Hey y’all! I’m Keay, born and raised right here in Austin, Texas—just like my mom’s entire side of the family, and I am unapologetically proud of my deep native roots to this city, especially the east side, with its rich culture, history, and sense of community. Austin has been my home and my heartbeat for as long as I can remember, and sharing the best of this city with others has always been my passion. Whether it’s the food, the music, or the energy that makes Austin so special, I’ve loved experiencing it all and inviting others to explore it with me.

I’m the oldest of four children, and my family means the world to me. My youngest brother is deaf and attends the Texas School for the Deaf, which has opened my eyes to a whole new world. I’m constantly working to expand my knowledge of American Sign Language and deepen my understanding of the deaf community, something that has brought me closer to him and others in his community.

I graduated from LBJ High School, spent some time in the Army, and have always found joy in creative pursuits like singing and writing lyrics. I also have a deep appreciation for nature, whether it’s hiking through scenic trails or taking my dog to the local dog parks to relax and connect with the community. Cooking is my therapy—I don’t discriminate against any cuisine and love discovering new flavor combinations while learning what makes certain dishes so special and beloved.

I started this journey back in 2017 with my Instagram account, eatwithkeay. As a teenager, I was obsessed with snapping pictures of my food and experiences, and before I knew it, people were asking for recommendations. Even after taking breaks here and there, I kept coming back because I realized how many people genuinely cared about my opinion of the places I visited. It’s that connection that inspires me to keep exploring, sharing, and discovering.

With Keay Explores, I’m taking things a step further. This blog is my space to share not just Austin’s vibrant food and drink scene, but also my travels, my love for skincare and beauty, and the things that bring me joy—like concerts, festivals, and local markets. It’s more than just a collection of posts; it’s a reflection of what I love about life and the experiences that make it so special.

Unlike social media, this blog gives me the freedom to dive deep—to write as much as I want about the places, moments, and things that matter to me. Whether it’s a heartfelt story, a detailed travel guide, or an honest review of my favorite spots, I’m here to be real, relatable, and informative. My goal is to help locals and tourists alike discover their new favorite places, whether they’re in Austin or somewhere far beyond.

Being featured in Voyage Austin Magazine for their Rising Stars segment was one of the highlights of my journey so far, and it’s a reminder of why I started this in the first place: to celebrate the beauty of life’s experiences and share them with a community that feels like home.

So, welcome to Keay Explores. This is where we discover, savor, and experience life together. Thank you for being here—I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us!