Katie Butler
Katie Butler knows the mix of ingredients needed to create fun, fulfilling social events that build community, and they don’t include alcohol.
Butler made the decision to stop drinking in 2021, a choice that improved her mental health and helped her lose more than 50 pounds. She launched her social media platform, “Alcohol Free in Dally,” in 2023 to share her journey and support individuals navigating an alcohol-free lifestyle in Dallas.
Butler’s Instagram and TikTok pages quickly blossomed into a community of sober and sober-curious individuals.
In response to requests from followers, Butler began hosting alcohol-free events in 2024. To date, she’s hosted more than 20. Butler said she makes it a priority for events to be either free or low-cost, ensuring that they’re inclusive and accessible to all who want to come.
“I wanted to create a space where people could explore alcohol-free options and feel confident in their choices. In addition, I’ve discovered that Dallas has several hidden gems, such as Beyond the Bar AF and Alive and Well Health, which share my mission of creating supportive, alcohol-free spaces,” Butler said. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to highlight these places and individuals, showcasing a side of Dallas that’s inclusive and diverse.”
What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
My first paid job was as a summer camp counselor at Camp Longhorn Indian Spring in Burnet, Texas, when I was in high school. Over the course of ten years, I worked with campers ranging from ages 8 to 16. It was a challenging, all-consuming job — working long shifts in the Texas heat, managing various activities, and handling everything from minor injuries to camper disputes. This experience taught me the importance of leadership, conflict resolution, and setting a positive example. More importantly, it ignited my passion for mentoring and supporting others, a thread that runs through my professional work, coaching, and community efforts today.
Where do you see yourself and/or your career 10 years from now?
While I know life rarely unfolds exactly as planned, I hope to be in a place where I’ve successfully balanced a fulfilling career with a happy family life. I envision myself working independently, potentially as a sober coach, in social media full-time, or even running my own spin studio. While I can’t predict every detail, I imagine I’ll still be working passionately in some capacity, with flexibility to raise a family and enjoy life outside of work. I’d love to have a home in Dallas with a backyard and perhaps a couple of dogs!
What’s on your bucket list?
Since I was a child, one of my dreams has been to write a book and see it on a shelf at Barnes & Noble. I used to write stories and even had a blog in college. I’m not sure what the subject would be just yet — maybe a memoir about my sober journey — but it’s something I’d love to achieve someday.
What accomplishment are you the proudest of and why?
Two accomplishments from my “Alcohol Free in Dally” platform stand out. First, in September, I had the opportunity to visit Loverboy HQ in New York and interview Carl Radke about his own sober journey. This was a milestone moment for me, realizing that my platform had grown to a point where brands and influential individuals took notice. The second was appearing on Good Morning Texas in January to talk about my sobriety journey. Sharing how sobriety improved my mental health and helped me lose over 50 pounds was a truly proud moment. On a personal note, completing a half marathon also remains one of my greatest accomplishments. Fitness has been an incredible source of strength during my sobriety, and running that race felt like a true victory.
What was your toughest business or personal challenge?
I have always been my own worst critic and have had a habit of getting in my own way. My toughest challenge has been overcoming my own self-doubt. I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression for much of my life, and there are times when I let my mind wander into negative spaces. It’s a constant battle to not let these feelings hold me back. But through my platform, I’ve learned to embrace vulnerability and share my mental health journey, and I’m committed to doing the work to overcome these challenges.
What’s a fun fact that someone wouldn’t know about you?
Before pursuing my current career path, I started college as a music major, focusing on classical vocal performance. In high school, I was ranked the first-chair alto in Texas and even performed at the Texas Renaissance Festival yearly as an employee. These days, I enjoy singing at family weddings and love a good karaoke session!
How do you motivate yourself and others?
I believe in the power of connection and authenticity. Whether I’m working with my team in a corporate setting or engaging with my 30K+ followers on TikTok, I try to foster a sense of trust by being open, honest, and encouraging. When I share my story, it’s always from the heart — there are no filters or edits. People resonate with this authenticity, and I’ve found that it helps others feel less alone in their struggles. When people know they have support, it motivates them to keep pushing forward.
What was your “lightbulb moment” that led you to your career?
Rather than a single “lightbulb moment,” my career shift came from a gradual realization that I wanted to explore more creative and fulfilling pursuits outside of my corporate job. For a while, I had prioritized my 9-5 and social life over passions like fitness and my alcohol-free platform. It wasn’t until I recognized that I had control over my time and could create the life I wanted that everything clicked. I started pursuing those creative outlets and found great joy in building community and living a more balanced life.
What would you tell an 18-year-old you?
I would tell my 18-year-old self to ease up and enjoy the ride. I spent so much time being my own harshest critic and stressing over things that, in hindsight, didn’t matter as much. I’d remind her to focus on the experiences and relationships that will shape her life, not just the grades or the pressure to succeed. Life is about balance and taking time to appreciate the little things.
If you could buy a book (or rent a movie) for your neighbor, what would it be and why?
I’d recommend Quit Like a Woman, a powerful memoir that explores drinking culture and its impact on women. It’s a thought-provoking read about how to navigate sobriety in a world that often revolves around alcohol. Another book I’d suggest is Unbottled Potential, a guide to breaking up with alcohol and realizing your full potential.
What advice do you have for other young professionals?
You have more control over your life and career than you might realize. Don’t be afraid to leave environments that no longer serve you. I’ve had some of the best experiences in life because I made bold decisions to move on from situations that weren’t aligned with my goals. Take stock of your circumstances, and if they’re not serving you, make the change. You are your own biggest advocate, and your well-being should always be a priority.
