We recently connected with Mallory Mundy and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Mallory, thanks for joining us today. Risk taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

I’ve always loved the saying, “That risk you’re scared to take might be the one that changes your life.”

I’m a big believer in taking risks and making changes when you’re following your bliss.

For years, I led the flagship office of the largest real estate company in the world alongside my two partners. My life revolved around work—nonstop. Then, in 2020, everything changed.

My husband became seriously ill, and we discovered he had cancer in one of his lungs. He underwent surgery and faced emergency complications. It was a wake-up call for both of us. We realized that life isn’t meant to be spent behind a desk, staring at a busy highway.

Life is meant to be lived.

That realization led us to Terlingua, Texas, right outside Big Bend National Park. We explored businesses for sale and stumbled upon a small pizza shop. The moment we saw it, we knew—it felt right.

Buying Long Draw Pizza was a leap of faith, the biggest risk we had ever taken. It meant leaving my role as Team Leader in Austin and diving headfirst into small business ownership. It meant leaving the familiar for the unknown.

But we trusted our instincts and our hearts.

Fast forward almost three years, and that risk has paid off in ways we never imagined. We tripled sales in our first year and expanded by opening another restaurant and bar in Ambergris Caye, San Pedro, Belize.

This has been one of the best investments of our lives—not just financially, but personally.

The best part? We’re not just working in beautiful places—we’re actually living in them, fully present and grateful every day.

If you’re standing on the edge of a big decision, remember: the risk you’re scared to take might just be the one that transforms everything.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Mallory Mundy—a serial entrepreneur with a passion for creativity and connection. At my core, I’m a creative who thrives on building experiences that bring people together.

My husband and I own two restaurants/bars:
Long Draw Pizza in Terlingua, Texas, just outside Big Bend National Park.
Coco’s Loco Beach Bar in Ambergris Caye, San Pedro, Belize.

In addition to running our businesses, I coach and consult real estate agents, helping them grow their businesses and transition their careers to the brokerage I work with, based in Austin, Texas. I also mentor other entrepreneurs, guiding them on how to scale their brands through strategic social media growth.

I’m also a full-time content creator and the face behind Mundy Out West. Over the past two years, I’ve partnered with over 250 brands, sharing content that highlights our life in the desert, hiking, and the daily adventures of running our restaurants.

Social media has been a transformative platform for me, not just for building my brand but for connecting with an incredible community of people.

I also own a print on demand shop where I create all of our merchandise for our businesses.

How did you build your audience on social media?

One day, as I was mindlessly scrolling through social media, I had a realization—it was time to stop scrolling and start monetizing.

I knew I wanted to build a community of entrepreneurs, outdoor enthusiasts, and people who share a love for the Big Bend area. I began reaching out to brands that aligned with my values and immediately started sharing products I knew my audience would love and use.

From there, I started creating content centered around my other businesses, including my T-shirt shop and our restaurants. But beyond promoting products and services, I made it a priority to add a personal touch to my content—inviting people to get to know me as their “friend in Terlingua.”

Through this approach, I’ve connected with so many incredible people who discovered me through social media. It’s been a rewarding and exciting journey, and I’m grateful for the relationships and opportunities that have come from sharing my story online.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Referrals.

I’m a big believer in word of mouth. Go over and beyond for your people and that will go further than any paid marketing. When customers leave happy, I always ask for a review on Google. And, sure enough we receive many 5 star reviews each week.

Ask for the business. Ask for the referral. Ask for the review. It goes so far!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mundyoutwest.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Mundy_out_west
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mallorycmundy
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorycmundy/