Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Mallory Mundy of Terlingua, Texas

Mallory Mundy shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Mallory, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Hiking. I love spending my time in Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. This is the place where I can think, enjoy the beauty of our area, and rediscover myself. I could spend hours outside soaking in nature’s beauty.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Mallory Mundy, and three years ago, I made the leap from Austin to a small border town just outside Big Bend National Park. My husband and I purchased a small pizza place in the heart of Terlingua, Texas, and we’ve been living the entrepreneurial dream ever since.

I’m always on the go, balancing my passion for business with my love of content creation and helping others reach their business goals. In addition to our two restaurants, one in Terlingua, Texas, and the other in Ambergris Caye, Belize. I also work as a career consultant and growth advisor in the real estate industry while building my own brand, Mundy Out West.

Running, fitness, and outdoor exploration are huge parts of my life. I’m always up for an adventure, whether that means traveling, hiking, or discovering new places. When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me spending time with my family and my two little dogs, who have my heart.

At the core, my true passion is connecting with people. I thrive in front-facing businesses, where I can network, collaborate, and help others achieve their goals. I love learning from others and meeting people from all walks of life, which is what makes this entrepreneurial journey so rewarding. Currently, I’m pursuing my Master’s in Strategic Communication with a focus on Social Media to further hone my skills and grow my impact.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
The person who taught me the most about work was my dad. I inherited his incredible work ethic and mindset. He instilled in me that the world is full of opportunity, and it’s up to you to go after what you want. One of the most important lessons I learned was never to settle for a lateral move. Always keep pushing forward, whether it’s in your skills, your income, or your mindset: never let yourself go backwards.

You can achieve anything you set your mind to, but it requires dedication and hard work to make it happen.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could talk to my younger self, I’d say: Be proud of who you are, because everything you’ve been through has taught you lessons about life that you couldn’t have imagined. Stay strong, stay authentic, and always remember that there is light waiting for you at the end of the tunnel. Keep your faith strong. It will be your guiding strength, no matter what comes your way.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies about entrepreneurship is the idea that it’s easy. Social media and success stories often show the shiny moments and highlight reels. The luxury offices, exotic trips, and effortless success. But the truth? Entrepreneurship is far from easy.

It’s about long hours, late nights, and constant hustle. It’s facing setbacks, juggling multiple tasks, and making tough decisions behind the scenes. For every success, there are countless struggles and failures that go unseen.

Entrepreneurship isn’t about living the dream. It’s about doing the hard work that makes it possible.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
One thing I’ve come to understand deeply, and that many people often overlook, is that happiness is a choice. It’s easy to get caught up in the belief that happiness comes from external circumstances. Whether it’s reaching a milestone, achieving success, or acquiring new things. Real happiness stems from how we choose to perceive and respond to life.

It’s about finding joy in the present moment, not waiting for everything to align perfectly. Happiness comes from cultivating gratitude, being kind to yourself, and focusing on the positives, even when things get tough. It’s about finding peace in your own journey, knowing that life will always have ups and downs, but your attitude toward it can make all the difference.

Living happily isn’t about having everything; it’s about appreciating what you have and choosing to live with intention, balance, and gratitude.

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