We recently connected with Felicia George and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Felicia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Would you believe me if I told you 129made started with a journal and a broken heart? Yes, that’s right. It all began in 2022, during my lunch break from a career that left me feeling drained and unfulfilled. My personal life wasn’t any better—completely in shambles. Sitting at a lunch table surrounded by beautiful spring flowers and the calls of migrating birds, my heart felt heavy with grief, betrayal, confusion, and depression. I kept asking myself, How did I end up here? Then, in that stillness, my heart felt touched by God. A quiet yet powerful voice in my head instructed me to write. At first, I didn’t know what to write about, but it became clear: “Write your dream every time you think of those who caused you this pain. “So, I listened. That day, I opened my journal, untouched for months, and began writing. I started with a mission for what would later become 129made: To create events that promote community engagement and acknowledge the history and legacy of different neighborhoods.To create a space that encourages networking and supporting upcoming business owners and artists.
As you can tell, the mission was still trying to figure out who my target audience would be because I wanted to save the world. The name 129made didn’t come immediately—I played with ideas like “Project Unknown” and “129 Unknown.” But when I wrote “129made,” something struck me about the name. It represented where I came from: Highland Hills, in Oak Cliff, Dallas. Growing up in Estell Village, a community often known for its struggles with crime and poverty, I saw something many others overlooked: talent. That talent, largely unrecognized, became the cornerstone of 129made’s mission.

Living in Highland Hills made me who I am today. It taught me the importance of community and gave me a passion for supporting others. Even as a child, I was a community advocate. I’d watch my neighbors—filled with talent—miss out on opportunities simply because of the negative image tied to where we lived and our reality in my neighborhood. I wanted to create something that could change that narrative. 129made became my way of giving back to the place that raised me. I envisioned it as more than an event-planning organization; it would be a platform for underrepresented voices and hidden talent. I wanted to create spaces where people could connect, grow, and feel seen—spaces that didn’t exist for people like us growing up.

My love for event planning began long before I even knew It. While at Texas A&M, I honed my organizational skills as a Woodson Black Awareness Committee student director. I loved the logistics—the brainstorming, the coordination, and seeing people come together. Back then, it was just something I enjoyed, but looking back, I realize it was the start of my journey toward 129made. After graduating and returning to Dallas, I noticed something missing in my loved city. As a fresh graduate navigating my own career, I realized how few spaces existed for upcoming professionals and entrepreneurs to connect and find support. That realization struck a nerve. I had the skills from my college experience, the passion from my community roots, and a growing understanding of the need for this type of space in Dallas. So, I turned my grief into purpose, throwing out ideas in my journal until a vision for 129made took shape.

The moment I finally decided to act on my vision came in 2023 when I lost my job. Surprisingly, I wasn’t upset; it felt like the push I needed. A week after being let go, I found myself in Downtown Dallas, registering the name 129made. That was the moment it became real. My first event, Our Table Networking Event, was my way of putting 129made into action. I was nervous but excited. I knew this wasn’t just about planning events; it was about creating something bigger—an intimate space where people could build connections, share their stories, and feel empowered to chase their dreams. While being 1 week in with only a registered name, with God’s guidance, I secured 2 sponsorships and a location to host my event. It was challenging; I faced many no’s and doubts but pushed on. What kept me going was the belief that 129made wasn’t just a good idea; it was a necessary one. The community I grew up in deserved spaces that recognized its talent, resilience, and potential. Seeing the positive response to that first event made me even more confident that this was just the beginning of something special.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

For those who may not know me, my name is Felicia George, and I’m the founder of 129made, a community curator based in Dallas, Texas. I’ve always deeply loved community and supporting people and their dreams. That love was cultivated early in my life and further developed through my experiences in college, where I discovered a talent for organizing events. But 129made is more than just curating experiences for our community here in Dallas—it’s about building community, shining a light on local talent, fostering connections that help people thrive, and creating a space where we support those no matter how long or short they have been in their profession.

129made offers thoughtfully curated events, from networking mixers to creative showcases, all designed to support entrepreneurs, artists, and professionals seeking growth and meaningful connections. Beyond events, we provide a platform for individuals to support one another on their journeys. What I offer isn’t just a service; it’s an experience. Whether it’s helping business owners expand their networks, giving artists a stage to share their work, or creating spaces where people feel valued and supported, my goal is always to make a lasting impact and highlight the power of community.

What sets 129made apart is its heart. Every event I curate is driven by a genuine desire to celebrate people—their stories, journeys, and achievements. I don’t just plan events; I create opportunities for community to thrive, support to flourish, meaningful connections to be made, and growth to happen. This is especially important for individuals from underrepresented communities who may not have access to spaces like these, where they can feel empowered and supported.

I’m incredibly proud of the direction 129made is heading and the way it has begun to shift narratives. People are starting to recognize the talent and potential in individuals and communities that might have previously been overlooked. For me, that’s the true measure of success—not just for my brand but for the impact it has on the community as a whole.

For those just discovering 129made, I want you to know this: it’s more than a business—it’s a movement dedicated to building, empowering, and inspiring. At its core is a belief that everyone deserves a seat at the table, and I’m committed to ensuring they find it.

Have you ever had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots I’ve faced was realizing that 129made had started to drift from its original mission. In its early stages, 129made gained recognition through its first major partnership and by curating spaces where people could gain knowledge, support, and build community. However, as we grew, I noticed that the focus shifted toward exclusively serving business owners and career professionals. While this was impactful, it felt limiting and far from my inclusive vision when I first put pen to paper.

The original mission of 129made was to create spaces where everyone—regardless of their career or background—could come together to support local talent, foster community, and build genuine connections. But somewhere along the way, I realized the heart of why I started this journey was no longer at the forefront.

This realization wasn’t easy to face, but it was necessary. I decided to pause and pivot, refocusing 129made on its roots and realigning with the vision that started it all. My goal for 2025 is to bring back that heartbeat—creating spaces for all, not just a select few, to grow, connect, and feel supported.

Through this process, I’ve learned that change is not a setback; it’s an opportunity. Pausing to reflect on your “why” allows you to recalibrate and ensure that your work remains authentic and impactful. Pivoting is never easy, but it’s a reminder that the most meaningful journeys require us to stop and remember where we started.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most important lessons I’ve had to unlearn is the idea that every opportunity is worth taking. Early in 129made’s journey, I was eager to establish the brand and get its name across Dallas. I was so focused on staying relevant and making an impact that I said yes to almost every partnership and opportunity that came my way.

At first, this felt like the right move—visibility seemed crucial. However, I quickly realized that not every opportunity aligned with 129made’s vision or purpose. Some partnerships and ideas, while well-intentioned, started pulling me away from what I had set out to do. I lacked the discipline to walk away when something didn’t feel right, so things began to fall through the cracks. My vision was shifting, and the heart of 129made was at risk of being lost.

This experience taught me the value of discernment and staying true to your purpose. I’ve learned to evaluate opportunities carefully, ensuring they align with 129made’s mission of creating inclusive spaces for community and connection. Saying no can be difficult, but it’s often necessary to protect the integrity of your work and the impact you’re striving to make.

By unlearning the idea that every door needs to be opened, I’ve gained a clearer sense of direction and purpose, allowing 129made to grow in ways that truly honor its mission. Ultimately, it’s not about making sure every ear in Dallas knows about 129made—it’s about connecting with those who truly need the support.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/129made/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/129Made/

Image Credits

Images 1, 2,3, and 5 – Bold Photography