Executive Director - Own Your Own Universe 

Terri Hendrix, recognized by Acoustic Guitar magazine as one of Texas' 20 essential contemporary singer-songwriters, has garnered a global fanbase for her unique blend of folk, pop, country, blues, and jazz. Her music is characterized by poetic grace, melodic flair, and a generous dose of wit and wisdom. Notably, she co-wrote the Grammy-winning instrumental "Lil' Jack Slade" for the Chicks and has received numerous accolades, including a star on the South Texas Music Walk of Fame, the Art of Peace Award from Saint Mary's University, and the Distinguished Alumni Award from Hardin-Simmons University. Additionally, she has been crowned Mermaid Queen, been honored with a SMART Award for artistic excellence, and was inducted into the Women's Hall of Fame in San Marcos, Texas. Her master recordings and archives are housed at the prestigious Wittliff Collections at Texas State University.

Embodying Texas’ independent spirit, this classically trained vocalist and guitar, mandolin, and harmonica player has remained fiercely independent, releasing every album since her 1996 debut on her own Wilory Records label — pioneering a fan-financing model which predated the advent of crowdfunding. 

Beyond her musical achievements, Terri Hendrix is a passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities, drawing from her own experiences with Chiari Malformation, Epilepsy, Spasmodic Dysphonia, and Essential Vocal Tremor. She deeply understands the impact of medical conditions on quality of life and believes in the transformative power of the arts to uplift the human spirit. In addition to her public performances, she dedicates herself to helping individuals with special needs write their own songs and stories. She accomplishes this through her involvement with the Texas Commission on the Arts and her nonprofit organization, "Own Your Own Universe," which she established in 2012.

The OYOU is a "Get-It-Done" grassroots operation. For the most part, our events take place in Martindale, and San Marcos, Texas. Please contact us if you have interest in hosting one of our programs at your place of business. 

Here are some of the organizations we've been involved with over the years. 

Last Chance Forever - Birds of Prey Wildlife Sanctuary, Texas

Finley Oats Elementary School, Bonham, TX

STREAM Fest, San Marcos, TX

Katherine Anne Porter School, Wimberly, TX

Life's a Song Workshops, Port Aransas, TX

Pet Pals Of Texas

Canyon Creek Elementary School Special Education, Austin TX

Price Center San Marcos, Texas

Texas State Center of Texas Music History

Epilepsy Foundation of Central and South TX

Health Alliance Austin Musicians, Austin, TX

Cap City Kids, Austin TX

Tapestry Singers, Austin TX

Kinetic Kids, San Antonio TX

Bluebonnet Retreat (Cancer Survivors) Kaufman Ranch TX

Eric S. Obermann Foundation (ALS) Huntsville AL

Parkinsong (Parkinson's Projects) Bethesda, MD

Greater Youth Council, San Marcos TX

CASA of Lubbock and San Marcos TX

Association of Small Foundations TX

Austin Empty Bowl Project Austin TX

Blue Bear School of Music, San Francisco, CA

2014 OYOU Creative Women's Retreat

Women in Recovery, Tulsa OK

Bona Terra, Austin TX

Chase's Place, Dallas TX

PAWS Humane Society, Hays County, TX

Food Banks throughout Texas