Meet Zack Grady of Wedgewood-Houston

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zack Grady.

Zack, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hi there, I’m Zack!

My journey as a full time creative professional began three years ago at Soho House Nashville, where I started as the U27 Membership Manager. In that role, I focused on engaging and recruiting young creatives in the Nashville community, curating events like dinner parties, my signature “U27 Showcase” for emerging artists, game nights, and more. Alongside my team, I also worked on community outreach, building partnerships, and managing day-to-day operations.

As time went on, my role evolved, and now I manage membership for all ages, which has expanded my reach and deepened my connection with the entire Soho House community.

Growing up in Nashville played a huge role in shaping my creativity. I was always inspired by the city’s vibrant arts scene—whether it was attending live shows, exploring galleries, wandering in nature, or diving into the local food scene. All of these experiences sparked my creativity and pushed me to connect with like-minded individuals. My passions have always centered around experiential event planning, art curation, food experiences, and production. Before joining Soho House, I was a young creative myself, eager to make my mark, and those early influences still fuel my passion for creating spaces where other artists and creatives can thrive.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? Definitely not! After my days at the University of Tennessee, I, like most graduates, found myself searching for direction—trying to figure out who I was and what I wanted to do in the world. I felt overwhelmed by all the possibilities and unsure of how to make it happen.

I ended up working multiple jobs after school—everything from restaurants and grocery stores to marketing and talent management. The list goes on and on. But through all those experiences, I realized that my biggest struggle was believing in myself. I didn’t initially trust that the things I was naturally good at—like organizing and building community—were the things I should focus on. It took time to embrace that, and once I did, things started to fall into place.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
To put it simply, my work revolves around people. In my role at Soho House Nashville, I focus on building and nurturing a community of creatives. I always tell people that no two days are the same—one day, I could be hosting a Bingo night, the next introducing a Grammy Award-winning artist at a live show, interviewing potential members, or answering an endless stream of emails!

What sets me apart is my intentionality. I believe that everything should be done with purpose and that true community-building comes from being engaged and connected. It’s not just about creating events; it’s about understanding and genuinely engaging with the people in your community. That consistency and thoughtfulness are what I believe make my approach different.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was the only child for almost 11 years, which shaped a lot of who I was. I’d describe myself as an introverted extrovert. On one hand, I could be quiet and shy, but on the other, I was always eager to participate in sports, talent shows, pageants, and church events. Being a young, queer Black boy in the South, I didn’t always feel like I could fully be myself around my family, so looking back, I have a lot of love for my childhood self and the journey I went through.

Overall, I was a kid who loved to laugh and enjoyed my alone time. It gave me space to dream and create my own world. Music was a huge part of my life from a young age, and I’ve always had a deep curiosity about the world—knowing even then that I wanted to explore different cultures and experiences.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @zackgrady