Own Your Own Universe 501 (C)(3) Nonprofit: EIN 27-3390938

A message from Terri Hendrix: Help us continue to enrich lives through art and music all 2026-long — and beyond!

“Own your own universe ...”

I sang — and lived by — those words for well over a decade before reframing the mantra into something more, something bigger, than just about my own career as a staunchly independent recording artist. Drawing on my firsthand experience turning to music and writing as a lifeline after being diagnosed with epilepsy in my early 20s, and further inspired by stories of resilience and beauty in the face of diversity I witnessed in countless others, I dreamed a community: an inclusive, all-ages organization with the mission of transforming lives through music and the creative arts. In 2012, that dream turned into a reality with the official launch of the Own Your Own Universe (OYOU): a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization fostering creativity, connection, and healing that has now helped hundreds of individuals discover their voices and live more expressive lives.

Although now headquartered in Martindale, Texas, by design the OYOU has never been confined to a single town. In the early days before we even had a home base, we took it “on the road,” hosting programs throughout the state. And we still do that today. In addition to local programs in Martindale and nearby San Marcos like our monthly song circles, an annual Women’s Retreat, OYOUth music camps, and our free Snowbirds Concert Series in the fall and early winter, the OYOU offers a year-round calendar of online programs ranging from beginner-to-advanced-level music and writing workshops to multi-week sessions focused on mental health and personal development. I also represent the OYOU in collaboration with other nonprofits and community initiatives, and I lead my own statewide program, OYOU SongBuddies, which provides accessible music and creative-arts opportunities for verbal and nonverbal adults with special needs. And in January 2026, the OYOU will launch “Own Your Own Universe with Terri Hendrix” — what we call a “Podcast with a Purpose.” Each half-hour episode features interviews I conduct with individuals whose inspiring stories are guaranteed to lift and light you up inside. New episodes will premiere on the first Tuesday of every month.

Because accessibility starts with affordability, we keep our events free or low-cost, and we provide a robust scholarship program to ensure no one is turned away. We break down barriers — financial, physical, and social — that keep people from accessing the arts. Every program empowers individuals to explore music, creative writing, the arts, and personal growth in a supportive and inclusive community. We are especially proud of our specialized programs for individuals with special needs, those facing financial hardship, and people navigating health challenges. And though the OYOU of course relies on the invaluable help of volunteers, we are also committed to supporting the arts by providing PAID opportunities for every musician, visual artist, and teacher who leads our workshops or performs at OYOU events. Many of these instructors and artists have overcome personal health challenges of their own, and we value their talent and time when they share their gifts with the community and mentor others.

On Dec. 19, the OYOU turns 14, and we look forward to continuing with our mission and expanding our dynamic range of programs throughout the new year and beyond. But in order to carry on and grow, we need YOU. Your generosity makes our work possible: Donations of all sizes support scholarships, keep programs and events free or reasonably affordable, and expand our outreach. Sponsorships help us bring free concerts and workshops into communities that need them most, and grants and partnerships amplify underrepresented voices and create opportunities for artists to thrive. Every dollar collected goes directly toward keeping our artists and teachers paid and the OYOU dream alive. And as you can see from the list below of ongoing and new OYOU programming and goals slated for 2026, that dream has never been bigger!

Rest assured that all donations will be put to good use in making a difference across the board. But if you are interested in becoming a marquee or silent sponsor for any specific program, we would love to officially welcome you as an MVP to Team OYOU!

Thank you for your consideration!

Terri Hendrix

Executive Director/OYOU

OYOU 2026 Agenda

Podcast with a Purpose (January 6 launch): Premiering in January (with new episodes releasing early morning on the first Tuesday of every month on all major podcast outlets), “Own Your Own Universe with Terri Hendrix" highlights stories of resilience, creativity, and purpose that inspire listeners to see possibility in the impossible. The first several interviews are already “in the can,” but we are actively seeking sponsors to thank at the top of each episode now!

12th Annual Women’s Retreat (February 27 - March 1): Our women's retreat combines inspiration, creativity, and renewal at a low cost. We even sponsor women in need to attend for free. It’s an empowering, healing weekend unlike anything else in Texas!

OYOUth (July and ongoing): Music camps for ages 8–19, hosted in San Marcos, with dedicated sessions for children with special needs. Our programs reach across the Hill Country and into rural and at-risk communities statewide, and scholarships ensure every child has access. In 2026, the OYOU will also offer “OYOUth Writer's Nest” songwriting and performing workshops, both online and in-person.

Creative Empowerment (Twice a year): Our Writer’s Nest and Bucket List Songwriting workshops support beginners and seasoned artists alike with winter and summer six-week programs that conclude with a group concert for ages 20 and up.

Online and In-Person Workshops (Ongoing): We offer year-round creative writing, music, and art workshops for youth, adults, and seniors — both online and in person. Our online programs also include four to six-week sessions focused on mental health, wellness, personal development, and other tools designed to enhance quality of life.

Song Circles (Monthly): Picking circles take place in Martindale, either at the OYOU’s headquarters on Wilory Farm, or just down the road in historic downtown Martindale. These low-pressure, high-joy sing-alongs help build community and are open to songwriters, singers, and players of all levels, ages 12 and up!

OYOU Songbuddies: Statewide inclusive outreach program offering empowering music and songwriting workshops for verbal and nonverbal adults with special needs. The workshops often end with a celebratory concert, allowing the participants to perform their songs for family and friends!

Playing for Good (Quarterly): Through this initiative, the OYOU brings free or affordable music and songwriting programs to libraries, schools, seniors in assisted living, and community centers statewide.

Tammi Fest Weekend (TBA): Tammi Fest is a community music festival held in Martindale in memory of Terri’s sister, artist Tammi Hendrix. This all-ages, fun-for-all weekend brings art and community together to celebrate the power and connectivity of music.

Life’s a Song Songwriter’s Retreat (November 6-8 and November 13-15): For more than 25 years, Terri Hendrix — who has run her own independent label since 1996 — and producer Lloyd Maines have led sold-out “Life’s a Song” songwriting workshops. Beginning in 2026, the OYOU will oversee this very popular — and as attested to by many attendees, life-changing — retreat, expanding its reach and offering scholarships for those in need.

Snowbird Concert Series (Fall and winter): On the first Thursday of every month from November through February, our long running Snowbird Concert Series (est. 2014) brings a diverse range of acclaimed and award-winning artists to a family-friendly space in San Marcos. The concert series is free to attend, but all artists are paid for their performances — just like our workshop teachers.

For additional info on these programs and more, please visit our website, www.ownyourownuiverse.org. We thank you sincerely for your consideration and generosity in supporting the vision of the OYOU. Together, we can continue to transform lives through music, creativity, and community — and make this universe we all share a better one with Art and purpose!

Happy 15th Birthday OYOU