Meet Lexi Hoagland | Western Industry Sponsorship Coordinator | Restaurant Connoisseur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lexi Hoagland and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lexi, what do you want people to remember about you?
I want people to remember me for living a life in color. When I think about my life and the things I have been able to do, I first owe everything to God. I am thankful for the many blessings and opportunities He has given me. I want my legacy to be that I changed people’s lives through the Lord’s spirit within me no matter if they interacted with me for five minutes, five years, or fifty years down the road. I want them to see His spirit in me through my workplace, relationships, or even if I am dining in a restaurant. The meaning of life is all about building a good community and I feel extremely blessed to have the one I do.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
It was the most defeating feeling post-graduation not having a job. But if I could give any advice it would be to pray continually, ask questions, and network. Every position I have ever received wasn’t from a job posting online but rather a connection I met along the way. It is hard feeling like you aren’t supposed to be where you are at but when you rely on God and open up about the desires of your heart he will place you where you exactly where you need to be.

About a year ago I was in an industry that did not fully have my passion. One night I went to a church service and the lesson was on the power of prayer and how to pray. He talked about being fully vulnerable with God and giving everything to Him. He said to get alongside the edge of your bed and pray out loud with arms wide open. So that’s what I did. I prayed straight from my heart with arms wide open. I had been having interviews and networking but no one wanted me or was ready for me to be on their team. But after that night of fully being open with God and praying about my dreams, I had received a call from the company I wanted to work for and they wanted to bring me in again. Later on they hired me and I still get to work for them today.

I have only just begun “Lexi What’s Up” on social media but it started at just the right time in my life. I felt like I was lacking creativity, and I cringed when someone asked me what my hobbies were. I would reply… “I like to try new restaurants and do fun things with my friends.” But then I thought how silly of me to be embarrassed about something I enjoy, might as well own it! So here we are…. fully owning it and starting a page to showcase all these cool places, support local, and get my feet under the same table with some of the greatest people I have ever met.

All that to say, when one door closes just go through the window! Do not take no for an answer when it is something your heart wants give it all you got- go after it. Own it, sister! You have a cheerleader in me and a pretty cool God on your side too!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Hot date? perfect. It is going to be so fun and flirty. Family is in town? No one even has to fight over where to eat because these places have something for everyone. Night on the town? Let’s two-step together in the stockyards! Buckle up friends, these places will blow you away!

Dallas:
My favorite restaurant of all time has to be VIDORRA. Absolutely killer chips and salsa with an amazing atmosphere to have Mexican Food. I recommend this place day or night and make sure to sit on the patio! CUTE CUTE CUTE! Catch a concert at the Rustic on the weekends, take a walk on the Katy Trail, or grab a drink at the ice house with your pup!

Fort Worth:
I am going to be basic and say if you have never been to Fort Worth Joe T Garcia’s is a necessity. This is not up for debate.. You HAVE TO eat here! The outdoor seating line can be intimidating but you can grab a pitcher of margaritas while you wait and those bad boys will wash all your worries away. Another fan favorite is 97West at Hotel Drover. If you are going to be having a meal I recommend the burger or the salmon (DELISH!) This is a pricier option so if the meal is out of budget, grab a drink and sit in the backyard with your friends. It is the perfect vibe located in the Stockyards. A few of the places I am wanting to go are Maria’s, Courtside Kitchen and The Lakehouse Fort Worth!

Nightlife:
The Stockyards located in Fort Worth has something for the whole family from the cattle drive, stockyards rodeo, to some of the best honky tonks you could ask for. My top recommendations for nightlife would be White Elephant, Basement Bar, and Cadillacs. I would also recommend Atico, the rooftop bar attached to the Spring Hill Suites.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I had a big dream to make it into the Western Industry and I owe a lot of that to people such as James Trawick (Tough Draw Productions), Jeff Jones (Twisted X), and Katie Armstrong (American Hat). Each of them helped guide and direct me on a path to get to where I am at National Roper’s Supply. I love this industry and culture with everything in me. Because of them, I will ALWAYS be a connection for those who might need it. I may not have all the answers, but I believe I can point you to someone who may!

In regards to Lexi What’s Up, I owe the idea to big sites like DallasLoveList and DallasSites. They played an instrumental role in my life as a Dallas newbie moving from Arkansas. Coming up on three years of being self-proclaimed… and VERY proud Texan, I thought it was time to start my own page and show others all these awesome and affordable places they may have never been before. It gets me into my own creative zone with no limits other than to have fun, make memories, and be with people i adore.

Instagram: @lexi_whats_up | @lexihoagland

Linkedin: @lexihoagland

Image Credits
Emma Sitzman (@emmasitzman.photos)