Austin, TX February 2021

F E B R UA RY 2 02 1

Austin

M ADE I N

S T Y LE + B E AU T Y

FOOD + DRINK

LI F E + C U LTU R E

B O O T M AK ER P U T S H IS S O U L I N H IS S O L ES

M AK I N G CAK ES WO RKS O F AR T

O U T SI D E AR T YO U M AY HAVE M IS SED WH I L E I NSI D E

INSPIRE INK LIZZY SMITH

Tattoo Artist

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY:

Coming Soon to Leander!

LIZZYWIGLZTATOOS@GMAIL.COM

(864) 386-4978

@lizzywiglz

LIFESTYLE LETTER

FEBRUARY 2021 PUBLISHER

Joe Kerby | joe.kerby@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Jennifer Birn | jennifer.birn@lifestylepubs.com

Tis' the Season for Love LOVE. It’s cliche to associate with February. But, things become cliché for a reason, because they sprout from truth. And, I for one don’t think you need an excuse to celebrate love.

In this issue we celebrate makers and creators in our community who we absolutely love.

AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe L AYO UT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sarah Ivens CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Lesson Medrano, Lesson Medrano Photography

Dr. Sarah Ivens interviewed dashing bootmaker Will Roman, the ‘Chief Texan’ of Chisos Boot Company. His handcrafted boots make us yearn for days we can dress up and go out again – but we’re happy to pull them on just for a walk around the neighborhood.

While many of us spent more time at home the better part of the last year, things in Austin continued to thrive outside. We captured some of the art you may have missed that’s so symbolic of the times. The team behind HOPE Outdoor Gallery, which is slated to open in its new location in June, commissioned 40 artists to paint inspiring and positive quotes on boarded up businesses in downtown Austin during the pandemic. Many are already being painted over, but some things are meant to be loved for a season rather than a lifetime. We talked to HOPE’s founder and cultural curator Andi Scull to learn what’s coming next.

Jessica Love of Urbane Design gave us another virtual peak into her backyard, where

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

12 works by 10 local artists permanently reside, and we spoke with some of the artists

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

about the inspiration behind the work. Salon owner Jasmin Todd made us envious for

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

girls with curls and Cakes Rock challenged us – having to pick only a half dozen of their

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

magical cakes to share.

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Thank you for flipping through our pages. I promise you’ll get to the last page loving something about this great city just a little bit more.

I look forward to getting to know you, inspiring you and continuing Austin Life’s mission of sharing the amazing people, places and things in Austin there are to love, every month.

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Happy February 2021! See you in March for our Home issue.

Love,

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA

Jennifer Birn, Editorial Coordinator ON THE COVER Chisos Boots Chief Texan Will Roman

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF WILL ROMAN 4

Austin Life | February 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA | SOUTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

Proverbs 3:5-6 Austin Life™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Austin area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Austin Life™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

NEW YE AR NEW GOAL S CRUSHED PRIVATE , SA FE , ONE ON ONE TR A INING US ING CUT TING E DGE INNOVATION S FAT BURNING | MUSCLE TONING B ODY SCULPTING EFFICIENT 2 0 M I N U T E SE S SIONS LOW IMPAC T S AFE FOR ALL AGE S & SKILL LE VEL S

MODERN CUT TING EDGE ME THODS L I P O M E LT | N O N - I N VA S I V E A LT ER N AT I V E TO M ELT AWAY S T UB B O R N FAT E M S | EL EC T R O MUS CL E S T IMUL AT I O N WO R KO U T EWOT | EXERCISE WITH OGYGEN THER APY C O V I D F R I E N D LY | P R I VAT E O N E O N O N E S E S S I O N S

AU S T I N S C U L P TA N D T O N E . C O M —

3 42 5 B EE C AV E R OA D , AU S T IN —

5 1 2- 9 9 4 -74 8 5

MENTION THIS AD IN AUS TIN LIFE FOR A NO COMMITMENT INTRODUC TORY E XPLOR ATORY SESSION

INSIDE THE ISSUE FEBRUARY 2021

FEATURES 16 For the Love of Texas Talking to Chisos Boots Chief Texan Will Roman

24 Crazy for Curls Austin Curls has us embracing going au natural

32 Cake Art Confections that will have you grabbing a photo before a fork

42 What Popped Up Outside, While We Were Inside Art Reflects History and 2020

24 32

Didn't Stop Austin's Talented Muralists From Documenting It

16

42 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Artist’s Palette

36 Local Limelight 38 DIY 42 Inspired By

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ARTIST’S PALETTE

by l ove' s

DESIGN

ARTISTS OPEN UP ABOUT THE BACKYARD PROJECT ARTICLE JENNIFER BIRN PHOTOGRAPHY LESSON MEDRANO

CONTINUED >

8

Austin Life | February 2021

Top, from right: Matthew Trujillo, Feebee, Sade, Starla Halfmann, ZuZu, ER

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

9

ARTIST’S PALETTE (CONTINUED)

Niz's Texas tiger swallowtail butterflies

THIS IS A MONTH WE TRADITIONALLY CELEBRATE

project that was completed in 90 days with no more than

LOVE, AND THAT SHOULD INCLUDE JESSICA LOVE.

three socially distanced artists on site at a time.

As we shared in our September issue, the Urbane

Mike Johnston, aka Truth, whose golden rose now

Design owner conceptualized and created The

permanently blossoms in Love’s backyard, shares,

Backyard Project over the summer in response to

“This project came at the perfect time. Work was

so many artists suffering in the wake of COVID-19.

slowing down because of the pandemic and Jessica

She commissioned 10 local artists to paint six dou-

reached out a lifeline. Not only was I pumped to get

ble-sided panels to be a permanent installation in the

work, I was overjoyed to hear the artists had creative

backyard of her home near Mount Bonnell.

freedom. That’s a form of currency on its own. I’m

After paying landscape designer Dorian Lerma to build six 2’5”x7’ panels she invited a slate of 10 talented local

10

grateful for her vision and I always love watching other artists create. It’s inspiring.”

artists, eight of them female, to bring the 12 panels to life.

The pair of Texas tiger swallowtail butterflies were

The first artist Jessica brought on board was Quincy

painted by Niz. She says, “Typically I use yellow but-

Wakefield. “When Jessica first mentioned the idea

terflies as a symbol for imminent change and for the

to me, I was blown away with excitement,” Wakefield

beautiful result of transformation. I felt the light colorful

shares. “She’s always been very passionate about art

butterflies would be a nice addition to Jessica’s unique

and humanity and I think this project is the epitome

backyard. I can picture these butterflies in front of the

of both.” Wakefield painted his fantasy conceptual

piece blending life and art.”

character Calhoun. He says, “I wanted to create the

Explaining the beautiful explosion of color on his

feeling of empathy, love, hope, and support. I thought

piece, the artist known as ER says, “The inspiration

that by painting Calhoun, it would bring a bit of fun to

is based on my background of growing up in Hawaii

the project. It was a truly cathartic experience creating

and Florida. The fauna and sunsets of these places

the panel. Having the opportunity to be a part of the

have had a great impact on my mindset and imagina-

project and create along side some of my friends and

tion. The feeling I get when I reminisce on the natu-

colleagues, was very fulfilling.”

ral beauty I was surrounded by is something I like to

Other artists who participated in the project

share through my work.” Of his inclusion in the project

include Feebee, Sade Channell, Jasmine Gonzales,

he says, “The project is heartwarming and is a glimpse

Starla Halfmann, Mike “Truth” Johnston, ER, Matthew

of Jessica’s support and admiration for artists and the

Trujillo and Zuzu and Niz, the only two artists to paint two

art scene. Her generosity to create an opportunity

panels. Love estimates she invested about $12,000 in the

for artists during a time where many businesses and

Austin Life | February 2021

Mike "Truth" Johnston's golden rose

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

11

ARTIST’S PALETTE (CONTINUED)

Quincy Wakefield painting Calhoun (left), Jasmine Gonzales (right)

12

Austin Life | February 2021

Zuzu's image will fill the blank space

industries were suffering speaks volumes of her character, and is also a great representation of how many in the Austin community appreciate the arts. “ Matthew Trujillo titled his painting, “In the Midst,”

Starla Michell's "Open Heart Open Arms"

explaining, “It’s a painting that I created in the beginning of the pandemic that represented focus on the light that is within us even through dark time. I wanted to recreate this piece because it was a message I was still really feeling at the time I was asked to work on the Backyard Project.”

Starla Michelle says the meaning behind her painting, “Open Heart Open Arms” happened after she painted it. She tells Austin Life, “I like to start most paintings without a sketch or plan and Jessica encouraged me with the words every artist loves to hear, ‘Do what you want.’ I started to paint a rose and it transformed into a hummingbird. After I was finished, the interpretation came to me. The hummingbird looked as if it had roses coming from its heart and its wings looked like an open hug. This is why I love to paint unplanned because it’s like solving a puzzle both in terms of interpretation of the artwork and in creation of it.”

She adds, “I think this pandemic has been challenging in many ways for artists. However, I’m optimistic, especially with projects like The Backyard Art Project. I think creatives working together and having open hearts, open arms, and being open to creative solutions and ideas will get us through this. The Backyard Art Project creates this beautifully.”

Seeing past the pandemic Jessica says she envisions each artist having their own pop-up and reception at her home and says she plans to build a pathway to the panels. “I think it’s going to be an excellent little wine walk where people can grab a glass of wine and walk around the panels and check it out,” she says.

That’s a walk we eagerly await.

You can see behind-the-scenes of The Backyard Project on Love’s Instagram highlights @theurbanedesign. Warning: May inspire you to commission a backyard project of your own.

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

13

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15

F OR T H E L OV E OF T E X A S

16

Austin Life | February 2021

ARTICLE SARAH IVENS | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CHISOS BOOTS

TALKING TO CHISOS BOOTS CHIEF TEXAN WILL ROMAN

WILL ROMAN TAKES HIS ROLE AS A TEXAN VERY SERIOUSLY. He eschews the formality of being called the CEO of his company, Chisos Boots, preferring the title ‘The Chief Texan.’ His pride is inspiring – and persuasive. “My intense love for this great state is as big as Texas itself. From the gulf to the panhandle, Sam Houston put it best: “Texas is the finest portion of the globe that has blessed my vision.”

The weight of being from this great state is something he feels in his life, and wants all his customers to feel when they pull on a pair of his boots. “There’s a responsibility that comes with wearing cowboy boots,” he explains. “In Austin, people look at you a little bit more when you’re wearing them, but when you step out of the state, they make you an ambassador. When you pull on a pair of boots, there’s just an overwhelming Texas pride you can’t quite explain. It’s a uniform.” A born and bred Austinite (he took his first breath at Seton Hospital at 38th Street), he’s traveled – and even spent a year living in San Francisco (during which he pined for

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

17

FOR THE LOVE OF TEXAS (CONTINUED)

Texas the whole time) – but he always came home. “There’s not many of us genuine Austinites around and speed with which Austin is changing is actually turning me into an old man,” the 34-year-old businessman confesses, “I drive through the city and count all the buildings that weren’t here ten years ago. But, why wouldn’t everyone want to move here? We have a great community of makers and artists and musicians and entrepreneurs. My only caveat to the new folk would be to make sure they cherish the city how we do; to appreciate the culture, to value our quirks like the Cathedral of Junk. I want the people who move here to be able to look back in 30 years and know they made Austin an even better place, because it is the best place. When I was younger I thought I had to travel the world, and find a more perfect place for me. Now I live four miles from where I was born and I realized not only have I found that place – but I always had it.”

SOUTHERN COMFORT After careers in start-ups and tech Will found his feet when he looked closer to home – and his footwear – for inspiration.

“Like most native Texans, I’ve worn boots all my life. But then I got a disc injury in my twenties, after a weightlifting and motorbike accident, and wearing them became

increasingly

uncomfortable.

Being a stubborn Texan, even though it was hard to walk I carried on anyway, wearing oversized ones that looked like clown shoes. Eventually though, I had enough. I thought ‘how hard can it be to

18

Austin Life | February 2021

make comfortable boots?’ It turns out, it’s pretty

in Far West Texas, Chisos is a company that aspires

darn hard – but I had an idea.”

to embody the principles of the Texas spirit: friend-

Will made making comfy boots his mission –

ship to others, pride of craftsmanship, and stew-

reading every book he could find on shoe-making,

ardship of the land. “Texas is such a fascinating

obsessing over details, and going to Mexico to learn

place; our identity comes from the land. My boots

the craft of leatherwork. He even started cutting up

are inspired by the high desert mountain range that

his own boots to work out how they worked and

speaks to the soul of so many Texans – the Chisos

how they could work better. “That soon became

Mountains in Big Bend National Park. There’s

expensive, so I started going to Goodwill and buy-

just something about the Chisos; long have they

ing up their boots. I soon realized bootmakers were

been a source of spiritual renewal for natives and

cutting corners to keep costs down or make bigger

travelers alike.” These messages feed Will’s soul

profits. Boots could be better.”

from top to toe – literally. “Chisos boots took form upon this enchanting backdrop and that namesake

A LANDSCAPE TO INSPIRE LOVE

influences how we operate today. A portion of all

In just 11 months, Will got the idea going and his

revenue supports Texas land conservation, and we

first pair of boots on someone’s feet. Chisos Boots

donate proceeds from every sale to organizations

were born. Named after the enchanting mountains

like the Hill Country Conservancy.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

19

FOR THE LOVE OF TEXAS (CONTINUED)

THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS COMFY Nestled in the gorgeous state of Guanajuato, the same family-run workshop that mentored Will is the one he still works with today, producing boots for his loyal customers – many who come in and buy from his store on South Congress, a house with rocking chairs and a fire pit outside that functions more as a comforting place to hang out and take your time trying on things than a traditional shop. “The future owners come in cynical, because they’ve heard I make comfy boots. They say, ‘That sounds like BS,’ and then they pull them on.

The response is normally, ‘well, damn,’ – and they hand over their credit card. And that’s a thrill. I feel a sense of responsibility. This is not a built-to-sell business. I want Chisos Boots and our messages to be the core of how I live my life.” That’s why he calls his customers ‘owners’ – “they’ll always have a direct line to me; I will always try to make any problem right.

They’ve made an investment, buying a pair of my boots, its not a one-time sale opportunity for me. They own my boots.”

They are an investment because they are not the cheapest boots out there – prices start at $495 - but their materials and process make it easy to see why. It you’re looking for an ethical boot, step in line. Leathers come from hand-selected dairy cow hides, sourced from farms screened for their animal welfare practices.

“By using this leather, we do not contribute to the demand for juvenile animal harvesting, and every piece is ethically sourced. We use our own leathers, hand channel welt our heavyweight midsoles, and refuse to use internal plastics.”

SEE YOU LATER ALLIGATOR

20

alligator boot you can buy,” he says proudly.

Will’s latest design is exciting -and comes

“Alligators were almost hunted to extinction

with an exciting price tag. Going for $4,000,

in Texas a short while ago, until programs

the limited edition Chisos Reserve boot is the

were put in place to incentivize landowners

world’s first small-batch cowboy boot made

to make alligator habitats… which worked a

from wild Texas alligator. Production is limited

little too well, and now they’re becoming a

to 40 pairs, with each set individually num-

pest. They’re now hunted for their meat, and

bered as they are reserved. “It’s the only Texas

we take the hides to make boots.”

Austin Life | February 2021

AUSTIN FOREVER When he’s not out living ranch life, hiking moun-

built this way. People here always have time to

tains or searching for alligators, his hometown is a

help other people – they make time to help other

happy place to be. “There’s a true camaraderie in

people. People here will always take your call. I

Austin, especially amongst the local business own-

call it the Texas Standard. And that’s what makes

ers and their customers. All the business owners I

me so excited to wake up every morning and do

know are approachable and warm, they’ll come out

what I do. Its about more than boots. I’m having

and serve the people who visit their store, or bar

fun and I’m happy, yes, but I’m also a proper Texan

or restaurant. There is nothing aloof about Austin.

– and the best Texans drive towards the eye of the

I took this all for granted until I left the city and

storm to help people when they have to.”

realized the rest of the world wasn’t necessarily

And Will has done that by making our feet happier!

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

21

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Austin Life | February 2021

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crazy for curls

AUSTIN CURLS HAS US EMBRACING GOING AU NATURAL

ARTICLE SARAH IVENS PHOTOGRAPHY CHELSEA VINCENT PHOTOGRAPHY

Do girls in curls have more fun?

24

Austin Life | February 2021

" W e believe h air says who you are, where you've been, where you're going and wh at you want in life."

OUR HAIR HAS A BIG IMPACT ON OUR

to manipulate the natural state of my hair

IDENTITY. It influences people’s percep-

to try and get the curl out. I was a victim

tion of us and what we think about our-

of not wanting to show it and spent every

selves. Austin transplant Jasmin Todd owns

Sunday straightening it so I’d look ‘decent’

Austin Curls, a salon specializing in – curls.

for the rest of the week. I associated

On their website she says, ‘We believe

controlling my natural curls with looking

hair says who you are, where you’ve been,

proper. At 21, I became more self-aware,

where you’re going and what you want in

about my skin color and my natural curls,

life.’ We caught up with her to talk about

and decided to go into hair professionally

this bold statement and more.

because I found it so fascinating.

LET’S TALK ABOUT THE QUOTE ON

YOU’VE BEEN IN AUSTIN FROM

YOUR WEBSITE…

CALIFORNIA FOR TWO YEARS. WAS

That statement comes from my belief that

THE MOVE A GOOD DECISION?

hair is a reflection of the person and what

Definitely! At that time a lot of things

the person does – or wants to do. Are you

were changing in my life and I said to

conservative, or a little more liberated? Are

myself, ‘If things are changing anyway,

you active and would you like to be? I came

how about I take hold of my life by the

up with that statement because I know it

handlebars and steer it in the direction I

to be true – and I want to make my clients

want it to go! I didn’t want to just let life

lives easier! I want to give them what they

happen to me. I thought about what I

want, and what they need – even when they

wanted and three things stood out clearly:

don’t know what they need. There’s a lot of

I wanted to spend less time on highways,

psychology in a haircut. I let everyone who

I wanted to be more involved in my son’s

comes to me know they have control – over

education and I wanted a salon within

their lives and their curls.

ten minutes of my home. Austin would allow me to tick off all of those things. I

DID YOU LEARN A LOT THROUGH YOUR

found Austin, and Austin found me. Austin

OWN PERSONAL HAIR JOURNEY?

is even more chill than California – and

In my community we have done a lot of straightening – I grew up thinking I had

Southern Hospitality is real. I love that people have time to talk here.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

25

CRAZY FOR CURLS (CONTINUED) AND AS A WOMAN STARTING A BUSINESS HERE… I’m loving it. The small business community is amazing, exceeding any expectations I had. This is a community that really wants small, local businesses to succeed and where everyone supports each other.

Behind-the-scenes

YOU GREW UP IN LOS ANGELES AND SPENT A LOT OF TIME TRAINING AS A HAIR STYLIST IN NEW YORK CITY. ARE HAIR TRENDS VERY DIFFERENT IN EACH CITY? In LA there is such a strong Hollywood influence that clients come in with a photo of a celebrity and just say, ‘I want that.’ Here, they ask for my opinion more and are open to ideas that suit them and their hair.

WHAT ARE SOME HAIR TRENDS FOR SPRING/SUMMER 2021?

I feel like more and more people will enjoy their curls. Our world is more global now, we’re embracing other cultures, and with it we’re embracing our natural hair. I predict curly bangs will become a thing – more and more people are already coming in and asking for them, after always thinking they couldn’t. The biggest trend I foresee this year is freedom!

Perfect Curls

Looks like they do!

Owner Jasmin Todd

26

Austin Life | February 2021

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27

h e r e’s t o hope ARTICLE JENNIFER BIRN

EPIC REUSE OF RESOURCES AND HELPING OTHER PEOPLE EVERYWHERE

MANY THINGS CAN BE SAID ABOUT THE POW-

embraced it until its closure mid-2018. Now, a bigger and

ERFUL BENEFITS OF ART, BUT THE WAY IT’S

better HOG is slated to open June 2021.

EMBRACED IN AUSTIN IS UNIQUE. Where busi-

Austin Life caught up with Andi Scull, the brand man-

ness owners around the world often scoff at street

ager, cultural curator and founder of HOPE, which stands

artists tagging their buildings, in Austin they pay for

for Helping Other People Everywhere, and she likened the

the privilege. In Austin, HOPE Outdoor Gallery (HOG),

Austin street art scene to musicians at open mic night. She

a park dedicated to street art, popped up in 2011, its

explains, “I always called it a visual open mic because this

inaugural piece from the famed Shepard Fairey. The city

town understands an open mic for musicians, but visual

Photo Credit: Architect Chioco Design

28

Austin Life | February 2021

art is similar, it’s not always meant to last forever or be recorded, it helps you practice or gain confidence or do something that you then later can get a big commission for.” She says businesses like Facebook and Google routinely came to the gallery to find artists

literally made from Austin.” The walls of the old park are being

to hire for projects and it was a place where events like Austin City

demolished and going into the parking lot!

Limits would scout for visual artists.

The new park will have the show up and paint walls as well as

The new park will be across the street from Austin-Bergstrom

curated mural experiences, classes, camps, events and more. “You

Airport and is 17 acres verse the 1.3 acres at the previous park. It will

don’t usually get to test out your business model,” says Scull. “The

be made of a mix of materials including several solar panels that will

new park is going to have amenities that we always knew a park

spell out the word HOPE and be visible from above to every passen-

needs, like parking and restrooms and water fountains, but this one

ger who flies over Austin.

is also going to have a coffee shop, grab & go food and an art store.

The arial art isn’t the only standout part of the new structure.

“The park is the first of its kind in the world. It’s made out of

It’s going to have a lot of revenue streams to allow it not only to be sustainable but allow it to be free to the public.”

Austin,” Scull says, explaining, “We made 40,000 earth bricks

She explains that keeping entry free was of critical importance. “A

from the earth of our land, so the walls of the new art park are

reason why this was so iconic and important to Austinites is because CONTINUED >

Artist: Catie Lewis, Photo credit Tony Moreno

Artists: Carmen Rangel, Jasmine Gonzalez, & Morgane Xenos, Photo credit Tony Moreno CityLifestyle.com/Austin

29

HERE’S TO HOPE (CONTINUED)

“The park will be the home where the non-profit can continue to do programming, expand and grow.” it was about public art and accessible to everyone, whereas muse-

pandemic Scull helped spearhead Hope for Health, commis-

ums and galleries could be intimidating. We want admission to be

sioning 40 artists to paint inspiring quotes on boarded up busi-

free, so we’ll have revenue streams to allow it to sustain itself.”

nesses in downtown Austin with the theme “These Walls Bring

It will also continue to give back and now fully fund the HOPE nonprofit. Scull says, “The mission is to connect creatives with causes

Us Together.” Two are pictured and you can find all of the murals from the project at hopecampaign.org.

through projects and events. It’s basically a non-profit production

Above, Scull is surrounded by the HOPE team and several of

company that allows creatives to donate their time and talent to

its artists. From left to right from the top: Kelly Perkal “ZUZU,” Liz

projects and issues they believe in. The park will be the home where

Whitington, Nathan Nordstrom “SLOKE,” C.K. Chin, Blake

the non-profit can continue to do programming, expand and grow.”

Bemel “MEZ”, Jaon Eatherly, Antonio Diaz, Lauren Siegel, Andi

An absence of a physical space hasn’t kept HOPE from contributing during a year Austin needed it most. At the start of the

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Austin Life | February 2021

Scull, Mariska Nicholson, Sammy Gilford, Gina Whittington, Chris Scull. Efren Rebugio. Miles Starkey, Matt Trujillo

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

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Cake Art CONFECTIONS THAT WILL HAVE YOU GRABBING A PHOTO BEFORE A FORK

YOU JUST HAVE TO LOOK AT CAKES ROCKS INSTAGRAM TO SEE THEIR CONFECTIONS ARE OUT Founder Christy Seguin

OF THIS WORLD FUN. Its cakes jump in deliciousness off the screen. We caught up with the cake artist and founder Christy Seguin – who was a national bodybuilding champion even while baking since childhood - to learn more about the magic behind the cakes that look like they need a frame as much as a fork.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST FALL IN LOVE WITH BAKING? I decorated my first cake when I was five-years-old.

It was a festive treat for Santa Claus. My mother had a Christmas tradition that she’d make a cake in the shape of Christmas tree every year, and me being me, at five, said to her ‘I wanna decorate it this year’ – and she let me, and the bug hit me. I started baking and decorating from then on and was self-taught until after high school when I took a course.

WHEN DID YOU START BAKING FOR BUSINESS? In 2013, when I was living in South Carolina – one of the first states to have cottage laws that allowed you to bake and sell goods from your home. That freedom allowed me to start my business organically, and I soon realized CONTINUED >

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Austin Life | February 2021

What a wedding cake

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

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CAKE ART (CONTINUED)

there was a real thirst for my kind of work. There were no other cake artists in the area and I saw an open market. Facebook was a thing by then so I’d post photos of cakes I’d made for friends and family on there and people would contact me, asking if I’d bake for them, and that was that. Honestly, I’m terrible – I never think of fear. It never occurred to me to do anything other than go for it!

AND THEN YOU BROUGHT THE BUSINESS TO AUSTIN… My husband got recruited here in 2014 – and I was excited. Some of the best cake artists in America are here, or in Dallas or Houston.

In South Carolina they do not value art how they do here, so I was thrilled to move my business to Texas. It was somewhere I knew I could be successful and flourish because Austin is great at supporting artists. We moved in April and I launched Cakes Rock in May. I didn’t waste any time.

WHAT WAS THAT FIRST YEAR SETTING UP IN A NEW CITY LIKE? It was fun. I rented a shared commercial kitchen with the team from El Dorado Café, who were at that time developing their menu to set up their bricks and mortar restaurant. They were fabulous days – we were each other’s guinea pigs! To make our cakes look so neat and precise, we trim around the edges – and the El Dorado team named the leftover bits ‘cake shrapnel’ – we’d give them big bowls of cake scraps which they loved. We’ve stayed supporting each other over the years, another thing Austinites are really good at. After we left that shared space, we went to our current location on Congress Avenue, where we’ve been for just over three years.

WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION? Mostly, my clients come in with an idea – or a photo of something they’d like us to replicate – a pet, a team mascot, or a company logo.

I love it when they come to us with a concept and we get to create some magic. Some cakes take up to 100 hours create, and for some

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Austin Life | February 2021

Dream Catcher

I need to go to plumbing or building stores for equipment. I once made a retro jukebox cake that was 4 ft tall and 2 ft wide that was so heavy, we had to build a sort of sedan chair with handles to transport it, like the pharaohs in ancient Egypt used to travel around on. The biggest cake we’ve ever made was Cinderella’s castle, which ended up being 4ft tall and 5ft wide.

YOU’VE MADE AND TASTED A MILLION CAKES – IF YOU COULD JUST EAT ONE CAKE FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE? For taste, I’m a cinnamon girl – I’m all about it. My dream cake would be our cinnamon churro cake with browned butter cream.

Design-wise, I made my top bucket list cake a while ago. It was Smaug the dragon from The Hobbit. Next on my bucket list is Baby Yoda – please someone come in and order him!

WHEN YOU’RE NOT IN FULL ON SUGAR MODE, WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO EAT IN AUSTIN? My husband is a huge BBQer – he competes in barbecue competitions. I’m a former body building competitor and national champion, so most of the time we eat at home, barbecue chicken and brisket with salad and vegetables. To splurge, I go for Mexican or Italian. I’m around sweets so much I crave spicy and savory, lasagna and enchiladas. When we’re celebrating something special, my favorrite places to eat out are Trattoria Lisina, a fabulous spot in Driftwood that feels like stepping back in time, surrounded by gardens and wineries, or Vince Young Steakhouse downtown.

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO FOR LIFE? Get the cake first – and plan the rest of a party around it.

Especially kids’ parties. Save the money on the bouncy house, and spend it on a cake that blows your guests away. Cake is always the most important thing at a birthday party, and in COVID-19 times, this has never been truer.

“ T he big gest ca ke we’ve ever made was Ci nderel la’s castle, wh ich ended up bei ng 4 f t ta l l a nd 5f t w ide.”

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LOCAL LIMELIGHT AUSTIN SCULPT AND TONE FOUNDER PAUL WINSOR TURNED HIS PERSONAL JOURNEY INTO A WAY TO HELP OTHER PEOPLE

ARTICLE SARAH IVENS

B ODY S C U LP T O R PAUL WINSOR TELLS AUSTIN LIFE ABOUT THE PATH THAT LED HIM TO AUSTIN AND TO OPEN HIS INNOVATIVE FITNESS SPA THAT COMBINES LIPOMELT, ELECTRO MUSCLE SIMULATION, AND EXERCISE WITH OXYGEN THERAPY, “I was one of those kids who could eat whatever they wanted and never gain a pound. But that all changed in my twenties,” he shares. “I went from being a skinny 160 lbs. to hitting 204 lbs. over a three-year period. I had low energy, looked bad in my clothes and I knew I had to turn my life around.

I worked hard and lost the weight, but I had a stubborn ring of fat around my middle. I was in medical sales at the time and a client told me about the first generation of lipo melt machines. I wanted to try it out to see if it worked – and it did. It got rid of my beer belly – and my interest spiraled from there. I

Windsor uses a trio of techniques to help clients achieve their fitness goals

bought a device and started working in the offices of a naturopathic doctor, learning about the body

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and how to make it stronger and smarter. I learned

amazing after working with me, they feel stronger, notice their

that when you’re happier in your body, you’re hap-

muscles tightening and toning and after two or three sessions

pier in your mind – and I could help people find

they see the inches coming off. I form good bonds with them,

balance and strength. That was 11 years ago,

getting them to focus on their goals, pushing them towards a

“I moved to Austin in August 2017. I had a friend

better lifestyle. This year I want to encourage everyone to love

who lived here and when the weather in Canada

themselves more. We want the world to go back to normal, and

was crappy and cold I’d get a call from Austin tell-

when it does, I’m here to help people lose the COVID-19 lbs.

ing me the sun was shining, and Blondie was play-

they put on during the difficulties of 2020. They may also be

ing at Stubb’s, and I’d think that’s where I should

depressed after such a hard year, and I’ll teach them how exer-

be. Three years after moving here, I still love the

cise boosts endorphins and increased oxygen intake boosts

weather, the music scene, the vibe. And I’m here

their immunity. Working with me will really help people become

imaking a difference. My clients tell me they feel

the new person they deserve to be in this new year.”

Austin Life | February 2021

GET INSPIRED EAT + DRINK SHOP LOCAL City Lifestyle

YOUR DIGITAL DESTINATION FOR LOCAL LIVING

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

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DIY

H A N D M A D E H O M E

A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO ALL THINGS DIY WITH EXPERT AUDREY KUETHER

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY AUDREY KUETHER

Before I made these cute gold leaf dishes, my jewelry was a tangled mess. Now I actually enjoy keeping it organized and displayed! Don’t let gold leaf intimidate you – it’s a game changer. Check out the tutorial to learn how to make some of these pretties for yourself or for gift giving.

SCAN ME FOR THE FULL TUTORIAL!

+ G O L D E N 38

Austin Life | February 2021

G L A M

J E W E L R Y

D I S H E S

+

D I S P L A Y S

+

I turned these toys into some fun photo holders, but they are also super fun used as table place settings at a kid’s birthday party.

They double as a party favor!

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T E R R I F I C

T O Y

A N I M A L

P H O T O

SCAN ME FOR THE FULL TUTORIAL!

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Austin

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DIY (CONTINUED)

SCAN ME FOR THE FULL TUTORIAL!

+

P R E T T Y

P O M

It doesn’t get more fun than yarn pom poms – ok maybe I need to get a life, but nonetheless ....

In this tutorial , I show you just how easy it is to make your own pom poms and pull them together to make the cutest wall hangings.

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Austin Life | February 2021

P O M

W A L L

H A N G I N G S

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Kitchen & Bath | Whole Home Remodel | Custom Cabinets Counter Tops | Painting | Masonry | Flooring

Putting Clients & Quality First Serving the Community for Over 30 Years

Facebook.com/RCCDR We provide first class services with reliability & professionalism

(512) 470-4439 | info.rccd@yahoo.com | RCCDLLC.com

WWW.ANGELHOUSE.ME

512.335.7746 | www.cupprimo.com 8650 Spicewood Springs Road Suite 105 Austin, TX 78759 CityLifestyle.com/Austin

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INSPIRED BY ARTICLE JENNIFER BIRN | PHOTOGRAPHY LESSON MEDRANO

W H AT P O P P E D U P O U T S I D E , WHILE WE WERE INSIDE ART REFLECTS HISTORY AND 2020 DIDN'T STOP AUSTIN'S TALENTED MURALISTS FROM DOCUMENTING IT

YOUR VIRTUAL STREET ART TOUR CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: 01 It’s Okay to Not be Okay, Sade Lawson, 02 RBG, Soledad Fernandez-Whitechurch, 03 A Girl That Feels Like Sunset, Niz, 04 Killer Mike, Mike “Truth” Johnston, 05 Love Will Win, “Truth,” 06 Sandra Chevrier and Shepard Fairey’s 100-foot-tall commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, 07 Peace, Love, Austin, Truth 42

Austin Life | February 2021