Creating a Creative Haven: The Outrun Hour’s Journey
I’m Zane Pickett, the owner and founder of The Outrun Hour, the world’s first synthwave-inspired rug tufting studio. My journey to creating this space has been one of deep reflection and personal growth, shaped by a series of life-changing moments.
Before starting The Outrun Hour, I spent years working as an Operations Manager and Tech Writer for Forbes. Though I worked hard and grew in my roles, I often felt overlooked and underappreciated, like just another number in someone else’s legacy. The loss of my single mother in the 2021 snowstorm, Winter Storm Uri, was a profound turning point, leading me to reflect on my life and the impact I wanted to have. I realized I wanted to create a space that was all my own—a place that could help others feel valued, appreciated, and connected. More than anything, I wanted to create a place that my mom would be proud of me for, as she was a nurturing soul who always cared for others.
A couple of years after my mother’s passing, I was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. This diagnosis was a powerful wake-up call, pushing me further toward a new direction. I needed to build something that I could be proud of and that would help others—a legacy that could have a positive impact.
Growing up in a family with various struggles, including alcoholism, I know firsthand the impact addiction can have on loved ones. I’ve been sober for years, and I felt Austin was missing a supportive, alcohol-free environment for creative expression. Though there are places around town that try to support the sober community, none seemed to offer the artistic, creative outlet that I felt was so important. This was when I knew there was a need for a sober space centered on mental health and creativity, where anyone—whether a seasoned artist or a first-timer—could come to express themselves.
Living with clinical depression most of my life has also been part of this journey. Depression has been a challenge throughout my career, affecting my work and relationships, and although I manage it as best I can, it’s always there. I wanted to create a place where people could work on self-improvement, just as I strive to be the best version of myself each day. At The Outrun Hour, our team members are encouraged to take care of themselves, and if they’re only at “5%,” they can work one session and go home to recharge. With three sessions scheduled daily, guests have ample time to come in, learn about the process, and tuft rugs with people they care about, while our team has the flexibility to find balance in their work and personal lives.
Austin is a mentally and financially demanding city, and many people are living paycheck to paycheck. I wanted to create a space that offered options and flexibility, especially in a field that can be physically and mentally taxing. Here at The Outrun Hour, we’re working to provide not only creative opportunities but also additional financial resources and guidance to support our team when times get tough. I hope this flexibility helps our team develop healthier relationships within themselves and others, find their potential, and work towards personal life goals. I don’t expect those who work at The Outrun Hour to be here forever, but if I can help them find their calling, make new connections, and reach their next step in their journey, I want to support them in doing so.
Creating The Outrun Hour wasn’t just about business; it was about providing a safe, alcohol-free space for everyone to feel supported, welcome, and seen. Most importantly, it was about making sure no one feels lonely. I try extremely hard to help those in my life—and those I’ve just met—not to feel that way. This is why when I send you a text message regarding your reservation, I send my actual phone number. I am always here for anyone.
I wanted to create a space that reflected the simpler, happier times of childhood—the nostalgia we all have for carefree days spent riding bikes until the sun went down, playing games with friends, and experiencing the magic of fashion and music. For me, this nostalgia is rooted in the styles and energy of the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s, and is expressed today through my love of synthwave—a modern, futuristic take on the past.
Synthwave, for me, represents the reflective and restorative kind of nostalgia that’s about remembering the good parts of the past: the innocence, the creativity, and the joy that was there before life became complicated. At The Outrun Hour, I wanted to recreate that feeling of longing for the good old days, while giving our guests the space to reflect, create, and build a sense of community.
Through men’s therapy groups and my own personal experiences, I’ve realized how important it is for both men and women to have a place where they can be vulnerable, let go, and express their creativity in a supportive environment. The Outrun Hour is a space where we can all come together to build healthier relationships—with others, with ourselves, and with the creative energy we have inside. It’s a place where we can be our true selves, free from judgment.
The Outrun Hour is more than just a place to make rugs. It’s a haven for creativity, connection, and self-expression. It’s a community that values compassion, support, and authenticity. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has joined me on this journey, and I look forward to helping more people feel inspired, supported, and seen in a space where they can truly belong. Most importantly, I hope this space is one my mom would be proud of.
