Women to Watch
Austin Monthly salutes the many local women affecting change and making waves in their industries. We support and highlight female entrepreneurs and business leaders with this annual Women to Watch special advertising section. Get to know some of the phenomenal women leading Austin in the following pages.
Sarah Evans Closet
Factory
Meet Sarah!
A savvy and forthright woman in business, Sarah Evans owns and operates Closet Factory, a custom closet and storage solutions company in Austin. When most people think of construction, they likely picture a man in a hard hat. Working in the construction industry, a field dominated by men, has provided its own challenges for a young female owner, but Sarah and her team are proud to be one of the 13% of construction companies that are women-owned, continuing to break the mold and change the perception of the people who build.
“I like to call us magicians,” says Sarah. “Maybe we aren’t exactly that, but we often perform some dazzling closet makeovers. We understand our client’s needs and that each person or family is unique. So are their storage needs.”
Closet Factory also does so much more than just closets: home offices, laundry rooms, mudrooms, pantries, garages, wine rooms, entertainment centers, and more. Each design consultation is a collaborative effort between the client and their designer. Together, they will create a storage system specifically designed for the client’s lifestyle and the items they store. Finishing touches include styling the closet to fit into the aesthetic of the home, which is part of the fun and magic. Contact Closet Factory to help you refresh your space and place in 2023.
@CLOSETFACTORY_AUSTIN
CLOSETFACTORY.COM
INFO@CLOSETFACTORYAUSTIN.COM
8112 FERGUSON CUT OFF, AUSTIN, TX 78724
Women to Watch
Women to Watch
Alaina Martin is known for her enthusiasm, work ethic, and ability to create a positive buying and selling experience for her clients who often become friends. Alaina resides in the Westlake area and has also lived in South Austin and downtown, giving her a deep appreciation and knowledge of city living and the Lake Austin lifestyle. Having relocated from New York City a few years ago, Alaina enjoys helping Austin newcomers navigate a competitive real estate market. She finds satisfaction in giving her clients a competitive advantage with pre-market opportunities.
Alaina leverages her media background in real estate—she was chosen to host Selling Texas on American Dream TV, an Emmy-nominated television show highlighting real estate and the Austin lifestyle. Alaina loves to travel, wake surf on Lake Austin, and spend time with her 5-year-old son, Tucker. She’s proud to support Big Brothers Big Sisters and LifeFamily Church.
@ALAINAMARIEMARTIN
ALAINA@GOTTESMANRESIDENTIAL.COM
ALAINAMARTIN.COM
512-777-8082 1501 ENFIELD ROAD, AUSTIN, TX 78703
Alaina Martin Gottesman Residential
Barbara Garza
AESA Prep Academy
Barbara Garza has made a noteworthy contribution in the field of education, as founder and superintendent of the AESA International School System. Overseeing the flagship AESA Prep Academy of Austin, a private college preparatory school, Barbara provides an unrivaled opportunity to motivate K-12 scholars, athletes, and artists. Barbara’s vision is to see students grow into well-educated young adults with unparalleled opportunities for prosperity and philanthropy. Producing worldly citizens who lead filling and productive lives is her legacy. Her educators specialize in empowering students to pursue their individual passions in a world-class academic environment that allows small class sizes and flexible schedules. Within this model a student is taught work-life balance, something rare in modern education. Barbara is dedicated to meeting the needs of the entire student allowing excellence in academic and extracurricular activities. These efforts assist in developing compassionate, confident, and enlightened students who meet and exceed their personal goals.
INFO@AESAPREPACADEMY.COM
AESAPREPACADEMY.COM
512-774-4822
14101 CANONADE DRIVE, AUSTIN, TX 78737
Women to Watch
Valerie Pierce started Elite Austin in 2014 and has since built the company to a team of 20 talented professionals, specializing in All Things Furniture, for Rent or Purchase. This group of design experts offer Home Staging focused on marketing and optimizing the sale of real estate, as well as Luxury Furniture Leasing that transforms interiors into comfortable, designer residences that feel like home. Elite Austin’s pieces are also available for purchase, perfect for clients in need of Residential Furnishings.
Elite Austin creates beautiful and functional spaces with quick lead times and the process is all about you, the furniture, and conciergestyle service. From their professional design team to in-house logistics crew, Elite Austin seamlessly handles all aspects of their clients’ furniture needs from design and space planning to delivery, installation, and pickup.
Since establishing Elite Austin, Valerie continues to curate a signature collection of designer furnishings that exude style and sophistication. She and her team believe everyone should feel at home, whether your situation is temporary or permanent. Call or visit their website to discover how Elite Austin can transform your home today.
@ELITEAUSTIN
DESIGN@ELITEAUSTIN.COM
ELITEAUSTIN.COM
512-366-8189
Valerie Pierce
Elite Austin
Malena M. Amato, MD, FACS, and Marie Somogyi,
MD, FACS
Eyelid & Facial Plastic Surgery Associates
Dr. Malena Amato and Dr. Marie Somogyi are thrilled to announce their partnership at Eyelid & Facial Plastic Surgery Associates. As boardcertified leaders in their field, Dr. Amato and Dr. Somogyi strive to deliver the highest level of personalized patient care in a beautiful state-of-the-art facility. They offer a comprehensive range of treatments and services spanning the breadth of oculofacial plastic surgery, from cosmetic surgery to trauma and tumors for all ages.
This new alliance is founded on strong family values, both in the workplace and at home, as they are both mothers to two sons, balancing the demands of teens and toddlers with their professional life. Their genuine love for taking care of others is reflected in their relationships with their staff and their patients, who they consider to be members of their extended family. They also contribute to the community as adjunct faculty of Dell Medical School, and continue to teach, do research, and participate in medical mission trips around the world.
Their impeccable training, skill, and expertise along with their ongoing commitment to patient care has made them sought-after specialists in their discipline. They look forward to welcoming new patients and providing the best possible experience for oculoplastic surgery in the Austin area. AUSTINFACE.COM 512-501-1010 MEDICAL OAKS PAVILION, 12201 RENFERT WAY,STE. 100, AUSTIN, TX 78758
Women to Watch
Women to Watch
Sarah Railey, Cindy Goldrick, and Emily Moreland
Austin’s leading boutique real estate brokerage, Moreland Properties, was founded in 1986 by Owner and Chairman of the Board, Emily Moreland. Sarah Railey, the COO, and Broker, leads the company’s charge as Austin continues to grow. In 2022, Cindy Goldrick (founder of Wilson & Goldrick Realtors) along with her agents, joined Moreland to further enhance the strengths of their local brokerages together. Focusing on highly customized, in-person agent attention, a client-care mentality, and an ongoing commitment to local nonprofits that make Austin a wonderful place to call home, these women continue to inspire and encourage.
Moreland’s local knowledge, combined with their exclusive membership in Forbes Global Prop erties and reputation for professional, discreet representation have made them the city’s leading boutique brokerage. Each Moreland agent works as a careered real estate advisor devoting themselves full-time to gaining market knowledge and delivering results.
AN ORIGINAL AUSTIN BROKERAGE Serving ATX & surrounding areas since 1986
@MORELANDPROPERTIES MORELAND.COM
512-480-0848
AUSTIN | WESTLAKE
LAKE TRAVIS | DOWNTOWN
From left to right: Cindy Goldrick, Sarah Railey, and Emily Moreland.
Lisa Marie Bustos Bustos
Family Law
Lisa Marie Bustos is a family law attorney passionate about guiding those in difficult times towards their brighter future. Through her own personal and professional experiences, Lisa has seen the difficulties parties face in the legal system when fighting to protect their family, their rights, and their assets. Lisa strongly believes that all parties should have a voice in family law litigation and should strive to come to pragmatic resolutions in each case.
Bustos Family Law PLLC was founded on the principles of service and integrity. Whether it is a negotiated settlement or in courtroom trial experience, Lisa is a dedicated and experienced advocate here to make you feel educated and empowered in your legal process. Austin Monthly named the attorneys in the firm among the city’s Top Attorneys for 2021 and 2022. Lisa and associate attorneys Katy Lovett and Thomas Just joined the ranks of Super Lawyers® in 2023.
@BUSTOSFAMILY
FACEBOOK.COM/BUSTOSFAMILYLAW
BUSTOSFAMILYLAW.COM
512-766-2768
INFO@BUSTOSFAMILYLAW.COM
1705 S. CAPITAL OF TEXAS HWY., STE. 200, AUSTIN, TX 78746
Women to Watch
Natalie Green and Jessica Vessells
Four Hands Home
If you see a Four Hands piece in the wild, chances are Natalie Green and Jessica Vessells have played a part in its selection. Together, the Four Hands Home account executives share over 20 years’ experience in sales and customer service. A native Texan and East Coast transplant respectively, Green and Vessells have helped boost the Woodward Street home furnishing showroom’s sales by more than 200% over the last five years. Catering to locals, Four Hands Home attracts designers and design enthusiasts alike, furnishing a range of residential homes, hospitality hotspots, and more. The newly remodeled 22,000-square-foot showroom offers hundreds of high-end styles in a range of price points. Led by showroom manager Nealie Gillis, the Four Hands Home team builds lasting relationships with their customers, whether established architects or first-time homebuyers. “Furniture shopping can feel daunting without guidance,” says Vessells. “We like to provide trusted support to our clients, sharing our knowledge of products, materials, pricing, lead times, and shipping specifications.”
Recent homebuyers themselves–Green in South Austin and Vessells in Lockhart–the saleswomen regularly assist customers from New Braunfels to Georgetown and everywhere between.
“We feel lucky to live and work in Austin,” reflects Green. “There’s so much opportunity in our ever-growing city.”
@FOURHANDSFURNITURE FOURHANDS.COM
512-225-0333
2090 WOODWARD ST., AUSTIN TX 78744
Women to Watch
Inspired Closets
Meet the creative team at Inspired Closets. Excited and passionate to bring luxurious style and organization to homes, businesses, and retail settings across the Central Texas region, our dedicated team of professionals welcome the opportunity to help clients realize the full potential of their spaces.
Visit their expansive new showroom to tour over 15 custom installations including closets, pantries, media centers, wall beds, home offices, garages, wine bars, and more!
Call or visit the website to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of Inspired Closets’ talented designers to explore how Inspired Closets can transform your next space.
@INSPIREDCLOSETSAUSTIN
INSPIREDCLOSETSAUSTIN.COM 512-288-5552
7601 S. CONGRESS AVE., STE. 300, AUSTIN, TX 78745
Back row: Kelly Toye, Alexis Barry, Catherine Meyer, Alyssa Jordan, Rae Ann Hill, Brittney Kratzer, Kathy Bergstraser; front row: Krista Crain, Beth Cloutier, LeAnne Young; not pictured: Sherry Halley, Joann Wilmeth, and Barbara Tatro.
