Founder Spotlight: Austyn Malynn, '24 and Drunk & Board
Austyn Malynn, '24, is a recent graduate of from Loyola University New Orleans with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication with a concentration in Visual Communication and a minor in English, and she has always had a knack for storytelling. Needless to say, she's exactly the type of person you would expect to design and create a brand new board game!
Austyn's creation, Drunk & Board, is an exciting combination of board game and drinking game that elevates any game night with hilarious conversations and lifelong memories. Featuring a custom-designed, fully water-proof game board and an endless stream of laughs and stories to tell, it's an amazing way to spend a night with friends.
Earlier this month, Austyn wowed the judges at this year's Wolf Pack LaunchU final pitch competition, earning $7,000 to apply towards her next steps as she works to build the Drunk & Board brand and share the game she created in her dorm room with the world. Learn more about Austyn below, and keep up with Drunk & Board at their website or on Instagram!
What was the highlight of the Wolf Pack LaunchU experience for you?
One of the biggest highlights for me was the incredible sense of community and support from my fellow entrepreneurs and mentors. Being surrounded by such driven, inspiring people really pushed me to think bigger and challenge myself in ways I never had before. It was an honor to pitch alongside such talented individuals and be a part of an experience that's not only about winning funding but also about personal and business growth. Regardless of the outcome, everyone was so proud and supportive of each other - I just feel so lucky to have met such incredible people through this program.
What are your plans with the prize money you received?
I can never be grateful enough for this prize money, and I plan to use it strategically to grow my business. I'll be focusing on expanding production, boosting marketing efforts, and improving the overall game experience for our players. My goal is to make this funding as impactful as possible, helping us reach a larger audience and take this game to the next level. Every dollar is going toward making sure this game continues to bring joy and connection to people in New Orleans and beyond!
What advice would you give to an aspiring LOYNO entreprneur?
My advice would be to embrace every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow. Don't be afraid to take risks, ask for help, and push beyond your comfort zone. The key is to surround yourself with a supporting community, which you are sure to find at Loyola if you just put yourself out there, get involved, and stay open to new experiences. Understand that everyone you meet has their own unique stories and expertise that you can learn form - so stay curious and don't be afraid to introduce yourself! In the end, remember to take care of yourself. When you are starting your own business it seems even with every milestone there is always more to do, so give yourself grace and celebrate your wins - no matter how small or large they may be. And ALWAYS take the time to show your appreciation and love for the people who have helped you along the way Stay passionate, stay persistent, and stay grateful!