September 2019

AUSTIN WOMAN MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2019

“When women support women, big things happen.” —Melinda Garvey

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AUSTIN SKIN PLUS

IS CHANGING THE WAY ACNE IS TREATED The passion and drive behind Austin Skin Plus Acne Clinic started when Carly Sanchez was a teenager trying any and every new skin-care product to clear her acne. Sanchez is among the many who not only suffered from acne as a teen, but also took harsh medications like Accutane to clear acne. Sanchez saw the not-so-desirable side effects of harsh prescription medications like Accutane, antibiotics, birth control and topical drugs being prescribed to treat acne.

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She has spent countless hours studying cosmetic chemistry and creating products in her lab to develop the most effective formulas for clearing acne. With a tried-and-true approach, Austin Skin Plus Acne Clinic has a 98 percent success rate of clearing acne through an extensive consultation process that gets to the root cause of acne, whether it’s genetic, hormonal, digestion-related or environmental. Part of the consultation process involves educating clients about why they have acne in the first place. Once they learn what is causing the acne, they are more committed to the clearing process. Then a personalized treatment plan and product routine is created based on the type and severity of the acne. Sanchez’s team of aestheticians, who follow and implement the Skin+ Method, clear most clients’ acne in four months or less.

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The passion and drive behind the business is not just clearing acne; it’s completely changing clients’ lives and self-confidence. Sanchez remembers a teen client who wouldn’t eat dinner with her family unless the lights were dimmed because she was so ashamed of her acne. Parents of some of her teen clients confide in Sanchez about their children not wanting to go to school or join any activities because they are ashamed of their acne.

Having acne can be devastating to confidence and self-esteem. With the Austin Skin Plus Acne Clinic, there is a safe, alternative option for clearing acne and improving the life of anyone suffering from acne.

Austin Skin Plus continues to grow with new products and formulas to clear acne and minimize acne scarring. With advancements in science and technology, there is always more to learn when it comes to treating acne. With Sanchez’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to cosmetic chemistry, she is always designing new and improved ways to clear clients’ acne and reach more people.

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54

ON THE COVER

DARING TO WYNNE

BY HANNAH J. PHILLIPS

60

FEATURE

THE PATH TO MENTORSHIP

BY BRIANNA CALERI

Photo by Annie Ray.

AND COURTNEY RUNN

CONTENTS

Photo by Whitney Devin.

SEPTEMBER

46 SAVVY WOMEN

DISCOVER

18 C OUNT US IN

38 TEXAS TRIPPIN’

20 GIVE BACK

Women in Numbers

Imagine A Way

22 F ROM THE DESK OF 24 S TART THE CONVO

Carol Huntsberger Employing Disabled Workers

Ellinger

STYLE + HOME 40 T RENDING

Bohemian Rhapsody

46 SEE HER WORK

TK Tunchez

ATX WOMEN TO WATCH

50 AT HOME WITH

Paola Mathé

28 E MILY WARD AND RAQUEL SKROBARCZYK

GOURMET

29 SHERI MARSHALL 30 CHRISTA KLEINHANS TUTTLE 31 A LEXIS SIMÓN 32 MEG MCELROY 33 RACHEL STANLEY 34 IFFY IBEKWE

66 FOOD NEWS

Bennu Coffee

WELLNESS 68 W AITING ROOM 70 H ER ROUTINE

Battling Burnout

Bodybuilder Mikaela Fetters

35 MICHELLE DOYON

POINT OF VIEW

36 DR. KATIE HADDEN JACKSON

72 O N THE MONEY

37 PAMELA BENSON OWENS

74 ASK LUCY

Financial Literacy for Kids

Keeping Austin Pets Alive

76 I AM AUSTIN WOMAN 8 | AUSTIN WOMAN | SEPTEMBER 2019

ON THE COVER Photo by Annie Ray annieraycreative.com

Alta Alexander

Hair and makeup by Gertie Wilson elevecosmetics.com Balloon installation by Melony Rodwell melonyrodwell.com Shot on location at Blazer Tag Adventure Center blazertag.com

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ATXDOCTORS

A PUBLICATION OF AW MEDIA INC.

GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH

VOLUME 18, ISSUE 1

DAWN WESTON

Publisher NIKI JONES

CHANTAL RICE

Creative Director

Managing Editor COURTNEY RUNN

Assistant Editor MADILYN BISCOE

Marketing and Events Manager SAMANTHA PITKIN

Interim Marketing and Events Manager MONIKA KELLEY, CHRISTINA RINKEN-FABIANICH

Account Executives POONAM PATEL

Operations Manager LAUREN FRANK

Sales and Production Assistant CONTRIBUTORS

Editorial: Alta Alexander, Jordan Burnham, Brianna Caleri, Jenny Hoff, Lindsey Logan, Regine Malibiran, Hannah J. Phillips, Lucy J. Phillips, Chantal Rice, Courtney Runn, Gretchen M. Sanders, Kathryn Stouffer Art: Lucero Archuleta, Rudy Arocha, Harshita Avirneni, Jana Cantua, Whitney Devin, Angel Henderson, Kara E. Henderson, Dwayne Hill, Niki Jones, Kyra M. Knox, Betsey Lackey, Maria Lokke, Annie Ray, Courtney Runn, Emily Jane Steinberg, Edward Verosky, Madison Weakley, Carrin Welch, Jessica Wetterer, Gertie Wilson, Casey Withers INTERNS

Harshita Avirneni, Jordan Burnham, Marlen Iruegas, Lindsey Logan, Isabel Rosenstein, Bailey Whelton

YOUR GO-TO GUIDE FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS IN AUSTIN MELINDA GARVEY

KIP GARVEY

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CEO/Owner

SAMANTHA STEVENS

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CFO

ASK THE EXPERT ARTICLES ANSWERING NEED-TO-KNOW MEDICAL QUESTIONS DIRECTORY OF AUSTIN HEALTH PROFESSIONALS BY SPECIALTY

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FROM THE FOUNDER PARTNERS

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

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W

hen I was 17, I was rockin’ my senior year of high school, already accepted early admission to the college of my choice, where my high-school bestie was also accepted, had a steady “Eddie” to take me to all the senior-year fun and was in generally good graces with both my parents and my teachers. Boom. I was on fire and on top of the world, and although I would not have self-described as “old,” I definitely felt like a grown-up—and oh so very mature!

When the marketing materials for Austin Woman’s 17th anniversary event came across my desk months ago, I remember this jarring feeling seeing that number in black and white. Now, of course, I remembered we had our Sweet 16 last year, so it stood to reason that we are now turning 17. But why did it feel so different? Sweet 16 still seems so young and innocent, but by the time 17 rolls around, you are making life decisions and trying to test the waters of adulthood.

And in company terms—especially for a small entrepreneurial venture—17 is old, established, even iconic. As I walk the hallway of our office each day, I am reminded of those 17 years and the women who graced our covers and, frankly, deserve the credit for making Austin Woman a success.

As of this month, we have featured more than 200 incredible women on our covers and thousands more throughout the pages of the magazine and online. And believe me, we have not even cracked the surface! I remember when I first started the magazine. My greatest fear was running out of women to feature, which is ridiculous in hindsight, but I was new to Austin and just did not see very many women being featured or talked about in the local press. I now cannot imagine what my life might have looked like had I not decided to take the plunge into entrepreneurship and start the magazine. Many of my dearest friends, colleagues and confidantes are women I met because we featured them in Austin Woman. I even met my husband because of Austin Woman, as the restaurant he was running at the time was one of our first advertisers.

To think back to when I was 17 with the world at my feet, I never, ever could have imagined this would be my life. It is absolutely the hardest thing I have ever done and also one of my greatest joys. I do have a wonderful human child too, but Austin Woman will always be my first baby.

Cheers to all of you who have supported us and encouraged us throughout the years and to an incredible and dedicated team who makes sure the magazine hits the stands each month, championing women all the way.

Much love and gratitude,

Join the conversation @AustinWoman

12 | AUSTIN WOMAN | SEPTEMBER 2019

MELINDA GARVEY

Founder

Top photo by Rudy Arocha. Bottom photo by Niki Jones.

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ATX WOMAN TO WATCH SPE CIAL PROMOTION

CONTRIBUTORS In honor of Austin Woman’s 17th anniversary, this month, we asked our contributors: What’s your favorite memory from when you were 17?

MELONY RODWELL

COVER BALLOON-INSTALLATION ARTIST ATX

WOMAN to WATCH

Melony Rodwell is a local business owner living just outside of weird for the better part of her existence. She considers herself a “passionista” of sorts, lover of the arts, creative junky, mama of two amazing human babies and two giant fuzzy babies.

She loves living in this beautiful city and spends her days styling flower arrangements, bundling balloons or chauffeuring her tween-aged kids around.

“My favorite thing to do when I was 17 was drive. I had a royalblue Jeep Wrangler that was always calling my name. I’d pick up my best girls and we would hit the streets, top down, hot or cold, rain or shine, driving aimlessly, listening to music way too loud. Yep, we thought we were pretty cool.”

KATHRYN STOUFFER

WRITER, “PERK UP,” PAGE 66

Kathryn Stouffer is a freelance writer and marketer based in Austin. She’s called Austin home for six years this month yet stumbles upon something new here every day. She enjoys writing about the hidden gems that make this city special, whether a person, place or plate. When she’s not at the desk, you can find her lapping Lady Bird Lake or Deep Eddy Pool.

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atherine Stiles is the cock tail-mixer comp founder and head maker of Barb ecue Wife, a junkany based in Aust free craftwhen she and her in. Stiles became husband, Shane a Stiles, opened Stiles barbecue wife in 2011 award-winning craftbarbecue joint in Switch BBQ & Brew The Switch, whic Austin. They open , an h also serves her ed their second restaurant, delicious cock tails, Texas. Catherine Stiles was inspired in 2018 in Dripp ing Springs, by the no-corner tral Texas barbecue s-cut method of and took it a step prepping Cenfurther to create mixers, including a line of junk-free her award-winning craft-cock tail Barbecue Wife Bloo Wife Texas Smo ked Honey Marg dy Mary Mix and arita Mix. Catherine Barbecue ing and sharing Stiles the stories of wom en in barbecue throu is an advocate for supportbarbecuewife.com gh her Barbecue Wife effor ts.

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“My favorite memory of 17: This question made me feel old, but it was probably my high school’s homecoming week. Everyone dressed in theme each day and, of course, seniors had their own surprise theme, so any chance to dress up and be slightly rebellious felt very quintessentially high-school senior.”

JANA CANTUA

PHOTOGRAPHER, “PAOLA MATHÉ,” PAGE 50

Jana Cantua is a Mexican photographer, stylist and creative director based in Texas.

She loves using bold colors to create eyecatching photographs for her clients. When she’s not on a fashion photo shoot, she likes to work on her personal photo series documenting Latin Americans.

“My favorite memory from that year is when my mother and I would take walks on the shore of South Padre Island. I would collect seashells and we would stare at the waves coming and going. The first photo I ever posted on my Instagram account was of my mother sitting on the beach and smiling.

My Instagram handle actually used to be @oceansounds.

That’s how much I loved the ocean. It took me a long time to finally change the handle to my full name.”

REGINE MALIBIRAN

WRITER, “BATTLING BURNOUT,” PAGE 68

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Regine Malibiran is a creative specializing in writing, social media and event production. As a lover of words and stories, she is committed to elevating unheard and marginalized voices through her work. She also loves cats, trying new food and Beyoncé.

“The summer when I was 17 years old, I visited my grandparents in California for their 50th wedding anniversary. It was a massive event. All six grandkids were there and were expected to provide the entertainment. I performed a short piece on the flute and reenacted the story of my grandparents falling in love as my eldest cousin sang a handful of love songs.”

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CONNECT WITH US! IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Check us out at atxwoman.com.

➥ Andrea Valdez. There’s a new editor in town. This summer, The Texas Observer welcomed ➥ MakeCrate. Austinite Katie Stephens’ kids grew up in schools that promoted STEM but

she realized not every student has access to such opportunities and resources. She created MakeCrate to bridge that gap. A subscription-box company, MakeCrate uses kits and online instruction to teach kids STEM skills, like coding, with the aim of making STEM fun and accessible for all students.

➥ New Mexico. Hit the road to discover some enchantment at the Hyatt Tamaya Resort

and Spa, located on the historic Santa Ana Pueblo just north of Albuquerque, N.M. Surrounded by unspoiled mountain vistas and rugged terrain, the resort offers everything a busy Austin gal needs to unplug and rejuvenate, including a variety of classes taught by Native American pueblo residents, hot-air-balloon rides, horseback riding, golf and lots of opportunities to luxuriate amid an idyllic natural backdrop.

➥ Moms’ Back-to-school Survival Guide. Just because it’s back-to-school time for the kids doesn’t mean moms should fret about managing an ever-growing to-do list of chores, after-school activities and carpool drama. Check out Austin Woman’s recommended list of local products and services to help moms keep their cool, incorporate some calming me time and tame the back-to-school frenzy.

WIN THIS!

KELLY WYNNE MONEY MAKER MINI WALLET We at Austin Woman know you work hard for your money, ladies, and so does our tireless and spirited cover woman, Kelly Wynne Ferguson.

And she wants you to flaunt it in style. That’s why she’s generously donating a Kelly Wynne Boss Lady Money Maker Mini Wallet (valued at $105) to one lucky AW reader. It may be a mini, but its mighty interior boasts two large pockets to hold all your cash money and two small slots to carry your shiny cards. Sealed with a zip, your money will be secure until your next shopping spree. The sleek, small design is perfect for tossing in any Kelly Wynne bag, or choose to lose the luggage and clip your keys to the convenient key ring to travel light. Either way, it’s a Wynne win! To enter to win, follow us on Instagram @austinwoman and stay on the lookout for the giveaway announcement. A winner will be chosen by the end of the month.

DON’T MISS Les Dames d’Escoffier’s You Grill Girl Sept. 5, 7 to 10 p.m.

Franklin Barbecue, 900 E. 11th St. ldeiaustin.org

FOLLOW US

@austinwoman

16 | AUSTIN WOMAN | SEPTEMBER 2019

Austin Woman’s 17th Anniversary Sept. 13, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The Westin Austin at The Domain, 11301 Domain Drive atxtickets.com

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Austin Ultimate Women’s Expo Sept. 28 and 29 Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road austinwomensexpo.com

FOLLOW US

@ austinwoman

Andrea Valdez photo by Maria Lokke for Wired. Katie Stephens photo by Harshita Avirneni. Hot-air balloons photo by Carrin Welch. Money Maker Mini Wallet photo courtesy of Kelly Wynne.

Andrea Valdez as its new editor-in-chief. Formerly with Texas Monthly and Wired, Valdez is the first Latina to lead a statewide publication in Texas. We chatted with her about her career, diversity in media and the future of The Texas Observer.

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TOP FEARS OF WOMEN DURING DIVORCE Divorce attorney Janet McCullar addresses your concerns.

BY JANET MCCULLAR

Virtually every woman who comes to see me about a divorce has fears about her situation. Many have spent months or even years contemplating divorce. The fear is palpable when I walk into the room. Tears are often shed, but sometimes those are tears of relief because I have provided some information to allay the fear. These are the most common fears expressed to me by women:

If you have these fears, schedule a consultation with a custody or divorce lawyer like me and get an opinion about the risks to you based on your specific situation. Most divorce lawyers charge for a consultation by the hour, but it is worth it to meet with an attorney, pay the consultation fee and walk out of the meeting with one less fear.

Just because you have a consultation doesn’t mean you are going to get a divorce.

Many people meet with me just to get some information about their rights and options, so don’t let your fears keep you from getting the information you need!

1. I’m going to lose custody of my children.

A husband may threaten to take the children, and most of the women I talk to have heard some horror story in which a good mom lost her children to an uninvolved dad. This is extremely unlikely. While I see more and more dads becoming involved and more parents choosing to divide their time between the children equally, change is slow to come in the area of divorce, and for the vast majority of couples, Mom will remain a primary caregiver and have the majority of time with the children. Although I have represented fathers who do have custody of their children, in every one of those cases, the mom was so impaired that she was unable to have the primary care of her children. If you are struggling or have struggled with addiction or a mental-health disorder, you are also not likely to lose custody if you have taken steps to deal with those issues. I have represented women who are recovered alcoholics or addicts who are fearful that their past actions will cause them to lose their children, and it is simply not the case.

2. I can’t afford to get divorced.

Attorneys fees are paid out of the resources of the marital estate, that is, the money you and your spouse have available.

No one has set up an account to pay for a divorce, yet every day, the costs related to a divorce are paid. Most attorneys accept credit cards and the divorce is paid for over time instead of one fee up front. Divorce attorneys know most people need some help figuring out how to pay for their divorce, and for many, it is a question of access to money to pay for it. Many women who come see me have no idea how much money they have or how they are going to pay for a divorce. There is no need to feel any shame about this issue. Many homes are still set up in a traditional way: a stay-at-home mom and a working dad. If your husband says he won’t give you access to financial records, don’t worry about it. Divorce lawyers know how to get the information they need to determine what you have, what it is worth and how to divide the assets and debts.

3. I can’t support myself while a divorce is pending.

It is your attorney’s job to see to it that you and your children are supported during a divorce. Most often, this is worked out by agreement between the lawyers. If an agreement can’t be reached, you may have to go to court, but courts are interested in making sure there is the least amount of disruption to a family. Even when I was going through a divorce, I wondered how we could afford two separate homes but, of course, we managed. No matter how much money you have, dividing it up creates fears. There may have to be some changes, but while the divorce is pending, support will be paid.

Janet McCullar is a nationally respected trial attorney known for her skill and success in the courtroom. She has represented clients in hundreds of complex divorce and custody cases. Although she represents clients during trying times, her cases are routinely resolved amicably to save the client the time, cost and pain involved in litigation. McCullar is board-certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She was also selected as a fellow in the prestigious American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, an organization that consists of the nation’s top divorce attorneys.

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AVVY WOMEN

COUNT US IN

WOMEN IN NUMBERS

Celebrating Austin Woman’s 17th year, we reflect on the magazine’s connection with our community.

BY LINDSEY LOGAN, ILLUSTRATIONS BY JESSICA WETTERER

205 Women 3 Brands

Austin Woman magazine has featured 205 phenomenal women on its cover in its remarkable 17 years. Our inaugural cover woman, Amy Simmons, as well as Whitney Wolfe, Kendra Scott, Mica May, Camila Alves, Kristen Kish and Sanya Richards-Ross are just a few of the many incredible ladies who have graced the cover and continue to inspire our community.

AW Media Inc. is proud to serve Austin readers with three media brands, which have developed throughout the years as the company grew: Austin Woman, ATX Man and the most recent addition, ATX Doctors. Additionally, AW Media produces a variety of special publications, including the annual Guide to Good Health.

2002 Melinda Garvey founded Austin Woman magazine in 2002. For 17 years, she has fearlessly led the media company with a mission to empower and inspire the women of Austin. She is known in the Austin community not just as a founder, but also as a leader, mentor, contributor, role model and philanthropist.

14 to 30 Cups We admit it: The Austin Woman team thrives on caffeine. On any given day, our small crew of hardworking ladies consumes an average of 14 cups of coffee or other caffeine-spiked beverages. Of course, on days when the monthly magazine issue is in production and about to go to press, our daily caffeine imbibing rises to high-octane levels, with our minimal staff consuming upwards of 30 cups of go-go juice!

18 | AUSTIN WOMAN | SEPTEMBER 2019

77,627 Followers Austin Woman has a growing social-media presence, with a curated 77,627 social-media followers on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Instagram leads the way for AW, with a community of more than 42,300 engaged followers the AW team loves connecting with.

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A RAY OF HOPE

Imagine A Way helps fund costly life-changing therapy for children in the Austin area diagnosed with autism.

BY JORDAN BURNHAM Joshua Price loves video games. He travels, most recently with his grandfather. If you know him, you might not realize he was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2 1/2. And it might not occur to you that already in his young life, he has received years of costly therapy.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one in every 59 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, which encompasses a radius of conditions that affect social skills, communication, behavior and speech.

After Joshua Price was diagnosed with autism, his mother, Carolyn Price, quickly learned to navigate the new diagnosis.

“You feel completely helpless. And the thing that matters to you most in the world is your child and your family, and you’re just sitting like, ‘I can’t do anything. I can’t fix this situation,’ ” she says.

Carolyn Price says a doctor told her to immediately get her son into therapy following his diagnosis. Therapy, which often includes speech and occupational treatments, as well as applied behavior analysis, or ABA, plays a critical role in providing children with autism the opportunity to flourish.

However, the Price family rapidly discovered the reality of the high price tag attached to an autism diagnosis. According to data provided by autism-focused nonprofit Imagine A Way, without any insurance coverage, 20 hours a week of ABA therapy and two hours each of speech and occupational therapy a week can cost a staggering $100,000 per year. Even with insurance coverage for certain therapy services, a family can still face a cost of $5,000 to $25,000 per year to treat a child with autism.

The Prices were able to get their son’s therapy services covered through insurance after some time, and Carolyn Price says she saw stellar progress as he continued the therapy.

“Once your child’s diagnosed, the only thing you can do is get them therapy and do it early, as early as you can possibly get them into therapy,” she says.

She recalls a conversation with her husband, Joel Price, in which he shared about a routine trip to the therapist’s office with their son. Joel Price, who often waited for hours as Joshua Price underwent therapy each week, was sitting in the waiting room and overheard a phone conversation between a receptionist and an unknown caller. The woman on the phone had been prescribed therapy for her child after he was diagnosed with autism. Unlike the Price family, she was uninsured and had no means to pay for the costly therapy sessions her child desperately needed.

“So, basically, they were turned away because they didn’t have access to funds,” Carolyn Price says.

Such a moment in the waiting room seems devoid of hope, but it was not the end of the story. The scene Joel Price observed became a catalyst for abounding hope in the lives of families affected by autism. While the Prices were able to fund their son’s therapy services, they realized many families could not do the same.

After receiving support from friends, the Prices founded Austin-based Imagine A Way, beginning their philanthropic efforts by financially supporting one child through his therapy. Eight years later, the organization has supported 45 children who live with autism and currently supports 26 children. The nonprofit sponsors therapy, including ABA, speech and occupational treatments, until therapy is no longer needed or until the sponsor child turns 7. Each child is evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine the necessary therapy.

“The idea is that it’s families that are in this community raising funds for families that are in this community,” Carolyn Price says.

When Imagine A Way sponsors a child, the group helps fund needed therapy to families in the Austin area whose insurance may not cover all the costs of necessary therapy or who may be uninsured.

Tears swell in Carolyn Price’s eyes as she speaks of the impact she has been able to see through Imagine A Way. She’s seen personal and emotional relief— and not an insignificant amount of progress in the children of Imagine A Way. Moving forward, she says the organization intends to continue fundraising for families in the Austin area but is also looking to expand to another community.

For Amy Hamand, program director for Imagine A Way, the organization changed her life. When Hamand’s daughter was diagnosed with autism, she could not afford to pay the nearly $45,000 required for ABA therapy. When Imagine A Way stepped in to fund that therapy, Hamand says she felt amazed that people were willing to help in that capacity.

“To put into words what therapy has done for Mara is difficult,” Hamand says.

Before, her family could not leave the house. Now, young Mara Hamand regularly communicates her wants and needs. Her story is one of many that were transformed by Imagine A Way. “Imagine A Way,” Amy Hamand says, “gives families something they often enter the program without: hope.”

Joshua Price

20 | AUSTIN WOMAN | SEPTEMBER 2019

Photo courtesy of Carolyn Price.

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FROM THE DESK OF

CAROL HUNTSBERGER

The woman at the helm of Quality Seafood shares her small-business tips for staying afloat in a changing industry and a rapidly evolving Austin.

BY HANNAH J. PHILLIPS, ILLUSTRATION BY MADISON WEAKLEY

Opened in 1938, beloved local eatery Quality Seafood has a rich legacy of providing the freshest seafood possible to Austinites for 81 years. But when Carol Huntsberger and her then husband became the establishment’s new owners in 2003, she wasn’t planning to be intimately involved in the everyday operations of the business. When the team soon ran into some trouble balancing the books, however, Huntsberger dove in headfirst, armed with an accounting degree from Texas State University.

Huntsberger never looked back, becoming sole owner in 2010. Under her leadership, Quality Seafood has not only stayed afloat, but expanded to accommodate its many faithful patrons, doubling its square footage and growing its customer base alongside Austin’s changing population. Starting with just 12 workers, Quality Seafood now employs 58 people, offers a diverse menu, catering services and on-site cooking classes.

Huntsberger shares her top tips for how small businesses can—and should—stay relevant in an ever-evolving market.

EDUCATE YOURSELF ABOUT EVERY ASPECT OF THE BUSINESS. “As a woman in a male-dominated industry, I was coming in to a business with people who had worked in the industry—and together—for a long time. I had to earn their respect, but I also had to lean on them. I learned what a good fish looks like and how to cut it. I met with all our vendors and fishermen to learn how they fish. I saw where they grow scallops and met with people who had been working with and buying from Quality Seafood for years.”

MAKE EVERYONE FEEL IMPORTANT. “We remember how people make us feel. And food is so centered around memories: We remember running in the door as a little kid and smelling brownies, and every time you smell that smell, it takes you back. All of our senses are that memory. There’s nothing greater than getting together around the table, and we want to be part of that at Quality Seafood. That’s why we added a large community table in our restaurant, and it’s why I started our cooking classes. As the owner, the classes are my way to engage with our customers in a very intimate setting.”

BUILD LONG-LASTING RELATIONSHIPS WITH CUSTOMERS AND ANTICIPATE THEIR NEEDS. “At Quality Seafood, we have three businesses with very different consumer needs: We sell to chefs at over 280 local restaurants, we have a retail counter for customers and we have our own restaurant, which is constantly expanding. In each of these, we strive to know our customers’ needs before they do. During the holidays, for example, we know that Italian families will celebrate the Feast of Seven Fishes, so we make sure to have products that are not often widely available, and we market that because it’s important to us that food heritage stays accessible to families.”

STAY LOYAL TO YOUR BRAND. “Our original mission is in our name: We bring in quality seafood and can tell you where that fish comes from, who the fishermen are, how and what they feed their fish. When I started, Quality Seafood already had a great reputation as one of the only places you could get seafood. Since it’s

22 | AUSTIN WOMAN | SEPTEMBER 2019

become easier over the years to go to the grocery store, we’ve evolved our menus and marketing to keep families and children coming here.

We originally only had fried food on the menu, and I started adding fish tacos and grilled octopus. I also started writing a personal newsletter. I wanted people to know who I was, to hear staff stories and our journey, and I wanted customers to share their recipes and what they wanted to see change.”

SET REALISTIC PERSONAL AND BUSINESS GOALS. “Another thing I learned…was to make a list of the six most important things I need to accomplish every day. The list is never longer because most people can’t get through those six items without interruption. If you get up early and knock those things out, you leave your day feeling accomplished. I have lists all over the place, and I try to keep it realistic so I can get home at the end of the day and say, ‘Tomorrow’s a new day with six new things!’ ”

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AVVY WOMEN

START THE CONVO

DISPELLING THE MYTHS OF DISABLED WORKERS

Some Austin businesses are seeing the value in a more diverse staff.

BY JENNY HOFF

When patrons walk into South Austin’s Crepe Crazy restaurant, they’re greeted with the sweet smell of crepes cooking, a menu filled with mouthwatering offerings and a quiet and peaceful atmosphere that belies its name. It also happens to mostly employ deaf individuals who may request customers point to what they want on the menu if they aren’t familiar with American Sign Language.

“I’m from California and moved here to Austin to find employment,” says store manager Alzhen Nagrampa through an interpreter. “In California, deaf people have a really hard time finding employment. In Austin, because of the school, it’s much more deaf-friendly.”

As home to the Texas School for the Deaf and the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Austin has a large community of young people with disabilities eager to enter the workforce. While at a business like Crepe Crazy, which is owned by a deaf couple, the capabilities of those with disabilities are clearly valued, it’s not always as easy for people with disabilities to find jobs at businesses where hiring managers don’t have that awareness.

“When it comes to applying for a job like a regular individual, that is probably the hardest thing to do when you’re blind,” says 23-year-old Arielle Felix, who was born with a rare form of glaucoma and lost her sight completely at 9 years old. “Nobody wants to hire someone who they assume can’t do the work.”

Felix is now CEO of an online fashion business, Angel Pink, thanks to a friend who believed in her ability. Even though fashion was the last industry she thought she would enter, she’s found determination and a strong work ethic are the real keys to success in business, and she looks for team members who display that same attitude. While she’s hired two other women who are also blind, she says she doesn’t consider it an asset or a drawback, rather just one of their many features.

With a strong economy and a competitive labor market, more employers are starting to think like Felix. Unemployment for people with disabilities is the lowest it’s been in a decade, and more businesses are starting to make accommodations to attract a wider pool of talent.

HOW TO START THE CONVO If you have a disability and are seeking employment or you run a business and want to learn how to diversify your workforce to include people with disabilities, here’s how to start those conversations in your community.

Become familiar with Vocational Rehabilitation Services through the Texas Workforce Commission. This group helps people with disabilities acquire the skills they need to work in their preferred industries and helps match businesses with job seekers who meet qualifications.

Talk to business owners who have hired people with disabilities. The biggest hurdle, says The Arc of the Capital Area’s Allison Abramo, is often the fear hiring managers have of the unknown. Whether it’s the fear of litigation or potential costs, it’s important to be honest about your concerns and talk to other business owners who have already made changes. The Texas HireAbility campaign through the Texas Workforce Commission also hosts events throughout the year where you can get your questions answered.

Attend networking events. There are regular inclusivity and diversity networking events throughout Austin that offer a great way to connect with potential employers and employees.

24 | AUSTIN WOMAN | SEPTEMBER 2019

Dell recently created an Autism Hiring Program, designed for applicants with autism to interview in a more comfortable environment. By working with organizations like The Arc of the Capital Area, employers like Dell and those at other Austin businesses are learning how minor shifts in traditional practices can open up the talent pool to a more diverse set of applicants.

“They structured a longer interview process to give the individual the opportunity to show off their skills in a more natural way,” says Allison Abramo, director of supported employment for The Arc. “That would be a great and not too difficult first step for companies to attract more talent.”

According to the Texas Workforce Commission, Austin’s unemployment numbers are at an all-time low. While unemployment for those with disabilities is generally higher, data from the U.S. Census in 2017 shows the unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities in Travis County was 4.7 percent, compared with the overall rate of 3.2 percent for individuals ages 20 to 64 in the county’s labor force.

“Through its Texas HireAbility campaign, the Texas Workforce Commission encourages all Texans to learn more about the benefits of a workforce that is inclusive of everyone, and it highlights the benefits of hiring people with disabilities," says Lisa Givens, communications strategist for the Texas Workforce Commission.

With today’s technology, it’s easier than ever to create a seamless work environment where someone with a disability is in no way hindered when it comes to performing his or her job. It could even be an asset. In Felix’s case, she makes sure her fashion website includes detailed descriptions of items so a blind shopper using audio software will know exactly what they’re purchasing. At Crepe Crazy, both hearing and deaf customers can order with ease, making the business a great option for the hundreds of hungry students from the Texas School for the Deaf right down the street.

At Dell, the company can stay competitive in a tight labor market by providing autistic workers with the right environment to showcase their talent.

“If you hire someone who can do the job, they may have a deficit in some other area,” Abramo says. “But with your support, they’re going to blow your mind.”

DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT BY THE NUMBERS

THIRD-LARGEST According to the U.S. Office of Disability Employment Policy, people with disabilities comprise the third-largest market segment in the United States.

8 PERCENT Bureau of Labor Statistics show the national unemployment rate for people with disabilities was 8 percent in 2018, down from 9.2 percent in 2017.

10.7 MILLION According to a report produced in part by the American Association of People with Disabilities, if U.S. companies more actively embraced disability inclusion in their workforce, they would gain access to a new talent pool of more than 10.7 million people.

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ATX

WOMEN to WATCH Our pages are full of stories of Austin’s most engaging, empowering and successful women, and this section is specially designed to provide you access to even more incredible role models and success stories.

Be part of this amazing tribe and share your story with thousands of women.

Contact us at sales@awmediainc.com or call 512.328.2421 for more information.

PHOTOS BY ROMINA OLSON

SPECIAL PROMOTION | ATXWOMAN.COM |

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E M I LY W A R D A N D R A Q U E L S K R O B A R C Z Y K C H I E F O P E R AT I O N S O F F I C E R A N D O W N E R , A N D P R I N C I PA L D E S I G N E R A N D O W N E R O F H E AT H E R S C OT T H O M E & D E S I G N

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n the 13 years since its founding, Heather Scott Home & Design has grown into a top-rated interiordesign firm, winning national recognition and awards for residential and commercial interiors. Raquel Skrobarczyk and Emily Ward joined founders Heather and Scott Harkovich as ownership partners with the goal to continue delivering classic, chic and serene spaces while making the design process worry-free for the client. With more than a decade of design experience and design awards to her name, Skrobarczyk leads the team as the principal designer with the skills to conceptualize fully realized spaces.

Ward, the backbone of the team, oversees the logistics as chief operations officer. Her focus is handling clients with the greatest of care and attention to detail. Together, they understand there is no detail too small when it comes to running a design firm. heatherscotthome.com

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WOMAN to WATCH

SHERI MARSHALL

O W N E R O F B E S T C H O I C E M O B I L E N OTA R Y A N D D O C U M E N T S I G N I N G S E R V I C E S A N D U M OV E I T-W E C L E A N I T C O M M E R C I A L J A N I TO R I A L

S

heri Marshall is a mortgage-loan closer for title companies, lenders and banks throughout the world. Marshall is the preferred notary for several rehabilitation hospitals, nursing homes, retirement centers and lawyers in the metro area. She is a notarypublic trainer for the State of Texas. She holds monthly training sessions in Austin, Houston and Dallas. UMoveIt-WeCleanIt is a commercial janitorial company that has numerous contracts with high-end businesses and organizations such as Tesla, Michael Kors, Designer Shoe Warehouse, Austin Parks Foundation and Peter Millar. Additionally, her company provides post-construction and final-clean services for new stores and buildings. Marshall attributes her success to the high level of attention to detail and standards in doing the job right the first time. She is dedicated to training, supporting and empowering her team to be successful. She is a retired Air National Guard accountant and the president of the National Council of Negro Women Austin Section.

Marshall was the winner of Austin Woman’s Professional Services award as part of the Woman’s Way Business Awards in 2018. umoveitwecleanit.com

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WOMAN to WATCH

C H R I S TA K L E I N H A N S T U T T L E FOUNDER AND CEO OF L AUNCH MARKE TING

I

n 2001, Christa Kleinhans Tuttle founded Launch Marketing with a vision to be the go-to marketing firm for business-to-business technology-oriented companies looking to launch or grow their business with results-driven marketing efforts. Under Tuttle’s leadership as CEO, the company has grown exponentially, boasting more than 150 clients to date. Tuttle is an active member of Entrepreneurs’ Organization and Women Presidents’ Organization in Austin, including mentoring a group of entrepreneurs for EO’s Accelerator program. For more than 10 years, Tuttle has been an active supporter of Breakthrough Central Texas, a nonprofit that helps underserved youth become the first in their families to attend college.

A California native, Tuttle holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a minor in psychology from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. launch-marketing.com

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WOMAN to WATCH

ALEXIS SIMÓN

PRESIDENT OF THE ART OF WELLNESS

A

Iexis Simón is dedicated to renewable energy, sustainability and the triple bottom line of people, planet and profit.

Upon graduating with a degree in international business from McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas and an Executive Master of Business Administration degree from Baylor University, Simón dove in to a series of management-consulting projects, most recently with Texas Crystal Water Company. Throughout her life, Simón naturally gravitated toward water. She grew up on Agua Street in Mexico City. Her focus is Well Interior Design. Through a series of health-and-wellness forums at Four Seasons Private Residences, Simón shares her passion for wellness with our community. She is the founder of the Andy Roddick Foundation Leadership Council and currently serves on the governance committee. As a member of the Blanton Museum of Art’s Art Crowd, she was granted special access to the Stacked Waters exhibit for her ATX Woman to Watch photo shoot. She is also a proud member of the Women’s Symphony League of Austin and is delighted to co-sponsor the WSL luncheon featuring Brooke Shields with Texas Crystal Water this month. alexissimondesign.com

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MEG MCELROY

F O U N D E R O F C E N T E R F O R C O L L A B O R AT I V E M E D I C I N E

I

n a world where “Dr. Google” is consulted for information about health and wellness, there is a need for experienced health-care providers to filter out the noise and the one-size-fitsall approaches. As an advanced functional-medicine expert, Meg McElroy guides patients to feel their best and understand the processes that create and perpetuate unwanted symptoms and diseases. McElroy provides detailed, customized game plans for each patient.

She looks at patterns from specialty tests that aren’t available through mainstream medical clinics, focusing on gut function, mitochondrial health, immune function, hormones and more. These, along with detailed questionnaires, allow McElroy to take a three-dimensional look at health. People seek her guidance for such issues as thyroid imbalance, digestive concerns, autoimmunity, diabetes or simply to fine-tune their health and live a joyful life. collaborativemed.com

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WOMAN to WATCH

R A C H E L S TA N L E Y

OWNER OF STRE TCHL AB AUSTIN

W

hile working in luxury retail for more than a decade, Rachel Stanley always had the dream of owning her own business. While she and her husband were looking for a service that would give their bodies a great stretch, they stumbled upon StretchLab. They instantly fell in love with the company and the assisted-stretching concept. Most people know they should be stretching regularly, but in actuality, many just don’t do it. The long-term benefits of keeping your body flexible and mobile are endless. Everyone has reasons for needing to live a healthier, more flexible lifestyle. Maybe it’s improving sports performance or improving joint health. Whatever the goal, a consistent assisted-stretching routine will get you there.

Stanley’s goal is to be able to run around with her 8-month-old baby girl and her siblings to come. She is so excited to help others meet their flexibility goals through stretching. stretchlab.com

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IFF Y IBEKWE

ESTATE PLANNING AND BUSINESS LAWYER AT IBEKWE LAW PLLC

A

s the principal lawyer at Ibekwe Law, Iffy Ibekwe believes every woman deserves a plan to legally protect herself and her loved ones. Ibekwe has seen the consequences and results for families and children in the aftermath of an unexpected crisis when their legal affairs were not in order. She founded her law firm to help intentional women prepare effective wills, trusts and legal documents so they and their families are protected.

Ibekwe graduated from the University of Texas School of Law in 2006 and then spent more than 12 years practicing law in the Austin area before opening her own firm. She is a board member for Be the Bridge, a nonprofit dedicated to racial reconciliation. When not spending time with her husband and three children, Ibekwe leads the We Read Her book club, which is dedicated to the study and discussion of female-authored literature. ibekwelaw.com

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Photo courtesy of Madeline Harper Photography.

WOMAN to WATCH

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WOMAN to WATCH

MICHELLE DOYON

O W N E R O F M I C H E L L E ’ S PAT I S S E R I E

M

ichelle Doyon is the owner of Michelle’s Patisserie, a custom bakery specializing in amazing flavors with unforgettable design. Michelle’s Patisserie has been serving the Austin area for 16 years, specializing in wedding cakes, sculpted cakes, birthday/specialty cakes, corporate gifts and a wide variety of desserts, including cake balls, petits fours, cookies, tarts and more. Michelle’s Patisserie also boasts a lounge to host tea parties for showers and birthdays, offers summer camps for kids, and sells and rents an array of imaginative cake stands for any party need. The desserts created at Michelle’s Patisserie not only look amazing; they taste even better. Michelle’s Patisserie uses local suppliers like AustiNuts, Hill Country Dairies and HomePlate Peanut Butter. Michelle’s Patisserie won the Best of Tasting award twice in the past three years from That Takes the Cake, a regional cake competition. Michelle’s Patisserie is also part of The Knot Hall of Fame, having been voted for by brides time and again. Doyon and her team love what they do and want to share that with you. December marks the company’s 17th year in business, so keep an eye out for Michelle’s Patisserie’s day of free cake! michellespatisserie.com

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D R. K AT I E H A D D E N JA C K S O N O W N E R O F N O R T H L A N D D E N TA L S T U D I O

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iving your best life: Dr. Katie Hadden Jackson strives to create this for herself and others. After a devastating cancer diagnosis changed the trajectory of her life, gratitude and perspective serve to motivate this dentist, smallbusiness owner, wife, cancer survivor, amputee and equestrian. Jackson opened Northland Dental Studio in 2012, envisioning a practice centered on top dental care in a compassionate environment. She believes in taking time with each patient, providing the best support for long-term dental and overall health. Northland Dental Studio continues to thrive, with Drs. Angelica Holt and Mary Kate Peters serving patients with skill and a gentle touch. Providing a unique job-share dynamic is one way Jackson helps her team create their best lives. Equestrian sport is Jackson’s other passion. Now living with a permanent disability, she competes in para-equestrian dressage. Seeing much success, she represented the U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team as first alternate for the 2018 World Championships. With a goal of becoming a Paralympian, Jackson’s sights are set on the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo. northlanddentalstudio.com

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PA M E L A B E N S O N OW E N S

F O U N D E R O F E D G E O F Y O U R S E A T C O N S U LT I N G

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nly two years after graduating from Texas A&M University and earning a master’s degree from St. Edward’s University, Pamela Benson Owens stepped out on faith, quit her “real” job and started her own consulting firm. Edge of Your Seat Consulting is a unique firm dedicated to assisting for-profit, nonprofit and faith-based entities. The firm’s major focus is to provide methodologies that help manage perceptions and narratives about complex and challenging issues with courage and strategic passion. Owens feels she is most effective when she partners with organizations from the inside out in order to streamline the hierarchical needs, create infrastructure, coach teams, shift organizational cultures and, of most importance, help leaders become more effective. Clients’ transformations are the essence of her work, and they’re also what bring her great joy and empirical pride. Owens leverages humor and honest storytelling to create memorable and applicable strategies for sustainable change. pamelabensonowens.com

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D

ISCOVER

TEXAS TRIPPIN’

ON THE ROAD

Hruska’s Store & Bakery in Ellinger, Texas, has stood the test of time, serving road-tripping Texans for more than a century.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY COURTNEY RUNN Before there was Texas-sized convenience store Buc-ee’s, there was Hruska’s Store & Bakery. About an hour and half outside Austin, the Czech bakery has acted as a highway lighthouse since 1912, a guiding light for weary travelers in need of gasoline, a bathroom break, a respite from the persistent backseat question, “Are we there yet?” and, most importantly, freshly baked kolaches.

The bakery has passed from generation to generation of Hruskas, morphing from a general store to a service station to its current identity as a bakery and gas station under the leadership of the great-granddaughter of founder Frank J. Hruska, Teresa James.

Now the highway stop sells burgers and sandwiches alongside its famous pastries and offers a wide variety of standard gas-station snacks, toys, apparel and souvenirs.

I grew up stopping at Hruska’s on the way to visit my grandparents in Houston, but this August, Hruska’s (pronounced “rhoosh-kuz”) was my destination. I stopped in on a steamy day with a high of 101 degrees. A constant stream of customers passed by the food counter, giddy eyes scanning the fruit-filled pastries to decide which flavor to pick. When it was my turn, I asked the woman behind the counter to choose for me. She was quick to suggest the prune kolache because she likes them old school, the way her own Czech mother used to make them. She didn’t grow up stopping at Hruska’s, but she’s worked there for two years and claims it’s the best job she’s ever had; the stress is low and the kolaches, plentiful.

Despite the constant stream of travelers, the cashiers chatted with each customer, often ending with a cheery, “Y’all have a great day!” As I nibbled on my pastries, it seemed like the state of Texas passed me by. Aggies and Longhorns alike stopped to eat, a man in a camo hat and boots came to purchase buckets and a woman in athleisure garb grabbed a protein drink. Every age and ethnicity wandered through the doors, most leaving with a kolache bag in hand.

My experience growing up matched the pace of most of the customers I witnessed: in and out and back on the road. When leaving, I would usually take a left, back onto the highway. This time, I took a right to see what lies beyond Hruska’s. Like a map created by children’s author and illustrator Richard Scarry, the town—or more accurately, the unincorporated community—of Ellinger, Texas, lines up on a neat grid with the requisite small-town buildings dotting each square.

I crisscrossed the roads looking for signs of life, but the sun directly overhead rendered the area a ghost town, so all I experienced was through a pane of glass: the St. John Lutheran Church dating back to 1859, Hobo Bar (where the “service is great and the beer is ice-cold,” according to its one Yelp review), wind chimes made of beer bottles strung up over a porch, Peters BBQ, houses painted the perfect shades of sunny yellow and bright teal, a sign promoting an annual tomato festival. As I peeked through the locked doors of the church, I hoped someone would invite me onto the porch for a glass of sweet tea and to reminisce about decades of kolaches enjoyed at Hruska’s, but I probably just listened to one too many Kacey Musgraves songs on the drive there.

While accounts differ slightly in details, Napoleonic wars veteran Joseph Ehlinger first received the land surrounding modern-day Ellinger in a grant after serving in the Battle of San Jacinto, and his family settled there after his untimely drowning. The settlement joined a wave of neighboring communities of Czech immigrants and was officially established in 1883.

Kolaches are woven into the fabric of Fayette County, from their starring roles in local bakeries to gracing many a page in local cookbooks. While recipes for this famed local delicacy differ, the ingredients don’t change: milk, flour, butter, sugar, yeast, eggs, salt. In a 1955 PTA cookbook, Mrs. F. C. Knippel of Fayette County notes the secret to good kolaches is the “right temperature,” “thorough kneading and a good hot oven.”

I drove back to Austin, my car smelling sticky sweet, after a few hours at the library in La Grange, Texas, ready to try my hand at baking my own kolaches. I could easily have spent a few more hours poring over its treasure trove of archives. As I drove under the wide, bright-blue sky, I tried to make sense of all I had seen and tasted and read that day.

I pictured myself growing up in Ellinger. Would I still be the same person if I lived in the teal house? To what degree have the cities I’ve grown up in marked my personality? I thought of the people who lived on the land before Joseph Ehlinger was even alive. Like all colonized land, the history of Texas is recorded by its conquerors and 38 | AUSTIN WOMAN | SEPTEMBER 2019

built on a bloody foundation. The demolishment of one culture gave way to another; war paved the way for the arrival of kolaches.

When Czech immigrants whisked fresh kolaches out of the oven, did the smell make them ache for their homeland, from which conflict pushed them away?

For more than a century, Hruska’s has borne witness to the rise and fall of communities and cultures.

Stories of the family and its store are scattered throughout local histories and records. In 1946, the La Grange Journal dramatically recounted an attempted burglary at the store. According to the bakery’s website, the entire site burned down in 1983 and for several years during the ’90s, kolache production paused.

For many Austinites, Hruska’s is the constant. If you’re driving to Houston, there’s no question where to stop: right in the middle. And I highly recommend picking up a kolache—or six.

KOLACHE VERSUS KLOBASNEK Kolaches feature sweet filling, most traditionally prune or poppyseed.

Klobasniky are savory and are traditionally made with sausage, though Texans have added their own twists by including meats like brisket.

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TRENDING

BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY

Embrace your free spirit as you ease into a new season.

PHOTOS BY RUDY AROCHA MAKEUP BY KYRA M. KNOX, HAIR BY ANGEL HENDERSON, STYLED AND MODELED BY KARA E. HENDERSON SHOT ON LOCATION AT HYATT REGENCY LOST PINES RESORT AND SPA

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ATXWOMAN.COM |  41

Page 40: Jill Jill Stuart floral-print V-neck short-sleeve minidress, $255; Mother The Pocket Bruiser denim jacket, $545; Lele Sadoughi bubble drop earrings, $188; boots, model’s own.

Page 41: Alice + Olivia Jeans wideleg fitted denim zip jumpsuit, $495; Golden Goose metallic Western booties, $990; Ashley Pittman Shauku flower drop earrings, $947.

This page: Mother The Boxy Goodie Goodie graphic T-shirt, $135; Double J floral-print tiered silk maxi skirt, $945; Akola wavy hoop and mixed bead earrings, $85.

Opposite page: Tibi colorblock wrap slip dress, $695; Golden Goose Crosby short studded-leather cowboy boots; Devon Leigh coin dangle earrings, $395.

Page 44: Shoshanna abstract metallicdot asymmetric dress, $429; Akola horn petal drop earrings, $195.

All items are available at Neiman Marcus, 3400 Palm Way, 512.719.1200, neimanmarcus.com.

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O N L O C AT I O N Located only 25 miles from downtown Austin, Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa provides a world-class staycation destination for Austinites. The resort provides a wide range of immersive on-site experiences, including everything from a 1,000-foot lazy river and water park that is open year-round to outdoor activities like horseback riding and kayak excursions.

Guests can relax with customized treatments at Spa Django, play 18 holes of championship golf at Wolfdancer Golf Club or indulge at the resort’s restaurants, including the fine-dining experience at Stories. Be sure to stay tuned for the unforgettable holiday experience the resort will introduce later this year. The menu of seasonal activities will include a holiday-light stroll, a tree-lighting ceremony, weekly holiday parades, Saturdays with Santa, a New Year’s Eve celebration and more. For more information, visit hyattregencylostpines.com.

ATXWOMAN.COM | 43

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SOCO | L AMAR | DOMAIN

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SEE HER WORK

CROWNING GLORY

Energized by color, nature and the importance of culture, artist TK Tunchez finds inspiration in the power of resilience.

Photo by Whitney Devin.

BY CHANTAL RICE

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For TK Tunchez, art is an expression of love. The artist, who launched her business, Las Ofrendas, five years ago, likens the practice of creating to a mystical experience in which she becomes the vessel, allowing the spirit to organically guide and speak through her. As a lover of maximalism, she boldly embraces more of everything in her work—color, vibrancy, decadent materials and cultural significance—yet she does so with the utmost of care and attention to detail.

Initially tapping into her artistic side by fabricating jewelry, mostly with gemstones and copper, Tunchez found her calling in “flower medicine,” creating visual-art pieces and ravishing flower crowns that captivate and embolden those who exhibit them. While her work is certainly decorative and lush, for Tunchez, it’s often guided by concepts she holds dear, like resistance and resilience.

Tunchez is also the founder and director of a local market and traveling cultural space dubbed Frida Friday ATX, which “is grounded in the belief that womxn of color artists should be amplified and supported.”

“I feel like womxn and femme-identified people are often told they take up too much space and feel the need to shrink themselves down. Flower crowns really challenge that, and wearing them kind of forces people to have to expand,” Tunchez says. “Wearing flower crowns can symbolize so much, but my favorite part is watching people embrace the idea that they are special enough to wear flower crowns at any time—because they deserve to be seen all the time.”

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SEE HER WORK

“My work is grounded in my belief that adornment is a sacred practice and that color and natural elements can heal our spirits.”

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– TK Tunchez

Top left and bottom photos by Whitney Devin. Top center photo by Lucero Archuleta. Top right photo courtesy of Wildrice Collective.

S

Ashley Alaniz-Moyer, ’14 Ashley knew she wanted to earn her MBA, and Concordia was the right fit. She learned to fine-tune her management skills and was given realworld experience, such as a capstone project with Student Loan Genius. Now, she is serving as the Executive Director of the Hispanic Scholarship Consortium.

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Maybe she is too frightened to ask for help.

A groundbreaking study from the University of Texas estimates over 79,000 minors and teenagers in Texas today are victims of sex trafficking. These children need help.

Austin Oral Surgery ~ together with area dental professionals ~ are working to identify these victims of child sex trafficking and you can help.

Be on the lookout for: •

Visible injuries, scars

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Untreated dental or medical needs

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Tattoos of ownership, money symbols,

•

Malnutrition

emoticons

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Torn frenum

•

Evidence of being controlled

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Scripted or memorized history

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Not allowed to speak for self

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Appearance younger than stated age

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No formal ID, documents held by

•

Subordinate, hyper-vigilant, or fearful behavior

companion

•

Companion who refuses to leave

If you suspect someone is a victim of sex trafficking, call The National Human Trafficking Resources Center 888.373.7888 or text HELP or INFO to 233733 for discreet help.

For more information, go to Bethe1Educate1Save1.com

H

OME

AT HOME WITH

PAOLA MATHÉ

The founder of headwrap brand Fanm Djanm gives us a peek inside her vibrant living room.

BY COURTNEY RUNN, PHOTOS BY JANA CANTUA

Paola Mathé’s life story is imbued in the bright splashes of color and leafy plants and stacks of books that decorate her home. Pieces from Vermont pay tribute to her husband’s home state, while the vibrant hues take her back to her childhood in Haiti, where she grew up in a large home with her extended family, climbing coconut trees and grinding coffee beans in the backyard. As a child, Mathé never noticed her mother caring about home décor. Instead, she filled her house with people, music and food. Mathé carried on that legacy of hospitality and warmth in her Harlem neighborhood apartment in New York City, and continues to do so in her duplex in Austin. When it comes to fashion and décor, she has only one rule: It has to make her happy.

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“When people started saying they loved my home through the snippets on my Instagram, I started buying home-décor magazines because when people say I may have an eye for something, I want to see what the experts are saying,” she says. “And then immediately, I felt like the experts were saying buy really expensive stuff, so I didn’t like it.”

While some of her home pieces are investments, Mathé loves to mix vintage with designer elements. Her goal is comfort. When guests come over, no one needs to be afraid of spilling wine. Home has changed locations throughout her life, but it has always been rooted in where she feels loved and inspired.

“If someone comes to my home,” she says, “they will know this is Paola’s home.”

“I’ve never been ashamed of my identity or culture. If anything, I’ve always tried to celebrate it every way I could.”

-Paola Mathé

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Wynne DARING TO

Handbag superstar Kelly Wynne Ferguson defied the odds, artfully designing her dream career.

BY HANNAH J. PHILLIPS

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HAIR AND MAKEUP BY GERTIE WILSON

PHOTOS BY ANNIE RAY |

SHOT ON LOCATION AT BLAZER TAG ADVENTURE CENTER

It’s easy to believe Kelly Wynne Ferguson when she says she’s always loved accessorizing. During a tour of her company headquarters, she wears crisp white jeans, bright-pink strappy heels, a flowy striped top and a floral headband. Smiling behind her rose gold Warby Parker glasses, she points with neon fingernails around the colorful showroom, currently occupied by camera gear and new products for a photo shoot.

Ferguson, the designer and founder of eponymous Austin-based fashion brand Kelly Wynne, collected unique handbags with her mom from an early age.

Even in ninth grade, she always had something fun hanging from her shoulder, but she never envisioned creating her own products.

Nevertheless, her bold-printed empire expanded from a line of 250 handbags in 2013 to one of the most recognized accessories on the market. Like her vibrant personality and style, the colorful yet timeless designs stand out in the crowd, and her iconic line of clear bags is consistently among retailer Nordstrom’s bestsellers.

Tracing her path from passion project to dream job, Ferguson recounts how she dared to face her fears and the doubts of others to weave her own pattern in the fashion industry.

ATXWOMAN.COM | 55

DARE TO Dream Big Ferguson’s entrepreneurial journey has not proceeded in a straight line, but her first roadblocks arose from her own preconceived notions of what was possible.

“I had the fashion industry up on this pedestal,” she says. “I thought it was only for celebrities.”

With a love of crafting and helping others, Ferguson considered teaching, but a highschool aptitude test steered her away from too structured a career. Opting for a Bachelor of Arts degree with a focus on mass media from the University of Mississippi, she later learned a similar lesson during a design internship with a New York City-based magazine: The rigid corporate life was not for her.

Ferguson went back to the drawing board. Graduating from college in 2009, she moved to Dallas to work in the field of public relations.

“I didn’t realize it then,” she says, “but the company was so small that I was learning how to run a business. Networking, branding, logo design, photography and crafting press releases: I had my hands in everything.”

Ferguson worked with the firm for nearly three years before the lightbulb in her head was clearly illuminated.

When a career mentor asked what she would do if she could do anything, she admitted what she had wanted all along.

“It was the simplest question,” she says with a smile. “But it was the first time I blurted out my desire to design my own handbags—crazy as it sounded—and she helped me work through my fears.”

At 26 years old, Ferguson worried no one her age was starting their own business. She worried what people might think. And worst of all, she worried about her own disappointment if she failed.

“I was so concerned about other people’s opinions,” she admits. “Now I’m so much more confident in who I am and who I’ve become. I’ve embraced my strong, silly personality.”

With a little prayer and her mentor’s help, Ferguson designed a step-by-step strategy to face her fears. Using her own money at first, she filed for a doing business as, or DBA, certificate, met with attorneys and designed her own logo. After a few months, she invited her dad to Dallas so she could share her plan. Impressed, he agreed to back her business and hold her accountable. Ferguson gave her boss a few months’ notice almost immediately, eagerly plotting next steps and leaving her job in May 2012.

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DARE TO Defy the Odds The next obstacles Ferguson faced in launching her fashion empire came from industry naysayers who doubted she could succeed with such limited fashion experience. She spent the rest of the year cold-calling and meeting with anyone in the industry that would share their own stories, whether of success or failure. Not everyone endorsed her ambitions, and she remembers several less-than-encouraging encounters. On one call with a brand representative, a seasoned industry veteran patronized her for using the word “purse” instead of “handbag.”

“She told me purses aren’t handbags; purses are coin bags and women purse their lips,” Ferguson remembers, rolling her eyes with a little sparkle. “ ‘Which do you want to design: purses or handbags?’ ” Ferguson didn’t let sour interactions discourage her. In fact, they fueled her fire. A meeting with a well-regarded manufacturer was the most memorable, now rendered almost cinematic in Ferguson’s retelling. After listening to her concept and reviewing her sketches, the manufacturer—a gentleman in his mid-50s with a receding hairline—stood up, crossed his arms and asked, “Is this a hobby, sweetie?”

The question caught her off guard, but Ferguson remembers thinking he would regret asking it. Indeed, the blatant condescension only amplified her determination to prove that she could succeed.

DARE TO Think Outside the Box Not long after that meeting, Ferguson, who now lives and bases her business in Austin, connected with two key figures who were willing to take a chance—not just on her products, but on the fledgling entrepreneur herself. Both, it turns out, saw a winner in Kelly Wynne.

The first was a former consultant for, among other retail giants, Bloomingdale’s, Bergdorf Goodman and Bendel, Clare Cuthbert. Ferguson was honest with her. She couldn’t afford her help but hoped they could collaborate in a few years’ time. A week later, Cuthbert called to say she saw Ferguson’s potential and would reduce her rates so the two could work together.

“She said I was creating something special, but more importantly, that she saw something special in me,” Ferguson remembers with a smile. “It was such a God thing.”

Cuthbert came on board in August 2012, helping Ferguson get creative to find manufacturers for her brand. Working backward, they called leather suppliers and asked where they shipped their goods. When Cuthbert joined her at meetings, Ferguson noticed people took her more seriously. Together, they found the manufacturer she would work with for more than four years.

“The first thing [the manufacturer] said to me was, ‘In you, I see a winner,’ which I loved because of my name,” Ferguson says. “He took me under his wing and taught me the ins and outs of production, how to negotiate and how to watch for people trying to take advantage of you.”

Just months later, she launched her first product line. Whereas the founders of most new brands order samples and place production orders based on bestsellers, Ferguson skipped that step and predicted her most popular styles. In April 2013, she hosted a launch party at local boutique Valentine’s Too. Pre-party preparations were hectic. (She didn’t receive the products until 5 p.m. the night before.) But she relishes those memories of the packed store, watching her products sell out and glancing at her handbags in a window display for the first time.

“It was such a surreal moment,” Ferguson recalls. “I could not believe something I had worked so hard on from scratch, not knowing how to do anything, truly just learning in the moment, that I had not only created this product, but sold it for money. I’ll never forget how special it was to have the reassurance from women that this was something special and unique.”

The Kelly Wynne multicolored python prints created a niche in the market, offering bold patterns at an affordable price point. At the time, only designer labels offered exotic-looking skins, but Ferguson mimicked bold patterns with a foil-transfer process on the backside of leather. As she learned more about textiles and ways to manipulate leather, she moved from suede to more durable materials in her current products. Today, her designs are more intricate, like the digitally embossed Pop the Champagne bag, intended to channel the wearer’s inner Jackie O. “Your bag expresses your personality without actually telling someone,” Ferguson says.

“The handbag completes your look and draws people’s eyes to you. People that know me know I never go anywhere without a handbag.”

From the earliest stages of her business, Ferguson prioritized her customers’ needs, growing the brand by attending trunk shows and speaking at luncheons. Through constant education and listening to customer feedback, she continues to develop new products with her customers in mind.

“It’s the only way to stay relevant in this changing retail craze,” she says. “You have to stay true to yourself and to your brand, but within that, you have to keep listening to your customer.”

DARE TO ACCESSORIZE Kelly Wynne Ferguson offers her tips for pairing the perfect bag with any outfit. rB e bold. “I’m all about pairing a bold, patterned handbag with a patterned outfit. I think a lot of people are scared to do that, but the trick is to find one color in the bag that coordinates with your outfit. Even if it’s just a little color in the print that’s the same, then it works.” r Change it up. “We started selling acrylic straps as an accessory for our clear bags so you can buy different straps to change the look. The strap makes it more casual and adds a whole new color. You can also use it to revive an old bag and jazz things up.” r Show some inside style. “Right now, we’re all about accessorizing the inside of our clear bags. I wondered almost immediately what we would do with unmentionables, and the Privacy Pouch was born! We also have an MVP Pouch, and they all come in different colors.

One of my favorite parts of this job is definitely our brainstorm sessions.”

ON LOCATION Blazer Tag Adventure Center is a locally owned and operated entertainment center in South Austin. Since opening in 1999, the center has established a true OG Austin experience. Housing the biggest laser-tag arena in Texas and a stellar arcade, Blazer Tag provides an out-of-this-world experience for locals and tourists ages 7 to 99. The retro establishment will soon get an updated look and more attractions to keep up with the Austin social scene, including the addition of wine and beer to the menu.

More additions will be added to the space in the near future to accommodate all generations. blazertag.com

Page 54: Azeeza Lucas high-neck asymmetrical dress, $1,595, available at shopbop.com. Shoes, model’s own.

Page 56: Rebecca Taylor dot embroidered dress, $675, available at rebeccataylor.com; Kelly Wynne acrylic chain straps (worn as belts), $65 each, available at kellywynne.com.

Page 59: Sabina Musayev Oscar jumpsuit, $230; Lady Grey lucite earrings, $180, available at Estilo, 2727 Exposition Blvd., estilo.com.

All handbags available at kellywynne.com.

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DARE TO Be a Game Changer Ferguson’s commitment to her customers and her ability to anticipate their needs is what ultimately catapulted her brand into the big leagues in 2016.

Warned sales often decline during election years, she remembers seeing her sales numbers go stagnant for the first time. Then she heard a clear-bag policy—one limiting the size and types of bags allowed into stadiums and sports arenas—was in the works. The NFL had already adopted one and the NCAA was considering incorporating it.

“My customer really skews Southeast, where football is heavy. But before I thought of that, I worried the policy would really cramp my personal style!”

Ferguson says with a laugh. “I would never design anything I wouldn’t wear, so I had to design a clear bag that would still look cute on game day.”

Ferguson thought through several iterations before deciding to convert her most popular style, the Mingle Mingle Mini, into a clear version. By the time it was finished midsummer, she knew Southern women were already planning their football-season outfits. She decided to launch the new clear handbag for preorder. Predicting she would sell maybe five bags, she sold 50 in the first hour.

Featuring thick polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, genuine leather and gold-plated chain, her clear bags became game changers overnight.

“Today, our clear bags are 50 percent of our business because I am the only one offering a high-quality bag that won’t cramp your style,” Ferguson says.

But the biggest game changer in Ferguson’s life came later that year. Learning she was pregnant, Ferguson started strategizing how to step away from her thriving business for maternity leave. During her pregnancy, she and her team also started nudging Nordstrom to carry her clear bags.

July 30, 2018, Ferguson gave birth to her daughter, Neely Wynne Ferguson, on the same day her clear handbags launched online with Nordstrom. She recalls toasting her daughter and Nordstrom at the same time, wearing a smile from ear to ear.

And move forward she did, using the experience as inspiration for her fall 2020 collection, titled Identity.

Exploring different facets of identity, Ferguson wanted product names like Show Stopper, Bomb Shell and Rule Breaker to reflect that women can showcase more than one aspect of their personality.

“I’ve realized that I can’t do everything at 100 percent every single day,” Ferguson admits. “Sometimes I am working hard at my marriage and sometimes I’m focused on my business, but I can feel good about knowing that I accomplished everything I could that day.”

Adjusting her Dare to Wynne motto, Ferguson’s current focus is on daring to give herself grace, whether that involves a production mistake, getting home-cooked food on the table or even posting on social media.

“It’s so important to live in the present,” she says, “but I also feel strongly about sharing my experience because I felt so alone—and you are not alone! Women struggle with so many different things, and I feel like the Lord has called me to share my story.”

she was going to harm herself or her baby, but since her depression wasn’t that extreme, she didn’t speak up.

“It looked so different for me because it took time for that anxiety to build,” she says. “I didn’t talk about it because women feel ashamed if they are sad. Having a baby is the biggest blessing, but I didn’t know what was happening in my body.”

Ferguson knew something was seriously wrong when she couldn’t find the passion to design her next collection. She felt like she was just going through the motions, questioning her path for the first time. Looking back, she calls it an identity crisis, struggling to balance her roles as boss, mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend. In reality, only one piece had changed, but her priorities had dramatically shifted and she was still striving for perfection in each role.

During Christmastime 2018, Ferguson shared what she was experiencing with her mother, who recommended speaking to a Christian counselor. The next week, she reconnected with her career mentor, also a therapist, who affirmed she was suffering from postpartum depression and anxiety. She requested a low dose of anti-anxiety medicine from her doctor and started rising earlier each day for some quiet time before her daughter woke up. Finally, she began opening up to other women to share her experience.

“Those four steps shifted everything for me mentally,” Ferguson says, “especially getting actual support from other women. Suddenly, I wasn’t embarrassed about crying every day and I gained the confidence to move forward.”

The Domain in 2016 and loved hosting events and interacting with customers at the boutique, but after her maternity leave, she knew priorities needed to shift there too. Ferguson’s small team was stretched thin in order to meet the store’s demands, which only made up a small part of her business, compared with e-commerce sales. Focusing her efforts online, Ferguson saw a 40 percent increase in revenue, and customers can still visit the Kelly Wynne showroom to shop in person. Though closing the store was a decision some may have questioned, it further proved Ferguson’s ability to deftly navigate the fashion-industry realm on her terms and in a way that continues to lead to success.

With a new Kelly Wynne travel line launching soon, it seems even the sky is no limit for Ferguson. She hopes to continue expanding the business, working with new materials and adding new employees to her team. Personally, she also hopes to add to her family, grow stronger, have fun and help others.

“Right now, we live in this world that craves authenticity, so I want to be my most transparent and authentic self,” Ferguson says. “I have the same aim for our company: We will continue developing unique, fun, relevant products that keep empowering and daring everyone to Wynne!”

“”

DARE TO Donate

Ferguson also feels called to give back, ensuring her business participates in silent auctions and launching her Dare to Donate program in 2016. After the birth of her daughter, she attended a luncheon for The Refuge Ranch, which provides rehabilitation services for sex-trafficking victims. She learned that while there are 13,000 animal shelters throughout the country, there are only 600 beds for sex-trafficked children. Having a daughter, that number hit home, and she shifted her business’ Dare to Donate program from supporting multiple charities to focusing on The Refuge. Now $5 from every sale helps sponsor girls at The Refuge, and when they graduate, each leaves with a Kelly Wynne bag of her choosing.

“We want them to have confidence to enter the working world,” Ferguson says. “Part of wearing a bold bag is empowering yourself to dress the part. Beyond choosing what to wear, you are taking ownership of your everyday life.”

I DIDN’T TALK ABOUT IT BECAUSE WOMEN FEEL ASHAMED IF THEY ARE SAD. HAVING A BABY IS THE BIGGEST DARE TO Give Grace BLESSING, BUT I DIDN’T Returning from maternity leave, Ferguson faced her biggest KNOW WHAT WAS challenge to date. Juggling both a DARE TO L ook Forward new baby and a growing business, HAPPENING IN she didn’t realize initially that she was In addition to her Dare to Donate program, Ferguson says one struggling with postpartum depression. of the best business decisions she ever made was closing her MY BODY. A form at her doctor’s office asked whether brick-and-mortar store in 2018. Ferguson opened the store at

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BY BRIANNA CALERI AND COURTNEY RUNN | ILLUSTRATIONS BY EMILY JANE STEINBERG

CHECKLIST FOR MENTORS

3 Do I have the availability to mentor someone? – Kathleen McElroy, University of Texas School of Journalism

3 Can I be emotionally honest and vulnerable about my failures?

– Kathleen McElroy

3 Am I ready for someone to rely on me? – Kim Hanks, Whim Hospitality 3 Am I open to learning from this mentorship? – Kathleen McElroy 3 Am I interested in getting to know this person so I can put the events in FIND YOUR MATCH: QUALITIES TO LOOK FOR IN A MENTOR OR MENTEE Honesty: “People who ask, ‘Why?’ and aren’t afraid to tell you something isn’t your best idea are the kind of people you want surrounding you.”

– Jordan Jones, Packed Party Vulnerability: “Share the experiences you’ve had and the things that went wrong as well as the things that worked out great.”

– Anna Robinson, Ceresa Versatility: “Don’t tunnel vision into a specific role and instead, look at people who possess the skill set you hope to achieve and start there.”

– Kyra Seay, Bumble Generosity: “If you come from the intention of adding value rather than taking, you’ll end up building a more substantive relationship.”

– Mellie Price, Dell Medical School/Capital Factory Social Awareness: “It’s really hard, particularly for young women of color, to find mentors. I think it’s just because the visibility isn’t always there.” – Virginia Cumberbatch, Rosa Rebellion Stability: “Is their life balanced?”

– Phyllis Snodgrass, Austin Habitat for Humanity

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their professional life in context? – Virginia Cumberbatch

3 Do I know someone who is just starting out and could benefit from my

experience so far, even if I am not at the top of my career? – Anna Robinson

3 What are my strengths and in what format can I offer them to a mentee?

– Kim Hanks

3 Am I open to peer mentoring? – Virginia Cumberbatch NETWORK

ING TOOL

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Ceresa: “I ’d mentored for years an it ’s frustrat d years an ing because d years with people will platform p ou rovides ac countability take your time withou t [Ceresa] , and clarit y abou t knowing to both par t why you’ why. The ties to crea re interact And ‘why ’ te value an ing, thinking for this per d to seek son makes about why successf ul th th .” – M ellie P e conversa ey want m rice entorship. tion more purposef ul and more B umble B izz: “Our us ers can stat profiles , w e what they hich includ e networki ’re looking investor, fu ng, mente for in our B ll-time job e/mentor, umble Biz and more. on what yo internship z On B umble u’re lookin , investmen Bizz, you ca g for so th mentee se t/ at you can n filter out arch .” – Kyr be more in users based a Seay tentional in your mento Girls Emp r/ owerment Network : have just th “You are m e mere bel ore likely to ief that yo speak up. be successf u deser ve At Girls Em ul to be in a ro powermen mentoring om , that yo when you t Network, sessions . W u deser ve we bring in hen we put can see an to women to d talk to a these wom have woman no en in front is much m t at an arm of girls , [the micro ore likely to ’s distance. girls] really believe that – Ami Kan That girl, as e, Girls Em she is also she grows, powermen wor thy of t Network that future .”

Your Perso nal Netwo rk : “If you for their su ar en’t sure w ggestions. ho can help I have had by mutual some men you, ask a friends an tees [reach trusted frie d others ju channels .” ] out throug st find me nd – Phyllis Sn through Li h introduc odgrass nkedIn or tions other soci al-media

BEFORE YOU SHOW UP… For Mentors: “Ask for a resume and any other insights they are willing to share up front. Review their LinkedIn profile. Every person’s life journey is different, and listening and understanding where someone is coming from is where I like to start.”

– Phyllis Snodgrass “I always try to leave the conversation with an action item, something tangible they can take home and work on and that we can revisit in our next meeting. They are asking for your advice, so don’t be afraid to give it!” – Kendra Scott

For Mentees: “Spend some time thinking about: 1.) What is important to you, 2.) How you would summarize your life to date and 3.) What you are hoping to accomplish.”

– Phyllis Snodgrass

FIRST-DAY JITTERS: WHAT TO EXPECT AND HOW TO PREPARE Every Day: Jewelry designer Kendra Scott says mentorship is “so much more than time on your calendar.” Whether it’s an afternoon phone call or texting back and forth, she says it’s important to know when you mentor someone that you’re “committing to be a person they can rely on.”

“Research your mentor’s background beforehand. Always prepare questions ahead of time.

Maybe even send them to your mentor in advance to help guide the discussion. You want to make the most of your time with them, so be willing to put in the work.”

– Kendra Scott

Monthly: Anna Robinson and Kendra Scott suggest meeting formally with a mentee on a monthly basis for one to two hours.

Quarterly: Jordan Jones meets with her mentor quarterly. When she has a larger project or needs more time, she asks to “sit down more frequently.”

HOW TO POP THE QUESTION Be Direct: “When I have needed advice and counsel, I’m just that direct. I will share how much I admire the person (for reasons X, Y and Z) and ask for the opportunity to meet.”

– Phyllis Snodgrass Don’t Be Weird: “I think it could be a little weird telling someone you’d like them to be your mentee, whereas saying you see awesome potential from someone and you’d love to help could be more approachable.” – Jordan Jones Be Thoughtful: “Especially in Austin, there is a culture of mentorship that has become almost expected. So many people in this city are willing to help. The key to getting them to accept? Be thoughtful of their time. If you ask for simply a coffee or a quick phone call to start, mentors are much more inclined to accept.” – Kendra Scott Stay in Touch: “Sometimes [unofficial mentees] just text me and say, ‘I have this decision to make and would love to know your advice towards it.’ I’m just available to them when they need me.” – Monica Peraza, Alegreea

ATXWOMAN.COM | 61

IT’S NOT ME; IT’S YOU: HOW TO BREAK UP WITH YOUR MENTEE OR MENTOR

FOUR THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CALLING IT QUITS 1. You could be taking someone else’s place. “[Someone else] could probably do a better job because they will be more passionate about it. And it’s OK if you make a mistake; you will find the right place to mentor. You just have to be honest with yourself, with how much time you have, what your financial constraints are, and you know what your passions are.” – Kim Hanks 2. Don’t waste your time. “I don’t think anyone should agree to be a mentor unless there is a win-win in the process of doing it.” – Stephanie Breedlove, Care.com HomePay

BREA

KU

P STO Fo r y ea RY doing rs , Kim H 3. Be OK with hearing no. “At the end of the day, who doesn’t want to do it is anks wh at ga par tie sh e d not going to do it. The next one might, and the next one might change your oes b ve back b s y est: t mont . Af ter se v life forever.” – Monica Peraza h hly p ar tie eral years rowing ser vin s o f or an f h os g peo ting o sh e f elt lik ple with D rganizat 4. Don’t feel guilty. “Sometimes you just don’t gel with someone, and that’s ion e sh e own one syn d need on - o OK. That doesn’t mean that person is a bad person or was particularly bad for ro m e ne ed realiz , you. It just didn’t work.” – Kathleen McElroy ed sh mentorsh to transit ion to ip. Sh e wa m e nt s in o e ee did quick ver s u r ro n ly undin ot have a her head . Her g her girl ’s c o mmu , and lifelin nity Ha e time in he , plus ther nks was th e r sch e one w asn’t edu on a c tu a bega -one mee le for con lly n s tings . Han istent knew to regret ks slo th e c sh e n wly om eede her s d to b mitment ak a ck o a s h e f e a n d fo r u t , fo n d elt gu h r ilty, s er mente right e he kn fit an ew it ’s . While d wom wa s n en an she could ’t th d b t h ro u gh gr pass alon etter ser v e g her e oup m nega wis tiv e BREAKUP EMAIL TEMPLATE her m e experie ntoring. W dom nc e h her s ntee allow e, breakin ile a “Thank you so much for taking the time to tre n g ed H g up t a with hs an m e nt nks t guide me during the past <time period>. I feel d o or matc ing forma time, then assess like I’m in a different place now and I’d like h fo r t th a fi nd a t her a n d h e wa s t h e r to find a mentor who can help me <specific ight r men tees . ask>. Do you happen to know anyone in your network that might be willing to assist? I’m going to cancel our meetings for now, but I’d like to leave the door open to reach back out in the future if needed. Will that work for you? Again, I’m really appreciative of your time and advice and look forward to our paths crossing again in the future.”

– Melissa Patel, Dell EMC

“I don’t think anyone should agree to be a mentor unless there is a win-win in the process of doing it.”

-Stephanie Breedlove

62 | AUSTIN WOMAN | SEPTEMBER 2019

3

THREE EXERCISES WITH MELISSA PATEL 1. “Find a quiet space and write down what the perfect day looks like for you: What matters to you? What makes you happy? What kind of work are you doing? What kind of people are around you?

Where are you? Once you identify the things that are important to you, work to incorporate them step by step into your life.”

2. “Take time to reflect on how you got to where you are today by drawing your life map. Consider what your strongest values and beliefs are, where they came from and how they may have changed throughout your life. Consider if there are any unconscious biases that you learned and should let go of to become the person you want to be.”

3. “To boost your self-confidence before heading into a big meeting or presentation, watch Amy Cuddy’s TED Talk, Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are, and learn to power pose.”

“Being a mentee is not a passive role.”

– Kyra Seay

TAKEAWAYS Training = teaching someone how to do her job Mentoring = teaching someone how to take your job – Stephanie Breedlove “Being a mentee is not a passive role. I found ways where I could work directly with them, whether it was by reviewing a textbook they were writing or assisting at an event they were producing. It was a way for me to gain hands-on experience and connect with them.” – Kyra Seay “I feel like baby boomer women did a lot of heavy lifting accessing knowledge from men who were traditionally in leadership roles. And now, we are thinking [about how to] bridge that knowledge to girls who are very young today.” – Ami Kane “[In many countries,] mentors have been moms and grandmothers and things like that. We’re now more conscious of the fact that there are women who are willing to help you out and to mentor you because they are also invested in your success.

[Talking about mentorship] is giving us permission to go and seek mentors, which I think is the first step. We need to feel worthy and relevant.” – Monica Peraza “From a company point of view, mentorship is smart business. When you require anyone in management and above to enhance the skills—the knowledge, the ability, the professional maturity—of the people that work for them, [those people perform] better. Their department performs better. The company performs better.”

– Stephanie Breedlove “One form of mentoring isn’t more valid than the other. Helping other women is helping other women—period. It’s all about how you can relate to others best with your skill set.” – Kim Hanks

Emily Jane Steinberg is a public listener, visual facilitator and scribe. With a gift for synthesizing the big picture, mapping complex connections and making the invisible visible, she supports partners and clients in all sectors through live graphic recording and facilitating from the front of the room. Find her at emilyyes.com.

ATXWOMAN.COM | 63

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OURMET

FOOD NEWS

PERK UP

Austin mainstay Bennu Coffee brews up a new location in the Highland neighborhood.

BY KATHRYN STOUFFER

A straightforward mission and unwavering commitment to carry it out has sustained Bennu Coffee’s existence in the crowded and ever-changing coffee landscape of Austin.

Photos courtesy of Bennu Coffee.

In 2009, Stephanie and Steve Williams opened up shop on East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, offering 24/7 coffee service caffeine-starved Austinites could count on. The flagship Bennu location is conveniently located a stone’s throw from the University of Texas campus and has become a mainstay for students, night owls and third-shift workers alike. Today, 10 years later, after the successful opening of a second Bennu location on South Congress Avenue, Stephanie Williams and the Bennu team will open the company’s third mainstay, in Central Austin, nestled adjacent to Austin Community College’s Highland Campus.

Despite the success of the first and second Bennu locations, Stephanie Williams shares that the third “definitely took us by surprise…because while we were always looking for a second location, after opening it, we thought, ‘Let’s wait before a third.’ ” When the developer, Greystar, approached her and she saw the details, the decision to join the development came with no question.

“It’s going to be right on campus, and for us, that’s what we do so well,” she says. “So, we really couldn’t say no.”

Stephanie Williams is humble when speaking of Bennu and its growth in the last decade, but her entrepreneurial spirit is evident when discussing plans for the newest location.

“When we got there, they were thinking of a smaller space for us, but we have a rule to always go big, and there happened to be a larger space available. We thought, ‘If we’re doing this with the students in mind, then we need to go really big,’ so, we ended up with a spot that’s 3,500 square feet, which is 1,000 square feet bigger than our current spots, and we’re really excited about that!”

The new location will also be the first Bennu built from the ground up, uncharted territory for Stephanie Williams, which is not readily apparent from the vision she shares. The first Bennu was a labor of love, opening shortly after the 2008 Great Recession, and the space was shoestringed together. Stephanie Williams recalls working all day, epoxying floors, then crashing on the thrifted couches filling the space.

“Now we’re in a different place financially than when we started the first two and can do whatever we want without worrying so much about budget,” she says. “We are working with an entire team outside of our own to design the space, and on the one hand, that’s really exciting, but on the other hand, we don’t want to get away from our roots.”

While the bar at the new location might be bigger and better, a “barista’s dream” in Stephanie Williams’ words, the furniture will still be thrifted, the colors adhering to the same Bennu-esque palette, the room decked with long communal tables and filled with warm lighting fixtures, embracing the feeling of an “old-world library,” she says.

With long Austin roots and a commitment to creating a welcoming third space, Bennu will continue to offer what’s tried and true versus what’s shiny and trendy in the coffee world.

“What we feel like we do well is a place that’s really comfortable, community-driven and definitely doesn’t feel pretentious in any way.

We will stay true to our values, which is keeping prices low and doing what’s best for every step of the chain,” Stephanie Williams asserts.

Pending construction timelines, come late winter, ACC students, Bennu loyalists and all those looking for a comfortable chair and a mood-warming coffee drink will find space aplenty to work, study and commune in this new yet well-loved space.

66 | AUSTIN WOMAN | SEPTEMBER 2019

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W

ELLNESS

WAITING ROOM

BATTLING BURNOUT

In a culture that rewards busyness and work stress, women are experiencing a rise in burnout.

In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, work can be anywhere —and everywhere. Email notifications, web conferences, phone calls: The list goes on and on. Clocking out doesn’t always mean the work stops anymore, not when emails can be answered from bed.

Earlier this year, the World Health Organization recognized burnout as an occupational phenomenon and diagnosable syndrome that stems from unmanaged chronic work stress. When diagnosing burnout, the WHO and medical professionals look for three key symptoms: fatigue and loss of energy, mental disconnection from work (often compounded by an unchallenged negative outlook) and a decrease in productivity and effectiveness.

Stress in the workplace isn’t new or unique to millennials, but addressing its impact on people’s lives is.

“People have historically been burnt out,” asserts Catherine Bitney, a licensed psychologist. “But now it’s allowed to be acknowledged. In the past, people would have said, ‘We’re all burnt out. So what?’ ” Acknowledging burnout is the first step to overcoming it, but in order to effectively treat it, one needs to be aware of the root cause. Millennials often place a sense of worthiness on their work productivity and wear exhaustion like a badge of honor, bragging about how little sleep they had the night before or how many cups of coffee they need to function during the workday. And while millennials might be more likely to face burnout, thanks to their seemingly around-the-clock drive to focus on work, the condition isn’t limited to that generation. In fact, burnout is so widespread that a recent Gallup study found 2/3 of full-time employees experience burnout on the job.

“We are very much a society that does not know how to rest,” contends Danielle Locklear, a licensed marriage and family therapist associate. “Resting is not modeled

Danielle Locklear

68 | AUSTIN WOMAN | SEPTEMBER 2019

for us. What’s modeled for us is totally burning yourself out then binge-watching TV for three days and shutting yourself off to the world.”

Sometimes it’s not pride that keeps people from resting, but guilt. For women and people of color especially, it’s hard to ask, “Why not work?” when your parents rely on you financially or when rent is due in a week.

“For people of color, it gets more complex because having burnout is really a luxury,” Bitney says. “People of color are more often poor and are so overworked and underpaid. They don’t have the luxury to sit and think about who they want to be and what they should do with their life.”

Unfortunately, there’s no way to get a smartphone-type notification in the brain that says, “You’re approaching burnout. Slow down!” However, with intentional selfreflection and the right tools, it’s possible to take heed of the signs early and take effective action.

“If you’re not present for what’s going on in life and you don’t feel the elation of a success,” you’re close to burnout, Locklear advises. “You’re just moving through the uncomfortable feelings of hardship without processing them or integrating them.”

Burnout can also manifest physically: When the psychological signs are ignored, symptoms like insomnia, fatigue and chest pain can arise.

Sometimes uncontrollable factors like the environment and cultural background influence a person’s tendency for burnout. And inevitably, there are times when our focus must be fully dedicated to work.

Fortunately, there are ways to be mindful of our limits and bandwidth. It just takes some practice.

“It takes a great deal of integrity to say, ‘It’s not what I want to do, but it’s what my body needs,’ ” notes Natalia Amari, a licensed clinical social worker.

A key piece of battling burnout involves being mentally in alignment with the body and honoring and respecting it.

“Keep an eye on your ‘shoulds,’ ” Locklear advises.

“Oftentimes, if you’re saying, ‘I really should do this,’ it is shame-based motivation. It’s a good opportunity to say, ‘Is this actually something that’s for me or is this something I’ve been told that I should be doing?’ ” When her clients slow down, are more mindful and rest, Locklear witnesses a shift in their mental and physical health.

“Nothing about their job, responsibilities or home life has changed, but their entire well-being has completely transformed,” Locklear says, “because they know when to say no to things and they are actively cultivating daily practices.”

Ultimately, burnout can’t be cured by a single bubble bath. The work will always be there. So, do as the experts suggest: Take a step back and carve out time to rest so you can be there too—on healthy terms.

Photo by Betsey Lackey.

BY REGINE MALIBIRAN

Sponsored Content

THE FACTS ABOUT

Wisdom - tooth Removal

Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to develop. Eons ago, when our diets were much different and dental crowding was common, the third molars came in or “erupted” and provided another set of functional teeth. With today’s softer, non-abrasive diet and the relative rarity of dental crowding, most often, there is not enough room for the wisdom teeth to erupt into place and be functional teeth that can be maintained by the patient. This is what is meant by “impacted,” simply that the tooth is not able to come into a functional position. There are patients who have the space for wisdom teeth, and in these cases, the teeth may be functional and beneficial. In cases in which the wisdom teeth came in appropriately, it is common later in life to develop decay or gum disease around these teeth first. They are difficult for some to maintain and your dentist may suggest removal rather than a filling or crown if this happens.

Who would remove my wisdom teeth?

While your family dentist may remove erupted or exposed wisdom teeth, many regular dentists do not. Furthermore, impacted wisdom teeth, more complex teeth concerns or higher-risk teeth will likely result in a referral to an oral surgeon. A visit with your dentist or a look at your X-rays would likely answer that question best. Most patients having multiple wisdom teeth removed at the same time prefer sedation rather than being awake. Oral surgeons have extensive hospital-based training in anesthesia to make this procedure pleasant and astonishingly safe. The facility is almost as important as the surgeon, and offices that are board-certified in oral surgery are inspected and certified for anesthesia safety by both the State of Texas and a surgery certifying board. Certification ensures the monitoring and safety equipment mirrors that of a hospital environment.

At what age should wisdom teeth be removed?

In general, younger patients are at a very low risk, as the teeth are typically less difficult to remove. For this reason, the recovery is commonly smoother and faster. The best approach is to image and consult a dentist or oral surgeon at a young age, typically during the teenage years, so an assessment can be made about whether the wisdom teeth will likely ever need to be removed. If it is likely removal will be necessary, earlier surgery is generally easier and more predictable. This assessment might happen with your family dentist, orthodontist or directly with an oral surgeon.

What are the costs associated with wisdomtooth removal?

Most insurance plans cover wisdom-tooth removal.

At consultation, each wisdom tooth will be evaluated and coded depending on how it is positioned within the mouth and whether it is exposed or impacted. Likewise, anesthesia choices are usually discussed, and the level of sedation is agreed upon.

The costs will vary depending on these factors, and your insurance coverage can generally be explored prior to the procedure. The best way to discover costs and insurance coverage, as well as discuss the procedure, is to set up a consultation visit with your provider.

Before you consider oral surgery for your family, call 512.591.9557 or visit austinoralsurgery.com.

A LEGACY OF EXCEPTIONAL CARE

W

ELLNESS

HER ROUTINE

BARBELL BRAWN

Bodybuilder Mikaela Fetters is flexing her muscles for fitness and flair.

BY GRETCHEN M. SANDERS

If you want bulging biceps, there’s one sure way to get them. Try pumping iron with Mikaela Fetters.

The 21-year-old personal trainer works at Gym One in North Austin when she’s not traveling for bodybuilding competitions.

A former ballet dancer, Fetters switched sports in 2014 due to an injury. She likes that bodybuilding yields a muscular physique and the chance to pose onstage to music during shows.

Though she coaches aspiring bodybuilders, not all of her personal-training clients want big muscles.

“I work mostly with women who seek general fitness,” she says.

“I don’t push fad diets or extreme pedal-to-the-metal workouts.”

Fetters will officially become a professional bodybuilder if she wins a top spot in the physique division at a national competition in Miami in November.

Here’s how this tower of strength keeps hoisting barbells.

THE A.M.:

“I wake up at 5 a.m. and do 30 minutes of fasted cardio, aerobic exercise after fasting overnight. I’ll do a steady-state workout on the treadmill at my house or the StairMaster at Gym One. Then I shower and eat breakfast.”

THE DIET:

“I eat six meals a day. They’re small meals. An example might be two slices of Ezekiel bread and 4 ounces of salmon. My last meal each day is a cup of six egg whites. My current meal plan has me eating 1,500 calories a day, but I get a 1,000-calorie cheat meal every week. I don’t eat any simple sugars or drink alcohol, and I’m not supposed to consume any food or beverage with more than 80 milligrams of sodium. I eat fish, brown rice, sweet potatoes, oatmeal and blueberries, and drink a gallon of water every day. I’m always hungry. Being uncomfortable is a part of bodybuilding. It’s not a healthy sport. They say the worse you feel, the better you look. Bodybuilders make extreme sacrifices, and it’s considered an extreme sport. Meal planning takes time and the training can be isolating. You must be all in.”

THE GEAR:

“I wear a weight-training belt to protect my back when I do dead lifts and heavy squats. For everyday training, I wear a tank top, leggings and Sketchers or flat shoes. I don’t wear shoes when I compete. For nationals this fall, a business called I Sew It, You Show It will make my bikini, which will cross in the back, be covered with crystals and cost $1,200. Bodybuilders need a gym membership and a good coach. Between training costs, coaching, food, vitamins, bikinis, competition entry fees, hotels, airfare, hair and makeup, it’s an expensive sport. Plus, you need to pay for tanning before each show.”

THE WORKOUT:

“I train my shoulders and back muscles twice a week by doing four to eight sets of 12 to 15 pulldowns, rows and side laterals with 60-pound weights. The workout takes about an hour and 15 minutes. I train my glutes and hamstring muscles once a week for 90 minutes, and I work my quads on a separate day. I also train my biceps and triceps once a week for an hour. For my chest, I do Hammer Strength machine presses, bench presses and flies for an hour weekly. In total, I devote 10 to 12 hours a week to training.

Bodybuilding also involves posing onstage. I practice different poses for 30 minutes a day. Last, I do a 10-minute light jog after weights six days a week.”

THE MOTIVATION:

“I love being onstage. I like the way my body transforms during a training season. I can go from 185 pounds to 140 pounds in 20 weeks. It’s exhilarating. I like the structure, and I love having a goal.”

THE MINDSET:

“I want to beat myself. I want to be better today than I was a year ago.”

THE P.M.:

“My husband and I are watching The Strain on Hulu. I read some of The After Series, pet my kitties and go to bed around 10:30 p.m.”

3M ost bodybuilders apply two coats of a tanning product hours before they compete in order to make muscles appear more prominent.

3B odybuilders can spend 16 to 20 weeks preparing for a single competition.

3B odybuilders consume large quantities of protein. Some strive to eat at least 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight per day.

3A fter a competition, most bodybuilders will increase their calorie intake, drop their cardio output and gain weight intentionally.

3P rior to posing onstage for competition judges, bodybuilders perform fast exercises to pump up their muscles, then apply a body oil to make them glisten under the bright lights. This practice is called the “pump and glaze.”

70 | AUSTIN WOMAN | SEPTEMBER 2019

Photo by Casey Withers of CWMG.

FUN FACTS ABOUT BODYBUILDING

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Photo by Casey Withers of CWMG.

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OINT OF VIEW

ON THE MONEY

MONEY 101 FOR STUDENTS

Give your kids a crash course in financial literacy.

BY JENNY HOFF

Financial literacy is a vital skill every young adult should have as he or she heads off to college or simply reaches the age at which they have the ability to make financial decisions. It’s not just knowing how to balance a checkbook or make payments on time, but knowing how to invest, what kind of debt to pay off first and how to use the most valuable asset every young adult has: time.

As a parent, there are steps you can take to teach your kids about money, even if you don’t consider yourself financially literate. It’s never too early—or too late—to learn how to make money work for you.

1. Educate yourself.

If you have no idea about stocks versus bonds, good debt versus bad debt, secured credit cards versus traditional credit cards, it’s a good idea to review the basics. Make Your Kid a Money Genius (Even If You’re Not!) by personal-finance expert Beth Kobliner is a great place to start. It’s easy to understand, discusses the most important concepts and offers tips for educating kids from 3 to 23. Remember, kids learn most by the example you set. If you show good moneymanagement skills and include them in the learning process, your kids will be more likely to adopt those same habits in adulthood.

2. Help them start investing.

What young people have as a distinct advantage is time. Investing money before you really have any is a daunting prospect, but it will more than pay off in the long run. Once your children see how it grows and what the potential is (they can be millionaires one day, even if they have low-paying jobs), they’re more likely to continue the trend as they become more independent. You can start helping them invest with part of what they earn through part-time jobs, just to show them what happens when they make their money work for them. When they understand investing, they’ll know to put money in a 401(k) as soon as they get a job so it can grow tax-free for decades and compound far beyond their actual investment. “That’s been called the eighth wonder of the world,” Kobliner says. “Mathematically, it’s a very exciting thing how quickly that money grows, and it’s really important not to miss out on that opportunity.”

72 | AUSTIN WOMAN | SEPTEMBER 2019

3. Help them build credit.

Having good credit translates to lower interest rates for loans, more ease when renting an apartment and even better job prospects since many employers now perform credit checks as part of the application process. The best way to teach your kids how to build good credit is by encouraging them to get a secured credit card, through which they can learn how to use a credit card properly and pay it off on time without the risk of charging more than they can afford. If they register on a site like creditkarma.com, they can watch their credit score go up with each on-time payment.

Becoming financially literate is a process—and it starts with you. While college will certainly impact their finances, it won’t necessarily teach your children how to manage them. The best gift you can give your kids as they head off to school is a good understanding of how money works so they can graduate with more than just degrees and student loans, including a solid financial plan to set them on the course to realizing their dreams.

With compound interest, a small amount put in a fund at 18 years old will grow to a huge amount by the time your kids are ready to retire. It can be difficult to think that far ahead, but explain it to your kids this way: If they invest $300 a month (about $10 a day) starting at 18 years old and get the average 8 percent rate of return, that investment will turn into more than $2 million by the time they turn 68. If they start investing that same amount at age 25, that investment will compound to $863,000. If they wait until they are 38 to start investing that same amount, they will have $332,000 when they turn 68. Time is the greatest asset your children have. Make sure they use it!

Headshot by Edward Verosky.

It’s a topic that likely makes you nervous to broach with your children. It’s intimate, personal and makes most people who think about it feel guilty, insecure or confused. No, it’s not sex; it’s money.

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BY CHELSEA BANCROFT

One thing I love about Austin is how environmentally conscious it is. Mazda has been rated the most fueleconomical brand for five years in a row, so we at Roger Beasley try to encourage that. Even if you don’t have a hybrid or electric vehicle, there are several ways you can drive “greener” to increase fuel efficiency and save some money at the pump.

1. Keep up with regularly scheduled maintenance.

4. Avoid aggressive driving.

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The short stops and fast acceleration that often characterize aggressive driving can decrease your car’s gas mileage by more than 33 percent.

2. Make sure the tires are properly inflated.

Taking excess items out of your vehicle can help improve gas mileage as well.

An extra 100 pounds in the trunk of a car can cut efficiency by about 2 percent.

Also, removing roof racks or storage when not necessary will help reduce drag and resistance while driving and, therefore, save you gas.

Driving on properly inflated tires is not only better for your vehicle and the longevity of your car’s tires, but it also helps improve fuel efficiency.

5. Travel light.

6. Turn off your car while idling.

Gas mileage significantly decreases above 60 mph. On Texas highways, the speed limit is often 70 mph or higher, so to help with gas efficiency, use cruise control whenever possible.

The average vehicle wastes more than 1 cup of fuel for every 10 minutes spent idling.

If you’re going to be stuck at a traffic light or train tracks for more than 30 seconds, it’s more fuel-efficient to turn your car off than it is to leave it idling.

Photo by Shelly Borga.

3. Don’t speed.

Chelsea Bancroft is the strategic-partnerships and social-media manager at Roger Beasley Mazda and a blogger at onechelofanadventure.com.

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OINT OF VIEW

ASK LUCY

KEEPING AUSTIN PETS ALIVE

Lucy digs up the details about why we celebrate Austin as the largest no-kill city in the U.S.

BY LUCY J. PHILLIPS

I’ve read that you were adopted from Austin Pets Alive! I am currently a foster pup there and I’m so grateful for all the amazing work APA! did to help our city implement no-kill status eight years ago. I tried to share the significance of this anniversary with other doggos at the park with my fosters recently, but I got too emotional thinking about where I might be without APA!’s amazing work. Maybe you can help me explain why it’s so important to celebrate?

Love, Grayson the grateful

Dear Grayson,

I can certainly relate to the difficulty of expressing your gratitude to APA! Dogs like us owe our lives to APA!’s incredible programs, and that’s not an easy sentiment to convey while chasing squirrels and playing tug of war with other pups. When I was surrendered in November 2013, I was suffering from parvo. Though treatable, the virus usually results in euthanasia simply because of a lack of resources at many shelters throughout the country. Thanks to APA!, I recovered quickly in the Parvo Puppy ICU—just in time for Christmas! When my human came to ask volunteers about adopting, I sneakily fell asleep, snoring in her lap and became the best present she ever gave herself.

But that’s not the end of my story. Beyond adoption, APA! also invests in the long-term care of the animals the organization saves. Though my time in the shelter was short, being a rescue dog can come with behavioral side effects like separation anxiety. Once you’ve found your human, it’s terrifying to think she might leave—even for an hour! In those first few months, my human relied heavily on the lifetime follow-up service offered by APA!’s Dog Behavior Program staff for all adoptions.

These are just two highlights of the remarkable work APA! does to rescue Austin animals and keep them in fur-ever homes. I chewed the fat with Stephanie Bilbro, director of lifesaving operations at APA!, to better understand just how much there is to bark about at the organization’s upcoming No Kill Anniversary Party this month.

74 | AUSTIN WOMAN | SEPTEMBER 2019

With a background in the hospitality industry, Bilbro started volunteering in the Detroit metro area shortly after her father’s death.

“I came across a brochure for the local shelter while cleaning out his apartment,” she says, “and I thought if I started volunteering, I’d be fulfilling his dream.”

When a temporary position opened up, the job soon led to another role covering maternity leave. Before she knew it, Bilbro was pursuing a full-time career in animal welfare. She joined the Austin Pets Alive! team a year ago and now manages the day-to-day operations of the nonprofit’s programs. She believes coming from cities that aren’t yet no-kill locales gives her a unique perspective.

“Thinking back to my previous shelters, certain protocols didn’t feel right to me, but that was just sheltering at the time,” she says. “Coming to Austin confirmed that what was normal in other communities still wasn’t the best we could have done, but I’m glad I have that background knowledge because it’s easier not to take it for granted.”

APA!’s annual anniversary party rallies Austinites to remember how hard we’ve worked as a community to become the country’s largest no-kill city.

“It’s still such an accomplishment every year,” Bilbro says. “We’re constantly reminding people that communities not far from Austin still struggle for the resources, government support and community support that enable us to implement the programs we offer. Plus, there is a small percentage of animals that are still euthanized. We take that number seriously and are always asking what we can do better and what the city can do better.”

Beyond attending APA!’s No Kill Anniversary Party this month, Bilbro recommends humans stay informed about animal-welfare issues by following Austin’s Animal Advisory Commission, which provides citizen oversight for city shelters. She also advises supporting shelters by volunteering, donating and encouraging friends to adopt.

“Ultimately, our goal is that Austin is not the largest no-kill city in the country,” she concludes. “Then we’ll really feel like we’ve done our job.”

Paws up to that, Grayson, and best wishes on finding your fur-ever home!

Love and slobbery kisses,

Lucy

P.S.: For more information about adopting Grayson—or other dogs at APA!—check out the Available Dogs link on the APA! website.

If you have a dog-related question for Lucy, reach out and follow her on Instagram @asklucydog.

Grayson the grateful photo courtesy of Austin Pets Alive! Lucy photo courtesy of Hannah J. Phillips.

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OINT OF VIEW

I AM AUSTIN WOMAN

EAST SIDE ’TUDES

East 12th Street, once a prosperous black community with burgeoning businesses, has had a mass exodus of blacks feeling pushed out and displaced. With an influx of folks from other states moving in, it’s been difficult for many, particularly those from the black and brown communities, to get an economic toehold in this sector and open/reopen businesses.

It’s even harder for young people of color to see themselves in business in East Austin, a place that holds much historic culture for them.

Opening shop in this community has given me the opportunity to realize my dream of entrepreneurship and allowed me to serve as an entrepreneurial role model. This is a personal point of pride.

Altatudes is among a few new pioneers committed to rebuilding the business community and culture to encourage all to return and discover the wonders—old and new—along the 12th Street corridor, in addition to living the entrepreneurial dream.

I would love to see more black and brown entrepreneurs becoming merchants in the East 12th Street corridor.

It takes a lot of resources to start a business and sustain that business. But East Austin comes with its own challenges. East 12th Street does not have as much traffic as other areas of East Austin, but it is quickly growing. In the interim, my weapon of choice is exposure. You can build it, but no one will come unless they know about it. I endeavor to expose my business to every fashion-forward-thinking individual in Austin, the surrounding areas and beyond!

Additionally, teaming with others from the board of directors and new members of the East 12th Street Merchants Association to increase awareness and visibility, and thereby generate visitors within the sector, is paramount. Together, we host the annual Return and Discover event, through which we aim to feature merchants in the area and showcase their offerings.

This community reiterates to me that I need to find a way to give back. It’s a social responsibility all businesses should have. My presence in this community has helped shape my business, as well as the community and an extension beyond me. I will continue working to increase possibilities through entrepreneurship skill building and access for underserved and overlooked young adults.

76 | AUSTIN WOMAN | SEPTEMBER 2019

Altatudes’ social impact is embedded in our core values, business strategies and operations. We are stitched into the fabric of our community and aspire to give back to satisfy a social need and clearly articulated core values.

Altatudes supports women’s empowerment causes and is vested in building confidence and self-esteem in young girls and women. In our nearly twoyear history, the Altatudes Hearts and Handbags initiative has helped nearly 30 underprivileged young women boost their self-esteem, with an additional impact of donating more than 100 handbags to girls at Dell Children’s Medical Center and Kealing Middle School. My tribe at large (women throughout the city) is asked to donate their gently used or new handbags and fill them with toiletries, perfumes, makeup, gift cards and a note of inspiration. Handbags are given to girls in the community upon their participation in a two-hour self-esteem-building program. Our next objective is to double the number of participants in the program and connect with more girls and women to make a deeper impact.

If a woman does not feel good in her heart and in her mind, she will not feel good in her clothes. So, we must equip young girls with the confidence and selfesteem to own the future before them.

It is critical girls and women of all backgrounds see African American women in positive positions of business ownership and exercising power. I am proud to be one of those who can be a role model and impact women positively. That empowerment lends me the fortitude and tenacity to push through as I embark upon my second year in business.

I love what this community was when black businesses were prospering, what it is now as it grows and transforms, and what I envision it will be as it flourishes into the future. This community has allowed me to inform my space by way of giving me a broader definition of and better insight into a culture that once was through my own dream of entrepreneurship. As the owner of a startup business in a revitalizing neighborhood, to be able to come back to this area in this capacity to live my dream is a true blessing.

My ultimate goal is to have a positive impact in my community through Altatudes—and help women get their ’tude on!

Teacakes and Milkshakes Celebrating Altatudes’ two-year anniversary Sept. 14, noon to 5 p.m., 1717 E. 12th St.

Photo courtesy of Dwayne Hill Photography.

Entrepreneur Alta Alexander of East Austin boutique Altatudes shares how giving back and championing community is just as important as growing her local business.

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AUSTIN WOMAN MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2019

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