Bringing BUSINESSES & TEXANS togetherWhere creative meets community
101Media began with a simple idea: helping people discover and engage with the cities they call home. It all started with Dallasites101—a local guide to Dallas culture, events, and businesses—which has since grown into 101Media, a full-service marketing and events agency dedicated to connecting people and businesses to communities across Texas.
Bridging the gap between businesses and their audiences
It’s a big state and even bigger competition where standing out means more than just being seen—it means being trusted. Whether it’s connecting with the right audience, sharing a story that resonates, or finding your edge in the hustle, the challenge is real.
At 101Media, we’re boots on the ground, giving your brand the local street credibility it needs to thrive. With hyper-local expertise, authentic storytelling, and bold creativity, we’ll help you build genuine connections and make a Texas-sized impression.
discover what we can do for you
Through social content, digital marketing, live events, and curated experiences, we create moments that bring people together and help businesses grow.
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Marketing
We help businesses engage with local audiences through strategies as bold as the Lone Star State itself. From creative campaigns to tailored marketing, we make sure your story doesn’t just show up—it shines. With our local expertise and innovative approach, we help brands build lasting connections that drive real results.
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Communities
Through our Communities division, we connect businesses with local audiences across social and digital channels. From Dallas to Fort Worth, Austin to our statewide Texans brand, we help businesses reach their audience through targeted advertising and authentic engagement. By championing local businesses, we turn followers into customers and communities into loyal advocates.
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Events
From grand openings to markets to exclusive media previews, we create opportunities for businesses to connect with their audiences. Sponsor one of our community events or hire us to plan and execute a custom brand activation. With expertise in planning, design, marketing, and execution, we ensure every detail reflects your brand and delivers results.
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Passports
Passports connect businesses with their audiences in a tangible, fun, and impactful way. We put your brand on the map—and into the hands of the right people. These curated booklets showcase the best of local culture, driving your target customers directly to your location.
Meet the founders Who turned belonging into a business
In 2015, Kara Cecala had an idea sparked by her own experience moving to Dallas: to create a resource that helped people not just navigate a new city but truly feel at home. She wanted to build a sense of belonging for newcomers and locals alike, connecting them to the people, places, and businesses that make a city come alive.
When Kara shared her vision with Lily KT Smith, an adventurer and storyteller at heart, it didn’t take much convincing. Lily’s passion for discovery and love of building something from the ground up made her the perfect partner. Together, they turned a simple idea into 101Media, a platform that connects communities, supports local businesses, and creates experiences worth talking about.
our leadership team
Meet the dedicated leaders driving 101Media forward with innovative strategies and a passion for local connections. With expertise and vision, they guide the 101 team to create magic both online and off.
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Mackinley Bullock
Marketing
Mackinley thrives at the intersection of strategy, client partnership, and team leadership. As Director of Marketing Services at 101Media, she leads the company's Marketing Services division, helping businesses grow through thoughtful strategy, collaborative execution, and lasting client relationships.
With a master's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and more than five years of agency account management experience, she leads the company's Marketing Services division, helping businesses grow through thoughtful strategy, collaborative execution, and lasting client relationships.
Since joining 101Media in 2023, Mackinley has become known for her strategic mindset, operational excellence, and commitment to delivering exceptional client experiences. Outside of work, she volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters, one of 101Media's longtime nonprofit partners, reflecting her passion for strengthening the communities our team serves.
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Katie Butler
Media
Katie believes the strongest communities are built through authentic storytelling, meaningful relationships, and shared experiences As Director of Communities at 101Media, Katie leads content, audience growth, events, and partnerships across the company's owned brands, connecting people, brands, and businesses to community.
With an MBA in Marketing from Southern Methodist University and experience spanning consulting, recruiting, and brand strategy, Katie brings a strategic, people-first approach to growing audiences, building partnerships, and creating experiences that strengthen community.
She was named one of Park Cities People Newspapers' 2025 20 Under 40 honorees for her impact on the Dallas community and is the founder of Alcohol Free in Dallas, a platform dedicated to bringing people together through alcohol-free events and resources.
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Brandee Gonzalez
Sales
Brandee is passionate about building meaningful partnerships that help brands connect with their communities. As Director of Sales at 101Media, she leads the agency’s business development efforts, helping organizations engage local audiences through multi-market advertising, content, influencer marketing, and experiential campaigns.
A proud native Texan, Brandee earned her degree in Marketing with a minor in Management from the University of Oklahoma and brings more than six years of media sales experience to 101Media. Known for her relationship-first approach and strategic communication skills, she partners closely with clients to develop customized marketing solutions that deliver measurable results and long-term value.
Outside the office, Brandee enjoys staying active through tennis and running. She also loves exploring Dallas's newest restaurants with friends and family and is always on the lookout for the city's next great local favorite.
“Working with 101Media was a game-changer for our New Year’s Eve event. Their post generated an incredible buzz, and we sold out in just 2 hours—a result we’ve never seen before! Their expertise and support truly made all the difference in making our event a huge success.”
The Henry