September 2016

Austin Woman MAGAZINE | september 2016

“There’s power in looking silly and not caring that you do.” —Amy Poehler

14TH ANNUAL TOUR OF REMODELED HOMES Explore, Imagine, Remodel!

September 24th & September 25th 10am-6pm Tickets also available at each home the day of tour for $25 (all homes) Zinger Hardware will begin selling tickets Sept 1 - 4001 N Lamar #300 A portion of the ticket sales to benefit Wonders & Worries For additional information on 2016 TOUR OF REMODELED HOMES contact our office at (512) 375-2601 or email Kayvon@austinnari.org Advanced tickets $20 Tickets available austinnari.org/tour2016

Austin Thyroid & Endocrinology ENDOCRINOLOGY

is the science of hormones, substances released by glands that regulate every cell in your body, for both men and women.

Examples of endocrine diseases: thyroid disease, osteoporosis, metabolic syndrome and obesity, hirsutism, menopause, pituitary and adrenal pathology, low testosterone in males, andropause and impotence, polycystic ovaries, recurrent kidney stones, irregular or lack of menstrual periods, high and low calcium, diabetes.

We provide a comprehensive assessment of your hormone balance, in-house hormone testing, thryoid ultrasound, and bone density testing.

THYROID DISEASE affects thirty million Americans, half of which do not know they have the disease. Examples: hypo and hyperthyroidism, Graves and Hashimoto disease, goiter, thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer. Each person has a different genetic set point for TSH. Thyroid problems require lifelong attention.

We are the premiere thryoid clinic in Austin, and offer the latest treatment for thyroid disease, aggressive management of thyroid cancer with radioactive iodine and second opinion consults for thyroid surgery.

DO YOU KNOW YOUR TSH?

HAVE YOU SEEN AN ENDOCRINOLOGIST?

OPTIMAL HEALTH BIOLOGICAL AGE

deals with your health before disease prevention or treatment.

OSTEOPOROSIS

is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break.

Osteoporosis affects one in two women and one in four men over 50 and is generally missed.

Bone fracture is the “heart attack” of the bone. New treatments reduce the risk of fracture and build new bone. A bone density test is the only way to test for osteoporosis. We have the latest bone density testing equipment in Texas, and provide instant bone metabolism, medical consultation, and treatment options.

DO YOU KNOW YOUR BONE DENSITY?

Optimal health is the ideal, yet achievable, health of your body as you reach middle age and beyond. Your biological age is a measure of how well your body functions, compared to your actual calendar age.

Our specialized equipment allows us to measure and evaluate your biological age, a composite of your brain age, bone age, heart age, and vessel age. We help you achieve your optimal health, a major factor in the quality of your life as you age.

TEST YOUR BIOLOGICAL AGE TO ACHIEVE OPTIMAL HEALTH.

DR. SIMONE SCUMPIA, FACE, FRCP BOARD CERTIFIED IN ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM Fellow American College of Endocrinology Fellow Royal College of Physicians Assciate Clinical Professor of Medicine

2200 Park Bend Drive • Building 3, Suite 300 Austin, TX 78758 • behind North Austin Medical Ctr. Mon-Fri, 7 am to 4 pm • www.austinthyroid.com

512.467.2727

IN-HOUSE

Hormone Testing Thyroid Ultrasound Bone Densitometry Total Body Fat Analysis Radioactive Iodine Treatment

Accepting New Patients

September 2 through October 24

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R E A L PAT I E N T S. R E A L S TO R I E S.

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Everything I needed to beat breast cancer, all in one place.

’’

Bonnie Latham’s checkup took a surprising turn when the doctor found a suspicious lump on the 30-year-old mother’s breast. “The biopsy confirmed it was cancer.” Suddenly, the Baylor Scott & White Health facility she knew and loved as her baby’s birthplace became the venue for another kind of journey. “From diagnosis through mastectomy, chemo and reconstruction, they were there every step of the way.” Bonnie continued to turn to the comprehensive breast cancer team even after treatment was done. “They helped me overcome post-treatment fears about reoccurrence.” Today, Bonnie credits the team with saving her life.

“I just want to spread the word that if you’re dealt this hand, it’s an incredible place.”

For more information on cancer services visit us at cancer.sw.org.

Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers or Baylor Scott & White Health. ©2016 Baylor Scott & White BSWH_613_2016_BH

Christopher Brennig, MD

Austin Vein Institute State-of-the-art Varicose Vein Treatment

C h r i s t op h e r W. Brennig, M.D. CERTIFIED: The American Board of General Surgery SUB-SPECIALTY CERTIFIED: The American Board of Vascular Surgery

Va r i c o se V e i n s Spider Veins L a se r t h e r a p y Sclerotherapy

512.346.2727

7000 N. Mopac Ste. 320 Austin, TX 78731

Dr. Brennig is Board Certified in Vascular Surgery and in General Surgery. He is recognized for his expertise in the minimally invasive treatment of varicose veins, spider veins, recurrent varicose veins, and complex venous disorders including DVT. Please call the Austin Vein Institute to schedule a comprehensive consultation.

V e i n A u s t i n . c o m

Together you change the world.

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Are varicose veins keeping you from the activities you love?

Non-surgical and easy, EVLT may be the answer for you.

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Stop by and speak to a local banker today, or go to wellsfargo.com/appointments to schedule an appointment at a time that’s most convenient for you.

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GIULIO SCIORIO WORKSHOPS PRECISION CAMERA UNIVERSITY

PURCHASE ALL 3 CLASSES AND BE ENTERED TO WIN A LUMIX G7!*

Finding The Photographer’s Vision - $79 Saturday September 17th, 10:00am–1:00pm The single most important aspect of creating a lasting body of work is vision.

In this class, you will learn foundational practices to help you create a body of work that speaks to that unique vision inside you. Some topics we will explore together are: creating with intention, how self imposed constraints can help focus creativity and working with a vision file.

Monetizing Your Photography for Social - $79 Saturday September 17th, 2:00pm–5:00pm The landscape for professional photographers has never been so challenging. What was once a business of creating still photography for print has become a business of content creation designed for mobile and social media. Most of us know that the money is in social media but where does a professional photographer fit into an Instagram world?

Carry Less, Create More - Photowalk - $69 Saturday September 18th, 8:00am–12:00pm, 3:00pm–5:00pm With all the amazing camera tech available to photographers today it be hard to cut through the noise and focus on what’s important - Photography!

This is a photowalk for minimalist photographers. Bring your small camera, a big heart and open mind. We’re focusing on the art & craft live and on the street. *Drawing for camera will be held at the end of the day. Must be present to win!

WHO IS GIULIO SCIORIO? Lumix Luminary Giulio Sciorio is a minimalist photographer who creates content for the small screens in a social world. G’s photographic roots began in film so he creates as much of my work as possible in camera. In a digital world this authentic way of creating gets the work online fast. See his work at: www.giuliosciorio.com

TO SIGN-UP OR LEARN MORE, VISIT PRECISION-CAMERA.COM/CLASSES

In West Anderson Plaza 2438 W. Anderson Ln & Burnet Rd

Austin, Tx 78757 | 512.467.7676 | 800.677.1023 M-F: 10-7 | Sat: 10-6 | Sun: 1-5

I AM A TEXAS MBA “My Texas MBA allowed me to take my career in a new direction, stepping into to a multi-disciplinary role in a high-growth Austin technology company. I frequently draw on lessons learned from the McCombs curriculum and experiential projects.

Texas MBA fulfilled my expectations for professional growth and enabled me to forge strong friendships and connections.”

GEMMA DEVENEY Senior Director, International Strategy & Operations, Indeed World traveler; originally from the UK Recreational vocalist & live music enthusiast MBA 2011

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Photo by Korey Howell.

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64

On the cover

THE SMART GIRLS have arrived

By JOHN t. DAVIS

72

feature

based ON ADAIR

Photo by Annie Ray.

By rachel merriman

Contents

Photo by Carlos Benavides.

September

88 on the scene

GOURMET

27 KRISTY’S TOP 10

79 recipe reveal Bowl of Berries 82 girl walks into a bar Off the Leash 88 FOOD NEWS L’Oca d’Oro

September’s To-do List

savvy women 32 c ount us in Women in Numbers 34 let’s

taco ’bout it Donna Balser 36 G IVE BACK Seek Wander Share 38 Profile Rank & Style 40 Profile Bellgray

MUST LIST 43 D iscover The Allure of the Detour 48 ro undup Fashionably Great 50 Little luxuries Stay on Your Grind

style + HOME 52 trends The Happiest Hour 60 beauty Falling for You 62 ENTERTAINING Rooftop Reflections

16 | Austin Woman | september 2016

wellness 90 h ealth The Add-one-thing Challenge 92 Q &A Dr. Simone Scumpia

POINT OF VIEW 94 m emo from JB Fear of the Unknown 96 i am austin woman Edith Royal

on the cover Photo by Annie Ray, annieraycreative.com Styled by Ashley Hargrove, dtkaustin.com Hair and makeup by Gertie Wilson, elevecosmetics.com Chelsea28 cross-front sweater, $58; Hudson Krista released-hem jeans, $195, available at Nordstrom, 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., 512.691.3500, nordstrom.com; Jasper calf-hair leopard flats, $49, available at Maumero, maumero.com; tortoiseshell sunglasses, $7.90, available at Forever 21, 3409 Esperanza Crossing, 512.719.3988, forever21.com; Pharao Gaia 14-karat lariat necklace, $450, available at pharaojewelry.com. Pedego Comfort Cruiser electric bicycle, starting at $2,495, available at Rocket Electrics, 1608 E. Riverside Drive, 512.442.2453, rocketelectrics.com.

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512-387-2305 | NationwideAustin.com Products underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies. Home Office: Columbus, OH 43215. Nationwide Lloyds and Nationwide Property & Casualty Companies (in TX).Subject to underwriting guidelines, review, and approval. Products and discounts not available to all persons in all states. Not all Nationwide affiliated companies are mutual companies and not all Nationwide members are insured by a mutual company. Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle Join the Nation, What’s precious to you is precious to us, Nationwide is on your side and We put members first are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2015 Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. NPR-0718AO.2 (8/14)

Volume 15, issue 1 Co-Founder and Publisher Melinda Maine Garvey vice president and Co-Publisher Christopher Garvey associate publisher Cynthia Guajardo Shafer

EDITORIAL Editor Emily C. Laskowski associate Editor April Cumming copy editor Chantal Rice contributing writers

John T. Davis, JB Hager, Trinity King, Lauryn Lax, Rachel Merriman, Kristy Owen, Taylor Prewitt, Danielle Ransom, Rachel Rascoe, Edith Royal, Deborah Stachelski, Victoria Stowe, Christine Williams

ART CREATIVE Director Niki Jones ART DIRECTOR Lucy Froemmling ART assistant Megan Bedford CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS

Rudy Arocha, Cookie Ballou, Carlos Barron, Carlos Benavides, Lizzie Bowers, Clif Claycomb, Sarah Doliver, Ryann Ford, Andrea Foster, Kevin Garner, Korey Howell, Jackie Klusmeyer, Tyler Malone, Kara Nixon, Lucy Paije, Courtney Pierce, Annie Ray, Mark Schuler, Deen van Meer, Arnold Wells, Jessica Wetterer

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Katie Paschall

operations and marketing Operations and Marketing manager

Maggie Rester Operations and Marketing ASSISTANT

Chelsea Bucklew Interns

Melody He, Trinity King, Danielle Ransom, Victoria Stowe

Emeritae Co-Founder Samantha Stevens Editors

Deborah Hamilton-Lynne, Mary Anne Connolly, Elizabeth Eckstein Austin Woman is a free monthly publication of AW Media Inc., and is available at more than 1,250 locations throughout Austin and in Lakeway, Cedar Park, Round Rock and Pflugerville. All rights reserved.

For submission requirements, visit awmediainc.com/contribute.

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

Visit us online at austinwomanmagazine.com.

Email us at info@awmediainc.com.

512.328.2421 • 3921 Steck Ave., Suite A111, Austin, TX 78759

From the PUBLISHER

Well, folks, we are now 14 years in, what seems like forever and a blink of an eye, all at the same time. And here I am, still wildly passionate about what I do and who I am blessed to meet, still vulnerable like in those startup years as we reinvent ourselves to keep up with the move to a digital focus, and still amazed each month that we, in my humble opinion, publish a magazine that seems to be better than the last.

I think, in reality, what has kept us going all these years is the continued awe-inspiring nature of the amazing women we feature, a pipeline that just keeps pumping out more and more, and the drive

Join the conversation @austinwoman #IAmAustinWoman

20 | Austin Woman | september 2016

to always make the magazine look and feel better than the previous issue.

We also desire to deeply engage our readership, and I’m grateful to note, whatever the naysayers say about print-magazine readership, we have more interaction, feedback and engagement from our readers—our print readers—than ever before.

People want to connect, and it’s not easy to do it in a digital society and in a city that is growing at a dizzying rate. But we are here for those women— and men—who want to be part of the real, exciting and collaborative fabric of Austin.

Join us and, most importantly, support us, with your readership, your business and your feedback so we can continue to be a voice for the women of Austin.

Sincerely,

MELINDA GARVEY Founder and publisher

Photo by Korey Howell.

A

s I sat down to write this letter, I kept trying to remember back to 2002, and what—if anything—I was thinking the future looked like for Austin Woman. Back in the beginning, the future only looked about three to five years out. In fact, I remember telling someone that my plan was to launch, build, grow, then sell within a five-year period.

contributors

austiN s y mp hoN y or ch e s t r a

This month, we asked our contributors: What do you admire most about women in Austin?

ANNIE RAY

Cover Photographer, “THe smart girls have arrived,” Page 64

Since 2005, Annie Ray has focused on bringing out the “real stuff” in everything she shoots. Her relationship with every subject will make 1,000 words say so much more.

“What I admire most about Austin women is their drive and ability to help other women. After working for myself for so many years, I wouldn’t know what to do without my community of ladies.”

John T. Davis

COVER Writer, “THe smart girls have arrived,” Page 64

John T. Davis has lived in Austin for more than three decades, writing about the music, personalities and culture of Texas and the Southwest for a variety of regional, state and national publications. His byline has appeared in the Austin American-Statesman, The Austin Chronicle, Texas Monthly, Texas Highways, San Antonio Magazine, Men’s Journal, Billboard and Newsday and on the website culturemap.com. He is also a frequent contributor to Austin Monthly, Austin Woman and other local publications.

your perfect

“What I admire most about Texas women, and Austin women, in particular, are the qualities that Meredith Walker and the other women quoted in the story embody. They are whip-smart, opinionated, funny, persevering, the best possible kind of wiseasses when circumstances call for it and have lots of trouble with being told ‘no.’ Austin women are the best things that ever happened to Austin men.”

Date Night

RUDY AROCHA

starts here

Photographer, “the happiest hour,” Page 52

u p c o m i N g e v e N t: SeaSon opener Mozart’s Requiem September 9 & 10, 8:00 p.m.

Long Center’s dell Hall Co nC ert S po nS o r Download the app:

UnderWrit er ronald C. Jernigan Connect:

Download the app:

Connect:

Download the app:

Connect:

Download the app:

Connect:

W.a. Mozart

æ

tickets/info Se a Son Sp o n S o r

(512) 476-6064 or austinsymphony.org Download the app:

Connect:

Download the app:

Connect:

Download the app:

Connect:

M edi a S po nS o r S All artists, programs, and dates subject to change.

Photographer Rudy Arocha is a native Texan who moved to Austin to pursue his education in fine arts as a sculptor. He later rediscovered his passion for photography when his grandfather gave him a camera as a gift. Rudy graduated from the Art Institute of Austin and specializes in portrait photography. When not photographing, Rudy enjoys music, the outdoors and spending time with his wife, Maggie.

“I think it’s how strong and independent women are in this city. I’ve met a lot of women in this city that are CEOs and own and operate their own businesses. It’s really nice to see that.”

Rachel Rascoe

Writer, “Dressed for Success,” Page 40

Now in her junior year, Rachel Rascoe studies journalism and biology at the University of Texas. A former intern at Austin Woman, Rachel has also written and designed layouts for The Daily Texan. Rachel is now the music editor at Orange Magazine and helps run social media at Margin Walker Presents. She grew up in San Antonio, but drove to Austin every weekend for concerts.

“I admire the ambition and drive of Austin’s women.

From business owners to creatives to academics, I think local women set high goals for themselves and rise to meet them. They work their butts off and get stuff done!”

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BUYING?

Selling?

INVESTING?

70th Anniversary 35mm Screening & Conversation Marion Parsonnet and Rita Hayworth shine in this first Femme Film Fridays, one of a series highlighting the cinematic works of women.

September 23, 2016 Laurie McGary is a native Austinite and is committed to helping people meet their real estate goals whether buying, selling or investing in the Austin area. Laurie brings to the table 16+ years experience as a REALTOR® and believes in first class service with professionalism, expertise, efficiency, trustworthiness and loyalty ensuring her client’s goals are met in every need.

Laurie McGary REALTOR®, GRI, ABR, CLHMS (512) 695-7461 LaurieMcGary@realtyaustin.com

6PM

Reception + Cash Bar

7PM

Screening + Q&A w/ Special Guest

Connect with us!

Can’t get enough of this issue?

Check us out at austinwomanmagazine.com.

➥ More looking back. In honor of our 14th anniversary, we invite you to lean in

and listen up as we review some of the most memorable, thought-provoking and inspirational quotes from our past year’s cover women.

➥ More discovery. Meet Kayla Elizondo, one of 108 women nominated for the Austin

➥ More game rules. Whether you’re already outside firing up the grill or busy

coordinating girls’ getaways for approximately the next 17 weekends, getting geared up for football season is as easy as a coin toss with our curated, goto guide of pre-game party-hosting tips and season-long survival strategies.

➥ More tea parties. After a long career in TV production and theater, Austinite

Sophie Parrott forged a new path for herself as a tea-party hostess. We sat down to learn more about the fun and frivolous side of her business, The Marvelous Vintage Tea Party Co., and the beauty of treating life like it’s one big celebration.

➥ More picniks. Join us on a food tour as we put our taste buds to the test, sipping

on butter coffee and sampling bowls of homemade bone broth, harvest breakfast hash and gluten-free, paleo-friendly pastries at Picnik’s new brick-and-mortar location, opened Aug. 10 on Burnet Road.

Don’t miss

Win This!

Austin Woman September Issue Launch Party Sept. 8, 6 to 8 p.m.

Canyon View Event Center, 4800 Spicewood Springs Road facebook.com/austinwoman

Teddies for Bettys Giveaway

Did you know eight out of 10 women are wearing the wrong size bra? Founder and CEO Ashley Kelsch opened Teddies for Bettys—Austin’s premier destination for intimates and lingerie—in 2009, with the intention of empowering women to find confidence in their own bodies, emphasizing proper fit and finding a balance between the roles of comfort and function when it comes to intimate apparel.

Using the hashtag below, enter to win a complimentary bra fitting and $150 gift card. The store will soon have two locations in Austin: the current one on Second Street and a new, expansive and inviting location opening in late September at Domain Northside.

Texas Women in Business Birthday Bash Sept. 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Austin Country Club, 4408 Long Champ Drive texaswomeninbusiness.org Little Black Dress Soiree Sept. 17, 6 to 9 p.m.

Palazzo Lavaca, 1614 Lavaca St. austin.dressforsuccess.org Texas Women In Business Luncheon Sept. 19, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Austin Country Club, 4408 Long Champ Drive texaswomeninbusiness.org

To enter, show @AustinWoman and @teddiesforbettys how strong your selfie game is on Instagram using the hashtag #AWWinThis during the month of September. A winner will be chosen and notified at the end of the month.

Follow us

@austinwoman

24 | Austin Woman | september 2016

like us

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Sept. 25, 5:45 to 9:30 a.m.

Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress Ave. komenaustin.org/race Austin Woman 14th Anniversary Celebration Sept. 30, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Westin Austin, 11301 Domain Drive austinwomanmagazine.com/anniversary

facebook.com/austinwoman

FOLLOW us

@ austinwoman

Kayla Elizondo photo courtesy of Kayla Elizondo. Sophie Parrott photo by Arnold Wells. Picnik photo by Sarah Doliver. Teddies for Bettys photo courtesy of Teddies for Bettys.

Business Journal’s annual Profiles in Power awards, taking place Sept. 29 at the JW Marriott Austin. From quitting her family-business job as a funeral director at the age of 21, to selling jewelry at in-home trunk shows and eventually launching her own fashion line, Discover L.O.L.A., Elizondo knows a thing or two about the road to self-discovery.

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ON THE SCENE kristy’s top 10

September’s to-do list from 365 Things To Do In Austin, Texas.

By kristy owen

1

NEWSIES THE MUSICAL

Sept. 27 through Oct. 2

Photo by Deen van Meer.

Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Drive bassconcert.hallaustin.com If you have a song in your heart and you just can’t let it out, head to Bass Concert Hall to catch the opening show of Austin’s Broadway season, Newsies the Musical. Based on the 1992 Disney movie Newsies, the highenergy musical is loosely inspired by the real-life events surrounding the newsboys’ strike of 1899 in New York City. With its catchy songs, mesmerizing dance moves and a riveting storyline, musical lovers are in for an unforgettable night at the theater.

Tickets start at $54.

austinwomanmagazine.com | 27

O

n the scene

kristy’s top 10

BLACKLIGHT SLIDE AUSTIN Sept. 24, 6 p.m.

Travis County Expo Center, 7311 Decker Lane

3

blacklightslide.com/location-austin

2

Now in its third year, the Fine Goods Pop-up is a special event that spotlights 12 members of Austin’s artisan community. Hosted by The Distillery, a locally owned vintage-wares shop, and The Paper + Craft Pantry, a retail paper shop, the afternoon gathering encourages visitors to peruse the handcrafted treasures created by Austin crafters. With complimentary cocktails provided by Deep Eddy Vodka, you may just leave with a burgeoning desire to start working on a creative project of your own.

Admission is free.

Texas Craft Brewers Festival Sept. 24, noon to 6:30 p.m.

Fiesta Gardens, 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St. texascraftbrewersfestival.org

4

If there’s anything better than drinking an ice-cold beer on a hot summer’s day, it’s attending a festival dedicated to celebrating and supporting local home-brewed craft beers. Now in its 13th year, the Texas Craft Brewers Festival is the one day a year when home brewers, entrepreneurs and enthusiasts from throughout the state have the chance to share their craft (and contagious pride) with the people of Austin. With more than 65 brewers setting up shop, aka keg-sampling stations, this year’s festival is sure to be a hopping good time!

Admission is $35.

the lumineers Sept. 29, 7 p.m.

Austin360 Amphitheater, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd.

5

austin360amphitheater.com

AUSTIN FREE DAY OF YOGA Sept. 5, all day Participating studio locations freedayofyoga.com Yoga can be intimidating. There, we said it. For those who have always wanted to try the practice but found themselves inevitably shying away from those sun salutations, the Austin Free Day of Yoga is your day for no excuses. With a handful of yoga studios participating this year, and tons of different yoga styles to choose from, there are plenty of options for where and how to get your stretch on. Just remember: We’re all here for the shavasana.

Admission is free at participating locations.

28 | Austin Woman | september 2016

Some of The Lumineers’ top hits include “Ho Hey,” a song that spent 62 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 list, and “Stubborn Love,” a song recently revealed to be on President Obama’s playlist. So, it’s no surprise the American folk-rock trio touts legions of fans from throughout the world who have fallen in love with the emotional and philosophical range of their lyrics. With Børns opening the night, The Lumineers will take the stage at the Austin360 Amphitheater to perform and promote songs from their second album, Cleopatra, out now. Here’s a bonus for those with weekend one Austin City Limits Music Festival tickets: Since the concert takes place the Thursday before the first ACL Fest weekend, you’ll get four nights of live music instead of three.

Tickets start at $35.

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2. Photo by Clif Claycomb. 4. Photo by Tyler Malone. 5. Photo courtesy of Black Swan Yoga.

The Fine Goods Pop-Up Sept. 24, 4 to 8 p.m.

The Paper + Craft Pantry, 2511 E. Sixth St. thepapercraftpantry.com

One of the most classic and timeless ways to stay cool in the summer is to set up a waterslide in the backyard. But imagine how epic it would be to set up a massive slide at night and then douse it in glow-inthe-dark water. Welcome to the world of Blacklight Slide, a nighttime event sweeping the U.S. For those familiar with the cultish hype of Tough Mudders and Spartan Races, Blacklight Slide is all that—minus the running and death-defying obstacles. Wear a white T-shirt and prepare to slide down an enormous inflatable slide glowing with UV neon colors. Unleash your inner wild child and rock out to jams from a live DJ as you wait your turn in line.

Tickets are $50. Parking is $10.

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austin city social at nordstrom

Sept. 28, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Nordstrom Domain Northside, 3111 Palm Way austincitysocial.com Get a sneak preview of the new 127,500-square-foot Nordstrom at Domain Northside and shop for some of the season’s hottest styles before the storefront’s doors open. Stroll around and enjoy nibbles, drinks, fashion presentations and live-music performances. Don’t forget to mark your calendar: The new Nordstrom officially opens at 10 a.m. Sept. 30.

General admission tickets are $30. VIP tickets are $50. All proceeds benefit the Austin Symphony Bats nonprofit.

Whiskies of the world

Sept. 29, 7 to 10 p.m.

Four Seasons Hotel Austin, 98 San Jacinto Blvd. whiskiesoftheworld.com

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7. Photo courtesy of Nordstrom. 8. Photo by Lizzie Bowers. 9. Photo courtesy of Paramount Theatre.

Here’s a shout-out to all you avid whiskey drinkers: The Four Seasons is playing host to Whiskies of the World, one of the largest whiskeytasting events in the U.S. Sample more than 200 different whiskey varietals from throughout the world—scotch, bourbon, Irish and Canadian are just the start—and learn how to best pair certain whiskey flavors with food and cigars. For those hesitant or typically less inclined to pick up a glass, this is an ideal opportunity to get your feet—or should we say taste buds—wet.

Tickets start at $140.

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Kristy Owen is the event mastermind and blogger behind 365 Things To Do In Austin, Texas. To stay up to date on the best Austin has to offer, visit her blog, 365thingsaustin.com.

The Monkees’ Good times: the 50th anniversary tour

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Sept. 29, 8 p.m.

Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave. austintheatre.org

Everyone loves a little boy-band throwback, and there’s no venue in Austin more appropriate to play host to a blast-from-the-past performance than the Paramount Theatre. Join The Monkees in celebrating 50 successful years in the music industry as they step onstage in Austin as part of their 50th Anniversary Tour. Now a three-man American pop-rock band, The Monkees originally got their start in 1966 as a four-man band for a television series of the same name. (Former lead singer and teen idol Davy Jones passed away in 2012.) After the TV show ended in 1968, The Monkees stayed together, swapped time on camera for time onstage, and went on to become an international success, releasing No. 1 hits like “I’m a Believer” and “Daydream Believer.”

Tickets start at $45.

goo goo dolls

Sept. 11, 6:30 p.m.

Statesman Skyline Theater at The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive skylinetheater.com

Gather your friends for a night of listening to classic ’80s and ’90s musical hits under the stars as the Goo Goo Dolls take the stage at the Statesman Skyline Theater, located on the lawn of The Long Center. After getting their start as an American rock band in 1986, the Goo Goo Dolls went on to have decades worth of success and celebrated memorable Billboard hit songs, like “Iris,” “Slide” and “Give a Little Bit.” In May, the group released its 11th studio album, Boxes.

Tickets start at $42.50.

austinwomanmagazine.com | 29

WRITING THE STORY OF

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count us in

women in numbers

Facts and figures on females from throughout the world.

By danielle ransom, illustrations by jessica wetterer

Sept. 4, 2016 14th The date when Mother Teresa will be officially canonized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church. Affectionately called “the saint of the gutters” for her unconditional dedication to serving those most unfortunate, Mother Teresa passed away Sept. 5, 1997, at the age of 87. She was known worldwide for her charitable works and is said to have performed two miracles during the course of her lifetime, the second being the miraculous healing of a Brazilian man with multiple brain tumors. Adding to her induction into sainthood, Mother Teresa earned several international honors, among them the Nobel Peace Prize, in 1979. One of her most notable works was founding Missionaries of Charity, a religious congregation that provides comfort and care to the impoverished. In 2012, the charity was active in 133 countries and included more than 4,500 nuns in more than 130 houses worldwide.

In July, the Senate appointed Carla D. Hayden, 63, to serve as the 14th librarian of Congress. The confirmation makes Hayden the first woman and the first African-American to hold the position. As the former chief executive of Baltimore’s Enoch Pratt Free Library, Hayden oversaw more than 22 locations, 500 employees and a $40 million budget. With a career spanning more than 30 years in public service, she is credited with implementing technology upgrades to help usher Baltimore’s library system into the digital age. What’s Hayden’s first goal in her new post as the official librarian of Congress, an agency with a $620 million budget and 3,200 employees? To make sure the historic institution “operates seamlessly in a digital world.”

300

8

A new fashion-focused startup aims to personally match you with outfits based on your shape and style instead of your size. The online platform Fovo (fovo.com) sources from more than 300 high-end and affordable retailers, including Nordstrom, Net-a-Porter, H&M, Neiman Marcus, Dillard’s and Forever 21. Entrepreneur Kiana Anvaripour launched the website to help women confidently select the best, most flattering looks for their body type (pear, apple, hourglass, triangle, etc.) and accentuate the individual areas of the body in which a woman is most confident (legs, arms, backside, etc.).

The personalized e-commerce website is based on a fivequestion quiz aimed to “highlight, not hide” women’s shapes and remove the body shaming women commonly experience when shopping.

Augusta Uwamanzu-Nna, a senior at Elmont Memorial High School in Long Island, N.Y., pulled off a rare feat. She swept the Ivy League, getting accepted into all eight ivies: Harvard University, Dartmouth College, Princeton University, the University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University, Yale University, Columbia University and Brown University. Most Ivy League school-acceptance rates range between 4 and 12 percent of all applicants.

Through years of hard, persistent work in high school, Uwamanzu-Nna graduated as the valedictorian of her class with a 101.64 weighted GPA. This spring, she was a finalist in the prestigious Intel Science Talent Search for her research on cement that could help prevent underwater oil rigs from rupturing. So, which Ivy League school offer did Uwamanzu-Nna accept?

With a proclaimed love for all things science, she’ll be attending Harvard this fall to study biochemistry and environmental science.

93 Years Old

That’s the age of Chef Leah Chase of New Orleans. As the proprietor of Dooky Chase, a historic Creole restaurant in the Treme neighborhood, Chase recently became the first African-American to receive the James Beard Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award. The restaurant was originally started by the parents of Chase’s husband, Edgar “Dooky” Chase Jr., in 1941, as a po’boy shop inside an old shotgun house. Much like Chase herself, the establishment has seen both highs and lows throughout the years, from rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina in 2006, to hosting President Barack Obama in 2008, when Chase personally scolded him for putting hot sauce on his gumbo.

32 | Austin Woman | september 2016

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Let’s Taco ’Bout It

School of Thought

Just in time for class, Austin Woman Publisher Melinda Garvey talks candidly with Donna Balser about role models, GPAs and finding quality time with your kids that doesn’t include homework. photo by kevin garner Can we get a sitter? Parents know that phrase, and so does Donna Balser, the owner of four Austin-area chapters of College Nannies + Sitters + Tutors. As her business continues to grow, and now offers an app to make booking that sitter (or nanny or tutor) easier than ever, Balser told Austin Woman how her company is ready to relieve the pressure—academic or otherwise—of being a kid or a parent with a full plate this school year. —Emily C. Laskowski Melinda Garvey: You told me you worked 10 or 12 years as an engineer in a corporate job before becoming a stay-at-home mom, and then ultimately took this entrepreneurial route. What made you choose this type of business?

Donna Balser: Actually, I didn’t want to have anything to do with child care, but as I got to thinking about it, it was a really good concept. It was something I could feel good about doing. The main focus of our business is building stronger families, and the way we do that is we give parents peace of mind and time.

MG: How does that work? Kids, young and old, seem to have so much going on these days.

DB: Kids are busy, right? They’re doing gymnastics and they’re doing baseball and they’re doing this and they’re doing that, so, they don’t even have a chance to do homework until 10 o’clock at night. My husband would be working with [our kids] until midnight. … That’s not quality time…and parents have enough to deal with. But if you’re a working

mom, if you can have somebody help your kids with homework, then you can come home from work and the stress and stuff is gone. Your time is so limited with them. You can have quality time.

MG: If a parent who is going back to work and has a baby at home is looking for a babysitter or a nanny or a tutor, what should they be looking for? What advice would you give parents in those searches?

DB: Well, what you’re looking for in a nanny is a little different if you have a baby and [are] going back to work versus if you have a school-age child and you’re going back to work. The thing that is common in both of them is you want somebody responsible and mature. We specialize in role models because we mostly work with parents of school-age kids. A role model isn’t going to be that important to a newborn or a young child, but if you have school-age kids, I think a role model is very important, one that’s responsible. We like them to be academically focused because most parents of kids—even the kids in elementary or middle school—need help with homework after they get home from school. And like I said, what a great deal it is when you come home from work at 6 o’clock at night and the homework’s done!

MG: So, when I was growing up, if someone was really struggling, you had a tutor. What are the benefits of having a tutor now, maybe even if your child isn’t struggling per se?

DB: What we find is it depends on the kid or the student. Mostly, the ones in high school that are A or B students, they think they don’t need a tutor. But if they’re normally an A student and they’re making Bs, they

Melinda Garvey and Donna Balser enjoy tacos and a chat at the AW office.

34 | Austin Woman | september 2016

THE AUSTIN DIAGNOSTIC CLINIC just kind of feel like they’re sinking. Even though, as a parent, you might say, “OK, a B is fine,” as a student, they’re saying, “No, I don’t understand it because I’m used to acing my test. I’m used to being the smartest in the class.” We help a lot of really smart kids. For that reason, they take really hard classes, those high-level math and science [classes] that are really tough.

MG: And even if you want to get into the University of Texas, you’ve got to be at the top of your class, right?

DB: Right. Getting into the top schools is very competitive. When you’re competing against kids that are taking honors classes and have 4.2 or 4.3 GPAs, and you’re pulling a 3.9 or 4.0, you’re suddenly not in that top percent. We get a lot of smart kids that come in and we get kids that are struggling. Those are usually the ones who are smart but they don’t seem to know how to keep themselves organized, and even once they do their homework, they forget to turn it in.

YOUR WOMEN’S

HEALTH EXPERTS

MG: That would be my kid. It’s like, “Hello? Focus.”

DB: That’s where we find the most value from our role-model tutors because they can relate to them. If Mom is telling you to do your homework and put it in your backpack and then turn it in, it goes through one ear and out the other. But if you’ve got a cool college student coaching you along the way and teaching you how to be a good student, we seem to have more success with that.

MG: Do you have a hard time finding and hiring these rolemodel nannies, sitters and tutors?

DB: We’re pretty selective on who we hire. We hire mostly college students. We really have to sift through the ones that we think are going to be responsible. It’s not an option not to show up. It’s not an option to show up late.

MG: You’ve figured it out though, because I read that you’ve employed more than 1,600 nannies, sitters and tutors, and provided tutoring to more than 1,800 area families, and nanny and sitter services to more than 1,700 families.

DB: The ability to touch that many families but also provide jobs for that many students, that’s kind of a nice way to be able to give back to the community.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Snapshot Who: Donna Balser, owner of four Austin chapters of College Nannies + Sitters + Tutors Number of times she hits snooze in the morning: “None. … I’m usually awake before my alarm goes off, so, that makes it easy.”

How she takes her coffee: “I’ve always been a tea drinker, until my daughter taught me how to order at Starbucks a few years ago. For a treat, I order skinny vanilla lattes.”

The best career advice she’s ever received: “Stay connected with people and help others as much as possible. Don’t burn bridges.”

Alternate profession she would like to attempt: “Travel agent. I love planning vacations.”

Her role model: “My fictitious role model is Elizabeth on the TV show Madam Secretary. I love that she is so smart and confident, as well as a good wife and mother. Somehow, she balances it all.”

Words to live by: “Treat others as you would like to be treated.”

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THE AUSTIN DIAGNOSTIC CLINIC

Remember to schedule your screening mammogram this Fall.

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GIVE BACK

Austin Gives With Seek Wander Share

Armed with a passion for fashion, business partners Melissa Rivera and Jennifer Harding are on a mission to support talented artisans from throughout the world.

By Victoria Stowe

36 | Austin Woman | september 2016

fair-trade products.

“It’s all about spreading awareness,” Harding explains. “Ethically sourced shopping doesn’t have to mean that you have to be a hippie. You can be a modern, young professional that happens to dress in super stylish and super original clothes.”

Harding and Rivera emphasize they are not trying to guilt people into buying solely ethically sourced goods. They stress that each person has to choose what is best for her and her family, even if it’s as simple an act as recycling. But if you do have the resources to occasionally buy something that is ethically sourced, the duo says, know that it is impacting so many others than just yourself. “[Seek Wander Share] is super special to us because we know that, with each product sold, a portion of [that revenue] is going to go back to this group and it’s going to help them maintain their lifestyle,” Rivera says.

“We are providing a social and direct impact on the economy in [these tiny villages]. It’s something small, but it’s meaningful to us.”

Melissa Rivera and Jennifer Harding

{

Seek Wander Share is a member of Austin Gives, an organization dedicated to highlighting businesses for doing good.

In its four-year existence, Austin Gives has aggregated almost 400 Austin-area companies that have made the commitment to donate at least 1 percent of their annual earnings to charity. To learn more about Austin Gives, visit austin.gives.

{

Photo by Carlos Barron.

The desire to make an impact is what initially drove best friends turned business partners Jennifer Harding and Melissa Rivera to start their ethically sourced e-commerce company, Seek Wander Share, in Austin.

In December 2014, after witnessing some friends’ success in the startup world, Harding asked herself why she wasn’t doing more. In about a year’s time, Harding and Rivera researched the market and made connections with suppliers in Guatemala, Ecuador and Uganda, and met in person with a handful of local artisans. They officially launched their fair-trade fashion website seekwandershare.com in February.

The business model for Seek Wander Share is simple: Suppliers provide artisan-crafted goods that Harding and Rivera share on their website. What’s unique about Seek Wander Share, compared with traditional shops and boutiques, is that the goal is not to get the cheapest goods to the most people for the greatest profit. Instead, it’s about providing a sustainable source of income for the artisans.

“We aren’t trying to change the raw talent of these designers,” Harding says. “We ultimately find excitement and joy through their unique vision and perspective.”

For now, Harding and Rivera are content to spend time establishing and building relationships with their suppliers and artisans.

“The most important thing to us [in starting Seek Wander Share] was to be able to meet the artisans and connect with them so that we can tell their stories,” Rivera says.

In January, the duo called up their main supplier in Guatemala, Ana Tanner, and told her they were visiting.

“Ana welcomed us with open arms,” Harding recalls. “She met us at the airport, housed us with her family and took us around the city.”

Rivera remembers her being beyond hospitable.

“I’ve never had an experience like that, and the way she treated us made us want to treat others the same,” she says.

During this trip, Harding and Rivera saw firsthand the importance of ethically sourcing goods.

“People should be socially responsible and be aware of what they are consuming and how much they are consuming,” Rivera says.

“Buying ethically sourced goods goes hand in hand with that because, even if you don’t see it, you are impacting this person on the other side of the world.”

Harding is quick to point out that Guatemala is a country of contradictions.

“There is sweeping beauty, with volcanoes and mountains and the most gorgeous flowers, but the average annual income is something like $1,600 and there is no centralized health care,” she says.

In Guatemala, it is expected for girls to marry and begin contributing to their household by about the age of 15. Those who don’t, like the two 17-year-old girls Harding and Rivera met on a recent visit, are ostracized and often unable to find work handcrafting goods. Through work with Tanner and Seek Wander Share, these girls and others like them have found independent income and been able to invest in their futures. Many of the women have saved enough money to go back to school and get their highschool diplomas or go to trade school.

“It’s so great because not only do we get to help save this dying trade,” Harding says, “but we also get to provide sustainable income, selfesteem and independence, even if it’s only for a few people right now.”

Harding and Rivera add that by providing broader options for ethically sourced goods, they are also empowering shoppers in the Austin community to become more socially responsible by purchasing

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PROFILE

Pulling rank

After relocating from New York, Rank & Style is finding its fashionable feet in Austin, thanks to the three women now in charge.

by Taylor Prewitt This headache is the problem that tech-driven women’s beauty-andSetting out to find the best volumizing mascara is nothing fashion site Rank & Style seeks to solve. short of a chore, one that starts with a quick Google From the basic (the 10 best white T-shirts) to the niche search but devolves into the better half of an (the 10 best hyaluronic acid serums), rankandstyle.com afternoon spent wading deeper through user simplifies the buying process by ranking the 10 reviews, cataloging influencer opinions best of a wide array of women’s beauty-andand batting off paid advertisements at From the basic (the 10 fashion products. More importantly, it does so every turn. And even then, you’re lucky using a data-driven algorithm that takes into best white T-shirts) to the if you end up with a mascara that account product reviews, celebrity favorites, doesn’t clump. In short, one does not niche (the 10 best hyaluronic best-seller lists and influencer opinions for simply or swiftly browse the Internet product lists that are both convenient and— acid serums), rankandstyle.com for the best in women’s fashion-andcrucially—objective. beauty products. simplifies the buying process Rounding out its third year of existence,

Left to right: Beth Newill, Dalton Young and Jamie Chandlee

38 | Austin Woman | september 2016

PhotobybyA.E. Andrea Foster.

Photo Fletcher.

by ranking the 10 best of a wide array of women’s beautyand-fashion products.

www.realtyrestoration.com

o: 512.454.1661 m: 512.970.1661

the formerly New York-based site now has its home base in Austin, thanks to the new management of CEO Jamie Chandlee, Chief Operating Officer Dalton Young and Chief Creative and Digital Officer Beth Newill.

That the trio of Austinites, each with complementing backgrounds in social media, law and marketing, respectively, came together on this project at all was something of a perfect storm. Young and Newill immediately recognized the potential of the site when a mutual friend and early Rank & Style investor reached out with the news that the original founders were exiting. It was Young who approached Chandlee, a friend and former Facebook account executive looking for her next venture.

“When the opportunity came up to really, fully own [a business] with successful partners—we all bring really important skills and have great strengths in different areas, which is key—you know, we just jumped at it,” Young says.

In addition to Chandlee’s experience heading the fashion-and-retail vertical as Facebook’s first Austin sales hire, the partners’ backgrounds are especially suited to the fashion-leaning, tech-based company. After moving from New York, Newill owned and managed an Austin boutique before working within the same tech-focused scene Rank & Style joined.

Young, with a legal background and an active law license, handles the operations side of the company.

“We definitely talked through how we liked to work and the different areas that we’re most interested in,” Newill says. “Luckily, everything just really kind of aligned in terms of our strengths.”

Since acquiring the company in April, the women have utilized those strengths to actively grow the site’s user base. The partners started by revamping the newsletter and strengthening the site’s social-media and marketing efforts, two moves that have paid off with a continued, growing and engaged user base. Next steps include bigger changes, like more Austin hires and a website redesign to give the interface a made-over, modernized look. (They are in the beauty business, after all.)

Taking cues from its user base, through which users are invited to request new lists, Rank & Style will also add new verticals in bridal, maternity, men’s and kids’ products by the end of the year. Users will also see an added emphasis on the site’s “Talking Top Ten” lists, which allow influencers, entrepreneurs, bloggers and female CEOs to share their own rankings, allowing for an editorial yin to complement the site’s objective yang.

But perhaps a more fundamental change involved the company’s headquarters move from New York to Austin, where it’s one of the few fashion-related brands in the city’s tech sphere.

“Being in Austin, it’s such a vibrant community and we know there’s so many tech resources here and always so much happening,” Young says. “That was compelling to us as well, that it would give us a really good platform to keep Rank & Style going from down here.”

On the 90-day anniversary of the trio’s acquisition of the site, in late July, Chandlee met with the site’s partners, including Refinery29 in New York, and Young and Newill held down the fashionable fort in Austin. Seemingly, the dust is starting to settle.

“We all feel like we’ve finally been able to come up for air,” Dalton says. “We’ve grown in those 90 days already, and [we] continue to focus on [growing by] just [concentrating] on delivering the content that the audience really likes.”

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PROFILE

Dressed for Success

With Bellgray, Annie Shafran is taking the work out of choosing your professional wardrobe.

Photo by Kara Nixon.

by Rachel Rascoe

40 | Austin Woman | september 2016

As Annie Shafran worked her way from college internships to the world of finance management, she always found the same question buzzing among female co-workers: Where can a woman find stylish and professional clothing?

With her new online startup, Bellgray, Shafran offers a one-stop shop for quality women’s work wear, helping the time-crunched, professional woman browse beyond the racks of Ann Taylor and Banana Republic.

“I think this is really a new-generation problem,” Shafran says of the search for officeappropriate looks. “A lot of people don’t have moms that wore suits to work. If you Google something like, ‘What is business casual?’ there really is no easy answer.”

Bellgray’s online shop curates a selection of work-wear pieces from brands like Theory, Vince and Halogen. Shafran personally sorts through the masses of department-store options and edits them down to modern, office-appropriate looks organized by occasion, like interview and travel.

She hopes her store will streamline the shopping experience for busy, analytically minded women working in industries like finance, law and business.

“There’s a bazillion places for [men] to shop to get suits and ties. It’s a formula, and it’s very easy,” Shafran says. “Comparatively, the common theme I found while working in finance was that it’s just so hard to find appropriate, stylish business clothes for women.”

Shafran, who works as an associate with UBS Wealth Management in Austin, decided to execute her college idea for a work-wear retail site after attending an entrepreneurial conference. She started Bellgray in November 2015, and launched the online shop six months later.

The 25-year-old Bellgray CEO runs on ideas, to-do lists and pure energy. She attributes much of her business sense to doing lots of research and “The common asking for help. theme I found while “I think it’s so important for people starting a business to Google everything, but also to read,” working in finance Shafran says. “There are so many people who have was that it’s just done this before. You’re not alone.” so hard to find To get her idea for Bellgray off the ground, Shafran sent a mass email, reaching out to family appropriate, stylish and friends for any relevant contacts and resources. business clothes This lead her to Eric Ries’ book The Lean Startup, for women.” which preaches the importance of entrepreneurs getting their products to customers as soon as possible while keeping costs very low. Shafran also got in contact with a buyer from Barneys and Gucci to help with retail strategy.

Shafran, who has no permanent staff, was able to save thousands by hiring contract workers and filling many roles herself. While venturing into new territory, such as running public relations and photo shoots for the company, she maintains confidence by staying open to new experiences.

“Just have the confidence to jump into things,” Shafran suggests to burgeoning entrepreneurs. “Don’t be afraid to try something that’s out of your comfort zone just because you’re not trained.”

Bellgray startup costs were also kept low by harnessing new technologies. To create the Bellgray logo, Shafran used the site 99designs, through which artists compete to be chosen for commissioned work. Software developed by Varinode allowed Shafran to list products on her site from outside retailers through a streamlined checkout process.

While these tech tools helped solve Bellgray’s little problems, Shafran emphasizes that focusing on big-picture goals was essential to getting her small business going.

“It’s not a logical process,” Shafran says. “It’s committing to the idea and moving on and not getting bogged down in the details, which is harder for a lot more women than men. It’s not trying to solve every problem in order. … Just go with the ebbs and flows, and realize that’s part of the process.”

In the future, Shafran plans to expand Bellgray as a resource for working women through more clothing options and guides to dressing for professional situations. She envisions even launching her own Bellgray clothing line one day.

“Starting Bellgray really aligned with my passion of empowering women,” Shafran says.

“That was something that I really wanted in a career, as well as the creative aspect of it, which I really love.”

Shafran, as a conference speaker, hopes to inspire entrepreneurs to move ahead with their business ideas, even when they don’t feel completely ready. She was able to start Bellgray while working at her finance job, and she thinks more women should consider doing so.

“There are plenty of people out there who aren’t rocket scientists who are starting businesses,” Shafran says. “You can do it. Just because you’re not an expert doesn’t mean you’re not going to be great at it.”

Annie Shafran’s Reading List: The Top Five Books Every Female Entrepreneur Should Read

1. Lean In

by Sheryl Sandberg “Never sell yourself short,” Shafran says. “Don’t be afraid and know the sky is the limit. Women struggle more with self-confidence than men and will turn down positions and opportunities they don’t feel qualified for. We have all suffered from this. [This book is] a must-read for all women.”

2. #Girlboss

by Sophia Amoruso “I love the story of how her brand evolves so authentically from her personality and her customers’ feedback,” Shafran says. “The fact that she started a business without so much as a credit card is very inspiring.”

3. The Lean Startup

by Eric Ries “Though the story is about tech businesses, the basic fundamentals can be applied to all businesses,” Shafran says. “You need to shorten the feedback loop and have lots of different iterations. The more you can learn before spending a lot of money, the better.”

4. Conscious Capitalism

by John Mackey and Raj Sisodia “[This book is] perfect for us Austinites, as it was written by one of the co-founders of Whole Foods. [It’s got] a great message about how you become successful by staying true to your values and moral code instead of the bottom line,” Shafran says. “This resonated with me, as Bellgray is a resource to empower professional women.”

5. David and Goliath

by Malcolm Gladwell “My favorite chapter is about the very successful lawyer who is dyslexic,” Shafran says. “He could not rely on what makes lawyers typically good at their job, which forced him to differentiate himself. This is a great lesson for women in business: Sometimes, having what may seem like a disadvantage can really be an advantage.”

austinwomanmagazine.com | 41

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The Allure of the Detour

These three weathered West Texas outposts continue to play host to passersby in search of a brief respite from the road. by april cumming It all started with the automobile. With its introduction to society, the typical restrictions and confines of traveling by rail—set departure times and stopping points matched with inevitable arrival delays—soon became a burden of the past.

Big Bend National Park Rio Grande vista photo courtesy of the National Park Service; photo by Cookie Ballou.

Leisure travel was born. And with it, so was a desire to pause wherever one so pleased. It was not an oddity to see travelers in the late 1920s pulled over to the side of the road, spreading white linen cloths over tree stumps to create makeshift picnic tables.

When the automobile was in fashion, rest stops were in style.

Hit the fast-forward button to almost a century later, and the facade of rest stops has shifted from one of roadside revelation to roadside relic. Travelers have traded hunter-green picnic tables for mustardyellow McDonald’s benches, swapped grazing on homemade snacks in the great outdoors with scanning gas-station aisles littered with

plastic wrap. In short, travelers have traded the journey, the getting there, for the destination.

When Austin-based photographer Ryann Ford learned that roadside rest stops were falling into disrepair, being torn down and demolished across the U.S., she set out—film camera in hand—to preserve these cultural vestiges in the best way she knew how. In May, Ford published her first coffee-table book, The Last Stop: Vanishing Rest Stops of the American Roadside. Five years in the making, and more than 150 reststop detours later, the book showcases these abandoned yet beautiful (and some, remarkably, still standing) structures, from Fish Camp, Calif., to Las Cruces, N.M. To celebrate the National Park Service’s centennial (It turned 100 years old Aug. 25.), we pinpoint two national parks worthy of a fall-foliage foray, and three rest stops you should make a point to visit along the way.

MUST LIST austinwomanmagazine.com | 43

ust List

discover

If your destination is…

Pull over at…

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Pro tip: For the best photo opportunities, check out neighboring

Monahans Sandhills State Park

Destination highlights:

McKittrick Canyon to the northeast. Hike along the 5-mile-long canyon that houses the only year-round stream in the park and, therefore, the most populated display of maple trees showing off opulent splashes of red, yellow and burgundy come fall.

Setting up the shot: “This was one of my favorite stops,”

3 485.5 miles from Austin 3 86 miles of hiking trails 3 Its calling card is Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, at 8,749 feet.

3 Established as a national park Sept. 30, 1972 3 The best months to visit the park are from late October to mid-November, when fall colors are at their peak.

Ford says. “My mom and I were driving across West Texas when we saw the sign for Monahans and decided to check it out. It was incredible—hardly crowded and absolutely beautiful. I shot a few images, but unfortunately, it was the middle of the day and the light wasn’t great. I ended up coming back a few days later, this time at sunset. What a difference great light makes.”

If your destination is…

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

or

Pull over at…

Big Bend National Park

Setting up the shot: “This is the one photo in the book that [featured] a person and/or animal. After framing up the shot, I looked up and saw a truck and horse trailer pull in,” Ford remembers. “I noticed that the entire truck and trailer was covered in a University of Texas vehicle wrap and figured they were just big [Texas Longhorn] fans. I put the trailer out of my mind and went back to shooting. As I was looking down into my camera, I saw some movement and looked up. There, in front of my lens were two men walking a longhorn around the rest stop. My friend that was with me said, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s Bevo!’ We realized that they must have been coming back from playing in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. Sadly, [around the time] we were finishing up the design on the book, Bevo contracted bovine leukemia and passed away. After hearing of his passing, we made a couple of changes to the design of the book and moved the photo of Bevo to the last page as a memoriam to him. Running into him in the middle of West Texas was definitely one of the most memorable experiences of the project.”

44 | Austin Woman | september 2016

FORT STOCKTON, TEXAS

Guadalupe Mountains National Park photo courtesy of the National Park Service. Monahans photo by Ryann Ford. Fort Stockton, Texas, photo by Ryann Ford.

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discover

If your destination is…

Big Bend National Park

Pull over at…

Lajitas, texas

Destination highlights: 3 435.8 miles from Austin 3 150-plus miles of hiking trails 3 Its calling card is the park’s reliability for bird watching. More than 450 species of birds have been counted here, more than any other U.S. national park can claim.

3 Established as a national park June 12, 1944 3 The best seasons to visit the park are in the fall to see the deciduous leaves turn colors in the mountains, and in the spring to see desert blooms and practice the patient art of bird watching.

Pro tip: Hike to Boot Canyon, 4.5 miles up the South Rim trail, to soak in a colorful oasis of bigtooth maple, Douglas fir and Arizona cypress and to watch for the gray-and-yellow colima warbler nesting on the canyon floor, it’s only home in the U.S.

Setting up the shot: “This is one of the most remote

rest areas in the country. These teepees are hidden just outside Big Bend National Park, right on the Rio Grande River, which divides the U.S. and Mexico,” Ford says.

“This was one of the first stops I ever [photographed]. It was so magical shooting here. I remember it was sunset and [there was] not a soul around, other than my three friends and I. As I was setting up, a pack of javelinas, including a handful of babies, ran through the shot.”

Big Bend National Park photo courtesy of the National Park Service; photo by Mark Schuler. Lajitas, Texas, photo by Ryann Ford.

Photo courtesy of Murphy O’Brien.

Austin-based photographer Ryann Ford holds her new book, The Last Stop: Vanishing Rest Stops of the American Roadside. thelaststopbook.com

r Mark Your Calendar To celebrate the National Park Service turning 100 years old in 2016, admission fees to all U.S. National Parks will be waived Sept. 24 and Nov. 11.

austinwomanmagazine.com | 47

M

ust List

roundup

Fashionably Great

These five must-have Austin finds are in our rotation for the month of September.

by AW Staff

Ten Over Ten: $25 for a signature manicure, South Congress Hotel, 1603 S. Congress Ave., tenoverten.com.

Chanel lipstick earrings: $398, Archive Vintage, 1708 S. Congress Ave., archivevintage.com.

Yumi Kim floral jumpsuit: Rent for $50 (size medium, four-day rental), garment-exchange.com.

Hanami fragrance: $85 for a 1.7-ounce bottle, phlur.com.

48 |  Austin Woman |  september 2016

All photos courtesy of their respective companies. Jumpsuit photo by Lucy Paije.

Chambray striped set: $66, Longhorn Fashions, 715 W. 23rd St., longhornfashions.com.

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little luxuries

Stay on Your Grind

This is not your next run-of-the-mill electronic kitchen gadget.

From cold brew, slow drip and pourovers to French presses, Keurigs and Chemexes, the evolution of the coffee industry is buzzing more than a caffeine aficionado halfway through her third morning cup. With brewing tastes and techniques constantly advancing, it’s completely acceptable for one to start craving something steeped in simplicity. This manual coffee grinder from London-based bottling company Kilner does the trick. It’s a sight for decaffeinated eyes, a simple tool designed to demystify the coffee-beansto-grounds transformation process.

This is that moment in life when you start unabashedly overusing the word “cute.” —April Cumming

Image courtesy of Kilner.

Kilner manual coffee grinder, $39.99, bedbathandbeyond.com

50 | Austin 50 Woman | Austin| Woman september | september 2016 2016

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The happiest hour

Transition from conference room to cocktail lounge in flawless style this fall.

Photos by rudy arocha styled by Ashley Hargrove Hair and makeup by Laura martinez modeled by R'Bonney Gabriel shot on location at the townsend

Theory Lexanda Mason striped peplum top, $265; Paige Kylie cropped denim, $169; Vince Camuto Kamina booties, $159; Chloe Hudson small gray shoulder bag, $2,090, available at Neiman Marcus, 3400 Palm Way, 512.719.1200, neimanmarcus.com; tortoise enamel statement earrings, $58, available at J.Crew, 11501 Century Oaks Terrace, 512.873.8659, jcrew.com.

52 |  Austin Woman |  september 2016

austinwomanmagazine.com |  53

S

tyle

trends

Topshop double-breasted blazer dress, $125; Topshop crepe wrap dress, $80; Rebecca Minkoff Sofia tassel clutch, $245; Marchesa jewel drop earrings, $68, available at Nordstrom, 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., 512.691.3500, nordstrom.com.

54 |  Austin Woman |  september 2016

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austinwomanmagazine.com |  57

S

tyle

trends

THE TOWNSEND The Townsend is a cocktail bar and performance space located in the Townsend-Thompson Building at 718 Congress Ave., a historic downtown landmark built in 1875. Under the direction of Steven Weisburd and Justin Elliott, one of Austin’s most notable names in cocktails, The Townsend has received numerous awards, including CultureMap’s Bar of the Year in 2016 and Eater Austin’s Best New Bar in 2015. Elliott also was individually awarded CultureMap’s Bartender of the Year in 2016. In addition to its award-winning cocktails, The Townsend offers an array of vibrant, fine-dining bar food prepared by Chef Justin Huffman and his team.

“Part of what makes The Townsend unique is that it weaves together cocktails, food, live music and art in an elegantly hip and sophisticated remodel of a downtown historic building located in the heart of Austin’s vibrant arts-and-entertainment district on Congress Avenue.” — Steven Weisburd 58 | Austin Woman | september 2016

Laura pearl drop chain necklace, $194, available at Jonesy Wood, jonesywood.com; Iro Malvina open-front jacket, $610; Alice & Olivia Mindie copper ruched skirt, $245; Valentino Wonderland Rockstud pumps, $1,195; Rebecca Minkoff Regan satchel, $345, available at Neiman Marcus, 3400 Palm Way, 512.719.1200, neimanmarcus.com.

austinwomanmagazine.com |  59

S

tyle

beauty Face atelier Ultra Foundation, $52, faceatelier.com MAC eyebrow pencil in Spiked, $17, maccosmetics.com Natasha Denona Duo-chrome eyeshadow in Vintage, $29, natashadenona.com Viseart Eyeshadow Palette in neutral matte, $20, sephora.com Inglot AMC gel eyeliner in #77, $15, inglotusa.com Nars blush in Madly, $30, narscosmetics.com Givenchy semimatte lipstick in Le Rouge, $36, sephora.com

Black-and-white-striped, high-low dress, $29, available at Lookbook Store, lookbookstore.co; Iro Han jersey leather jacket, $1,265, available at Neiman Marcus, 3400 Palm Way, 512.719.1200, neimanmarcus.com; BP silver chain necklace, $28, available at Nordstrom, 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., 512.691.3500, nordstrom.com.

FALLING FOR YOU

Evoke a subtle, autumnal glow with soft, sunset hues.

PHOTO BY RUDY AROCHA | Hair and makeup by Laura martinez styled by Ashley Hargrove | modeled by R'Bonney Gabriel

60 |  Austin Woman |  september 2016

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Rooftop Reflections

Say goodbye to summer with a shimmering, sparkly outdoor soiree.

By DEBORAH STACHELSKI, photos by courtney pierce

ATTIRE For a posh affair, consider designating a theme, like an all-white party. It helps everyone stay cool, makes for amazing photos and can be accessorized to the max.

Sport a trendy two-piece dress and block heels with some oh-so-hip sunglasses to achieve cool hostess status.

Décor Mix and match materials that feel opulent without being fussy, like reflective sequin linens and mercury-glass vases paired with classic and muted centerpieces.

62 | Austin Woman | september 2016

Venue: Westin Austin Downtown; Styling: Pearl Events; Rentals: Premiere Events; Cake: Polkadots; Florals: Bouquets of Austin; Balloons: The Balloon Bar.

Let’s be honest: Simply surviving the Texas summer heat deserves celebration. Back-to-school parties with backyard waterslides might satisfy the kids, but wouldn’t you like to bid farewell to the season with a bit more style? Liven up the end of summer with a chic outdoor party for the ages. Here are some suggestions for hosting a stylish end-of-summer bash.

coconut cooler INGREDIENTS 1 1 1/2 ounces Hendrick's Gin 1 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice 1 1/2 ounce simple syrup 1 1 ounce coconut water 1 3 cilantro stems with leaves 1 2 ounces Topo Chico 1 Lime wedge for garnish DIRECTIONS 1. In a shaking tin, add the gin, lime juice, simple syrup, coconut water, cilantro and ice.

2. Shake the mixture vigorously for 30 seconds and double strain over ice into a 10-ounce rocks glass.

3. Top the drink with Topo Chico.

4. G ive it a quick stir and garnish with a fresh bunch of cilantro with stems and a lime wedge.

DESSERT Nothing says party like cake. After months of bikini dieting, a delicious cake not only satisfies summer-long cravings, but also adds an edible centerpiece you don’t have to put away at the end of the night.

Playlist Keep the dance floor busy and your friends smiling with these summer anthems: • Justin Timberlake, “Can't Stop the Feeling” • Major Lazer featuring Justin Bieber and Mø, “Cold Water” • Sia featuring Sean Paul, “Cheap Thrills” • Drake, “One Dance” • Calvin Harris featuring Rihanna, “This is What You Came for” pARTY PRO TIPS • Supply plenty of mosquito spray when outdoors.

• Place misting fans throughout the space to ensure everyone stays cool.

• Plan a main event to look forward to. Something simple like a piñata will do!

REFRESHME

NTS Put your st amp on a p arty by serving a si gnature co cktail. This Coconut C ooler cock tail recipe, concocted

by Gerald DuBose at the Westin Austin Dow ntown for Austin Wo man, is the perfect summer lib ation to ke ep your guests buz zing for wee ks.

austinwomanmagazine.com | 63

The Smart Girls Have

Arrived

Written by John T. Davis Photos by Annie Ray

Styled by Ashley Hargrove Hair and Makeup by Gertie Wilson, Elevé Cosmetics

Photo by Ptah Quammie.

Meredith Walker is a woman on a mission. As the executive director of Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls, headquartered in Austin, and with the help of Poehler herself, Walker is determined to empower young girls to be themselves, especially if, like her, they’re more than a little unconventional.

AG Prima midrise skinny jeans, $188, available at Nordstrom, 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., 512.691.3500, nordstrom.com; Aquazzura Hello Lover heels, $765, available at Neiman Marcus, 3400 Palm Way, 512.719.1200, neimanmarcus.com; Konstantino Iliada sterling-silver necklace, $1,750; Konstantino Iliada sterling-silver pendant, $1,290; Konstantino Iliada sterling-silver bracelet, $1,380; Konstantino Iliada sterlingsilver ring, $1,645; Konstantino Iliada sterling-silver earrings, $525, available at Bailey Banks and Biddle, 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., 512.691.9100, baileybanksandbiddle.com; white long-sleeve top, model’s own.

65

The world needs more Smart Girls. But we’re not talking about lowercase “smart girls,” of which there are paradoxically a whole lot and not enough. No, we’re talking about Smart Girls, the multifaceted online community cofounded by Austin resident Meredith Walker and comedian, actor, author and Saturday Night Live and Parks and Recreation alumnus Amy Poehler.

This conclusion was not arrived at by random chance. Being a source of unimpeachable authority on the subject (60-ish white guy, married very late, no kids, tends to frighten small children), this reporter has concluded without fear of contradiction that being a preteen or teenage girl these days can really stink. Smart Girls is designed to be an antidote.

Think of it as a vaccination against the perils of growing up young and female in an era of promise and pitfalls.

Besides the usual school and friendship cliques with which young girls (and boys) have always had to contend, the 21st century has also given rise to a toxic fixation on celebrity at the expense of accomplishment (I’m looking at you, TMZ.), and an unhealthy preoccupation with new, shiny things.

Although the Internet and social-media environment can be wonderful for friendship and sharing, the unwary and naive can all too easily plunge into a cesspool of sexting, body shaming, vile Twitter pile-ons, sexual predation and worse. As they used to say in the old newsreels, “What an age we live in!”

And all that’s on top of the flood of hormones and other physical changes that make puberty and the teenage years such a delight.

That’s not to mention real-world complications with real consequences.

According to stopbullying.gov, two federal surveys revealed that between 20 and 22 percent of students ages 12 to 18 experience physical bullying at some point. Stats on cyberbullying are harder to come by, as technology and social-media platforms evolve so rapidly, but it is a real and growing menace.

Poehler, by virtue of her celebrity, is the public face of Smart Girls. (The official name of the group is Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls.)

Walker, a 47-year-old native Texan who follows in a long line of smart, sassy, selfstarting Texas women, is the boots-on-theground, day-to-day workhorse who lives and breathes Smart Girls 24/7, and is taking the point in transitioning the organization from an online community into a functioning, realworld entity.

It’s not a unique effort, yet it is highly unusual. Most charities, nonprofits and other like-minded groups begin with a functioning organization that generates content for distribution through its online counterpoint.

Smart Girls, by contrast, began online in 2008 and has evolved so that rather than passively devouring top-down content, the target community of young girls—one writer called it a “hive mind”—generates a great deal of the content and shapes the direction of the website (amysmartgirls.com) in the process.

It’s Walker’s goal to segue that virtual community into a sort of brick-and-mortar presence that might grow to include local Smart Girl chapters coast to coast, camps and conferences, in-school programs and maybe even a Smart Girls television series. It’s a fulltime gig for one woman and an exceedingly hard-working intern, which is what Smart Girls’ world HQ in Austin consists of. It’s housed in the top-floor space of a converted antebellum-style house near the University of Texas campus, and Walker holds forth, spreading the Smart Girls gospel in Austin and coast to coast, thanks to a nearly nonstop speaking schedule. Her official title is cofounder and executive director, but that’s just boilerplate. She’s also employee of the month, morale officer and director of corporate mojo.

In other words, she’s the whole show, at least in Austin. She does have the assistance of a director of development, a social-media manager and a general manager, all based in the Los Angeles area.

“

We wanted to celebrate The curious The The

girl,

nonfamous, Everyday Warrior.”

—Amy Poehler

66 | Austin Woman | september 2016

“I really oversee everything, the whole tone, the voice, everything,” Walker says.

“What’s curated on all of our social media, all of that started with me. It takes a lot of diligence to help other people understand what it means to me and Amy. It’s not easy.

They can’t be in our heads. I stay on top of that all the time.”

None of this marginalizes Poehler’s commitment, passion for the project and input, of course. But she is a mom, an A-list celebrity and she has her own career to run.

“We wanted to build a brand that attempted to combat the deluge of s--t young people see every day online,” Poehler says. “We wanted to celebrate the curious girl, the nonfamous, the everyday warrior. … Our hope is to provide something for people who can’t stand to look at another awful website highlighting some fameobsessed garbage person.

“What is so great about working with a Texas girl like Meredith is her genuine ability to connect with people. She is interested in other people and their stories. Being based out of Austin helps her and Smart Girls stay connected in the real world.”

Asked what she does when she’s not doing this, Walker, who has no kids of her own, pithily replies, “Nothing.”

That’s not quite true. When pressed, she will grudgingly admit to playing tennis (She has a longtime beau who is a tennis pro.), and walking Austin’s hiking trails early in the morning. Once in a great rare while, she will escape to Big Bend or bliss out tubing on the Comal River. She also serves as a mentor at the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, has taken part in White House conferences and traveled as an envoy to Malawi, Africa, and refugee camps in Jordan.

And she partners with Austin AmericanStatesman “Fit City” reporter Pam LeBlanc in an ancillary girls’ outdoor program called Pocket Adventure ATX. But she is a glutton for her day job. An email response to a query about her dayto-day responsibilities elicited a 420-word response citing roughly 30 labor-intensive and time-consuming aspects of keeping the Smart Girls ship on course that confront her in any given work day.

In person, Walker exudes an air of poorly suppressed energy and enthusiasm. The air almost seems to vibrate around her. A Houston native, the daughter of an Episcopal minister and a very forward-thinking mom, she has a mane of dark hair, wide set and disconcertingly direct eyes and a rapid-fire intelligence with a leavening sense of humor.

She is tall and rangy and looks like she’d be more at home on horseback than vetting online content. (In fact, she did briefly work as a ranch cook in Wyoming.)

“Our hope is to provide something for people who can't

stand to look at another awful website highlighting some fame-obsessed garbage person.”

—Amy Poehler

Photo by Errol Anderson.

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austinwomanmagazine.com | 67

“Texas grows some pretty tough stock when it comes to women,” says Wendy Davis, the former state senator and candidate for governor who became acquainted with Walker through parallel interests and mutual work. “We have to navigate our way through some pretty tough terrain, and I think it imbues us with a strong sense of self and purpose, and an incredibly hard work ethic.”

Davis heads a nonprofit called Deeds Not Words, which focuses on helping young women find ways, through politics or policy, to advance gender equality.

“Meredith has done a beautiful and brilliant job of carrying that mission forward,” Davis says.

“What’s remarkable about Smart Girls is the trajectory of it. It’s outpaced organizations that have been around for a long time.”

According to Walker, Smart Girls reaches more than 3 million users per week via the website and its presence on YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr and Snapchat.

Walker was 22 or so when Ann Richards was elected governor in 1990. For a young woman in Texas, and one not entirely sure of what she wanted to do with her life, it was, in Walker’s words, “seismic.”

She had had some female mentors growing up in Houston, principally, her mother, an actress named June Terry and some ladies at her father’s church. They meant the world to her.

“I was just one of those girls who looked sort of weird,” Walker recalls. “I was growing into myself [and] I came from a sharp and funny family, so, I wasn’t really demure. But these older women thought I was a kick to be around, so, they’d say, ‘Let me take you to lunch,’ or, ‘Let’s go to the movies,’ or whatever.

And those were the times I felt OK.” To see Richards parade down Congress Avenue on a dazzling January day and take the oath of office on the Capitol steps in a suit as glistening white as her signature coif of hair was a game changer for Walker.

“Seeing a salty, sassy, smart, super intelligent but well-mannered woman do that. … If you can see it, you can be it. When she walked across the bridge on inauguration day and there were people of all different physical abilities and ethnicities, I remember thinking, ‘OK, that’s a really important thing. I get it.

And this woman’s the one doing it.’ ” Walker didn’t know it at the time, but she was soon to meet another formative female figure in her life: television journalist and producer Linda Ellerbee. In broadcast journalism, Ellerbee is a legitimately big deal, having worked first at The Associated Press and then for 15 years as an anchor, writer and host at ABC and NBC before moving to the Nickelodeon network to host the Nick News With Linda Ellerbee kids’ news and documentary program for 25 years. She retired last December. In her 44-year career, she’s won every plaque, scroll and trophy this side of the Pulitzer, several times over.

68 | Austin Woman | september 2016

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Smart Girl

A means someone who immerses themselves in something that they love to do, no matter what's going on around them.” —Jendayi Bonds “

After graduating from college in 1991, Walker was suffering a lack of, in her words, “clarity of direction,” which is when the aforementioned ranch-cook gig came along. But she took a summer course at Rice University in broadcast journalism and devoured it. In 1992, she wrote Ellerbee an unsolicited letter.

“It wasn’t a ‘To whom it may concern’ letter. It was my personality,” Walker recalls. “It was like, ‘This is why you’re so important to me, and I’d like to be more like you.’ ” Whether she was impressed by the earnestness of the letter, or because it gave her a kick to jump-start the career of a fellow Lone Star woman, Ellerbee plucked Walker out of Houston and brought her up to New York to start working at Nick News.

The job began with “typical intern stuff,” Walker says, but before long, she was in charge of compiling newspaper clips, scouring headlines for story ideas, organizing tape libraries and other old-school media grunt work. Within six years, Walker grew into increased responsibilities, becoming a producer and traveling nationwide, generating stories and interviewing kids for the series. It was her years at Nick News, she says, that brought her interest in improving the lives of young people to the forefront.

“I use my Nick News research tactics to track down subjects for Smart Girls,” Walker says. “You look around local papers, communities and websites, and if you see something cool that’s being offered, you call the place and say, ‘Hey, do you have any young girls or teens who are doing something with you?’ ” “She was so smart and so outstanding,” Ellerbee says. “I assure you she wouldn’t have worked there six or seven years…if she hadn’t been good at what she did.

She became a first-rate producer.”

Ellerbee pauses when asked about Walker’s most singular quality, then continues.

“My father always said the world was divided between salespeople and bookkeepers. Meredith could sell me anything, and I mean that in a good way, not in a used-car salesman kind of way,” Ellerbee says. “She has the strength of purpose to persuade people to do things and to act. That ability to get other people enthusiastic is irreplaceable and has been crucial to Smart Girls. If you can get other people excited, you’re halfway there. … Her word is good. She keeps promises. She works hard. She doesn’t take ‘no’ very well. I attribute that to her being a Texas woman.”

Ellerbee adds that she has a 13-yearold granddaughter who she intends to introduce to Walker as soon as is feasible.

“Here’s my granddaughter. Get her involved,” Ellerbee chuckles. “Smart Girls become smart women, and smart women remember that they stand on someone else’s shoulders.”

Poehler and Walker became besties during their joint SNL tenure, when Poehler became a star behind the “Weekend Update” desk and Walker was head of the talent department, in charge of arranging and handling the hosts and musical guests on the program. Walker, who joined the show in 1998 straight out of Nick News and stayed until 2002, was on the scene when Poehler arrived in 2001.

In her 2014 memoir, Yes Please, Poehler admits being a trifle in awe of Walker from the get-go.

“She was tall and from Texas and had already met Sting and Tupac,” Poehler wrote.

During down time, Walker and

Poehler bonded by reminiscing about the challenges of growing up as unconventional girls, and the many hurdles girls today are forced to confront.

What evolved from those conversations was a YouTube video series originally titled Smart Girls at the Party.

“We were drinking wine and talking about that age range, fifth through eighth grade, how tough it is. If we could go back in a time machine, what would have helped us? And we were [like], ‘We should do this! We can really help.

Let’s start a camp. Let’s do events, like conferences for girls. Let’s do it. OK, talk to you later,’ ” Walker remembers. “That’s how it started, like a good idea that we wanted to think about someday. Then the opportunity came up where we could do this [online] show, and we said, ‘OK, this could be our way in.’ ” Smart Girls at the Party was modeled after a Charlie Rose-style interview show, with Poehler as the host; Walker behind the camera as producer, reporter and frequent on-screen partner in crime; and musician friend Amy Miles supplying a soundtrack. It began as a YouTube series in 2008 and featured girls from throughout the country talking about whatever their passion might be, from archeology to glass blowing to horse whispering to competing in a triathlon. There was also a complementary “Boys Minute” since smart boys need props too.

Poehler introduced each episode as, “The show that celebrates girls who are changing the world by being themselves,” and most segments ended with an impromptu dance party.

“When we started, we wanted to create an online clubhouse,” Poehler says, “a place that celebrated the curious

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Smart

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70 | Austin Woman | september 2016

Girls girl, someone who was a smart cookie but still loved to dance like a goofball. We thought that phrase [Smart Girls at the Party] summed it up.”

In the years since its inception in 2008, the YouTube channel, which, as of August had more than 136,000 subscribers, has branched out. There are different segments among almost 300 videos, including “Modern Manners,” “Smart Snacks,” “Smart Life Hacks,” “Heavy Petting,” “Girls of the World,” “Ask Amy” and more.

Some feature Poehler’s fellow Parks and Recreation alums, like Chris Pratt and Aziz Ansari, as well as actors like Jason Bateman, Geena Davis and Holland Taylor, but most put the Smart Girls themselves front and center.

The Smart Girls website is full of tools, including the “ABCs of Smart Girls,” a series of essays, many penned by Walker herself, dealing with apropos subjects like compassion, embarrassment and delight.

There are links to video channels and episodes created for the site and the YouTube channel. There is a Topics tab that links to everything from animals and politics to poetry and get-involved activism. There is downloadable content and a merchandise link to buy onesies for the “future Smart Girl” and a coffee cup that advises, “There’s power in looking silly and not caring that you do.”

“Amy says we’re an online clubhouse where everyone’s invited,” Walker explains. “We’re starting our very first Smart Girls local chapter here in Austin [by 2017]…but we really live in social media. That’s where people love to engage and interact.”

In addition to Smart Girls, Walker’s mentoring work with the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders has her running what she calls journalism boot camp, in which she takes in high-school-age girls and instructs them in the time-honored practices of the inkstained wretches of the press, just as Ellerbee helped initiate her to years ago.

In May, she enlisted three juniors, Chloe Levy, Lina Breining and Jessica Pinney, to conceive of, research, interview and report a story for the Smart Girls website.

The result, Understanding Ourselves and Others: Meeting Members of Austin’s LGBTQ Community, went up on the site last month.

“All the 11th graders have internships, which vary according to our [academic] pathways,” Breining recounts. “I interviewed with Meredith for an internship and she was cool. All the other interviewers were kind of intimidating.”

“When I was interviewing,” Levy says, “Meredith made it clear that we would be doing a story, and we would have a lot of control over what exactly we would be doing in that story. That really appealed to me because she said she was essentially giving us a platform, basically handing over the reins to us.”

“We got to contact people and do research and find groups and organizations,” Breining says. “It’s really cool that [the story] is online because that’s where everyone is nowadays. I’ve never seen a website like Smart Girls has.”

“Practically speaking, Meredith was really good at teaching us how to build connections with organizations and people we might want to interview,” Levy says.

“It was a really great experience,” Breining adds. “I’m really glad to be part of such a great community.”

Jendayi Bonds arrived at Smart Girls by a different route. A songwriter, vocalist and bandleader, Bonds was interviewed by Poehler in 2012 when she was 14.

Now, at 18, she is recording her first album with her brother, drummer Gyasi Bonds, in upstate New York as alternative-pop band Charlie Belle. In that incarnation, she has been featured on NPR and in The Guardian, The Austin Chronicle and Wired.

“When the [Smart Girls] video came out, it definitely brought some attention to the band,” Jendayi Bonds says. “It was all really exciting to have people start listening to our music because they had seen the episode. … Filming the segment was really cool. I had never done anything like that. The room was huge and there were all these cameras and lights. I got to meet Amy before we actually filmed the segment, which was great because I had time to tell her that I loved Parks and Recreation. Everyone on the show, in front of the camera and behind the scenes was extremely sweet and funny.

“I think that the Smart Girls outreach is very valuable because it connects Smart Girls that ordinarily wouldn’t be connected to each other.”

And just exactly what constitutes a Smart Girl?

“A Smart Girl means someone who immerses themselves in something that they love to do, no matter what’s going on around them,” Bonds says. “Smart Girls have always existed and they always will. It’s comforting knowing that there are other people out there around the world that share the level of passion for something in their lives.”

That level of passion has come to define Walker and been honed by her decision to live and headquarter Smart Girls in Austin.

“It’s an interesting community. There’s so many different people interested in so many different things, and they follow their curiosity,” Walker says of the city.

“I’ve found the girls reflect that. We’ve found a glass blower, an archeologist, a kayaker on her way to the Paralympics, musicians, poets. You don’t have to leave the city limits to find this really great diversity.”

“We are constantly inspired by the many people of Austin,” Poehler adds. “It’s a city that takes chances on people and finds beauty in small things.”

Austin also encourages Walker to keep her hair wet.

When asked what that means, Walker pops a big grin.

“I thought, ‘This is where I’m supposed to be,’ ” she says. “I could see civic participation. I could see a community that cared about everyone’s voices being heard. And I saw people outside when it was raining.

They were like, ‘I’m not going to scurry away because it’s raining! Keep on walking. Stay on that bike.’ I want to be around those people!”

austinwomanmagazine.com | 71

Sandra Adair, the longtime Austinite and Oscarnominated film editor, details the challenges of the cutting-room floor, her more than two-decades-long collaboration with director Richard Linklater and stepping into the director role for the first time.

By rachel merriman, photos by Andrew Chan

In most films, there’s a pivotal scene when a character realizes who she is or what she wants to do. When asked to pinpoint the closest thing to that sort of moment in her own life, film editor Sandra Adair recalls a distinct memory.

“I remember seeing a film my brother made when he went away to college. I was probably 13 or 14 or something like that,” Adair says. “He made this black-and-white short of a person throwing a pot. It was beautifully photographed and edited; it was so visual.

I was like, ‘Oh my god, look what he made and how beautiful that is.’ I always admired the craftsmanship that he opened my eyes to.”

B a s e d o n

A D A I R

73

Adair’s brother, also a film editor, gave her a job in the cutting room for a film he was working on.

There, she learned the technical aspects of the filmediting process, or postproduction. As a film is being shot, editors typically receive an abundance of raw footage and are tasked with piecing it together to create a rough draft of the film. After shooting is finished, editors work closely with the director to “My husband had been directing prime-time television shows Dallas and Dynasty. refine that edited footage into a finished product. It’s When we moved here, he said to me, ‘I know I can direct something, even if it’s just as much of a creative process as it is a technical one. traffic.’ And I felt the same way, like, ‘I know I can edit something when we get there. I “I started by rewinding film and coding the edge can get a job in a fabric store. There are lots of things I can cut—maybe material. Who of film, which we used to do back in the day,” Adair knows?’ I was trying to figure out how to make a living to support our two little kids,” says. “I learned the etiquette of the cutting room, Adair recalls. film language and terminology, and the whole proShe got in touch with Texas Motion Picture Service, the postproduction house where cess, from shooting all the way through to a finshe had helped edit Outlaw Blues, to see if there were any jobs available. Her friends ished film, under [my brother’s] mentorship.” there told her about a guy they had heard of named Richard Linklater, who was shooting Adair worked in Los Angeles for a number of years a film in Austin for Universal. as an assistant editor, first cutting low-budget films “I figured out what his production office’s address was and I wrote him an old(the names of which she dares not speak) and increfashioned snail-mail letter: ‘Dear Mr. Linklater, My name is Sandra Adair,’ ” Adair says, mentally working her way up to bigger-budget films. laughing. “And I enclosed a resume and mailed it off.”

“I learned everything that I know—really—about Three weeks later, Linklater called Adair postproduction in those for an interview to work on a film called years,” she says. “I’m Dazed and Confused, the now beloved comcontinuing to learn, obing-of-age cult classic especially cherished viously, but I learned

by Austin natives. Since then, Adair has everything I needed to edited every single one of Linklater’s films, know to feel comfort“There’s a lot of responsibility 19 in all, including the critically acclaimed able to step up to the Before trilogy, the dark comedy Bernie and editor position. That that comes with being an editor. box-office smash School of Rock. was a huge step for me.

There’s a lot of decision-making “I think I appeared in the right place at There’s a lot of responthe right time. He for me, and me for him,” sibility that comes with and creative input and know-how Adair says. being an editor. There’s Although Adair and Linklater’s longtime a lot of decision-making that goes into being able to sit collaborative partnership isn’t uncommon and creative input and down and say, ‘OK, I can make (She points out other director-editor pairknow-how that goes into ings with longevity, such as Clint Eastwood being able to sit down a film out of all of this.’ ” and Joel Cox, and Martin Scorsese and and say, ‘OK, I can make Thelma Schoonmaker.), it isn’t the norm a film out of all of this.’ ” —Sandra Adair either. Editors usually jump around doing Adair came to Austin pilots, television series and movies, all for from Los Angeles for different directors. But Adair prefers to a brief stint in the late stick with Linklater, working on other proj1970s with plans to take ects between his films. Most recently, Adair a break from film and edited documentaries At the Fork, which go back to school. Howearned praise for its unbiased look at animal agriculture, and A Single Frame, which won ever, when the industry called for her to work as the Audience Award at the 2015 Austin Film Festival. an assistant editor on Outlaw Blues, the 1977 drama “The difference between being in Austin and L.A. is that there’s not a lot of opporstarring Peter Fonda, she answered. During this tunity for me to stray away from Rick,” Adair says. “He has periods of time where he’s time, Adair also met and married her husband, and not working, and, in that amount of time, for me to do another film, I would miss the the couple soon moved back to L.A., where more scheduling of his next film. So, I’ve made a very conscious choice to align my schedule jobs were available. with him as best I can. … I haven’t wanted to stray away from him. I admire him and I Reminiscing about her early work, Adair recalls love working with him. He’s a brilliant filmmaker and I always enjoy the films he makes.”

Rip Torn’s The Telephone, released in 1988 and starAdair is also quick to point out that she’s been incredibly lucky to live and work in ring Whoopi Goldberg. The film’s history is messy, Austin all these years. to say the least. (Goldberg sued Torn to prevent the “There’s tremendous talent here, and I think it’s because people love living here and film’s release.) But Adair classifies her experience they’re able to do their craft here, so, they stay,” Adair says. “Sadly, the lack of work is a as an incredible learning opportunity. huge thing because of [tax-related] incentives not being as great as they used to be. The “I was the editor sandwich: in the middle of the Texas film-incentive program is vital to our industry. If we don’t get incentive packages director, actor and the studio. It was a situation from the state to be competitive with other states, and we don’t have films to come here where I did studio, Rip, Sandra and Whoopi verto shoot, people can’t make a living.” sions of the film,” Adair remembers. “I was on the The process of editing a film is a labor of love, to say the least. Adair works with “daifront lines of the editorial dilemma. Whose voice lies,” or the raw footage that’s shot each day, cutting out and reordering sections to craft a do I listen to? Who do I align myself with? Yes, scene. Since scenes are usually shot out of order, Adair cuts them as they’re filmed, using the studio is paying the bill, but who am I actually the script as a chronological blueprint to see where a scene takes places within the film. working for? Who do I think has the best ideas? It She sifts through all the footage, letting her intuition and creativity guide her, to expose was tremendously educational.” what’s important about a particular scene.

Soon after Adair’s experience with The Tele“The idea is to try to pull the intent of the director, the intent of the scene and the phone, a recession hit L.A., work dried up and she and her husband moved back to Austin in 1991 with their two young children in tow.

74 | Austin Woman | september 2016

“I kept saying to [Linklater], ‘At some point, I have to have time to edit the movie!’ I feel like I was editing these little vignettes, and I needed to have time to go through the whole thing and do a real honestto-God postproduction. But I had worked on years one through 11 enough that when he shot year 12, I connected it and we had a whole movie,” Adair says.

“Boyhood was unique in our filmography tointent of the overall script out of the footage,” Adair says. “There’s a lot of looking at the gether because, unlike other films, we got to sit in material and getting to understand what all the opportunities are, then pulling the pieces the editing room and talk about the future, and she that are going to best communicate what you want to be compelling about a scene, and could voice her opinion about what the film needpiecing it together in a narrative way that tells a story. And then you do that scene by scene ed,” Linklater says. “I could discuss the storytelling until you have a whole film. Then you shape it and pace it and pull more meaning out and elements of the film with her as it was in progress. diminish other things that become less important.”

Usually, she’s read the script and everything’s been During this process, Adair makes technical decisions that seem miniscule but that shot and we’re working with existing material. But impact each scene and, by extension, the film as a whole. in this case, it was an ongoing conversation. We “A lot of the editorial process is holding everything in your head and knowing, in this take, were always in a state of postproduction and prethey delivered this line really well, but there’s a microphone in the shot. This other take, the production at the same time.” line reading is not so good, but the camera work is awesome. In this one, it’s not as evocative Boyhood skyrocketed after its inaugural screenbut it’s angrier, so, maybe that’s the way to go. There’s all these tiny little decisions that go ing at the Sundance Film Festival. The film racked into a scene that make it work pacing-wise, narratively and emotionally,” Adair says. up six Academy Award Adair usually makes an editor’s cut on her nominations (includown while Linklater is still shooting. When ing one for Adair), with shooting is finished, they collaborate for a Patricia Arquette winperiod of about 10 weeks for a director’s cut, ning Best Supporting a process in which they review the film toActress, and five Goldgether and Adair makes changes based on his en Globe nominations, feedback. During this time, scenes might be winning Best Motion changed slightly, reordered or cut altogether.

Picture – Drama, Best “Beyond her obvious skills as “That first cut is really my opportunity to Director for Linklater bring my own take on what the footage is givan editor and a storyteller, it’s and Best Supporting ing,” Adair says. “Then [Linklater] comes in Actress for Arquette. also her demeanor and work and we talk, he gives me notes and I execute “The reaction was the notes. When he comes back, I’ll say, ‘I have ethic. It’s been a wonderful really, really exhilasix versions for you to look at. On this one, I rating,” Adair says. ongoing collaboration.” did this. On this one, I did that.’ I show him “When you’re working choices and variations.” on something that’s so —Richard Linklater After working together for 23 years, the drawn out, you can’t Adair-Linklater partnership is a well-oiled maeven imagine what the chine. She can see where he’s going with someend result of your work thing and trusts that he’s going in the right diis going to be, much rection. Likewise, Linklater trusts her instincts. less what people are “He knows the stories that he directs, inside going to think about it. and out, and he understands what he had to go I was so used to workthrough before the cutting room,” Adair says. ing on it for so long, it “I bring my own voice and tastes to the films, and nine times out of 10, we agree. But on that became a part of my life, like it was like a birthday 10th time, I defer to him. He’s the creator, and I’m very clear about my role. or an anniversary or something.”

“Sometimes, we’ll have a trouble spot in a film and we won’t really have any soAfter the film’s theatrical release, a huge wave lutions. We’ll just identify that this one part needs something. I’ll mangle it all up and of people contacted Adair, Linklater and the other try it upside down and backwards, and many times, I can solve the problem. And then cast members to share how the film impacted them he comes in and I show it to him, and he’s like, ‘Yeah, but,’ and I’m like, ‘This works!’ personally.

Sometimes, I have to convince him and other times, he will convince me that I need to “Boyhood struck people in their hearts in a way backtrack and start over. But that’s collaboration. That’s exactly the meaning of it. And that nothing I had ever worked on or probably will I love that part.” ever work on again,” Adair says. “Everyone was “It’s kind of like any working relationship that’s successful. It’s hard to pinpoint why it showered upon with people’s personal experiences works so well,” Linklater says. “Beyond her obvious skills as an editor and a storyteller, it’s and things they wanted to talk about, their own famalso her demeanor and work ethic. It’s been a wonderful ongoing collaboration. … We don’t ilies and their own dysfunctional stepfather. I had really have creative differences. That’s probably the key to our longevity. Her first instincts hundreds of emails from people I hadn’t heard from are so right on that it creates a pretty seamless process. Sometimes, the director-editor in 15 years, family members and strangers reaching relationship can be fraught. She’s not afraid to say, ‘Oh, I don’t think that works the way out to me and sharing their personal experiences.” you wanted it to.’ I think as long as you’re making the same movie and you’re on the search In addition to her Academy Award nomination together, it all works out.” for Best Editing, Adair won the American CinAdair’s editing skills seem unmatched when considering the 2014 critically acclaimed ema Editors’ Eddie Award in Drama for her work coming-of-age masterpiece Boyhood, which, incredibly, was filmed during the course of on Boyhood. Since the Eddie Award is given by an 12 years. Each year, Linklater would shoot for a period of three to four days. Then Adair honorary society of film editors, being recognized would take over, spending about a month editing that year’s material and connecting it to meant a great deal to Adair. the previous year’s. At the time, the film was called Untitled 12-year Project, and year after “[Winning the Eddie Award] was really, probably year, Adair helped it take shape. the most satisfying and fulfilling acknowledgement I’ve ever had for the work I’ve done,” she says.

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In July 2015, Adair stepped into the role of director to produce The Secret Life of Lance Letscher, a documentary that offers an intimate view of prolific collage artist Letscher’s work and life. Adair was introduced to Letscher when her cousin, who owns a building on South Congress Avenue, commissioned a metal collage from him.

“He does amazingly intricate paper collages with vintage materials, books, album covers, children’s workbooks, scribbles on paper he collects. … And so, my desire when I first heard about the metal collage was to document its creation since it was such a change from his normal materials. When I say ‘document,’ I was thinking shoot stills.

I didn’t really have in mind a documentary film,” Adair says.

But as she got to know Letscher, Adair felt compelled to capture his evolution as an artist, his artistic process and his personal life more in-depth.

“I found him so intriguing, thoughtful, funny and caring, and also just an incredible artist,” she says. “I thought, ‘Well, we’re just going to switch that still camera out for a digital movie camera, and we’re going to make a film.’ ” Like many independent documentaries, The Secret Life of Lance Letscher needed help with funding. Adair turned to the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter to launch a grassroots fundraising effort, which ultimately raised $50,000 for the documentary.

“It was a much-needed boost. The outpouring of goodwill towards Lance and love of him and his artwork, and people who support me and want to see me do something fun like this, it was just a huge amount of goodwill just pushing us forward,” Adair says. “It was very encouraging and exciting.”

Following the success of the Kickstarter campaign, Adair brought on consulting producer Karen Bernstein, whose documentary Richard Linklater: Dream is Destiny premiered at Sundance in January, and producer Kristi Frazier, who previously worked with Adair on A Single Frame.

“What has made Sandra stand out from other editors I’ve worked with is her ability to work with such nuance,” Frazier says. “She has such a lyrical way. Her artistic flow is on this intuitive level. She’s an artist, and that really shows through in how she’s approached this documentary. … This project has been really satisfying for me to be a part of because of her passion for Lance. She gets him, in some really deep way. He’s not one of those artists who want to have a lot of attention paid to them. I think he saw how much she understands him and his process. She’s committed to making this the best documentary she can about him because she’s completely in awe of how decent he is as a person, and how amazing his artwork is.”

After shooting for about a year, the film is finally ready for postproduction, and Adair is transitioning from directing to settling into the editing process.

The entire documentary is neatly laid out on colorcoded cards tacked to a bulletin board in her office at Austin Studios. Scenes containing biographical information on Letscher are blue, his significant pieces and processes are yellow, interview segments with other people are green, and so on.

“Editing is the brain I live in, so, I feel like I’ve been just gathering materials to actually edit something. Directing has really been just getting to know Lance and coming up with questions for interviewing him, getting him to trust me and open up about his process and seeking out people to talk about Lance with the level of intimacy that I want in the film,” Adair says. “I’ve been just kind of following this path that is being revealed to me. I do really like the fact that I am crafting this film by what I imagine I would want to watch, and I’m not having to go by anyone else’s rules. It’s been fun, but very challenging.”

The commonality between Adair’s and Letscher’s artistic processes inspired the name of Adair’s production company, A Found Piece Productions.

76 | Austin Woman | september 2016

“There’s this similarity between what Lance does as a collage artist and what I do as an editor,” she says. “He finds these materials and he searches out things that turn him on, and then he cuts them out, and I essentially do the same thing as an editor. There’s this mirroring of our process that has become very evident to me. Plus, I like the double entendre of a found ‘peace.’ ” Adair hopes to finish The Secret Life of Lance Letscher by the end of the year. There are still a lot of postproduction tasks to complete—color correction, graphic design and the score by composer Graham Reynolds, to name a few—so, Adair is continuing to reach out to supporters for the final financial push that will allow her to finish the film.

“It’s been a really challenging part of the process, producing a film out of Austin. The Kickstarter money was not a small amount of money. It’s fantastic and it’s gotten us this far, but the reality is that finishing a film like this is expensive, so, we have to continue to reach out to supporters, and that’s a lot of work,” Adair says.

When asked about what she’ll do after The Secret Life of Lance Letscher is finished, Adair can’t say exactly what comes next.

“I just want to finish this film,” she says, “and then I can think about my life after that!”

For more information about The Secret Life of Lance Letscher, including a teaser clip of the film, visit lanceletscherdoc.com.

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Sample the latest superfood sweeping through Austin.

What happens when two venturesome best friends move from Hawaii to Austin? Loving the Live Music Capital of the World but craving their go-to healthy snacks, Erin Downing and Kara Jordan started a healthy-food-truck concept in 2010 called Blenders & Bowls that incorporates the Brazilian superfood açaí into every smoothie and snack bowl. Eventually, this enterprising duo turned in the keys to the truck and opened a brick-and-mortar location next door to the Wanderlust Yoga

studio downtown at Fourth and Brazos streets. Now, Blenders & Bowls operates a second (and flagship) location in Westlake and will soon open a third location in East Austin.

Austin Woman asked Downing and Jordan to spill the açaí berries on what makes this antioxidant-rich superfood so invigorating. They one-upped us and instead divulged the recipe for the energizing Green Bowl, complete with personalized preparation tips. —Emily C. Laskowski

austinwomanmagazine.com | 79

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recipe reveal

The Green Bowl Courtesy of Blenders & Bowls Serving size: One 12-ounce bowl Nutrition per serving: 419 calories, 47.9 grams carbs, 8.2 grams protein, 26.1 grams sugar, 19.1 grams fat Ingredients 1 frozen açaí pack (Substitute açaí powder if you can’t find frozen açaí.)

1 frozen banana 1/4 frozen avocado (You can freeze avocado in ice trays ahead of time.)

1 handful spinach or greens of choice (Spinach blends the best.)

4 ounces almond milk or coconut water 1/2 cup granola of choice 2 to 3 strawberries, chopped 2 to 3 tablespoons cucumber, chopped and peeled (You can leave the skin on if it’s organic.)

1 tablespoon almonds, sliced Honey, for drizzling (Use local, raw honey to help with allergies.)

Directions 1. Blend the açaí, banana, avocado, spinach and almond milk (or coconut water) until the mixture is smooth.

2. Top it with granola, strawberries, cucumber and almonds. Drizzle the dish with honey.

3. Get creative with toppings. There is no right or wrong way and you don’t have to stick to exact measurements. Just pick your favorite ingredients and top away!

What is Açaí?

80 | Austin Woman | september 2016

Photo courtesy of Dos Mundos Creative.

The açaí (pronounced ah-sigh-EE) berry is small, has a reddish-purple color and is harvested from açaí palms in South America. The skin of an açaí berry is enriched with a higher concentration of antioxidants than any other known fruit in the world. The açaí berry has 16 types of antioxidant compounds (compared with five in blueberries) and has a flavor often described as reminiscent of dark chocolate.

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OURMET

Girl Walks into a Bar

Off the Leash

As the hazy days of summer slowly start to fade, raise a toast to these four dog-friendly bars ready to host your next outdoor drinking excursion.

By april cumming For those who are new to Austin, there are some telltale signs you have indeed arrived in this city and are on your way to (eventually, maybe someday) becoming a local: comparing the costs of road bikes on Craigslist, owning a pair of rose-gold Kendra Scott earrings (or at least knowing someone who does) and succumbing to daily lunch daydreams of Torchy’s Tacos and Tiff’s Treats.

The one true indicator that you’re in Austin, though—a sign that, no matter the time of day, never fails—is you see everyone, and we mean everyone, walking around town with a dog. One could almost say dogs

are to Austinites what the bats living under the Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge are to Austin. There are dogs at the park, dogs at the office, dogs traipsing up and down the aisles of the grocery store and dogs dangling their legs off kayaks on Lady Bird Lake.

In anticipation of cooler weather looming on the horizon, we took a cue from the tail-wagging tendencies of our partners in crime and put our best paw forward, scouting four local bars—all dog-friendly and away from the more well-trodden mainstays (No offense, but we all know Banger’s is brilliant.)—that make for an ideal briskafternoon bar hop.

Yard Bar Opened in August 2015, Yard Bar is the brainchild of owner and former architect Kristen Heaney.

This canine-oriented hot spot is comprised of both large- and smalldog areas. One of the park’s many perks is that it’s regularly patrolled

by Bark Rangers, the de facto managers in charge of preventing and dispelling any rowdy canine behavior. Water hydrants, waste stations and first-come, first-served pet toys abound.

jS cope it out: Opening hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Daily entrance rates start at $5 per dog, and annual memberships start at $150. drinking and dining options here might just have you planning your return trip sooner rather than later. Try the Rescue Me cocktail (Tito’s vodka, lime juice, mint and ginger beer) accompanied by an Antonelli’s cheese plate and a round of freshly fried hush puppies with house-made cheese whiz. The dog-friendly menu looks just as mouthwatering, with suggestions ranging from beef sliders to a chilled concoction known as Hippy Ice (unsweetened coconut milk, banana, peanut butter and hemp powder).

jP in drop: 6700 Burnet Road, yardbar.com

82 | Austin Woman | september 2016

Photo courtesy of Niki Jones.

jS elling point: The plethora of

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Girl Walks into a Bar

Dog House Drinkery & Dog Park Trade the speed of city life for a slower pace in the country, kicking back with a glass of wine to watch an NFL game or play a game of darts while your dog exerts his energy chasing squirrels outside, and maybe even making a new friend or two. Tucked away in Cedar Park territory, Dog House Drinkery & Dog Park has the feel of a sports bar turned inside out. This ranch-style house sits on 2.5 acres of well-shaded land, a portion of which is sectioned off into both large- and small-dog park areas.

The owner, Melissa Barton, worked in the pet industry for more than 30 years before opening the establishment.

jS cope it out: Opening hours are 3 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. Daily entrance rates start at $5 per dog, and annual memberships start at $75.

jS elling point: Unlike other contenders in our lineup, dogs here are welcome to join you in the bar area.

jP in drop: 3800 County Road 175, Leander, Texas, doghousedrinkery.com

Moontower Saloon This Fido-friendly South Austin hot spot started out with 3 acres when it opened its doors in 2012. Four years later, Moontower Saloon is now sprawled across 11 oak-tree-studded acres. An ideal afternoon at the bar might begin with some friendly competition at one of the property’s sand volleyball courts. Set up your spike to the sound of live music playing in the background or choose a seat on the ample outdoor patio space and order up a drink from the full bar. The only unspoken requirement at Moontower is to “observe the 11th commandment: Thou shalt be cool.”

Photos courtesy of Doghouse Drinkery & Dog Park and Moontower Saloon.

jS cope it out: Opening hours are 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Monday through Saturday, and noon to 2 a.m.

Sunday.

jS elling point: As the weather outside starts to shift from blistering heat to brisk and breezy, the misting systems on the outdoor patio spaces are swapped with fire pits and radiant heaters. The saloon also hosts themed days, such as Family Friendly Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and All-day Happy Hour Mondays, to keep patrons (and their fourlegged crews) coming back. Fresh drinking water and waste stations are available for dogs.

jP in drop: 10212 Manchaca Road, moontowersaloon.com

austinwomanmagazine.com | 85

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Girl Walks into a Bar

Hops & Grain What to expect: If you keep driving east on Sixth Street, the road will eventually peter out at a warehouse. You’re not lost. This is simply how you know you’ve arrived at Hops & Grain, a sustainable brewery known for creating award-winning brews like the Zoe, a floral- and citrusdriven aromatic pale lager. As one of the founding fathers of Austin’s craft-brew scene, Hops & Grain Founder Josh Hare emphasizes community transparency, offering free, 45-minute tours of the H&G taproom Tuesday through Saturday. Let your four-legged friends tag along and soak in some rays from the outdoor patio as you practice your tasting skills, sipping on a flight of samples from the taproom.

jS cope it out: Opening taproom hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Monday through Friday. For those with an appetite to match their thirst, a food truck sets up shop onsite Thursday through Sunday.

Although dogs are not allowed inside the taproom, they are welcome on the outdoor patio.

jS elling point: The brewery bakes its own protein and fiberrich dog treats, known as Brew Biscuits, from scratch using spent brewing grains. To break it down in beer lingo: Your pets’ indulgences just got a smidge more sustainable.

jP in drop: 507 Calles St., hopsandgrain.com

{101

Pooch Perks

{

Free water and treats at Crown & Anchor Pub, 2911 San Jacinto Blvd., crownandanchorpub.com

Free treats at Bar 96,

Photos courtesy of Hops & Grain and April Cumming.

96 Rainey St., bar96austin.com

Free sausage brats on Saturdays at Draught House Pub & Brewery, 4112 Medical Parkway, draughthouse.com

Free dog bones at P. Terry’s, various locations throughout Austin, pterrys.com

Can You Keep a Secret (Menu)?

3 Try the Puppuchino, a small cup filled with whipped cream, from Starbucks, starbucks.com.

3 Try the Pooch-ini (dog biscuits, peanut-butter sauce and vanilla custard) and a Bag O’Bones (five ShackBurger dog biscuits made by Bocce’s Bakery) from Shake Shack, shakeshack.com.

3 Try the Doggie Bowl (brown and white rice, pulled chicken, peas and shredded carrots) from Taco Joint, thetacojoint.com.

austinwomanmagazine.com | 87

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food news

The Golden Aura of L’Oca d’Oro

Humble Italian cooking comes of age in an era of refined, contemporary cuisine.

By Danielle Ransom Get whisked into a new world at L’Oca d’Oro (l-oh-kuh, door-o), where bequeathed cooking traditions and modern gastronomy techniques meet to create humble yet decadent contemporary cuisine. Italian for “golden goose,” L’Oca d’Oro offers both individual and shareable, family-style meals, making it a dining destination for both date nights and nights out with the family.

Black pepper tagliatelle carbonara

Photos by Carlos Benavides and Jackie Klusmeyer.

Start your night with one of the bar’s specially crafted cocktails, perhaps the Vida Blue, a blueberry-mint cava, or the Leone Sour, a mixture of Bourbon and Italian liqueur with just a touch of lemon and honey. Or take a seat by the open, wood-burning grill at the butcher’s table as you sip on one of the restaurant’s Mediterranean-sourced wines or sample from the Wines on Tap menu.

While the bright, natural-light-infused, modern interior (vaulted ceilings and sky-blue, goldplastered walls lined with antique mirrors) entices you to step farther inside and take a seat, a whiff of crisp spices in the air convinces you to stay.

The restaurant rotates its menu on an almost-daily basis, meaning regulars are given a chance to sample a diverse array of seasonally inspired dishes. Some staples, though—like the homemade Italian meatballs topped with tomato jam and pecorino cheese—have earned their keep on the menu. Another regular not in the running for retirement any time soon is the eggplant Parmesan, made with smoked chilis and stracciatella (an egg- and cheese-based Italian soup).

Open since mid-June, L’Oca d’Oro is helmed by Executive Chef Fiore Tedesco, who hails from beloved Austin joints Franklin Barbecue and Bufalina, and General Manager Adam Orman.

In what seems a fortuitous twist of fate, the restaurant is perched just a few paces from Mueller Lake Park, allowing diners to watch from afar as families and flocks of geese frolic in the sun.

88 | Austin Woman | september 2016

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W

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HEALTH

The Add-one-thing Challenge

Break up with dieting for good with this lasting approach.

BY Lauryn Lax

instead. Throughout the next four weeks, adopt one healthy change and make it a habit. Next month, add one more thing and so on. Whether your goal is weight loss or healthier living, tackling one thing at a time will help you build a lifestyle that yields lasting, long-term results. Just keep adding one thing at a time.

Seven out of 10 Americans say they are “actively trying to be healthier” at any point in time, according to a Nielsen healthand-wellness report. Enter the diet trends, juice cleanses, gym challenges, FitBits, calorie counting and more.

This month, Austin Woman challenges you to break up with yo-yo dieting and try the Add-one-thing Challenge Choose From Our Top 20 Add-ons to Get Started:

1

Add half your bodyweight,

2 [9]

Add fresh-squeezed lemon or one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to your morning cup of water.

It will help stimulate healthy digestion and energy for the day.

Add organic. Buy the Dirty Dozen foods in organic varieties to avoid harsh chemicals. They include strawberries, apples, nectarines, peaches, celery, grapes, cherries, spinach, tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, cucumbers and hot peppers.

3

Add sauerkraut. Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria, both good and bad. Arm your gut with probiotics found in fermented foods like sauerkraut and kombucha.

4

5

13

Add a chef’s hat. Cook your food, or at least the majority of it. You’ll know what’s in it and avoid many of the hydrogenated oils used at most restaurants.

14 16

10

12 15

Add Lady Bird Lake.

Walking is the best exercise you can do anywhere. Whether you park the car farther away from the grocery-store entrance, stretch your legs at work or meet a friend for a walk on the trail, just walk more.

Add inspiration. Pursue self-development.

Attend a conference or meetup, find a mentor or listen to inspiring books on Audible during your commute to work, which isn’t getting any shorter.

20

90 | Austin Woman | september 2016

Add butter. Eat a healthy fat with every meal. Healthy fat burns fat, improves digestion and mental clarity and gives you glowing skin. Some options include grass-fed butter, ghee, avocado and coconut oil.

Add clear skin. Your skin, just like your body, eats. Replace one hygiene product with a natural version or create your own using a base of coconut oil or ghee.

Add five minutes.

Carve out five minutes to meditate and just be. Pro tip: Try the app Headspace to learn more.

6

Add one serving of leafy greens.

Greens aid in digestive health, boost energy and prevent disease.

Saute greens or add them to a smoothie.

7

Add chocolate. Give yourself permission for little treats. You’ll feel less deprived by allowing yourself this tiny pleasure rather than restricting or shaming yourself.

Add glass and steel.

Replace your plastic food containers and water bottles with glass and stainless-steel varieties to avoid toxins.

Add one ingredient.

Keep groceries simple by shopping for whole foods that consist of just one ingredient, like fruits and vegetables or meat and potatoes.

8

Add one cup of (quality) coffee. Excess coffee, even decaf, spikes cortisol levels (the stress hormone), dehydrates you, depletes your energy and makes you crave sugar. Commit to just one cup of coffee per day, but make it a good one.

that is, in the ounces of water you drink each day.

11

Add beauty rest. Set yourself up for a successful night’s sleep. Put the cellphone away. Drink warm, herbal tea. Turn off all screens and devices. Read a good book.

Utilize blackout curtains. Lower the temperature. Again, put the cellphone away.

Add sunrise. Invest in a sun alarm. It will tap into your body’s natural circadian rhythms and wake you up feeling fresh instead of fatigued.

17

18

Add lean muscle. Lift weights three to four days per week to build lean, healthy muscle, boost your metabolism, prevent bone loss and to finally be able to put your own carry-on in the overhead bin, gosh darn it!

19

Add a mantra.

Come up with a positive mantra to tell yourself every morning when you wake up and look in the mirror.

Add the right light. The light of day and the light of night affect more than your mood. Emit the right amounts of blue light and welcome in orange light by downloading the nifty app f.lux. Watch and learn as your mind, body and spirit get in sync with your daily schedule, like clockwork.

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ellness

Q&A

The Truth About the Thyroid

Don’t get knocked off the hormonal balance beam.

By Christine Williams We’ve all heard that phrase, “I’m sure she just has a thyroid problem.” The thyroid, a butterflyshaped gland in the lower neck, might be best known for how it can plague a person’s metabolism, sometimes resulting in weight gain.

But when left untreated, hormonal imbalances in the thyroid can also cause devastating effects to the cardiovascular system, reproductive system and other major organs. Curious about just what else the thyroid is responsible for, Austin Woman reached out to Dr. Simone Scumpia of Austin Thyroid and Endocrinology to gain some insight.

Austin Woman: What are the hormones in the thyroid gland, and what do they control in a woman’s body?

Simone Scumpia: Thyroxine [or T4] and triiodothyronine [or T3]. They control metabolism and smooth out every action of every cell in the body in both men and women.

AW: What is the most significant, short- or long-term effect of thyroid hormonal imbalance?

SS: There is no short- or long-term effect. It depends on the rapidity of the onset of the imbalance. However, low [levels of hormones in the] thyroid slow metabolism and slow down all cell activities. High [levels of hormones in the] thyroid speed up the metabolism and speed all body activities.

AW: How do these hormonal imbalances affect women, as opposed to men?

SS: Thyroid hormones have the same effects at the cell level in men and women. The only difference is that the response of the reproductive system is different. In women, it might give irregular menses and infertility, and in men, lack of libido and sometimes, infertility.

AW: How do the hormonal imbalances affect women at different ages?

SS: The only difference is that in the very young and the very old, the symptoms may be masked and not really apparent.

There is no real difference, per se, by age.

AW: Could too much of one nutrient cause a hormonal imbalance?

SS: The only nutrient which should be avoided at all times is iodine—for example: kelp, seaweed and any preparation with iodine—since it blocks the thyroid hormone release and then, after two to four weeks through an escape phenomenon, it accelerates the production of the hormone to dangerous levels. [These supplements] should be avoided at all ages and particularly during pregnancy and old age. If, however, you are on yet another fad diet, iodine levels should be checked and supplementation should be done under the care of a medical doctor. Iodized salt is fine.

92 | Austin Woman | september 2016

Hypothyroidism Versus Hyperthyroidism In a nutshell, hypothyroidism is when the thyroid underproduces hormones, and hyperthyroidism is when it overproduces them.

Hypothyroidism is the most common type of thyroid disorder and affects an estimated 15 million Americans, particularly women and the elderly. Hyperthyroidism is less common, affecting an estimated 1 to 2 million Americans, and is more prevalent among women in their 30s and 40s.

Symptoms Hypothyroidism: Fatigue, irregular menstrual periods, impotence, high cholesterol, hoarse voice, mood swings, difficulty swallowing, forgetfulness, intolerance to cold and dry, coarse skin and hair Hyperthyroidism: Irritability, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, osteoporosis, nervousness, sleep disturbance, muscle weakness, tremors, enlarged thyroid (goiter), irregular menstrual periods, heat intolerance, weight loss, vision problems and eye irritation Treatment Hypothyroidism: To replace the missing hormones, the preferred treatment involves supplementing the body’s naturally producing hormones with a synthetic hormone tablet, levothyroxine sodium, which is generally taken for life.

Hyperthyroidism: Treatment methods include anti-thyroid drug therapy, which blocks thyroid hormone production; radioactive iodine treatment, in which the overactive thyroid is disabled and reduced in size; and thyroid surgery to remove part or all of the gland, a method that is usually used to treat very young patients with Graves’ disease and older patients with diseased thyroid glands. Austin Thyroid and Endocrinology is the only endocrine office in Austin that administers radioactive iodine onsite.

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memo from JB

Fear of the Unknown

The long and winding road behind and ahead of me.

By JB Hager, photo by rudy arocha “Do you miss being on the radio?” That is a question I get almost daily. Assuming most of you don’t know me, I was on a radio morning show in Austin for the last 20 years.

I’m from here, so being able to do morning radio in Austin, Texas, was a dream of mine. I still have my first portable word processor, a Tandy TRS-80 100 (circa 1989) and its tiny little hard drive still contains my life goals, which include “Do morning radio in Austin, Texas.”

I won’t bore you with the details of my departure, but for the sake of context, I’ll just say I was not renewed at a big company I was working for. I wanted to do this another 15 years. They wanted a cheaper solution, part of reporting to Wall Street. As much as it hurt at the time to have that taken away, in retrospect, I was miserable at what it had become. It was kind of like when you are offended that you didn’t get invited to a party even though you can’t stand the person hosting it and likely wouldn’t go, but just want to be invited.

There are a lot of local players involved. I’ll leave it at that. I may have been a bit bitter when it all went down, but certainly don’t feel that way today. I liken it to friends of mine who went through a horrific divorce and can’t, for the life of them, figure out what they saw in their ex or why they stayed as long as they did. They came out on the other side loved, respected and happier.

The likely answer for anyone staying too long in any situation is fear, pure, utter fear of the unknown.

I had a follow-up opportunity with a small, local radio company, which had its challenges, but it made me fall in love with radio again, kind of like a new love in your life who loves you for who you are.

Unfortunately, for reasons somewhat beyond my control, I had to make the decision to leave. Again, the fear came.

I’m not going to lie; it was completely terrifying. What was I going to do? This is all I have ever done in my life. When you are supporting a wonderful wife and daughter, the fear of change and failure can be all-consuming. But love it or hate it, it’s the devil you know.

Here’s the irony: A favorite movie and book of mine are about fear and how it consumes you. The movie is Defending Your Life by Albert Brooks. Brooks plays Daniel, who dies in a car accident and ends up in a purgatory-type holding place to have his life reviewed by a panel of judges. During his time in this place, he meets Julia, played by Meryl Streep. She is also having her life reviewed. This holding place determines whether they go forward or back to earth to try again.

Daniel, comparing his reviews to Julia’s, is shown that he lived a life of fear and has to go back. Julia, on the other hand, lived a bold, brave life and will move forward. I won’t give away the ending, but it is all about overcoming fear in life.

The book that is a recent favorite of mine is Outwitting the Devil

by Napoleon Hill, best known as the author of Think and Grow Rich.

The book was written in 1938, but not released until 2011, when it was updated and annotated by Sharon Lechter, a new friend of mine.

When your friend writes a book, you had better read it. The book was controversial because it involves conversations with the devil, something I believe we all have. Again, I won’t give away too much, but the book is all about fear, overcoming it so it doesn’t grip you, consume you and take over your life. The alternative is to face your fears, take risks and look ahead.

94 | Austin Woman | september 2016

A long answer to a very simple question is this: No, I don’t miss being on the radio, not under the circumstances I was in. Do I miss talking to Austinites every day? Absolutely. In a different environment, would I go back? Yes. For now, I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing and letting myself know that it’s going to be all right. Everyone fears a major career change. I have to remind myself that I’m lucky to have one. How I ended up here is another story for another day.

Am I scared? You bet. Am I paralyzed by this fear? I can’t speak about every day, but not today.

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I Am Austin Woman

Making a Difference Through Friendship and Service

how fortunate I was, that in the world Austin has been my home since of Alzheimer’s disease, many caregivers 1957, when Darrell became don’t have that support. As time passed the University of Texas’ head and Darrell withdrew deeper into his football coach. By that time, disease, I was preoccupied more and I had already traveled a long more with those thoughts. road with that handsome, kind, In February 2012, along with many young man I met at an Oklahofriends and family members, I estabma skating rink and eloped with lished the Darrell K Royal Research in 1944. We both came from Fund for Alzheimer’s Disease, with humble beginnings, so, hard patients and caregivers equally in mind. work was no stranger. Darrell Darrell died nine months later. The served in the Air Force during Edith Royal at her 90th birthday celebration with her DKR Fund has been my way of honoring World War II, while I took a job friends Charles and Karen Matthews, Susie and Kenny him ever since, and it has given focus to rehabbing leather airmen’s jackJastrow, Mike and Melinda Perrin, and Ben Crenshaw. my new life. ets at Tinker Field near OklaSince June 2012, the DKR Fund has homa City. It wasn’t glamorous, raised more than $3 million for Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, but we were raised to believe in service. I still do. traumatic-brain-injury and neurological-injury research, treatment Football may have appeared to be Darrell’s life, and he surely did and awareness. Darrell’s courage gives a voice and a face to this love everything about the game. But beyond family, the central focus dreaded disease that has been hidden behind closed doors too long. of our lives was never football; it was friends. Football was the setting With no cure in sight and no drugs available to alter the course of in which we cultivated deep, meaningful, lifelong friendships.

Alzheimer’s disease, the DKR Fund is accelerating progress and Darrell and I both cared deeply about his players, and we poured supporting caregivers along the way. so much energy and love into helping them that they became, in Sept. 2, two days before the University of Texas–Notre Dame a sense, our family. Throughout the years, as Darrell’s coaching football game, marks the date of the Ben Willie Darrell 4th and success grew, our circle of friends expanded to include presidents, Goal Gala benefiting the DKR Fund. The highlight of the eveactors and musicians. But Darrell never really cared about status; ning will be the awarding of the 2016 DKR Fund research grants. he cared about friendship, and he gave as much as he received. He Under the direction of the very distinguished Dr. Ron Petersen of treated everyone equally: No matter who you were, you kept quiet the Mayo Clinic, we have, in years past, during his beloved private “pickin’ ” chosen the most promising, qualified reparties…or you left!

When Darrell and I moved to Austin 60 cipients from UT Austin, UT SouthwestWhen Darrell was diagnosed with years ago, we clearly sensed the loving, ern Medical Center Dallas, UT Dallas, Alzheimer’s disease, those friendships beUT Medical Branch Galveston and Baylor came more valuable than ever to both of giving, servant soul of this city.

College of Medicine to make the highest us. Suddenly, I was without my best friend and best use of those funds for the benefit at my side to share in life and help with of Alzheimer’s patients and families now and in the future. 2016 decisions. Former players and friends from all walks of life flocked recipients will be, I am sure, just as worthy. to our house. They took him out to lunch, for a drive or to the golf When I look back at my life from the perspective of 90 years, I course. Some just stayed for a chat. Willie Nelson and George Strait realize how blessed I’ve been. Although the page has turned and a dropped by. So did Charlie Pride, Matthew McConaughey and many new chapter is unfolding, a lot of wonderful things still lie ahead, others. He loved them all, and they never forgot him. precious times spent with friends and a new way to make a real Those visits were a lifeline for both Darrell and me. They kept difference in people’s lives. When Darrell and I moved to Austin 60 him connected and brought him hours of pleasure he might have years ago, we clearly sensed the loving, giving, servant soul of this missed except for our wide circle of loyal friends. They comforted city. Now, in my later years, I am seeing that spirit endures, and that me and gave me precious breaks from caregiving, the chance to do gives me hope we will succeed in conquering this dreadful disease. some little thing for myself or just sit quietly. And I began to realize Visit dkrfund.org for more information about the Darrell K Royal Research Fund for Alzheimer’s Disease and the Ben Willie Darrell 4th and Goal Gala.

Austin Woman features a reader-submitted essay every month in the I Am Austin Woman column.

To be considered for November’s I Am Austin Woman, email a 500-word submission on a topic of your choice by Oct. 1 to submissions@awmediainc.com with the subject line “I Am Austin Woman.”

96 | Austin Woman | september 2016

Photo courtesy of the Darrell K Royal Research Fund for Alzheimer’s Disease.

From her early years with the king of Texas football to her unwavering commitment to Alzheimer’s research, Edith Royal recounts to Austin Woman the joys of being surrounded by loyal loved ones.

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Austin Woman MAGAZINE | september 2016

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