Meet the team behind the fun

About Upscale Social

Meet Leslie and Shelby

Owned and operated by Leslie Martin and Shelby Thurston.

Upscale Social began in 2021 with a new mom who refused to choose between providing for her family and using her creative gifts. After the birth of her first child, founder Leslie Martin launched Upscale Social during COVID, one of the hardest moments for gatherings in modern memory. Her conviction was simple: people would still come together, and they would want those moments to feel special.

Leslie saw a gap in the market. Parents and planners wanted modern, elevated party decor, and almost nobody was doing it with real design sense. From the start, Upscale Social has focused on turning a family’s vision for a celebration into reality. What began as a passion for beautiful birthday parties grew into one of Austin’s most loved balloon and backdrop studios, and Leslie grew it while welcoming two more children, leading her family and her company at the same time.

Shelby Thurston acquired Upscale Social with the intent to take it to the next level, drawing on her background in luxury corporate marketing and events. Shelby was first introduced to Upscale Social as a client in 2024 and fell in love with being part of the lifelong memories customers make as they celebrate the joys in life. A natural host for friends and family, she had always dreamed of owning a business where her creativity could shine.

Today Leslie, now a mom of three under five, and Shelby run Upscale Social together. Leslie brings the vision and experience that built the brand, and Shelby brings the polish of luxury events to help it grow. Together they keep the same design first approach, the same premium balloons and the same obsession with the details, while growing the team, expanding the rental collection and bringing Upscale Social to more celebrations than ever.