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AUSTIN WOMAN MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2019

“Home is the nicest word there is.” –Laura Ingalls Wilder

W E DELIVER

MORE BABIES IN Austin AND CENTRAL TEXAS THAN ANYONE ELSE BECAUSE OF HOW WE DELIVER THEM.

On one of the most important days of their lives, more moms look to us because of how we look after them. It’s why we’re one of the best healthcare providers in the country.

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ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS WHILE BEING KIND TO THE

ENVIRONMENT

The holiday season is a great time to spend with loved ones and be full of good cheer. It’s also, however, a time when waste can pile up; Americans produce more trash during the holiday season than during any other part of the year. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the holidays while also being kind to the environment. Consider some of these tips to help you reduce waste this holiday season. USE A REAL TREE This might sound odd, but using a real tree may be better for the environment than a fake tree. Synthetic trees are often made with PVC plastics, non-recyclable materials that also create pollution during manufacturing. Additionally, at the end of your fake tree’s life, it has to be buried in a landfill. Alternatively, Christmas trees are a crop plant that provide many benefits to the environment as they grow. When the time comes for a tree to be cut down, tree farmers will normally create a new tree in its place to grow for future holiday seasons, meaning more environmental benefits can continue. Additionally, if you use a real tree, companies like Texas Disposal Systems will process the trees for free in recycling and composting programs. These trees will be turned into mulch, soil and compost, all of which are new products that can be used to grow even more trees. GIVE EXPERIENCES AS GIFTS Consider giving your loved ones tickets to events or pampering treatments instead of material objects. Anything from a nice dinner or tickets to the ballet or to an upcoming game or a great massage would make an incredible gift and a chance to make memories. You can also make something that is consumable, such as a Mason jar filled with the dry ingredients of your favorite cookie or brownie recipe. It’s a sweet treat to share and cuts down on the clutter and trash that would accumulate. If sweets aren’t a favorite for your loved ones, custom-made bath bombs, salts or soaps are a great gift to give as well.

RETHINK YOUR GIFT WRAP Wrapping paper can be the biggest source of trash and waste during the holidays. Due to their mixed materials, most gift wrapping is not recyclable, meaning lots of garbage after unwrapping. To help cut down on waste, save the wrapper or bags that gifts come in to reuse for future presents. Similarly, consider buying non-holiday-specific wrapping paper that can be used regardless of holiday or event, or better, use a plain recyclable paper like butcher paper or newspaper. Many have also used scarves or other beautiful fabric to wrap gifts. It adds uniqueness to the gift and gives the intended person an item he or she can wear or use. The holiday season can be a merry time to spend with the people we love. It will be extra sweet to know we are doing what we can to reduce, reuse and reassess the items we have when we’re celebrating.

For more information, visit texasdisposal.com.

Texas Disposal Systems has proudly provided Christmas tree and organic holiday decoration recycling for more than a decade, all free of charge to the public. For information about the 2019 program, visit texasdisposal.com/christmas-tree-recycling

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ON THE COVER

COMING HOME BY JENNY HOFF

FEATURE

BUILDING YOUR HOME FROM THE GROUND UP

Photo by Keith Trigaci.

BY COURTNEY RUNN

CONTENTS

Photo by Leonid Furmansky.

NOVEMBER

54 SAVVY WOMEN 20 COUNT US IN Women in Numbers

22 G IVE BACK Gottesman Residential

24 F ROM THE DESK OF Lori Goodpasture

26 S TART THE CONVO Gentrification in Austin

DISCOVER 28 T EXAS TRIPPIN’ Waxahachie

STYLE 30 B EAUTY Saving Face

ATX WOMEN TO WATCH 42 MARYN MIKLAS

HOME 54 M AKE ROOM Midcentury Modern Masterpiece

43 RUBY CLOUTIER

56 A T HOME WITH

44 CARLY SANCHEZ

58 S EE HER WORK

45 MARJORIE CLIFTON 46 JOY NUNN AND

MACKENZIE NUNN

47 REBEKAH IRVINE 48 ALICE JAMES 49 DR. YULIYA SALMERON 50 KACY DOLCE 51 BETTY GWINN 52 CHRISTINE VU

Autumn Rich Painter Aram Amini

WELLNESS 72 W AITING ROOM Healthier Home-detox Solutions

74 H ER ROUTINE Lt. Col. Laura Cross

POINT OF VIEW 76 ON THE MONEY Making Money From Your House

78 A SK LUCY Dog Décor

80 I AM AUSTIN WOMAN Rowena Houghton Dasch

10 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2019

Photo by Keith Trigaci keithtrigaci.com Hair and makeup by Alicia Beller aliciabellermakeup.com Styled by Stefanie Modares

Surgical | Medical | Cosmetic

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A PUBLICATION OF AW MEDIA INC.

VOLUME 18, ISSUE 3

DAWN WESTON

NOV 16 LIVE AT STUBBʼS

Publisher NIKI JONES

CHANTAL RICE

Creative Director

Managing Editor

TICKETS AT

BREAKTHROUGHCTX.ORG

COURTNEY RUNN

Assistant Editor

SAM PITKIN

Marketing and Events Manager

MONIKA KELLEY CHRISTINA RINKEN-FABIANICH MEGAN WEDDLE

Account Executives

SUPPORTING BREAKTHROUGHʼS MISSION OF CREATING FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE GRADUATES.

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Sales and Production Coordinator

P R E S E N T E D BY

CONTRIBUTORS

Editorial: Kasee Bailey, Brianna Caleri, Alexis Green, Jenny Hoff, Abby Hopkins, Rowena Houghton Dasch, Niki Jones, Regine Malibiran, Hannah J. Phillips, Lucy J. Phillips, Courtney Runn, Gretchen M. Sanders, Kathryn Stouffer, Gianni Zorrilla

WANT TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS?

Art: Alicia Beller, Madilyn Biscoe, Leo Faria, Lars Frazier, Leonid Furmansky, Micael Marie, Stefanie Modares, Hannah J. Phillips, Taylor Prinsen, Keith Trigaci, Edward Verosky, Madison Weakley, Jessica Wetterer, Averie Claire Woodard

AUSTIN

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WOMAN MAGAZINE | MAY 2018

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Visit us online at atxwoman.com. Email us at info@awmediainc.com. 512.328.2421 | 3921 Steck Ave., Suite A111, Austin, TX 78759

it.” —Julia Child

No part of the magazine may be reprinted or duplicated without permission.

interested in

For submission information, visit atxwoman.com/jobs.

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FROM THE ASSISTANT EDITOR COMMUNITY

PARTNERS

Publication of Austin Woman would not be possible without the support of our monthly advertisers and sponsors, who believe in the impact we are making in the Austin community. The following businesses have stepped up their support of our efforts beyond traditional advertising and we are proud to recognize them as our partners. The team at Austin Woman is grateful for these businesses that have shown their commitment to the advancement of women in Austin and hopes you, as readers, recognize their efforts and support these businesses and all our regular advertisers.

DIAMOND-LEVEL PARTNER

PLATINUM-LEVEL PARTNERS

hether you grew up in Austin or got here as fast as you could, there are a lot more of us calling this beautiful city home than there used to be. When Kristina Modares moved here in 2012, she says it immediately felt more like home than anywhere she’d lived. Her passion for Austin drove her newfound passion for real estate and her desire to make the homebuying process simpler. Her knowledge of the city’s housing industry and her commitment to helping women overcome their own real-estate insecurities make her the perfect cover woman for Austin Woman’s home issue. Throughout the year, we take you inside the homes of some of our favorite Austin women and offer entertaining tips and advice from the city’s best interior designers, but once a year, we go all in. From tips about how to best list your home on Airbnb and detox it from harmful chemicals to exploring the divisive subject of gentrification, this issue of AW is your guide to making your house a home. If you’re literally building a home, we have you covered too, with advice from a female architect, contractor, roofer and interior designer about building the home of your dreams. When I asked Autumn Rich (Page 56) what home means to her, she paused before deciding that home is where “you have a connection,” and right now, she says home feels a little empty since her son is away at school. I found that terribly bittersweet and familiar. Growing up overseas, our house often felt a little empty this time of year, with an ocean separating us from close friends and family. But having adopted family crowd into our dining room for Thanksgiving dinner and merging all our holiday traditions somehow made the day feel warmer and fuller than it ever had. Faltering electricity and not having all the right ingredients for our favorite fall foods didn’t seem to matter when there wasn’t an empty seat at the table. Whether your table has a few faces missing this year or your life is overflowing with friends and family, I hope it feels like home this November. Here’s to channeling your inner Joanna Gaines!

COURTNEY RUNN Assistant Editor

Join the conversation @AustinWoman

14 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2019

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How to Skimm Your Life by The Skimm

Rifle Paper Co. sun print memoir journal

Photo by Madilyn Biscoe.

ON COURTNEY’S COFFEE TABLE

A CHRISTMAS AFFAIR

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IS CELEBRATING 44 YEARS IN AUSTIN Now in its 44th year, A Christmas Affair is a fivePARTIES

day holiday market that hosts more than 200 retail merchants from throughout the country and attracts more than 25,000 patrons. The theme, I’ll be home for Christmas, celebrates Christmas spent with loved ones. A Christmas Affair will be held at Palmer Events Center, located at 900 Barton Springs Road. Shopping space has expanded this year to include upstairs loft space for the Thursday and Friday market. Also new, the Hometown Food Court will offer food trucks and a place to relax. The Saturday market will even feature an outdoor Home Team Tailgate, where a 24-foot LED screen will show the most exciting college games, including those of the Texas Longhorns. You don’t have to decide between shopping and college game day; you can do both!

The Junior League of Austin uses funds from every ticket purchased for A Christmas Affair to carry forth its mission of developing the potential of women and improving the Austin community by providing essential funding and volunteer hours to programs such as Coats for Kids, Food in Tummies, Kids in Cool Shoes and more than 30 local nonprofits. In addition to the extremely popular holiday gift market, The Junior League invites you to enhance your A Christmas Affair experience by attending one or more of our special events. All events require a separate ticket and prices vary depending on the event. Event tickets include entrance to the holiday market. All market days and special events are open to the public. Tickets are on sale now at achristmasaffair.com

Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree

Nov. 20, 7 to 10 p.m. Be in attendance for the first tree lighting of the 2019 holiday season! Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and one complimentary drink, and be the first to shop the selection from 200-plus merchants.

Christmas Cheers

Nov. 21, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Enjoy light pastries, one complimentary glass of bubbles and three hours of private shopping before A Christmas Affair opens to the public.

Making Spirits Bright

Nov. 21, 7 to 10 p.m. Grab your girlfriends for a night out on the town and enjoy an evening guaranteed to make your spirits bright!

Mad for Plaid

Nov. 22, 7 to 10 p.m. Embrace all things plaid at this year’s Christmas Cocktail event. The Junior League of Austin is thrilled to bring you Texas’ own country music star Jack Ingram for an intimate, one-of-a-kind concert.

Jingle & Mingle

Nov. 23, 8 to 10 a.m.

Wake up early and beat the crowds to enjoy two hours of weekend private shopping!

CHILDREN’S EVENTS There’s Snow Place Like Home

Nov. 23, 9 to 11 a.m. Wake up early for breakfast with Santa and a special guest appearance by Frosty the Snowman.

’Twas the Night Before Christmas

Nov. 23, 5 to 7 p.m. Get cozy and settle in as Santa reads ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas at dinner.

Flannels and Flapjacks

Nov. 24, 9 to 11 a.m. Join Santa and his friends for a holiday pancake breakfast while enjoying live music from Joe McDermott.

A Season of Giving

Nov. 24, 1 to 3 p.m. Celebrate the holidays’ charitable spirit at our lunch with Santa! See Joe McDermott entertain.

Market tickets are $15 per person per day and include a shuttle ride to and from Barton Creek Mall. The holiday market is open on the following days and times:

Nov. 21, noon - 8 p.m. Nov. 22, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Nov. 23, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Nov. 24, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

CONTRIBUTORS This month, we asked our contributors: What’s your favorite home-décor trend?

KASEE BAILEY

WRITER, “CLEANING HOUSE,” PAGE 72

Kasee Bailey is an East Coast-bred Austin transplant and freelance writer. Life after a journalism degree has found her covering everything from the work of enterprising entrepreneurs for business publications, the lives of illustrious celebs for metropolitan magazines, the ins and outs of innovation for tech sites and hole-in-the-wall eateries for food magazines. “Do crayon marks on walls and furniture count? I’m deep in the throes of motherhood, so right now, my home décor consists of plastic toys and board books. But because I live on 10 acres outside Austin, I like matching my interiors to the feel of the outdoors with dark tones and rustic accents.”

STEFANIE MODARES

STYLIST, “COMING HOME,” PAGE 60

Stefanie Modares is a New York-based art director for Urban Outfitters. She is responsible for the creative behind all brand imagery for women’s editorial, ecommerce, content and social media. Before Urban Outfitters, she was the creative director for Reformation and a buyer for Opening Ceremony. She graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandise management. “Shelving is the most important, ever-evolving trend. Especially being in a lot of small spaces, I’ve come to really find shelves to be the most important when designing a space.”

GRETCHEN M. SANDERS

WRITER, “FORWARD MARCH,” PAGE 74

Gretchen M. Sanders is a writer in Austin. She has worked in public radio and has a background in social work. She enjoys writing about science, transportation and health, and her work has appeared in Austin Woman, Austin Monthly, The Alcalde, Swimmer and The Dallas Morning News. When she’s not working on a story, this Louisiana native loves to read murder mysteries, run, swim and throw tennis balls for her yellow lab, Huey P. “I love the trend of bright, airy kitchens that open to the living room and breakfast area, creating one large space where families can gather for meals and fellowship. Add large windows, natural light, subway tile, board and batten walls, white paint and stainless-steel fixtures and I’m sold.”

ALICIA BELLER

HAIR AND MAKEUP ARTIST, “COMING HOME,” PAGE 60

100.1FM

Alicia Beller is a freelance makeup artist who has lived and worked in Austin for more than 20 years. After college, Alicia started working in cosmetics to utilize her artistic ability and ended up absolutely loving it. She now works for several cosmetic brands as a freelance artist and is building her own business, providing makeup for private clients, photo shoots and weddings. “My favorite home-décor trend right now is midcentury modern. I recently redecorated my bedroom this way and love the clean lines and simplicity of this style.”

Experience Austinâ€™s Premium Photo Booth. Often imitated, never duplicated. MirMirâ€™s trademark look has become a staple at the biggest events coast to coast mirmir.com

CONNECT WITH US! CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF THIS ISSUE? Check us out at atxwoman.com.

➥ Sunny Leigh Shipley. After breaking her neck in a car accident and receiving

several crippling medical diagnoses, Sunny Leigh Shipley never thought she’d achieve her lifelong dream of becoming a musician. Her journey to recovery took several years, but this fall, the native Texan did the impossible, releasing a full album. The journey has been bittersweet, but with her new album and a baby on the way, she’s finally living her dream. For the past five years, the 71-year-old has baked birthday cakes for P. Terry’s employees. In the early days of the burger stand, Co-founder Kathy Terry baked cakes as a way to give back to her employees. As the chain expanded, she handed off her role to Nutting, who now delivers cakes to all 16 locations. From tres leches to pineapple upside-down cake, Nutting takes all requests.

Chen. Instagram fashionista Eva Chen stopped in Austin on Halloween to ➥ Eva promote her latest book, Juno Valentine and the Fantastic Fashion Adventure. The head of fashion partnerships at Instagram and former Lucky editor-in-chief released her third children’s book (and second in the Juno Valentine universe) Oct. 29 and says she was adamant about including Austin on her book tour after missing it on her last tour. Austin Woman talked to Chen ahead of her Book People appearance about her favorite books growing up, how Instagram is affecting the fashion industry and how she’s using her books to introduce young readers to strong female role models.

WIN THIS!

BRANCH BASICS STARTER KIT AND OXYGEN BOOST Do you have a stash of cleaners under your sink or tucked away in a closet? They might be out of sight but they’re doing more harm than you realize. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air quality is the fourth-most significant pollution threat to Americans. Two University of Texas students created Branch Basics to offer a “simple, affordable and sustainable” cleaning option for healthier air quality. To keep your home clean and safe, we’re partnering with Branch Basics to give away its starter kit plus an oxygen boost (valued at $69). Instead of using a variety of cleaners, you can use Branch Basics for cleaning everything from laundry to kitchen counters. It’s pretty simple: Fill a bottle with water, add concentrate, shake and start cleaning. To enter to win, follow us on Instagram @austinwoman and stay on the lookout for the giveaway announcement. A winner will be chosen by the end of the month. Learn more about the story behind Branch Basics on Page 72.

DON’T MISS Austin Woman Launch Party Nov. 6, 6 to 8 p.m. The Zella Company, 407 Radam Lane atxwoman.com

@austinwoman

18 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2019

Hospice Austin’s Beauty of Life Nov. 14, 9:30 a.m. to noon JW Marriott Austin, 110 E. Second St. hospiceaustin.org

LIKE US

Junior League of Austin’s A Christmas Affair Nov. 20 through 24, times vary Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road jlaustin.org

facebook.com/austinwoman

@ austinwoman

Sunny Leigh Shipley photo by Averie Claire Woodard. Susie Nutting photo courtesy of P. Terry’s. Eva Chen photo by Leo Faria. Win This photo courtesy of Branch Basics.

➥ P. Terry’s Full-time Cake Baker. Susie Nutting has the sweetest job in fast food.

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WOMEN IN NUMBERS

From interior design to architecture and homeownership, women are homing in on home-industry domination. BY GIANNI ZORRILLA, ILLUSTRATIONS BY JESSICA WETTERER

11.4 Million Followers Joanna Gaines of Magnolia Market and Fixer Upper fame, among other successful ventures, is the most popular interior designer on Instagram, with more than 11.4 million followers. With fame, success and aesthetically pleasing social-media pages come a hefty income, with Gaines’ estimated net worth between $5 million and $9 million.

1st Female Designer The first documented commercial interior decorator, Dorothy Draper established her design firm way back in 1923. Two years later, Draper, known for her quip, “If it looks right, it is right,” started Architectural Clearing House, which eventually became known as Dorothy Draper & Company. Though the designer died in 1969, her firm still adheres to “the Draper touch,” for which she was much celebrated.

2017 The Austin chapter of the American Institute of Architects added our favorite committee, Women in Architecture, in 2017. Its mission is to “promote, validate and illuminate the role of women within the architectural field through fostering community, fellowship, education and outreach.” As we’ve long known, you can’t keep good women down!

18 Million Homeowners There are some 18,057,000 female homeowners in the United States, according to 2014 data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Approximately 10 million of these homeowning women live alone, with trends showing more single women purchase homes than single men, though single men’s homes are generally worth about 10 percent more than homes owned by single women.

63 Percent According to the National Association of Realtors, the majority—roughly 63 percent—of today’s Realtors are women. Female real-estate agents started their own Women’s Council of Realtors in 1938 after being shut out from other realestate boards. Today, the Women’s Council of Realtors boasts 12,000 members, and the average member’s income from real estate exceeds $134,000 per year.

20 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2019

OFFICIAL EVENT PRODUCTION COMPANY OF AWMEDIA INC.

AVVY WOMEN

GIVE BACK

TAKING CHARITY TO HEART

Gottesman Residential donates 50 percent of profits to nonprofit organizations and the Austin community. BY BRIANNA CALERI

net profits go to charity or back into the Austin community. This year, for In 2018, Laura Gottesman was in Bolivia. She joined the first time, agents can donate a portion of their closing commissions HeartGift for a mission trip, with the charity providing noto HeartGift in honor of their clients. At the end of the year, Gottesman cost lifesaving heart surgery for children with congenital Residential will match the contributions and aims to underwrite heart defects in countries where these services aren’t next year’s mission trip. That tallies up to a year-end goal of $50,000 readily available. A woman very proud of her own family— exclusively for HeartGift. members of which are prominently featured on her It’s easy to keep the staff aligned in donating to the cause. Giving back Gottesman Residential Real Estate website—she found is a cornerstone of the business and a prerequisite of joining the team. she was good at connecting with families who traveled (Gottesman says she only accepts the best agents, and the team happens astounding distances for a chance to save their children. to be overwhelmngly female. She maintains it’s a natural result of a She thought about her own children and comforted the strong, woman-dominated industry.) Gottesman pitched HeartGift as a Bolivian patients in the same way. She firm beneficiary. Even so, the charity was chosen thought about her own family as she through a vote, and the company relies strongly on “It’s about being collaboration in day-to-day activities. explained the procedures to children’s Gottesman Residential is based in a converted parents, helping doctors to fit as many better stewards home in West Austin, where the agents surgeries as possible into the weeklong participate in weekly meetings, team-building in the community. service trip. Back in Austin, there’s a quaint home with two bedrooms and one bathroom. Gottesman Residential’s top listing is an adorable log cabin with a $35 million asking price. The waterfront property 6 and a half miles from downtown Austin comes with eight dock slips and the vague but enchanting promise of “wildlife.” At the firm’s bottom pricing tier, there’s a $128,500 listing for another one-bedroom, one-bathroom property. Gottesman built her company on the idea of luxury experience, regardless of a property’s square footage or asking price. Amid—and perhaps enabled by—all this luxury, Gottesman redirects the company’s success to charities like HeartGift and into the community. “It’s not just about us,” Gottesman says. “It’s about being better stewards in the community. It’s about spreading the success.” Gottesman Residential, recognized multiple times by the Austin Business Journal as one of the city's Top 10 Women-owned Businesses, has philanthropy built so deeply into its identity that 50 percent of its

It’s about spreading the success.”

exercises and even occasional retreats to promote a familial team feel. To spread the magic the agents are helping fund with their charitable efforts, Gottesman is considering sending those with the most contributions on the next

Photos courtesy of Gottesman Residential Real Estate.

HeartGift mission. Residential real estate is about advocating for families finding their place—literally—within their communities. Gottesman sees a responsibility for her team, not just as real-estate agents, but as professionals and people, to help expand our home communities and reach out to improve others that could use the help. Just as the woman-led, woman-dominated team is a product of a strong real-estate community, she believes service and philanthropy are products of a strong company. “I think it goes hand in hand, not just with real estate, but with anyone professional,” Gottesman says. “Especially if you’re selling our community, you want it to be a better place to live.”

22 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2019

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AVVY WOMEN

FROM THE DESK OF

LORI GOODPASTURE

The manager of Room Service Vintage offers her tips for a successful vintage shopping spree. BY ALEXIS GREEN, ILLUSTRATION BY MADISON WEAKLEY

With its walls adorned in everything from a vintage Bonnie and Clyde poster to African masks, walking through Room Service Vintage feels like a trip down memory lane. Since 1981, the boutique has worked to provide shoppers with new finds that store vendors scour the country for. Nestled among these trinkets is Lori Goodpasture, who found a love for vintage while renovating her home. What started as a side hustle at city-wide garage sales eventually landed her at Room Service, where she’s held the position of manager for the past decade. Shopping vintage stores—especially one like Room Service, which features an abundance of home-décor items, clothing and curios—can be intimidating, but Goodpasture explains it should not be an overwhelming experience, but a fun one. Little treasures of the past can provide beautiful additions to homes—if you know where to start. Goodpasture shares her tips for making sure your vintage shopping experience goes smoothly and that you score some exceptional treasures. DON’T GO OVERBOARD. “Stuff comes in here every day that I envy people for, but you can appreciate stuff without owning it. Find those pieces that speak to you as you walk through the store. You don’t need to own a whole shelf of stuff; you just need that piece that stands out on that shelf.” WHEN HAGGLING, BE CONSIDERATE. “It never hurts to ask, but be OK if they say no. Also, it’s asking, so there’s a big difference between when people are like, ‘I’ll give you,’ as opposed to saying, ‘Is there any way you can do a little better on this?’ Those are the words you say. Be nice to us. We are not evil or mean. We just either can or can’t [change the price].” FIND BEAUTY IN IMPERFECTIONS. “Stuff is going to have flaws. It’s going to have a nick or a drink ring. Managing your expectations is a huge part of whether or not vintage is for you because things do have issues. It all goes back to wanting things to be perfect or flawless, and it’s just not, but that gives it character.” CASH IN ON PURCHASE REGRETS. “Everything is ‘no returns’ here, and most stores are like that. One of the things we find that people have a hard time with is that an item is yours to deal with if it doesn’t work. Our stuff is so cheap that most people who are upset they can’t bring it back end up selling it for more online than what they paid in here. You can always sell it and make some money.”

24 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2019

DON’T WALK AWAY FROM A ONE-OF-A-KIND PIECE. “This isn’t mass-produced, so the odds of us having [a piece] again immediately are slim. Be patient and the perfect piece will come along, but if you see something you like, buy it because it may be gone tomorrow. Also, vocalize with us what you are looking at. Communication is key in these stores because people will walk up right behind you [and take something you want]. We do holds, and if someone is walking around the store looking at something, we’ll take the tag off of that item.”

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During the past century, Austin has progressed from government-sanctioned segregation to mass displacement of its black and brown communities. BY REGINE MALIBIRAN Central Texas. Sometimes the person that you walk past on the street used to own the house that you live in now. And their grandparents built it with their own bare hands.” Unfortunately, gentrification has spread out of the bounds of East Austin and into historically Latino neighborhoods in South Austin. “If you were to visit South First Street, South Congress and South Lamar, you wouldn’t know that in the ’90s, it was still a visible barrio,” says Alan Garcia, founder of ATX Barrio Archive and a graduate student at UT. “There’s a reason why there’s still a lot of old Mexican restaurants on South First Street. There was a community of Mexican Americans along these major roads.” Garcia’s family first emigrated from Mexico in the late 1990s. Back then, Garcia remembers South Lamar Boulevard was “an affordable Once Austin implemented the master plan, Jim Crow laws forced African Americans to relocate out of the cen“What does it place to live, with access to businesses, grocery stores and work downtown.” tral city, as the only public services available to them were look like if our In order to tackle the challenge of displacement in a growin the “Negro District.” ing city, the Uprooted report analyzes other gentrifying neigh“It was a gift and a curse,” says Mike Henderson, cocommunities borhoods: Columbia Heights in Washington, D.C.; the Guadafounder of civic-engagement organization A Tribe Called actually gain lupe Neighborhood in Austin; and the Inner North/Northeast Brunch and a third-generation East Austinite. “It was a area of Portland, Ore. The study identifies 10 lessons Austin curse because we were segregated to one area. But also, it more power can learn from these locales and implement, the first of which was a great gift because everyone, whether you’re a doctor, and not just is to “make meaningful and robust community participation of lawyer, preacher, teacher or you took out the trash, was in those most affected by displacement a priority in the planning, the same geographical location. So, you had this critical be receivers implementation and ongoing oversight of efforts.” mass, this sense of ownership.” To Austinites affected by displacement and those advocatof charity?” Almost a century later, gentrification is pushing African ing for these communities, participation extends past the lip Americans and Hispanics out of the communities and – Ghislaine “Qi Dada” Jean service the City has historically paid and into involvement neighborhoods they were once relegated to then emwith decision-making. braced as their own. “There’s a difference between doing something good and shifting the A study by the University of Texas Center for Sustainable Development paradigm,” says Ghislaine “Qi Dada” Jean, an activist, organizer and half titled Uprooted: Residential Displacement in Austin’s Gentrifying Neighborof local hip-hop duo Riders Against the Storm. “Oftentimes, what gets hoods and What Can Be Done About It defines gentrification as “a process support is doing something good like getting backpacks for kids. But what through which higher-income households move into a neighborhood and does it look like if our communities actually gain more power and not just housing costs rise, changing the character of the neighborhood.” Typically, be receivers of charity?” displacement most severely affects low-income communities of color. According to Those Who Left, a report from UT’s Institute for Urban Policy Research & Analysis focused on Austin’s declining African American HOW TO START THE CONVO population, 56 percent of African Americans who moved out of East Austin between 2000 and 2010 identified unaffordable housing as their Listen and uplift. Minority communities have been speaking leading motivator for leaving. Additionally, 24 percent cited underserved about targeted injustice for generations, but structural oppublic schools and 16 percent cited institutional racism as their reasons pression keeps them stifled. Make an intentional effort to seek for leaving. them out and listen. Austin’s housing costs have continually risen since the late 1990s. U.S. Census data from 2000 to 2010 shows Austin was the third fastest-growMake space. Decisions regarding displacement are often made ing major city in the nation. At the same time, Austin was “the only such behind closed doors. If you are in a position of power, advocity that suffered a net loss in its African American population,” according cate for representation within these spaces. to Outlier: The Case of Austin’s Declining African American Population, Support local minority-owned businesses. Charity only serves another report from the Institute for Urban Policy Research & Analysis. minority communities for the short term and is often seen as Though the city grew at a rate of 20.4 percent, the African American lip service. Businesses being priced out by skyrocketing rents population declined by 5.4 percent. need community support—both financial and cultural—in Austinites have a common colloquialism for those who were born and order to stay afloat. raised in the city: “unicorn.” Because of the bursts of population growth in the past two decades, it often seems like Austin-born residents are few and Embrace a people-first mentality. In order to effect long-term far between. However, the unicorns will tell you that’s not actually the case. change, advocacy for minority communities needs to be con“Unicorns are everywhere. You just don’t know where they are,” Hensistent and driven by the needs of the people rather than by derson claims. “There’s a recent study by the city government that found monetary gain. that 70-plus percent of our homeless population are native to Austin or

Last year marked the 90th anniversary of Austin’s 1928 master plan and the creation of the “Negro District” east of I-35. The plan’s blatant intent was to segregate the city, specifically stating, “The nearest approach to the solution of the racesegregation problem will be the recommendation of this district as a negro district, and that all the facilities and conveniences be provided the negroes in this district as an incentive to draw the negro population to this area. This will eliminate the necessity of duplication of white and black schools, white and black parks and other duplicate facilities for this area.”

26 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2019

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Uncover Texas heritage in Waxahachie. STORY AND PHOTOS BY HANNAH J. PHILLIPS

They arrived in the Red Oak, Texas, area of what became Ellis County, about 10 miles from present-day Waxahachie. In addition to their first house, we hoped to find their final resting place. After Waxahachie became the county seat, the Bells’ descendants were buried in the city cemetery, but the Bells themselves were buried in a smaller plot near their original home in Red Oak. Finally, we hoped to get an idea of what life was like for them as some of the area’s first pioneers. For this, I reached out to the Ellis County Museum Of course, like any proud Texan, I emerged from the womb reciting in Waxahachie and spoke with Shannon Simpson, who has been the curathe dates and heroes of the Alamo, but I had never explored my family tor there for more than 30 years. “We are in what’s called the Blackland Prairies,” he told me, describhistory, which stretches back six generations on my grandfather’s side ing what my ancestors would have found when they arrived in the 1840s. (Groesbeck) and seven generations on my grandmother’s side (Crad“[There were] prairies rolling as far as the eye could see, no trees, nothing dock). The Groesbecks landed in Galveston, Texas, just months after but buffalo and a fair number of creeks.” Texas became an independent republic in 1836, whereas the Craddocks The Bells settled near Brushy Creek (or “crick” if you’re local). To help descended from some of the first pioneers to arrive shortly after Texas locate their home, Simpson connected me to Sylvia Smith, president of joined the United States. the Ellis County Genealogical Society, and, as My grandmother’s ancestors settled near Waxahachie, turns out, a very distant relative. Joseph C. Texas, which has recently seen a major revival, thanks to “[There were] prairies rolling it Bell was the uncle to one of her ancestors. We the careful renovation of old homes and historic buildboth had copies of his “pioneer sketch” among as far as the eye could see, ings. Combining a desire to explore the local architecfamily records. Accompanying an interview ture, coffee shops and antique stores with my curiosity no trees, nothing but buffalo our that ran in the Lancaster Herald, the sketch about my family roots, I enlisted the help of my favorite and a fair number of creeks.” outlines scenes of pioneer life, including walkoral historian—my mother—to explore my brood’s Texas ing 2 miles to collect mail at the nearest post —Shannon Simpson origin story. office and the excitement of replacing a dirt While my research involved checking out things to do floor with wood. and see in Waxahachie, my mom rifled through family documents and phoFrom her records, Smith sketched out a map for us, identifying where tos that have been passed down for generations. As with many stories of to find the site of the old Bell home from our painting. Sadly, she said the early pioneer life, much of what we know comes from oral history. Hoping home no longer existed, but we were excited to see where it had stood and the trip would fill a few gaps, we established a few goals before we set out. to find our relatives’ burial plots. Driving toward Red Oak, I had to admit First, we hoped to find the location of a two-story house surrounded I still hoped we’d find the ancestral home. In the meantime, there was by trees on an old dirt road, a painting of which hangs in Mom’s kitchen. something poetic about enjoying a Lone Star beer and a chicken-fried steak Created by my great-great-grandmother, Jennie Olivia Cole Hipp, the at the nearby honky-tonk, the Rockett Cafe & Club. painting features a house that we believed to be the home of her grandWe pressed on toward Bell’s Chapel Cemetery, winding our way down parents, Joseph C. Bell and his wife, Catherine. Among the family docua country road under a canopy of trees. Turning onto the gravel drive, we ments is an obituary for Catherine Fearis Bell, written by her husband in circled once before we found the arched headstone of Joseph and Catherine Bell. We had to clear away pollen and dust to read the stone letters of 1892. He records that she was born in Northern Ireland and traveled to America as a young lady, where she met “a stout-hearted young Virginian. their epitaphs, which both pointed to the hope of resurrection. A red sky slowly faded pink behind us while I snapped photos. And I couldn’t help They were married and turned their faces to the setting sun,” moving to but notice that together, they still faced the setting sun. Texas in 1846.

After living in the United Kingdom for six years, I suddenly found myself back in Austin in 2012 with an expired visa, no job prospects and no car. Rebuilding my life, I explored Texas as if for the first time. When I started writing for local magazines, my travels took me from the Gulf Coast as far west as the Davis Mountains. The more I traveled, the more I realized how little I knew about my own Texas heritage.

pioneer sketch and the author’s family members

28 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2019

Ellis County Courthouse

WORTHWHILE IN WAXAHACHIE One of Waxahachie’s nicknames is the Gingerbread City because of its Victorian and gingerbread-style homes, which can be enjoyed by foot or by car. A few have been converted into bed-and-breakfast establishments, including the Chaska House. Walking distance from downtown, this gorgeous inn features rooms named and decorated for literary and historical figures.

Ellis County Museum

Whether walking or driving, an architectural tour of Waxahachie begins with the crown jewel, the Ellis County Courthouse. Completed in 1897, the grand courthouse emulates the Romanesque revival style of architecture popular at the turn of the century. For dinner, admire the courthouse from a window seat at Bistro 115 before diving into a sundae next door at Farm Luck Soda Fountain & Dry Goods. Waxahachie’s recent renaissance is due to its recertification as a Texas Main Street City in 2002. Since then, the town has remained committed to maintaining economic development within the context of historic preservation, and Farm Luck is a perfect example of this architectural repurposing. Housed in the Waxahachie Bank & Trust building, which was built in the late 1800s, the ice cream shop blends 1950s nostalgia with original architectural features like wood and penny tile floors. Another example of this blend of old and new, Fresh Market Coffee is a perfect place to refuel in the morning. Located inside a former train depot, Fresh serves as a reminder of Waxahachie’s industrial boom after the introduction of the railroad. (It also serves a great house-made cinnamon roll). White Rhino Coffee is another excellent breakfast option, offering a hearty weekend brunch and Tweed Coffee, the Dallas-based roasting branch of Austin’s own Houndstooth Coffee. For shopping, set aside several hours to browse the many antique stores on the town square, and don’t miss the shops down Rogers Street. Be sure to visit The Doves Nest for both vintage and boutique finds, and enjoy the famous apricot chicken-salad sandwich in the on-site restaurant. For a truly Texan experience, head just 9 miles northeast to the Rockett Cafe & Club for a chickenfried steak and for some two-steppin’. Be sure to bring your boots!

Bell’s Chapel Cemetery

cinnamon roll and coffee at Fresh Market

ATXWOMAN.COM | 29

TYLE

BEAUTY

SAVING FACE

The Austin Woman staff shares our favorite cold-weather beauty products. BY NIKI JONES

Texas gals can’t wait for the first cold snap of fall, mostly because each year, we believe it’s never going to arrive. The first day below 80 degrees, iced coffees switch to hot, booties replace sandals and many of us switch up our beauty products to prepare for cooler weather ahead. Find out what Austin Woman staff members choose as our most-loved cool-weather beauty products.

MELINDA GARVEY FOUNDER

MEGAN WEDDLE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

“I love anything from Badgerface Beauty Supply, but I definitely use the Champagne-flavored lip scrub the most in the winter, when my lips tend to get dry.” $3.89, badgerfacebeautysupply.com

“I love my Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer because it has SPF 50 and is light enough for daily use. Living in Texas, you never leave the house without sunscreen! Don’t forget to apply to the backs of your hands each morning to keep those age spots away.” $16, neutrogena.com or at drugstores

LAUREN FRANK SALES AND PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

“I have been kind of obsessed with Sephora’s #lipstories. They are only $8 but are such great quality! They stay on all day and never smudge. The packaging has photos of different cities on them to represent the shade. There are about 40 different colors to choose from, including lots of sparkles and neon, so it would make a great gift for friends and family.” $8, sephora.com and at Sephora stores

MONIKA KELLEY ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

“My favorite beauty product that I use in the winter is Now Solutions jojoba oil. (I actually use it all year long.) I use it as a base oil with frankincense, helichrysum and lavender. That’s how I keep this 52-year-old face from drying up!” $6, nowfoods.com and at H-E-B stores

30 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2019

COURTNEY RUNN ASSISTANT EDITOR

“My lips are always chapped in the winter (and honestly, year-round) so Fitglow Beauty’s night serum is a lifesaver. I got one in a goodie bag earlier this year and have been using it ever since. I put it on before I go to sleep and wake up with hydrated lips. It’s perfect for when your regular lip balm isn’t cutting it.” $48, fitglowbeauty.com and at Lovejay Beauty, 2124 E. Sixth St.

DAWN WESTON PUBLISHER

“I love Beautycounter anything! But in the winter, the cleansing balm—which is now called Counter Plus Lotus Glow Cleansing Balm— is such a great cleanser to keep your skin hydrated. I’ll even put it on over their Counter Plus Overnight Resurfacing Peel, which is my all-time favorite facial product and leaves your skin glowing and amazing.” $92, beautycounter.com

SAM PITKIN MARKETING AND EVENTS MANAGER

“I’m originally from upstate New York, so I’ve survived my fair share of dry, winter skin thanks to Jergens’ wet skin moisturizer. It’s the best and easiest way to keep your skin hydrated while saving you time in the morning.” $12, available at drugstores

NIKI JONES CREATIVE DIRECTOR

“I love a good deep-moisturizing mask at the start of every fall to reset my skin after months of sun and swimming. My latest obsession is Beboe Therapies' high-potency CBD face mask. It instantly restores and brightens, and it smells great too.” $78 for a five pack, beboetherapies.com and at Neiman Marcus, 3400 Palm Way ATXWOMAN.COM | 31

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BELIEVE IT & BE IT. IN AUSTIN, TX

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For girls and the adults who care about them.

Find out more at wearegirls.org #wearegirlstx | 512.808.4044

Believe it and Be It

WE ARE GIRLS CONFERENCE DETAILS WHEN: Saturday, November 16, 2019 from 9am-3pm (Doors open at 8am) WHERE: Anderson High School, 8403 Mesa Dr., Austin, TX 78759 WHO: Girls in grades 3rd-8th and the adults that care about them. (That includes parents, guardians, social workers, counselors and anyone else that supports young girls in their lives.) THEME: Believe it and Be it COST: Tickets are $30 per person. You can apply for a scholarship by visiting www.wearegirls.org. ADMISSION INCLUDES: Lunch, supplies, and a swag bag, as well as access to Featured Conference Speaker’s presentations, choice of up to 3 breakout workshops, resource fair, and of course, countless memories!

CONNECT WEBSITES www.WeAreGirls.org www.GirlsEmpowermentNetwork.org

We Are Girls Austin Conference

FACEBOOK GirlsEmpowermentNetwork TWITTER @Girls_EN INSTAGRAM: GirlsEmpowermentNetwork PHONE 512.808.4044 #WeAreGirlsTX

VISION:

We envision a world where all girls believe in their power.

MISSION:

Girls Empowerment Network ignites the power in girls by teaching them the skills to thrive and believe in their ability to be unstoppable.

GIRLS EMPOWERMENT NETWORK'S PROGRAMS We Are Girls Conference

Pathfinder

We Are Girls conferences are held in Austin, Houston, and Dallas, Texas annually. They are designed for girls grades 3-8 and the adults who care about them. With dynamic break-out sessions and an empowering dance party, girls get to be totally in charge of their day. They walk away inspired by the idea that anything is possible and with a new belief in their personal power. The 2019-2020 theme is “Believe it and Be it.”

Pathfinder is a personal and professional development program aimed at giving high school girls a head start on their road to college, career, and independence. This summer program helps girls uncover their strengths, develop skills like interviewing and public speaking, explore different industries and professions, and gain access to women leaders — all with the support of like-minded peers. Monthly workshop extensions offered throughout the year.

Girl Connect Girl Connect is our schoolbased program for girls in grades 3 - 12. We work with thousands of girls to increase their self-efficacy, resiliency, and positive connection to peers and role models using our signature curriculum which builds skills, and our program culture, which helps girls feel safe and supported. Girl Connect can be facilitated for 1 - 20 sessions.

Camp Our summer camp serves girls in grades entering 3rd-8th. Girls who attend camp participate in fun, interactive workshops during two week-long sessions that are designed to ignite the power in girls and teach them skills to thrive and believe in their ability to be unstoppable. Girls who join camp will gain new skills, new friendships, and a new sense of self!

AISHA THOMAS

Speaker, Consultant, Confidence Creator, and Author Aisha Thomas is an impactful and energetic speaker who is the author of “Trendsetter: 7 Steps to Radically Standout To Be The Best You”. She has a passion to empower the youth through social and emotional education. As a Confidence Creator and Mental Health Advocate, she aims to embed leadership skills, inclusion, self-love and motivation into the culture of each young person, which results to healthier homes, schools and community climates. Her journey began when her family migrated to the United States, from Sierra Leone, Freetown, a country in West Africa. Soon after starting elementary school, she encountered bullying which followed her into high school. As an attempt to belong, she began to follow a bad crowd of friends which led to her having a 0.4 GPA, her first quarter, as well as being suspended. As time progressed, her self-esteem waned and she attempted suicide that freshman year of high school, at the age of 14. With an unstoppable mindset, Aisha overcame many other challenges from dating violence and sexual assault and became an honor roll student. She also graduated in the first computer networking program, in her district, completed college and joined the United States Air Force (USAF), where she has been serving, for over 14 years. Aisha’s service did not stop once she joined the USAF. She embarked on a journey to raise community awareness on topics such as sexual assault, suicide and bystander intervention. Thousands have been impacted and inspired after hearing her words of encouragement. She joined the Speaker’s Bureau for the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) and began speaking at universities, community organizations and churches. She also became a lead Facilitator for the Department of Defense, educating civilian and military members on suicide and interpersonal violence. As an ETA Certified Speaker, Aisha studies under the tutelage of World Renowned Motivational Speaker and Author, Dr. Eric Thomas. She speaks at military affiliated programs such as JROTC and is currently one of the lead mentors of a military team, that supports local schools. She manages volunteer recruiting efforts, teacher/student feedback and creates lesson plans and activities to create solid mentee/mentor relationships. Aisha’s personal triumph is the reason why she has embarked on this path to empower young men and women one speech at a time. Facebook: MsAishaSpeaks

| Twitter: @msaishaspeaks | Instagram: msaishaspeaks

APRIL BOWMAN, M.S.

Founder, CEO, Educator, Consultant Empowering people to reach their full potential is at the core of everything that April Bowman, M.S. does. She has worked in education for over 15 years, impacting more than 20,000 young people across the country. Her experience includes leading afterschool programs and summer camps with Parks and Recreation; coaching and consulting with non-profits, schools and foundations; college and career guidance counseling; working in student affairs at Northwestern University; serving as the inaugural Director of Alumni Programs for Uplift Education – the largest charter school in North Texas; and, facilitating trainings on how to talk to about race, racism and equity through the Center for Racial Justice in Education. She currently leads

Facebook: BoldBelieversUnited | Twitter: @boldbelieversu | Instagram: april.m.bowman

WHY A CONFERENCE FOR GIRLS? According to TIME MAGAZINE... 9 IN 10 GIRLS BELIEVE WOMEN LEADERS FACE DISCRIMINATION & SEXUAL HARRASSMENT ONLY 6.6% OF COMPANIES COMPRISING THE FORTUNE 500 ARE LED BY FEMALE CEOS IN 2015, SUICIDE RATES AMONG TEEN GIRLS HIT A 40-YEAR HIGH

OF GIRLS WHO ATTENDED PAST WE ARE GIRLS CONFERENCES... 94% of attendees felt unstoppable! 96% of attendees said that their conference experience made them believe in themselves more. 98% said they would recommend We Are Girls to a friend.

GirlsEmpowermentNetwork.org

Bold Believers United. April is a recipient of the 2019 Dallas Business Journal Top 40 Under 40 award. She was also a 2018 finalist for the Dallas Startup Evangelist of the Year Award. In 2018, her client, Church Farm School, was awarded funding by the Oprah Winfrey Foundation for work April led with a 9th-12th grade boarding school to develop a successful college completion program. As the first person in her family to graduate from college, April earned a Master of Science degree from Northwestern University in Learning and Organizational Change and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Washington in Sociology and Geography. She is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity from the King’s University, where she also serves as President of the Graduate Student Council.

Believe it and Be It

WE ARE GIRLS AUSTIN FEATURED CONFERENCE SPEAKERS

Believe it and Be It

Girls Empowerment Network helps girls discover they are powerful. We do this by teaching self-efficacy, which is a girl’s belief in her ability to succeed. Whether it’s getting an A on a test, overcoming a bully, being the first in her family to go to college, breaking up with an abusive partner, or taking care of herself when she feels like no one else will – when a girl experiences our self-efficacy curriculum at a school, camp or conference, she realizes she can do it and she becomes powerful.

Why do girls need self-efficacy?

Five things you should know about self-efficacy:

•B y 9th grade, girls self-harm 3 times more than boys their age.

We Are Girls Austin Conference

• I t is the key factor for building girls’ participation in STEM activities and fields • I t is the strongest predictor of college GPA (more than high school GPA or demographics). • I t is a STRONGER predictor of preferred career than academic achievement. • I t is more important than perseverance (“grit”) to predicting school achievement. • It transfers to other areas. When a girl increases her self-efficacy in one skill, she believes in her ability to succeed at other skills too.

•G irls outperform boys in academics yet grow up to hold less than 14% of leadership positions in the nation. •G irls as young as 6 years old believe brilliance is a male trait.

• Girls are 4 times more likely than boys to be told to be careful. •R esearch shows giving girls the mere belief in themselves has an impact on academic success and future career achievement. Girls Empowerment Network increases selfefficacy in girls, which positively impacts their academic, professional and personal lives. Our strategic vision is to ignite the power in 86,000 girls by 2020. Make her one of them by visiting www.girlsempowermentnetwork.org.

Believe it and Be It GirlsEmpowermentNetwork.org

We Are Girls Austin Conference will take place Saturday, November 16th, from 9am-3pm at Anderson High School. For more information visit www.WeAreGirls.org.

Believe it and Be It

GIRLS EMPOWERMENT NETWORK'S WE ARE GIRLS AUSTIN CONFERENCE WORKSHOP PROVIDERS* Andi DuMont andromedadumont.com Austin Achieve Public Schools austinachieve.org Dell Technologies dell.com The Dumpster Project dumspterproject.org Monica Dorsey Endless Potential Girlstart girlstart.org Samantha Schak handsome.is Vicki Parsons balletaustin.org Nutritional Wisdom nutritionalwisdom.com

We Are Girls Austin Conference

The Girlsâ€™ School of Austin thegirlsschool.org

United Against Human Trafficking/ Auâ€™vonnie Alexander uaht.org Aghaeze-Maple Enterprises, LLC ucheonyemaple.com Ouroboros 4545 4545ouroboros.org Vandergrift Viperbots 7161 Hydra 7161hydra.com Ashley Noelle Jackson ashleynoellejackson.com The Austin Outlaws austinoutlaws.com Austin Rhythm & Drum austinrhythmanddrum.com Born Into This bornintothis.co Kim Caldwell, Caldwell Connect caldwellconnect.com

Ela London ela-london.com Frost Bank frostbank.com Global Sisterhood globalsisterhood.org Girls on the Run Austin gotraustin.org Iodine Software iodinesoftware.com Julie Burke Therapy jbtherapyatx.com Monica Richardson Coaching monicarichardsoncoaching.com Peace & Clarity mypcforlife.org Natalie Grigson & EmpowerED Pathways NatalieGrigson.com

All Girls Considered allgirlsconsidered.org

Girls Impact the World Film Festival connecther.org

Tesleigh Eure, LMSW saltandgracellc.com

Microsoft microsoft.com

Dance Another World danceanotherworld.org

Synergy Dance Studio synergydancestudio.com

Latinitas latinitasmagazine.org

Darcy Scott Counseling darcy-scott.com

Texas Council on Family Violence tcfv.org

Mary Kay Marykay.com

Diana Tulumba dianatulumba.com

Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas ppgreatertx.org

DPR Construction dpr.com

Strong Girl Spirit terrienathan.com

Dr Yana Johnson Torregrosa & Gabriela Johnson Correia dryanajohnson.com

Tristan Jackson tjinspires.com Wild Things Zoofari, Inc. wildthingszoofari.com Zen Bug Yoga zenbugyoga.com

Believe it and Be It

Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette, Honorary Chair Becky Austen, Janet & Elisabeth Bates, Karen & Carter Blackburn, Laurie Coffin, Suzanne Deal Booth, Larissa De Luna, Colette Fitzgerald, Jolynn Free, Julie Glasser, Lisa Harris, Rani Clasquin, Kate & Eric Harslem, Tracy Holland & Jim Skelding, Erin & Jason Jones, Jeanne & Michael Klein, Monica & Casey Layfield, Whitney Mack, Gigi & Joel Melrose, Sarah Meredith Wells, Kate Meredith Andrade, Abigail Meredith & Lynn Meredith, Bettye Nowlin & Family, Maria Orozova, Joe & Janis Pinelli, Christine Plonsky, Clarisa Ramirez & Dustin Meador, MariBen Ramsey & Karen Kahan, Maura Thomas, Melinda Slawson, Liz & Kirk Watson, Cliff & Shari Vars

GirlsEmpowermentNetwork.org

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE

presented by

2019 CONFERENCE COMMITTEE & SPONSORS Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette, Honorary Chair Becky Austen, Janet & Elisabeth Bates, Karen & Carter Blackburn, Laurie Coffin, Suzanne Deal Booth, Larissa De Luna, Colette Fitzgerald, Jolynn Free, Julie Glasser, Lisa Harris, Rani Clasquin, Kate & Eric Harslem, Tracy Holland & Jim Skelding, Erin & Jason Jones, Jeanne & Michael Klein, Monica & Casey Layfield, Whitney Mack, Gigi & Joel Melrose, Sarah Meredith Wells, Kate Meredith Andrade, Abigail Meredith & Lynn Meredith, Bettye Nowlin & Family, Maria Orozova, Joe & Janis Pinelli, Christine Plonsky, Clarisa Ramirez & Dustin Meador, MariBen Ramsey & Karen Kahan, Maura Thomas, Melinda Slawson, Liz & Kirk Watson, Cliff & Shari Vars

THE STAHL

FAMILY FOUNDATION

RR & S

Attorneys at Law

Girls Empowerment Network thanks all of our sponsors for igniting the power in girls!

www.wearegirls.org

ATX

WOMEN to WATCH Our pages are full of stories of Austinâ€™s most engaging, empowering and successful women, and this section is specially designed to provide you access to even more incredible role models and success stories. Be part of this amazing tribe and share your story with thousands of women. Contact us at sales@awmediainc.com or call 512.328.2421 for more information. PHOTOS BY ROMINA OLSON

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WOMAN to WATCH

MARYN MIKLAS FOUNDER OF FIX VODK A

s an avid vodka connoisseur and acid-reflux sufferer, Maryn Miklas was on a mission to create a better-for-you version of her favorite spirit. After researching her condition, she adopted an alkaline diet in response to acidic food and drink. During her crusade, she discovered alcoholic spirits are highly acidic. She teamed up with a local distiller to create Fix Vodka’s first high-alkaline vodka. Fix uses organic, pesticide-free grain, as well as high-alkaline calcium and magnesium-rich mineral water with a proprietary process of filtration that marries the blend, creating a smooth-tasting, high-pH alkaline vodka. Launched in August, Fix Vodka can be found at local bars and select liquor stores. When Miklas is not out hosting tastings and events for Fix, she loves spin class, eating queso and enjoying quality time with her husband. fixvodka.com

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WOMAN to WATCH

RUBY CLOUTIER

D E S I G N E R A N D O W N E R O F VA Z ZO S PAC E S

ustin native Ruby Cloutier is taking the home-design world by storm with a fresh approach to modern interiors and design. An entrepreneur and hardworking mother with two small children, Cloutier founded Vazzo Spaces after following her passion. Her focus on modern interiors and staging led to rapid word-of-mouth expansion. Her business quickly evolved to include remodeling and interior design. Cloutier offers more than the average designer; she brings high energy and artistic effects to each project. She takes pride in providing excellent customer service with attention to detail. Her relaxed yet passionate nature helps clients feel comfortable sharing their needs. Cloutierâ€™s work designing restaurants and luxury homes has been featured on the Austin Modern Home Tour, in magazines and by talent agencies. Cloutier creates beauty and function for her clients that lasts. Cloutier is the new face of interior design that Austinites have been waiting for. vazzo.space

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WOMAN to WATCH

C A R LY S A N C H E Z

OWNER OF AUSTIN SKIN PLUS

arly Sanchez and her team specialize in clearing stubborn acne and other skin issues without prescription products for long-lasting results. Sanchez, founder of Skin Plus, believes the first step to solving acne is educating clients about what acne is, why they have it and why past regimens may have failed. The coaches at Skin Plus devise the best treatment plan using the results-driven Skin Plus Method for your unique needs. The Skin Plus coaching program eliminates all the guesswork with coaches working side by side with the client to clear the skin using custom-formulated products curated specifically for Skin Plus clientele. Working as true coaches, the coaching team at Skin Plus will find the root of your acne, whether it be genetic, digestive or even hormonal, and tailor its boot-camp program to meet your needs. austinskinplus.com

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WOMAN to WATCH

MARJORIE CLIFTON

P R I N C I P A L A T C L I F T O N C O N S U LT I N G L L C

Photo by Annika Franco.

th two decades of experience in communications, advocacy and public policy, Marjorie Clifton works with business leaders to address 21st-century communication and workplace challenges. As a consultant for Fortune 100 corporations, nonprofits and federal agencies, she builds and leads programs focused on workforce diversity and optimization. She is also a published author and media commentator, appearing weekly on global TV and radio news networks. Clifton holds bachelor’s degrees in communications and Spanish from the University of Texas. She received her master’s degree from Drama Studio London. Clifton has a passion for expanding women’s leadership and believes investing in women leads to thriving companies and communities. Clifton is a proud investor in the Women’s Fund at Austin Community Foundation and she’s excited to chair Keyholder ’20, a fundraiser for the Women’s Fund on Jan. 30, 2020 featuring Ziauddin Yousafzai, Malala Yousafzai’s father, activist and co-founder of the Malala Fund. cliftonconsultingllc.com

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WOMEN to WATCH

JOY NUNN AND MACKENZIE NUNN

PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT OF AMT LIFETIME FINANCIAL

boutique and family-owned financial firm, AMT Lifetime Financial provides services dedicated to helping individuals and families pursue their financial goals and prepare for a stress-free retirement. Joy Nunn, president and founder, creates retirement planning strategies that enable clients to live their golden years in a comfortable and affordable lifestyle. She analyzes current income and assets, projects future income streams and works with clients on how to grow and protect their estates for themselves and their loved ones. Mackenzie Nunn, Joy Nunn’s daughter, the vice president of college funding, has a passion for working with forward-thinking young professionals and growing families who are financially preparing for life’s major milestones and college educations. This dynamic and passionate mother-daughter duo’s mission is to help educate the community and their clients with personal customer service and valuable knowledge in order to piece together the best possible financial future. amtlifetimefinancial.com

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WOMAN to WATCH

REBEKAH IRVINE

O W N E R O F S TA R C Y C L E C E D A R PA R K

ebekah Irvine’s clients leave her salon, Bex and Co, feeling beautiful, inspired, ready to take action and with a deeper craving for life. Irvine loves that by becoming an entrepreneur, she has found opportunities to make life better for herself, her clients and her friends. “I can touch so many people simply by creating a safe place for employees and clients alike,” she says. Now Irvine and her husband are extending their reach to offer inspiration in health and fitness as they open StarCycle in Cedar Park, Texas this winter. “Part of being inclusive is offering child care so everyone has the opportunity to show up,” Irvine says. “Put simply: It’s a 45-minute, beat-driven cycling class in a dark, candlelit room with no technology—no computers, no ranking system. We don’t compete against each other. We support and empower each other.” Find out what Irvine is up to next by following her on Instagram: @alsoknownasbex. starcycleride.com/studios/cedar-park

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WOMAN to WATCH

ALICE JAMES

FOUNDER OF ALICE JAMES GLOBAL

s the founder of Alice James Global, Alice James supports launching and growing fashion, accessory and home brands throughout the world. AJG helps its clients navigate the process from design through launch, giving them the knowledge to confidently build businesses. James and her team empower their clients with years of successful industry expertise and a trusted global network. AJG provides effective sourcing and production solutions, along with profit road maps for long-term success. Entering into the production and retail industry for the first time can be overwhelming and intimidating. AJG develops customized support with an emphasis on mentorship, giving business owners the tools to build and grow on their own. alicejamesglobal.com

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WOMAN to WATCH

D R . Y U L I YA S A L M E R O N OWNER OF EDGE ENDODONTICS

r. Yuliya Salmeron left Russia when she was just 19 years old to come to America to discover and fulfill her purpose. After years of vigorous study and training, Salmeron called Austin home in 2018 and opened her first private practice, Edge Endodontics, a modern, state-of-the-art specialty office. Her practice model is centered around serving each patient as a VIP and seeing patients in pain right away without a wait. She created a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere in her office to alleviate fears of having a root-canal procedure. She can treat even the most fearful patients who have had a bad past dental experience. Salmeronâ€™s main focus is to help patients save their natural teeth and not to extract them. In addition to being a busy practice owner, Salmeron is a single mother to two little boys and an endorser of a healthy lifestyle and fitness. edgeendodontics.com

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WOMAN to WATCH

K ACY DOLCE

BROKER ASSOCIATE WITH KUPER SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

acy Dolce is a broker associate with Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty and has successfully been in the real-estate business in Austin for more than 10 years. A combination of her detailed knowledge of the real-estate market, her ability to expertly understand and steer clients through a significant financial transaction and her natural enthusiasm and desire to help others make her the perfect asset in making the homebuying, -selling or investing process as stress-free and wellmanaged as possible. Known for her partnership mentality, client service and creative problemsolving skills, Dolce is able to create mutual trust during transactions and maintains relationships with clients long after the sale closes. Her business model is service-oriented and not price-point driven. She is a mother of four, a wife, sister, friend, volunteer, fourth-generation Austinite and is deeply rooted in her Catholic faith and in her community. kacydolce.kuperrealty.com

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WOMAN to WATCH

BETTY GWINN

A R E A P R E S I D E N T AT G A L L A G H E R

s the area president for Gallagher, Betty Gwinn focuses on helping her team and clients develop humancapital strategies that attract and retain top talent and engage their workforce. Gwinn has partnered with companies across all industries and sizes, from Fortune Global 200 employers to local small businesses to develop employee benefits and total-rewards packages. Gwinn is known for her creativity and strategic thought leadership. She has pioneered local partnership strategies that engage the physician communities in rural areas with her clients to control health-care costs and provide a better patient experience. Throughout her career, Gwinn has been a mentor both formally and informally to those around her and has been a leading force behind women in leadership initiatives at Gallagher. As the new leaders in the Austin market, Gwinn and the Gallagher team are looking forward to partnering with local companies to help build better confidence in organizational well-being. Better: Itâ€™s something all companies strive for. Better outcomes originate from better performance. ajg.com/us

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WOMAN to WATCH

CHRISTINE VU

F I N A N C I A L A D V I S O R A T R AY M O N D J A M E S & A S S O C I A T E S

hristine Vu, a chartered retirement-planning counselor and accredited asset-management specialist, is a California native with a computer-science degree and entrepreneurial background. During her first business ventures, she owned and operated a dessert-bar concept for people looking for a healthier lifestyle. Its success allowed her to franchise the brand and expand it nationally. She began her financial-services career at a notable firm and was able to leverage her unique perspective to help others like herself. In 2016, Vu joined Raymond James & Associates, a firm with standards and principles that align with her values to better serve her clients. She specializes in education and retirement planning, investment advice and small-business needs, including estate and protection strategies. Raymond James & Associates Inc. is a member of the New York Stock Exchange and Securities Investor Protection Corporation. Call 512.418.4409 or visit 6034 W. Courtyard Drive, suite 305 for more information. raymondjames.com

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N WOMAN STI ’S U A

HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE

Sponsored Content

RELAX

THE MASSAGE STUDIO COORDINATE

Sail through the holidays stress-free with this handy guide.

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Between making travel plans and RSVPing to holiday parties, you probably already have a few knots in your back. Work out your stress, take a break from the holiday busyness and support a woman-owned business at The Massage Studio. The studio’s deep-tissue massage techniques will soothe muscle tension and soreness. From aromatherapy to pain-relieving gel, customize your experience for complete relaxation. themassagestudio.com, prices range from $85 to $200

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Instead of gifting something that will end up rewrapped for someone else, find unique homedécor gifts at Horsemen Reclaimed Customs that your loved ones will actually use and enjoy. From plant hangers to cutting boards, shop local for the holidays and feel good about supporting a company with a near-zero-waste policy. hrcbuilds.com, prices range from $35 to $125

CELEBRATE

DESERT DOOR RIVER RITA (serves 10)

SHINE

GO RINGS Give a gift that gives back. Go Rings offers handcrafted, ethically made jewelry that supports cause-driven ventures. At checkout, customers can choose a cause to donate to, with 30 percent of each purchase funding someone to #GoDoGood. From the original Go Ring to earrings and necklaces, each piece is simple, refined and designed for everyday wear. gorings.com, prices range from $15 to $40

WORK IT OUT

ANOOK ATHLETICS If you’re chasing a toddler or nursing a newborn —and especially if you’re doing both—Anook Athletics will make your holiday season easier. Created by a mom and prenatal yoga teacher, the Austin brand is filling the gap in the athleticapparel market for moms who need comfortable, functional workout clothes throughout pregnancy and beyond. anookathletics.com, prices range from $58 to $98

Ingredients 15 ounces Desert Door Original Texas Sotol 15 ounces white cranberry juice 5 ounces fresh lime juice 2 1/2 ounces agave nectar cranberries and rosemary for garnish salt (optional) ice Directions 1. A dd sotol, juices and agave to a pitcher or punch bowl and stir vigorously.

2. Top with frozen cranberries and fresh rosemary.

3. Add ice just before serving or leave out for guests to self-serve. 4. P repare glasses with a salt rim if desired. desertdoor.com

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MAKE ROOM

MIDCENTURY MODERN MASTERPIECE

Austin architect Erica Flannery transforms a dated ranch home into a modern Hill Country oasis. BY KATHRYN STOUFFER

When Erica Flannery of Tim Brown Architecture was approached to breathe new life into a 1970s ranch home tucked in the hills of South Austin, she accepted the challenge. The clients, having renovated several houses before, were not naive to the process and knew to contact Flannery, a master of her craft.

Photo by Leonid Furmansky.

Flannery moved to Austin six years ago, fresh-eyed from architecture school, and immediately delved into the world of residential design with Tim Brown Architecture. The cohort of four architects at Tim Brown can be found working throughout Austin, with the occasional project outside the Lone Star State. As for the latest project in Flannery’s portfolio, a once unassuming home underwent a massive transformation from a dark and dated 1970s build to an open and light-filled structure, with Flannery preserving the ideal amount of midcentury-modern elements, which are seamlessly blended with contemporary finishes. Although the home was stripped to the studs in order to create a blank canvas for the clients and Flannery to dream, Flannery worked with select elements of the original structure to maintain its character and history, including the split-level floor plan.

“The core of the house is similar to what it was when we came on board. The raised entry is really unique and something we’ve never done before, so we wanted to maintain that in the remodel,” Flannery notes. “We wanted to revamp the house, bringing in the flair of the new age of midcentury modern.” When asked to describe the home now, along with her favorite additions, Flannery says she is excited about several of the key exterior features. “There is a huge indoor-outdoor connection with the new pool deck, fitted with a half-butterfly roof sloping up from the back of the house, which is a cool modern element. We also included industrial-feeling steel awnings in the front of the house, which make it a standout from street view,” she says. Flannery also collaborated with the homeowners to outfit the interiors. Her favorite feature is the classic Ann Sacks tile incorporated throughout. “This house has a Mad Men vibe, which I love,” Flannery shares. “My clients have great taste and bring vibrant elements into their living spaces, which add life into the new layout and neutral finishes.”

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Before photos courtesy of Tim Brown Architecture. After photos by Leonid Furmansky.

BEFORE

AFTER

INNOVATE TO RENOVATE Erica Flannery share her top insights for home-renovation projects and what changes make a lasting impact. PHASE-ONE DIYERS

NEXT LEVEL

For those on a tight budget or just dipping their toes into the world of home remodeling, Flannery shares her go-to fixes. “If you can’t redo your windows, making your walls white will drastically improve the brightness of your space,” Flannery says. While certain paint swatches phase in and out of style, white is a timeless option when opting to create the illusion of more light. When it comes to revamping a home, in general, Flannery recommends focusing on the low-hanging fruit you can tackle yourself. “The little things and projects with easier aspects can make a big difference when you add them up,” she says. If you want to take it up a notch, Flannery touts the power of opening up living spaces, as well as integrating landscaping outside for enhanced curb appeal.

For those plotting additions, wall teardowns and the like, Flannery suggests thinking big changes through before taking the leap. “It can be more expensive to renovate your home versus completely starting over,” she says, “so focus on the key elements you want to change before launching into a complete overhaul.” If you’re brave enough to face a renovation and enlist experts such as Flannery, she recommends focusing on the overall flow of the house first. “If there’s a way to open it up, start there,” she proposes. “If you’re trying to decide which room to renovate, I usually point to your main living spaces, as these usually make the most impact in your daily life.”

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AT HOME WITH

AUTUMN RICH

The co-founder of the Panacea Collective invites us into her Tarrytown neighborhood home. BY COURTNEY RUNN, PHOTOS BY TAYLOR PRINSEN

Autumn Rich takes decorating cues from her house. From an 1890s brownstone in her Washington, D.C., days to her current 1970s-era townhouse in Austin’s Tarrytown neighborhood, architecture catches her eye and drives décor. When Rich saw the concrete floors and private backyard pool at her current home, she was taken back to midcentury Palm Springs, Calif. For the past three years, she’s kept its nostalgic spirit alive with soirees and pool parties because if anything informs her design sense more than architecture, it’s a space’s potential for entertaining. “I want people to come into my home and feel like they are enveloped in a very welcoming feeling, that they can be free to express themselves,” she says. An event planner by trade, Rich loves hosting at her home too. She’s ready to play hostess for any gathering, but dinner parties are her favorite. Like her home, they “harken back to that midcentury entertainment.” While the art of the dinner party might seem to be fading in a digitally driven world, Rich maintains it’s a “lovely way to spend an evening with friends.”

From executing festivals and producing private celebrity events to planning presidential parties, Rich has played a role in orchestrating some of the biggest events in the country. While glamorous, the specialty cocktails and elaborate menus do not a party make. For Rich, the success of any event hinges on conversation and inviting the right people. “They’re going to remember who they sat by. They’re not going to really remember what they ate unless something goes terribly wrong or terribly right, but they’re going to remember who they talked to and how they felt,” she says. “And I want them to go away feeling like they felt special.” Rich has entertained countless socialites and politicians as part of her dinner-party repertoire, but she has two dream guests left on her bucket list: Anna Wintour and Bruce Springsteen. That would be her perfect party.

AUTUMN RICH’S TIPS FOR HOSTING A DINNER PARTY Plan ahead: “If a host is stressed, your guests are probably not having a great time.” Do what you know: Autumn Rich rotates between a few favorite recipes when planning a menu. Three of her go-to dishes are beef tenderloin, paella and salmon. Have fun with the décor: “I love to go up and down and do something really formal or something eclectic and funky.”

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AUTUMN RICH’S FAVORITE LOCAL PARTY-PREPPING SPOTS Central Market Quality Seafood Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods

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SEE HER WORK

PETAL PUSHER

Painter Aram Amini distinctively expresses the pointillism technique with hand-painted silk rose petals. BY ABBY HOPKINS

It all started with a fruit bowl. Aram Amini was 8 when she wielded a paintbrush for the first time to create what would become the first fruit of her lifelong labor.

Photos courtesy of Aram Amini.

Born in Montreal, Amini grew up in New York and took on art projects whenever she got the chance. As an adult, she moved into an apartment on the Upper East Side while holding a full-time position in health-care administration. After creating some art for her apartment walls, painting developed into Amini’s side gig. Her boyfriend (now husband) noticed her passion and encouraged Amini to pursue painting full time during the couple’s transition to Austin.

“With his support and encouragement, it’s something I took on about three years ago, and I’ve been doing it full-time since,” Amini says. “I haven’t looked back. I absolutely love it. I’m so lucky and fortunate that I get to do what I love.” As a first-generation Iranian American, Amini draws inspiration from both cultures, finding appreciation for her Iranian values and traditions, as well as the freedom of art expression in the U.S. The two cultures, combined with her life experiences and the environments and people in Amini’s life, provide the motivation for her paintings. For example, while wedding planning, Amini found herself surrounded by flowers, which became an inspiration, as she was searching for a way to express pointillism in a unique, modern form. Amini’s Petal Collection features hundreds of individually hand-painted silk rose petals fastened to each canvas with small gold pins. “I have scoured the internet looking for good-quality petals,” Amini says. “I went through numerous batches before I found these. They’re hard, they maintain the structure and they even have the grooves and the texture of a real rose petal.” Two recent pieces in the collection were inspired by her husband’s idea to form a skull with petals. Both canvases utilize camouflage, gold and purple in juxtaposition and express the concept of President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s warning of the military-industrial complex. “Even though it’s his idea and it’s very masculine, I like that I maintained a sense of femininity with the rose petals,” Amini says. This femininity is consistent throughout her work, although her collections don’t show many similarities. Throughout her career, Amini has developed skills to utilize an array of artistic styles, including pointillism, abstractionism and portraits, allowing her creativity to flourish in whatever form she desires.

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“The most amazing part is that I’m able to make something with my hands and make a living out of it. I can’t say that I’ve ever experienced that before until I came into the art world. It’s a different, rewarding feeling.”

Photo by Micael Marie.

—Aram Amini

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COMING

HOME

By offering up some serious house hacks and a wealth of knowledgeable insights, Realtor Kristina Modares is helping make homebuying in Austin affordable and bringing more millennials to the closing table—all while creating a welcoming community in a real-estate boomtown. BY JENNY HOFF | PHOTOS BY KEITH TRIGACI HAIR AND MAKEUP BY ALICIA BELLER STYLED BY STEFANIE MODARES

hen potential homebuyers walk into Open House Austin, they’re greeted with the aesthetics of the millennial tech generation: ample natural light, an open floor plan and minimalist furniture that is both functional and cozy. With a large wooden deck perfect for parties, a modern design and a large trailer on-site that’s home to LeverCraft coffee, it fits in well with the new buildings and homes popping up in East Austin.

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“” You don’t

have to have a big voice to be heard.

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But it has one major difference: Its purpose is not only to serve the young, hip Austin transplants who want to buy a home, but also to provide a community center for longtime East Austin residents and a place where nonprofits can hold events at no cost. It’s one of myriad ways Kristina Modares, a Realtor with Realty Austin, is leading the charge to transform Austin’s traditional realestate industry into something that considers social impact as well as profit. “It’s been my goal to really make it a place for native Austinites,” says Modares, who bought the building with her business partner, Stephanie Douglass, who’s also with Realty Austin, in late 2018 and opened its doors to the public this summer after spending months revamping the dilapidated building into a modern, welcoming space. “We’re figuring out how to attract the longtime residents. We’ve invited a local rapper to perform there. We’ve planned Halloween festivities for the community. It’s very important to me that this space becomes a gathering place for everyone.” Building community and serving others have been the guiding principles Modares has used to build her career in real estate, both as a Realtor and investor. She’s building her business with a more modern, heartfelt approach, finding her niche customers and becoming an expert in what they need, sharing her knowledge freely through social media and blogs, and even writing a book, How to Buy a House in Austin, so homeowners, particularly first-timers, don’t have to come in blind as they make a huge financial decision. On her website, howtobuyahouseinaustin.com, Modares breaks down all the information about her key buyers, from their age (mostly millennials) to their income concerns, whether they partnered with someone to purchase and how much their mortgage is. Her goal is transparency, something she thought was missing when she first started house hunting herself. “When I was trying to buy my first home here, I was shocked by how little information I was being given,” she says. “I spent so much time looking for a home, and when I finally found it, my agent asked for my preapproval letter. I had no idea that was required and I didn’t end up qualifying for a loan. I realized that if I was having this experience, many other first-time homebuyers were probably too.” With this experience, a new door opened for Modares. Like many people in their early 20s, she was still figuring out her career path and waiting for her adult life to start. With a degree that helped her hone in on work in the events industry, she worked with various event-management companies in Austin. She then decided to start a clothing line with a friend, and when that didn’t work out, she opened a vintage clothing store on Etsy that brought in just enough money to pay the bills. She knew she had a mind for business and wanted to invest in real-estate properties, but she hadn’t yet found the problem she needed to solve—until she had her own frustrating experience of trying to buy a home. As she worked for her real-estate license, she decided to dedicate herself to helping first-time homebuyers avoid her fate and, moreover, help people find creative ways to afford a house. It took her six months after earning her license to land her first clients (she had planned the couple’s wedding, so they trusted her to help secure their first home). Many people told her she shouldn’t limit her target customer to first-time homebuyers, but Modares knew there was a huge group of young people who would love to own a home but just needed to learn how to do it in a nontraditional way that would make the investment less risky and more profitable. “I listened to Tim Ferriss’ podcast and he talked about the importance of your niche audience,” she says. “I knew this was the community I needed to reach and teach them about how to house hack and make owning a home just as affordable as renting.” It’s advice Modares follows herself. When she finally bought her own small, cheery and cozy East Austin home, she planned to find roommates to help cover the mortgage. She ended up recruiting her

boyfriend, Eric Mann, who also owns LeverCraft coffee and rents space at her Open House Austin property for his artisanal brew. “She is an entrepreneur to the max,” Mann says. “She and Steph had this vision for the [Open House Austin] property, and when I saw it, I was laughing at the thought of even buying the property. I didn’t see what she saw. Having that kind of vision is a gift. She’s a huge inspiration to me in my business as well. I don’t know if I would be where I am if it weren’t for her.” Inviting LeverCraft and other vendors to rent space has done more than just helped Modares and Douglass cover the mortgage; their presence is also helping create the community space they envisioned. Eventually, more vendors will have a place to set up shop so neighbors and their clients can connect in an environment that invites them to sit down, chat and meet face to face. It’s also a smart business strategy. With the availability of various house-hunting apps that allow buyers to look for listings themselves and even get money back after closing, Modares and Douglass realize they need to offer a more curated experience for buyers and provide them with a network that helps them thrive in their home once they’ve purchased it. “We’re building a community around owning real estate and also East Austin and women,” Douglass explains. “Once we help you buy a house, you have complete access to our space, our resources, our spreadsheets with vendors, our Facebook groups where homeowners can share tips. It’s not just owning a house, but also having a place where you can lean on others. It’s not just about the business; Kristina always brings it back to community building.” When Modares made the road trip to Austin to start a new life after graduating from the University of Alabama, she had no idea what path her life would take, but she knew she wanted to find a place where she belonged. Having grown up with a Persian father and Polish mother in a small suburb of Atlanta, she always felt a little out of place at her private Catholic school, where she looked different and had different cultural experiences than everyone else. She craved a sense of community, a place where everyone was welcome. When her parents got divorced when she was 16, after years of a toxic marriage, Modares felt adrift and ready to find a place of her own. “Growing up, I saw two people who did not have the same values, and I saw how that didn’t work,” she says. “I guess that’s what I’ve been trying to do my whole life: create a home for myself with people who have the same values.” Despite the rift in her family, Modares has maintained a close relationship with her father and younger sister. Both also happen to be co-investors with her. When she wanted to buy her first piece of property in Atlanta for $50,000, her father, who is a broker in commercial real estate, offered to split the cost. “He asked me if I wanted a wedding or property,” Modares says, laughing. “I said property.” When she finally found her Austin home, her sister, who has a salaried job and could easily qualify for a mortgage, co-signed with her. Her family’s belief in and support of her have paid off. The value of her home has increased tremendously, and her other property investments are bringing in positive cash flow. It’s all happening as she also dominates the first-time homebuyer space in Austin. Now, her father says, with her investment properties and booming career, she can afford to pay for her own wedding—if and when she wants one. “She is an inspiration for me,” says her father, Nick Modares. “She is doing so well that I call her for ideas and suggestions. I think the secret ingredient for her is she enjoys enabling people, which is what I enjoy, and helping folks realize the power they have within themselves.” Nick Modares says his daughter incorporates that passion into everything she does. When she was a volunteer for Big Brothers ATXWOMAN.COM | 63

Big Sisters of Central Texas, he says he encouraged her to pass on that empowering attitude to the little girls she bonded with, to teach them there is always a way to make the life you want, no matter where you start. With a little bit of confidence and a lot of hard work, buildings get built and dreams get realized. “When I first moved here, 22 years old and broke, I would go listen to my favorite local artist, Tameca Jones, perform every Thursday night,” Kristina Modares says. “Just a couple of nights ago, a friend held an event at Open House and Tameca came to sing. It was a surreal experience to see her at our event space. It just shows how life can come full circle. I feel lucky it’s all worked out.” But it’s not just luck that has made Kristina Modares stand out in her industry. One of her mentors and now co-investor, Brent Underwood, notes it’s her ability to sit down and do the work that sets her apart from others. “We were at a bar and I casually mentioned, ‘Hey, you should write a book about how to buy a house in Austin,’ ” he says. “A week later, she called me and said, ‘I’m working on the book. Can I send you the first draft?’ ” Underwood believes Kristina Modares’ work ethic will keep her in business if and when Austin’s housing market cools off, though that doesn’t seem to be an imminent threat, given such factors as Austin’s continued growth, Apple Inc.’s recent announcement of a new $1 billion campus and Google’s plan to hire more high-wage employees. While some of Austin’s neighboring towns are booming even more than the capital city itself, in part, due to lower-cost homes and great schools, Kristina Modares believes there are still ways to afford buying in the city. “I also tell people to partner with someone if you can, or at least have the conversation,” she says. “There are lots of ways you can make owning a house in Austin affordable. I have friends with tiny houses but big enough backyards where they can park an Airstream to rent out to people.” Despite many people warning Kristina Modares she was making a mistake by limiting her prospective customers to first-time homebuyers and concentrating so much on house hacks, her vision is in line with national trends, as more adults are house sharing than in generations past. It turns out that if you grow up during a major recession and then graduate from college with $40,000 in student loans, you become a little more cautious with expenses. It’s a dilemma Kristina Modares understands all too well because she had the same fears before she started delving into the world of property investment. That’s why she offers as much information as possible to her potential customers. “We grew up having to think of a Plan B,” she says. “It’s important to break down the mortgage for people and show them how owning a home isn’t that scary if you treat it as an investment and share the cost with others.” Cautious and shy by nature, Kristina Modares admits she’s probably not what most people would think of for a job that is predominantly sales-based. But perhaps that’s the secret to her thinking outside the box and finding new ways to reach customers. A need to constantly learn and being detail-oriented, she says she taught herself a lot of what she knows about investing and remodeling from podcasts and books. (Robert Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad, is one of her favorites.) In fact, it was that quest to learn from others that brought her together with business partner Douglass. “When I bought my first house, I didn’t know many women in Austin to turn to for help,” Kristina Modares says. “I reached out to male investors, but most of them thought I was trying to date them. I found Stephanie on Instagram, documenting a remodel with her mom, and I reached out to her.” Kristina Modares believes success lies in collaboration, not in trying to do everything alone. She found her own success by reaching out to people who knew more and learned all she could. She helps her clients do the same, showing them that with a support network and people to turn to with questions, buying a home for the first time isn’t as terrifying as it seems. You just need a few good neighbors to lend a helping hand. “I always used to feel really shy and small,” she says. “But now I realize you don’t have to have a big voice to be heard. You just need to find your group of people, your community.” 64 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2019

HOME TRUTHS Austin Woman: Do you think Austin’s real-estate bubble could burst anytime soon? Kristina Modares: “No. Maybe it’s because I’m from a bigger city, but I see so many people still moving here.” AW: What do you think about the issues with gentrification and displacing longtime residents in East Austin? KM: “I’m very sensitive to that. On one hand, I worry that we’re pushing out that culture, and on the other hand, I know, for many people, this area is the only part of Central Austin where it’s still affordable to buy a home. I think we need to be sensitive when making a decision. When I bought my home, I met with the lady who owned it first. She had inherited the home from her grandmother, who passed away, and she wanted to sell it. So, I felt good about it.” AW: There are reports that millennials aren’t buying houses like previous generations. Is that the case in Austin in your experience? KM: “I would say 90 percent of my clients are millennials, so they’re definitely buying houses. But that’s who we’re targeting and educating. We’re showing them how it’s possible to afford a house.” AW: What about buying something that needs to be fixed when you don’t have any experience flipping houses? KM: “If you’re super scared of fixing things, there is a big confidence boost that you get from buying a house and going through that process. There are so many free ways to learn, and part of what we do is educate people on that. We have a Facebook group for all of our clients. We host events for them and keep people in contact. We are going to do quarterly dinners and we encourage people to share contractors.”

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BUILDING YOUR HOME FROM THE GROUND UP From start to finish, this is your Austin Woman guide to building your dream home. BY COURTNEY RUNN Building a home is a daunting task. From selecting an architect to picking paint colors, there are countless choices to be made and companies vying for your business. To cut through the noise, we asked four Austin women to give us their inside tips for designing the house of your dreams and what to ask before hiring someone to work in your home. After you find the right neighborhood (Hint: Our cover woman can help with that!), these women will take care of the rest. Whether you’re remodeling or starting from the ground up, these tips will put you on the right path.

ng a l i S i an Bhav Workshop No.5 Meet your architect: Entrepreneurship runs in Bhavani Singal’s family. She always considered starting her own firm but having kids triggered her to actually execute her dream. Despite working in a family-friendly company, she felt subtle competition with her coworkers and wanted to create a space that was stress-free for working moms. Her firm, Workshop No. 5, has an all-women team who are all moms. Worth the investment: proper insulation. Singal recommends spending money on insulation and installing a smaller AC system to save money over time.

Remodel or build: If you already have a large house, Singal says remodeling is a great way to refresh your home. For smaller homes, she recommends adding square footage for a better property value and a larger impact.

66 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2019

Photo by Lars Frazier.

Go green: On all her projects, Singal offers baseline sustainability and clients can upgrade to even greener options. From recycled countertops to proper insulation, there are easy, cost-effective ways to incorporate sustainability into the design process. Singal suggests energy-efficient windows, solar panels and a system for harvesting rainwater. Plus, make sure debris is recycled during the construction process.

OR E BEF

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an architect:

Photo by Lars Frazier.

Ask how he or she will hold the contractor accountable. Make sure your personalities are a good fit. Look at his or her past work and ask what the original vision for it was. If an architect has a pattern of significant differences between vision and finished project, ask why. Study the market beforehand. Ask a real-estate agent to do a thorough analysis on your property to ensure you’re getting the best return on your investment. Make sure the architect is on your team and not pursuing his or her own vision at all costs.

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bie D eb

ams

Adams Company

Meet your contractor: Debbie Adams has been in the construction industry since 1987 and worked for a variety of builders before partnering with her husband in business. After losing him to cancer unexpectedly in 2012, she considered leaving the industry altogether, but her phone never stopped ringing. Today, she leads the Adams Company with an all-women team and focuses on residential remodels. Worth the investment: windows Worth an Ikea hack: Adams suggests saving money on items like tiles that can have a low price point but look really nice.

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a contractor: Call references. Look at his or her work in person. Ask about sustainability. Debbie Adams takes leftover items from a build to Habitat for Humanity to give them new life.

68 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2019

Stay on budget: Adams says to always plan for a project costing more than you expect. To keep your budget in check, involve the builder in the design phase to keep blueprints financially realistic. To avoid extra costs like eating out while your kitchen is under renovation, plan remodels during a trip when you’ll be out of town. Her work philosophy: “What I try to stress is you should love that space, whatever the space. You want to walk in that room and almost feel giddy. You just love it. So, maybe it’s the silver tub you’ve always wanted or maybe it’s the new steam oven that you can cook clean and healthy with. Everyone has their own thing that they need to figure out where to spend their money and where they’re going to give on money.” Her contracting mantra: “It’s about building relationships. It’s not really about building a new kitchen or a new bathroom.”

Photo courtesy of Adams Company.

Trending: quartz, vinyl floor, matte black finish, satin gold finish

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a roofer: Read his or her reviews. Make an appointment with at least three and see who actually shows up. Make sure you’re talking to an actual roofer and not a salesperson. Can he or she thoroughly explain the damage? Get a copy of a company’s general liability insurance policy. Check whether the roofer is a member of the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas.

Meet your roofer: Christine Bowen works behind the scenes of Austin Roofing and Construction to keep the business humming and Texans happy with their repairs, but she knows as much about roofing as any of her employees. She works alongside her husband and is responsible for the company’s branding and business plan. Giving back to the community is a priority for the couple, and the company donates five free roofs per year to Community First Village. Know who you’re hiring: Texas doesn’t require roofers to have a license, making it difficult to know the credentials of who you’re hiring. Bowen recommends always looking up the address of a main office before you hire. If a company is based out of a personal home, there’s less of a guarantee it will be around in five or 10 years to continue maintenance. With extreme weather in Texas, local roofers can also assess and fix damage quickly. Ask about recycling: According to Bowen, Austin is one of the only cities not practicing shingle recycling. She’s lobbying for more sustainable practices to avoid asphalt shingles going to landfills. Ask your roofer about what green options there are when fixing or replacing a roof. On giving back: “When you hire a local company, you got a really good chance they’re going to be an involved community member. And if you want to make your money go just a little further, know that part of it is going toward something that means something to you.”

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Austin Roofing

Worth the investment: If you’re replacing your entire roof with shingles, Bowen recommends spending an additional $800 to upgrade to architectural shingles, which last a lifetime.

Photo courtesy of Austin Roofing and Construction.

and Construction

Metal versus shingles: Metal roofs are more expensive but 100 percent recyclable, often made with recycled materials, cleaner for water harvesting, more reflective for solar panels, durable in extreme weather and can last as long as 50 years.

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a designer: Don’t be afraid to push back on quotes and ask for a different price. Identify your own style and not just what’s trending.

K im e e i t a K Katie Kime Meet your designer: From polka dots and stripes to camels and oysters, Katie Kime’s prints add whimsy and color to every room. The designer opened her online store in 2014, followed by a downtown storefront in 2015. Her collection has evolved throughout the years and now includes home décor, fashion and paper products. Her latest collection will include a toile print inspired by different “iconic cities that are a little bit obsessed with themselves.” Austin obviously makes the list. Worth the investment: molding and hardware Worth an Ikea hack: side tables and storage pieces Take a chance on: wallpaper. Because it is less permanent than paint and easily removable, Kime suggests experimenting with wallpaper for an easy new look. If you want to mix prints and colors, keep common rooms in a neutral color palette and add pops of color and bold prints in guest rooms and bathrooms. Trending: velvet, fringe and colorblocking

On how to pace a remodel: “No one is in a hurry except for [you]. … It’s probably a three- to six-month difference that you’re spending for something to last five to 10 years.” Her design mantra: “Do something different and go slower than you want to.”

70 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2019

Photo courtesy of Katie Kime.

On how to identify your style in a Pinterest world: “Find the pattern of what you keep gravitating toward and that’s probably a pretty good indicator.”

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ELLNESS

WAITING ROOM

CLEANING HOUSE

Create a healthier home with these detoxing solutions from Austin-bred Branch Basics. BY KASEE BAILEY

The Environmental Protection Agency considers indoor air quality to be the fourth-most significant pollution threat to Americans, thanks to the chemicals inside everyday home products. That’s a lot of potential danger to your health and the health of your family from run-of-the-mill, everyday exposure. This scary risk became a harmful reality for two University of Texas roommates experiencing a slew of health conditions resulting from one major initially unknown factor: a toxic environment. But a summer reset in the Texas Hill Country clued them in to an important lesson: Removing dangerous chemicals from their environments and diets led to immensely improved health. “Our bodies were ushered in the most clean, pure, smells-like-outside-but-reallyinside, post-rain, fresh environment,” says Allison Evans, co-founder of Branch Basics. “That’s really where our story began, where were started getting the idea of launching a website where people could have access to all these clean, pure products.” As UT grads, Evans, her former roommate, Kelly Love, and Evans’ aunt Marilee Nelson created Branch Basics as they springboarded their passion project from a bungalow on West Sixth Street, embracing a receptive community of followers. But it wasn’t just the support of a loyal local following that convinced Evans of the importance of their mission; it was her own experience. “That is why I’m passionate, because I know it works,” Evans says. “It really stems from me experiencing it firsthand. The toxins have become so prolific in our diet and our environment. People don’t realize there are such simple things that we can do to drastically decrease our daily exposure to toxic chemicals. We need to educate ourselves so we know which products to choose wisely.” But with the onslaught of information and products peddled to consumers, how can we find the truly healthy detoxing solutions? “It’s easy to get overwhelmed today, especially because we’re marketed with all these new products,” says Carly Farmer, marketing director for Branch Basics. “Green cleaners have become the norm in so many people’s homes, but they’re not necessarily green or safe for your house. It’s so important for us to offer products that are truly safe, but we’re also trying to be an educational resource as a brand. We’re trying to open people’s eyes that it can be simple. You can remove these toxic cleaners and products from your household and make cleaning streamlined. The first step is that education.” In addition to its resource-rich blog and social platforms, Branch Basics boasts a website teeming with educational info, including step-by-step “home cleanse” tutorial videos. The team also encourages the use of a few handy resources—the Think Dirty App, madesafe.org and Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database—for checking the toxicity of products, and earth911.com for locating proper chemical-disposal facilities. In addition to doing your homework, the Branch Basics experts suggest conducting three main DIY detoxing tasks. The first: Toss toxins, meaning all pesticides and any “-icide” chemicals, the most toxic products in the home. “By simply removing those products from your home, you’ll have an immediate shift in your air quality,” Farmer says. Next, (re)do your laundry, paying special attention to what you clean your clothes with. After all, these products follow you around all day on your clothes and skin. Then, ditch the synthetic scents, including candles and scented trash bags. Get used to checking labels. Words like “fragrance” or “parfum” on product labels are red flags indicating a cocktail of chemicals that can disrupt the human endocrine system. But don’t think you have to go buy a cabinet full of pricey nontoxic products. With pure products, one size often fits all. 72 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2019

“It takes a little bit of a perspective shift that you can use one product for everything,” Farmer says. “We’re taught over and over again through marketing that there has to be cleaning products for everything. This is going to simplify your life in a way you never imagined.” Branch Basics offers an all-in-one cleaning concentrate, allowing users to replace virtually every cleaner in the home with one liquid soap that tackles everything from removing laundry stains and cleaning dishes to gently cleansing produce, jewelry and the body. “It’s really easy and it has simplified the entire cleaning process. It goes along with our message of going back to the basics,” Evans says. But even with simple, back-to-the-fundamentals solutions, detoxifying can make a world’s amount of difference for your well-being. “People don’t realize [the products in their homes] can be causing health issues that they’re suffering with every day, ones that maybe they’ve written off as something they have to deal with, like headaches or eczema,” Farmer says. “That doesn’t have to be normal. There’s a way to thrive, and that’s by creating a healthy home.”

Allison Evans

Photo courtesy of Kristen Kilpatrick Photography.

You likely don’t know how many cleaning products are in your home right now. Take inventory as you mentally raid your bathroom shelves, cupboards below the kitchen sink and the spaces in your laundry room and garage. How many bottles of cleanser, detergent and soap are you hoarding? It’s probably more than you can count.

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ELLNESS

HER ROUTINE

FORWARD MARCH

Lt. Col. Laura Cross orders you to get fit. BY GRETCHEN M. SANDERS

In May 2004, she accepted a commission to serve as an Army officer, and two years later, Cross deployed to Iraq for 12 months. Today, the lieutenant colonel leads a battalion of 300 Texas Army National Guard military intelligence soldiers, who drill together in San Antonio at intervals throughout the year. Half the men and women under her command are deployed to Cuba, Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait. Cross is also the communications director at the Texas Military Department, which is based at Camp Mabry. She divides her time among two jobs in two cities and her duties as a wife and mother of three boys. (Her husband is also a veteran.) Running remains a priority in Cross’ packed schedule. Soon, the Army will change its physical standards to emphasize functional fitness, which mimics real-life movements, such as reaching, pulling and lifting, and better predicts whether soldiers can hoist heavy rucksacks, endure long marches and haul wounded troops. Cross has added the fireman’s carry, pullups, kettlebells and burpees to her exercise regimen to meet the new requirements. “I’m actually more fit now at 37 than I was when I joined the military at age 22,” she says. Here’s how this battalion commander keeps soldiering on. THE A.M.:

“I wake up at 5 a.m. Two days a week, I do CrossFit Camp Mabry in the morning for an hour. Then I rush home, pack lunches and get the kids out the door for school. I’m back at work at Campy Mabry by 8 a.m.” THE WORKOUT:

“My goal is to exercise four times during the workweek and a fifth time over the weekend with my kids. At CrossFit, I do strength-training exercises first, then deadlifts, thrusters, calorie rows, hang power cleans, kettlebell swings and squats. I run in my neighborhood on the other two week days. I listen to an audiobook or podcast while I’m running and space out for 4 to 5 miles. On weekends, my family will do CrossFit together or run. I go to San Antonio one weekend a month to train with my battalion. We work on functional fitness, run fartleks, drill and build team cohesion. In the military, we say that when things suck the most is when your bond gets really close.”

74 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2019

THE DIET:

“I’ve followed the paleo diet since 2012. I’m first-generation Cuban American and I grew up eating rice, beans, bread and lots of other carbs. When I had children, I decided I wanted to eat healthier. Now I don’t eat processed foods, and we don’t keep bread in the house. I stick to protein, vegetables, fruit and plenty of water. I’ve been trying the keto diet for the last six months, which involves intermittent fasting and less fruit. I only eat between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., but I do drink butter coffee in the morning. I use grass-fed or cocoa butter, which satiates my stomach. I cook for my family at home, usually large quantities of food on Sundays and every other day during the week, and I bring my lunch to work.” THE GEAR:

“I wear my military uniform to work every day. It’s called the operational camouflage pattern uniform, and I have four of them. It’s my favorite thing in my closet. When I put on this uniform, it means something to me. For CrossFit, I wear civilian workout clothes like every other girl: Lululemon and Under Armour. When I train with my unit, I wear the Army physical-fitness uniform, a black shirt and black shorts that say ‘Army.’ ” THE MOTIVATION:

“My motivation to be fit is for my family. We have an active lifestyle. My kids bike to school, swim, play lacrosse and run. I also want to be fit because my soldiers and my country deserve the best from me. Exercise helps me relieve stress and clear my mind so I can be a better leader.” THE MINDSET:

“Nothing is given to you. You have to earn your tomorrow.” THE P.M.:

“I get home from a stressful job around 6 p.m. Then I cook, clean, helps kids with homework, shuttle them to extracurricular activities and try to connect with them. I think about my goals, plan for the following day and go to bed by 10 p.m.”

Photo courtesy of Laura Cross.

Laura Cross knew she could lose her ROTC scholarship at Boston College when she failed the running portion of the Army’s physical-fitness test in the early 2000s. The determined cadet spent the next three months shredding the soles of her sneakers and eventually conquered the 2-mile timed run— and the threat to her military career. Cross vowed never to fail a fitness test again.

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OINT OF VIEW

ON THE MONEY

MAKING MONEY FROM YOUR HOUSE

Turn your house into an asset with these tips. BY JENNY HOFF

So, you’ve invested in an expensive piece of Austin real estate and you just got hit with your first property-tax bill. Welcome to the wonders of home ownership in the capital city. While owning a home in Austin is getting more expensive by the day, you don’t have to wait years before you see a return on your investment. There are many ways you can use your home to make money right now and help offset the costs of repairs, bills and remodeling.

3. Rent out storage space.

1. Consider short-term rentals.

Many people think of their home as an asset, but in reality, it’s a liability. A lot of money goes out of your pocket to your mortgage, insurance and upkeep. You may get a return on your investment when you sell it, but that’s if the market stays hot and you don’t incur any unforeseen costs. Use these ideas to turn your biggest investment into an asset by creating a cash flow that can help you ride the real-estate market waves with ease.

Do you have a big garage or storage shed that’s sitting empty? There are homeowners and apartment dwellers who could use some extra space to store equipment they don’t need often but want to keep safe. The Nextdoor app is a great place to advertise your space availability and find customers. 4. Home swap for vacations. You can make money from your home without ever exchanging money. Home swapping is a great way to save a lot of money on a family vacation and get amenities you wouldn’t normally get at a hotel or short-term rental. Websites like lovehomeswap.com and homeexchange.com charge an annual fee to facilitate these exchanges, but it’s very little, compared with what you can save. You’re lucky to live in Austin because people want to come here. The next time a festival comes around, get out of town, find someone with a home that offers what you need (perhaps baby cribs, high chairs, an office space) and swap your own space for theirs.

Turn your biggest investment into an asset by creating a cash flow.

You’ve likely heard of Airbnb, VRBO and Austinbased HomeAway as great ways to make money on your property through short-term rentals. They are. However, with the restrictions the City of Austin has in place regarding STRs (license fee of $500, hotel occupancy tax, etc.), it may end up costing you more than you can make. But if you live in a good location, you can bring in some serious money to offset your home costs. “It’s important to identify who your property caters to,” says Bee Sharma, a broker associate with Realty Austin. “Is it close to tech employers and may be a good fit for people traveling for business? Is it close to downtown [and] may cater to tourists? Homes with three bedrooms or more work better as STRs since they accommodate more people and don’t compete with hotels or downtown condos.” Bills were filed during the most recent Texas legislative session to ease some of the restrictions, and the Texas Supreme Court recently sided with homeowners regarding STRs, so there is potential restrictions could eventually be mitigated.

Perhaps you want to teach yoga classes or meditation classes, host a language or culture group or tap myriad other options for a talented, smart person such as yourself. Your home can provide the perfect backdrop. This also has potential tax implications if you double up your home as your office, and it can save you the hassle and expense of renting a space. Just be sure to check in with your insurance company and make sure you have whatever plan is necessary to protect you from liability.

76 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2019

Headshot by Edward Verosky.

2. Operate a business from your home.