Hometown Social was founded in 2013 in Houston, Texas, by Rachel Austin as a one-stop communications shop for brands looking for honesty and expertise. We’re proud of those hometown roots––and we always let them show. Today, we’re that and more, providing branding made up of creative marketing, social media, consulting, and other services. 

What began as a one-woman operation handling marketing for beloved Houston restaurants has grown into a team of specialists who partner with more than 30 national, regional, and local partners spanning hospitality, entertainment, retail, nonprofit sectors, and more. We believe that local knowledge drives the best national conversations, that integrity matters most, and that storytelling is a brand’s most powerful tool.

Rachel Austin treats clients like partners and trusts integrity as much as great ideas. The founder and CEO of Hometown Social launched the Houston-based creative agency almost a decade ago as a social media and marketing specialist. As her client roster grew, so did Rachel’s areas of expertise to include public relations, branding, reputation management, and more.

In 2020, Rachel was honored as one of the Houston Business Journal’s 40 Under 40. That same year, Rachel and her husband Mark C. Austin co-founded the Houston Music Foundation, and she continues to oversee that organization’s operations. Passionate about creating systemic change through real-world work, Rachel also prioritizes supporting and mentoring other women and women-owned businesses. 

Support