Mission:

Own Your Own Universe (OYOU) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization based in San Marcos and Martindale, Texas. Our mission is to transform lives through music and the creative arts. We do this by offering dynamic, year-round in-person and online programs for all ages and abilities.

 

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. 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. Whether at our home base at Wilory Farm in Martindale, throughout Caldwell, Hays, and Guadalupe Counties, or across Texas, OYOU fosters creativity, connection, and healing.

 

Our Programs & Impact — 2026 at a Glance

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

 

Creative Empowerment: Writer’s Nest and Bucket List Songwriting workshops support beginners and seasoned artists alike with 6-week programs that conclude with a group concert for ages 20+

 

Online and In-Person Workshops: 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 that focus on mental health, wellness, and other tools designed to enhance quality of life.

 

Women’s Retreats: Seasonal retreats in fall and winter that combine inspiration, creativity, and renewal at a low cost — unlike anything else in Texas.

 

Song Circles: Monthly gatherings for ages 12+, open to songwriters, singers, and players of all levels. Low-pressure, high-joy sing-alongs that build community.

 

OYOU Songbuddies: Inclusive outreach program for verbal and nonverbal adults with special needs, and seniors in assisted living.

 

Playing for Good: Free and affordable programs to libraries, schools, seniors in assisted living, and community centers across Texas.

 

Artistic Advocacy: Paid opportunities for musicians, workshop leaders, and visual artists — many of whom have overcome personal health challenges — to share their gifts and mentor others.

 

Community Enrichment: Our free Snowbird Concert Series (est. 2014) and annual Tammi Fest music festival create joyful, welcoming spaces where art and community meet. 

 

Podcast with a Purpose: "Own Your Own Universe with Terri Hendrix" features 30-minute episodes, the first Tuesday of every month from 6:00 - 6:30 a.m. on all the major podcast outlets. Our podcast highlights stories of resilience, creativity, and purpose that inspire listeners to see possibility in the impossible.

 

Our Commitment to Accessibility: We break down barriers — financial, physical, and social — that keep people from accessing the arts. Scholarships are available for every program and serve children, veterans, educators, individuals with disabilities, those on fixed incomes, and people undergoing medical treatment.

 

Our Story: OYOU was founded by singer-songwriter and epilepsy advocate Terri Hendrix, who turned to music and writing as lifelines after her diagnosis at age 21. Her personal journey of resilience and creativity shaped the heart of OYOU: a community where art empowers healing, connection, and self-expression. Since becoming a nonprofit in 2012, OYOU has helped hundreds of individuals discover their voices and live more expressive lives.

 

How You Can Help: Your generosity makes our work possible.

Donations support scholarships, keep programs and events free, or low-cost, and expand our outreach. Sponsorships help us bring free concerts and workshops into communities that need them most. Grants and partnerships amplify underrepresented voices and create opportunities for artists to thrive. Together, we can continue to transform lives through music, creativity, and community.