in; of carefree energy, spontaneous plans, and Galveston’s natural beauty colliding in my posts.”
Mazzie also embraces one of Galveston’s most enduring debates: the water, which is where her name @gtownisntbrown originated of my biggest motives has been to push back against the idea that water is always ‘gross,’” she explains. “I love the Gulf, and I’ve come its patterns, why the tides sometimes stir up sand and make the water and why other times it’s calm, crystal-clear, and full of dolphins,”
@GALVESTON_HOTSPOTS
When Mel and Meg launched Galveston Hotspots, simple: share the best of the island with their friends actually started super small, just inviting our friends family to follow the account,” they explain.
Supporting local businesses is at the heart of what do. Even without formal partnerships, they find ways spotlight local businesses “For us, it’s less about partnerships and more about sharing the places and experiences genuinely love in Galveston,” they say. Still, the impact “We love hearing from people who discover new businesses events because of our posts.”
Galveston’s influencer scene proves that impact is by follower count, but by authenticity, community, for the island. From sharing hidden gems and local to capturing the everyday beauty of the Gulf, these shaping how visitors and locals alike experience Galveston. work reminds us that social media can be more than celebrate culture,
While many creators highlight social media to amplify Galveston’s live music scene. He builds digital by promoting open mic nights, concerts, and behind-the-scenes footage. “If you don’t post about it online, how will anyone know it’s happening?” he says.
collaborations are strategic. He works with local businesses by hosting cafes, bars, and music venues, often with dozens of sponsors for show. One recent event at 1877 on the Strand involved 20 local businesses, from coffee shops to apparel stores, showcasing how influencer networks can directly drive foot traffic and community engagement.
larger cities, where a single musician may get lost in a saturated social thrives on Galveston’s close-knit environment. His content blends community building, and cultural documentation, giving followers a real-time sense of the island’s music pulse.
the creator behind My Galveston: Adventures of a Local Tourist, says building a social media presence was less about strategy and more about sharing her love for the island. She started by posting regularly in Facebook groups, tagging local businesses, and using consistent hashtags. “More people became interested in seeing what other island pictures I had taken,” she explains.
niche quickly became clear: sunrise content. “Early morning is my favorite time,” she says. “The island is still asleep, less traffic, and it’s such a peaceful way to start the day, especially watching the waves of the Gulf crash onshore.” photos capture that calm, and her followers have come to love them as much as she does.
While her account grew from photography, Kelly also collaborates with local businesses, always with a spirit of generosity. “I love supporting local businesses,” she says. “I don’t ask for anything in return, but I do accept cup of coffee.” She doesn’t particular type of partnership, spotlight anyone who adds
@GROOVYGALVESTON
Groovy Galveston was never meant to be about the content creator. “I started it with the intention of keeping it strictly Galveston-focused,” explains its owner. From day one, they chose to remain faceless on their account, letting the island itself take center stage. “It adds a bit of mystery,” they say. “It’s just fun for me to come up with creative ways to post without showing my face.”
Groovy Galveston covers everything from shops to local events, their most popular content is rooted in the beach. “Especially shark teeth. I’ve been a shark tooth hunter my whole life.” Sharing beach knowledge has become one of their favorite parts of running the account. “When I post about my beach finds, those usually get the most engagement. I love giving tips to help people spot their own treasures.”
Unlike some creators who see partnerships as a goal, they take a more organic approach. “If I’m already visiting a local business, loving the vibe, and connecting with the owners, I’ll naturally share about it.”
They believe Galveston’s scale is what makes the island’s influencer community so effective. feels like what you’re doing want to see Galveston succeed.”
Coolture: Arts + Music
Storytelling found Juan Lazo long before he called it a career. From skate videos to global film projects, this Galveston native has turned his creative curiosity into a career rooted in authenticity. Through Aveo Creative, he uses storytelling to preserve local voices and connect the island to the wider world.
Photos Courtesy of Juan Lazo
FEATURED ARTIST: JUAN LAZO, A CONTENT ARCHIVIST
“Some people follow a path. I stumbled into mine.” For Galveston native Juan Lazo, storytelling wasn’t taught in a classroom, it was discovered with a camcorder, a skateboard, a group of friends, and his blue Ford Astro van. Every weekend spent filming was messy, loud, and imperfect, but it thrilled me; the chance to capture moments no one else would see and to tell stories in my own way. Those early experiments behind the lens turned into a lifelong pursuit, capturing stories with honesty, heart, and impact. And it all started because I sucked at skateboarding.
Born and raised on the island, Juan has built a career that has taken him across the globe. From filming for Coca-Cola, Patrón, Lisa Nichols, and Galveston native Dr. Mary Claire, to working with local businesses, his work blends international reach with a hometown voice.
For Juan, storytelling has never been about chasing trends or reinventing the wheel. He often says, “I wasn’t made to create, I was made to discover.” It is a personal mantra rooted in the belief that there is nothing new under the sun, only new ways of seeing. As author Austin Kleon wrote, “Everything that needs to be said has already been said. But, since no one was listening, everything must be said again.” Juan embraces that idea fully, using his camera to rediscover stories and retell them in ways that resonate today.
Through his business Aveo Creative, named after Avenue O, where he grew up. Juan focuses on raising the stories of Galveston. Whether helping brands like Hotel Lucine share their vision or running a podcast studio that gives space to new creators, his mission is rooted in connection and community.
Juan calls himself a Content Archivist, and the title fits. His style captures not just images but the laughter, love, and life behind them. For him, storytelling is not just work, it is the way he honors people, preserves culture, and builds bridges that last.
COOLTURE: PULSE
COOLTURE: PULSE
DRINK UP
PULSE
NOVEMBERDECEMBER EVENTS 2025
Maples latte vanilla, and sugar.
Fall a together comforting embrace of a spiced latte or a pecan cold brew, Mod Coffeehouse has something for everyone.
with vanilla cold foam and nutmeg. Choose between a house or pecan cold brew!
OLD QUARTER SONGWRITER FESTIVAL
Nov 13 - Nov 15
Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe
The Old Quarter Songwriter Festival takes over Historic Downtown Galveston for three days of intimate performances and original music. Featuring 30 local, regional, and national artists, the festival celebrates the art of storytelling through song. Presented by The Old Quarter and Arts Downtown, it’s a must for live music lovers.
Admission: Ticket Prices Vary
CULTURE CLASH EPIC BASH 8TH BIRTHDAY PARTY
Nov 15 | 5 PM - 10 PM
2521 Market Street
Join the Culture Clash crew as we celebrate 8 years in print during Artwalk. We will have live art and music, vendors, food, beer, and so much more! This event is family-friendly.
Admission: Free
MARMO MARKET JR.
Dec 13 | 12 PM - 2 PM
MarMo Plaza
Celebrate the holiday season with a market made for makers and dreamers. MarMo Market Jr. brings together local artists, small businesses, and families for a day of shopping, music, and holiday fun.
Admission: N/A
SANTA HUSTLE GALVESTON
December 21 | Time Varies
Beach Central
Runners, walkers, and Santas of all kinds take over the Seawall for this festive 5K and half marathon. It’s fitness, fun, and pure holiday spirit rolled into one.
