Trying something new has never been easier thanks to a new Austin-based platform designed to bring people together through shared interests and unique experiences.
On We Are Austin, Sierra Waggoner welcomed Alexandra Frankel Silverman, founder and CEO of Soularis, along with Panda, the platform’s lovable mascot, to share how Soularis is helping people discover new hobbies, make lasting friendships, and build community across Austin.
On We Are Austin, Sierra Waggoner welcomed Alexandra Frankel Silverman, founder and CEO of Soularis, along with Panda, the platform’s lovable mascot, to share how Soularis is helping people discover new hobbies, make lasting friendships, and build community across Austin.
On We Are Austin, Sierra Waggoner welcomed Alexandra Frankel Silverman, founder and CEO of Soularis, along with Panda, the platform’s lovable mascot, to share how Soularis is helping people discover new hobbies, make lasting friendships, and build community across Austin.
While Panda may be the face of the brand, Alexandra explained the inspiration behind the mascot is deeply personal.
While Panda may be the face of the brand, Alexandra explained the inspiration behind the mascot is deeply personal.
“He was with me when I came up with the idea, and he’s been along the whole journey, so it just made sense to have him here today.”
The idea for Soularis came from an unexpected place. Alexandra shared that after a difficult breakup, she realized she wanted to rediscover herself by exploring new hobbies—but finding them wasn’t easy.
“I started trying every hobby under the sun, and I found it was really, really hard to find hobbies and sign up for them. It just took a lot of research, and it was frustrating.”
That experience inspired her to build a platform that makes discovering new interests simple and accessible. Alexandra describes Soularis as the go-to destination for hobbies.
That experience inspired her to build a platform that makes discovering new interests simple and accessible. Alexandra describes Soularis as the go-to destination for hobbies.
That experience inspired her to build a platform that makes discovering new interests simple and accessible. Alexandra describes Soularis as the go-to destination for hobbies.
“You have Uber for rides, Airbnb for stays, and TaskRabbit for tasks. There’s no go-to place for hobbies or interests. This is a platform where you can easily search by things like creative arts or fitness and wellness and find classes from local instructors.”
Users can browse experiences ranging from cooking classes and watercolor painting to pickleball, tennis, wine tasting, tarot, mahjong, and more, all while connecting with local instructors who set their own schedules and pricing.
Alexandra believes Austin was the perfect city to launch the platform.
“We wanted to make it easy so people didn’t have to create their own website and do all the admin stuff—they could just easily teach what they love.”
“There’s something about Austin and the energy of the people. They’re so willing to do things and try new things and be outdoors. They’re adventurous.”
Soularis also gives community members the opportunity to become guides by sharing the hobbies they love. Rather than building their own websites or managing bookings, instructors can simply create experiences on the platform and teach multiple interests.
“We wanted to make it easy so people didn’t have to create their own website and do all the admin stuff—they could just easily teach what they love.”
One of the best ways to experience Soularis is at the upcoming Soularis Hobby Club at Zilker Park, where Alexandra encourages everyone to bring a blanket, a friend, and something new to try.
One of the best ways to experience Soularis is at the upcoming Soularis Hobby Club at Zilker Park, where Alexandra encourages everyone to bring a blanket, a friend, and something new to try.
“Bring a blanket, bring a drink, bring a friend—and bring a new hobby. You just come, connect with people, and try something new.”
Whether you’re searching for your next favorite hobby, hoping to make new friends, or looking for a fresh way to experience Austin, Soularis is creating opportunities for people to connect through shared experiences.
To learn more about Soularis, browse upcoming classes, or become a guide, visit ExploreSoularis.com.
To learn more about Soularis, browse upcoming classes, or become a guide, visit ExploreSoularis.com.