Madeworthy Mar/Apr 2024

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You’ll enjoy working with us.

You’ll enjoy your new home even more. highlandhomes.com

Enjoy an award-winning design built with the quality and architectural beauty you only find in Highland Homes – all delivered with unmatched service that makes it easy to buy and build a new home.

Sniffles, surgeries, sing-alongs More than care. Connection.

Hello, neighbor! We want you to know that we’re all in this together. Because “together” is the best way to shape treatment plans made just for your child––ones that are built by a team of doctors, families and patients. That’s what it means to deliver care that connects.

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Q

Contributors Question What Fort Worth business do you wish would magically reopen?

Issue 40 | Keeping Company March/April 2024 Publisher Editor Associate Publisher

Victoria Wise Lee Virden Geurkink Jennifer Kieta

Lee

Edward

Twilite Lounge. We’re losing places for local musicians to play, and it scares me.

Caravan of Dreams.

Contributing Writers Edward Brown Hannah Bush Mollie Jo Jamison

Contributing Photographer Carolyn Morris

Illustrator Trish Wise

Lead Design

Cover Design

Conor Dardis

Victoria Wise

Victoria

Trish

Carolyn

Cactus Flower Café. I still have dreams about their biscuits and gravy.

The old Sardines restaurant when it was on Camp Bowie.

I would like to see the restaurant Smoke return to Dallas.

Madeworthy Magazine is an extension of Tanglewood Moms, LLC., and serves to tell community stories for a family audience.

For website and magazine advertising opportunities, please contact: Victoria@MadeworthyMedia.com Looking for more copies Madeworthy Magazine? You can subscribe at TanglewoodMoms.com for free or pick up copies at Central Market in Fort Worth or Tom Thumb on Hulen Street.

After working together intermittently for nearly five years, Fort Worth’s Brooke Goggans and Susan Medina founded The Collaborative, North Texas’ only bipartisan, woman- and minority-owned strategic communications firm, in early 2023.

“We work with clients that want to improve the quality of life for Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and North Texas,” says Goggans. “We say that falls under infrastructure.

Infrastructure can mean roads, rails, transit, education, non-profit.

Whatever helps invest in our community is the kind of work that we want to do.”

These two women, whose resumes boast impressive business backgrounds and active community involvement, have joined forces to tackle complex communication issues and projects in government relations, corporate communication, media relations, and more.

They also offer creative services, social media management, event planning, and marketing.

Medina came to

Mollie

Hannah

I would love another taste of Steel City Pops! They were so refreshing on a hot summer day.

I would love to see the unmistakable blue and yellow sign of Blockbuster on a Friday or Saturday night just one more time.

The Collaborative from her firm, SKM Communications Strategies, and Goggans was a co-founder of Mosaic Strategy Partners.

to get from one place to another, what drives us is being a part of the community. We live here, we work here, our kids go to school here, so the way our community grows is important to us.”

“We crystallized the partnership when we discovered that we had complementary skill sets that allowed us to offer clients services from the start of their project through completion,” says Goggans.

Another reason these women joined forces was because they are just as committed to having successful careers as they are to being mothers.

“When we look at the opportunities that are available [to women], they don’t always work with wanting to be a mom and have a career,” says Goggans.

“When we saw what was offered, [we thought] ‘It looks like we are going to have to create our own opportunity.’”

Not only have they created that opportunity for themselves, but The Collaborative founders also work to empower other Fort Worth women by elevating their voices.

Collaborating for Community However, The Collaborative does not focus solely on working with women. Goggans says the idea is to partner with clients who care about Fort Worth and Tarrant County and their growth.

“We take the goal and unpack it and create a straight line from A to Z,” says Goggans.

“Because we know the direct pathway, we can save clients time and money by putting together an efficient strategy. We provide the silver bullet approach instead of a shotgun.”

“We have been in the market, and we enjoy trusted long-term relationships with a variety of folks in the business community,” says Goggans. “Both Susan and I serve on a lot of boards and try to keep involved in the community so that our relationships can assist when we are executing plans for clients.”

“We are experiencing life in a boomtown right now,” she says. “So the way that we meet the needs of our growing population is really dependent upon our infrastructure. Whether by improving education or improving the ability

The reason The Collaborative can take such a targeted approach to strategic communications is because both of its founders are so well connected. Goggans has served on the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce

A company that helps its community and uplifts and empowers women while providing its clients with top-notch service?

It sounds too good to be true, but Susan Medina and Brooke Goggans are on a mission to prove they can do it.

by Mollie Jo Jamison photos by Rachel Delira

“We take very seriously our responsibility to raise up other women and be sure that other women are in places where decisions are being made,” says Goggans.

“We take pride in helping other women find their autonomy or their own power within their career. Whether it is through [using] our own experiences or in the way we serve our female clients, we understand that what is happening at work is not the entire scope of their lives.”

The creative pair often uses the phrase, “We finish hard things,” as their business’ motto. Goggans says this promise is made to clients because their goals are usually straightforward, but the path to achieving those goals is not always so obvious.

Executive Board and many others. Medina has also dedicated time to numerous executive boards, including the United Way of Tarrant County and Leadership Fort Worth. Both women have been named “40 under 40” by the Fort Worth Business Press.

The Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has previously declared Goggans one of the “50 Emerging Latinos” in the area and recognized Medina as “Businesswoman of the Year.”

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photos by Hannah Haston

Made in Fort Worth: Lawson Brown

by Madeworthy Editorial Staff Named for the founder's two daughters, Lawson Brown is an online destination for clothing, jewelry, accessories, and inspiration.

We reached out to founder Carolyn Osborn to talk about her experiences as a business owner and what we can expect from this new venture.

Madeworthy: Tell us all about Lawson Brown. When did you dream this up?

855 Montgomery St., Fort Worth, TX 76107

Carolyn Osborn: It's a dream I've always had. This is just the latest iteration. Dreams evolve and grow with you. Before Lawson Brown, I owned a brick-and-mortar with my sister-in-law called Lola + Lina. We carried items that were hard to find in the area, at various price points, and were appropriate for all occasions and ages. This didn't feel like work to me because I loved it SO much.

During the pandemic, I welcomed my second child and realized that I didn't have the bandwidth needed to sustain Lola + Lina, so I decided to close the store, but I didn't sell it because I had faith in my dream and knew I'd want to return to it. In 2023, I felt the call again! Lawson Brown, named for my two daughters' middle names, launched online in December 2023.

MW: What items do you specialize in?

CO: Jewelry, clothing, and other accessories. You'll find several of the same designers I carried previously at Lola + Lina, alongside a handful of new designers I love and know my clients will love, too!

MW: Tell us about your customer – who is she, and where is she going?

CO: No matter her age or where she's going, she's having fun! She practices the art of self-expression and moves confidently through the world. The beautiful thing about Lawson Brown is that you can find something for your little one, a high schooler, or a gift for a friend. You can find earrings to wear on your big day, casual clothing, or something for a night out on the town! We love versatile pieces and strive for inclusivity in our offerings.

MW: How do we shop with you? Is it

photos courtesy of Lawson Brown

web-only, or do you have pop-ups or participate in shows?

CC: We're web-only right now! You can find us at shoplawsonbrown.com.

If you are local to Fort Worth, use promo code Dropoff, and your order will be dropped off/picked up the same day, free of charge.

MW: What are three essential items we must have in 2024?

CC: Statement earrings are timeless in my mind, so I'd recommend something loud and proud with a pop of color! Our Rainbow Pop Heart crystal earrings add a wow factor to every look. On the everyday wear side of things, I'm loving our Hoop Pave Earrings and Pearl Baby Giselle studs to add a touch of understated glamour to everything from jeans and a t-shirt to workout clothes.

MW: Pantone's color of the year is Peach Fuzz. Is this year all about pastel colors?

CO: We love Peach Fuzz! Buying for the seasons to come, I'm seeing a ton of pastel colors. Trends are so much fun to explore, but ultimately, I think style is knowing what you love and what works for you! I love pastels, but trust me when I say I'm not afraid to blend and add pops of bolder, brighter colors.

MW: You have had two children since launching your business, Lola + Lina.

Has this affected your focus on what you offer the modern mom?

CO: If anything, my two girls inspired me to offer a broader range of products. I plan to cater to the same clientele, with the addition of more selections for children, from apparel to gift items. I've also included athleisure and am excited to expand my clothing offerings. I'm all about elevating a throw-on-and-go look.

A time crunch to get ready in the morning shouldn't stop you from feeling fabulous.

It's also worth noting that my girls are tough critics, so when Lila likes a particular print, I know I need to buy it.

MW: We love the playfulness of what you bring to your collections. What inspires you for this look?

CO: My litmus test is does a piece light me up, or can I dream up where I'd love to wear it. I'm most inspired by people, places, and art/design.

MW: Will you plan to open another retail shop in Fort Worth?

CO: As of now, that won't be the case. Never say never, though...

Fresh Family Recipes This issue of Madeworthy is all about local business. It’s fitting that the recipes for Fresh Family Recipes come from a restauranteur who has made Fort Worth his home and a restaurant that created a safe and compassionate setting for individuals with intellectual differences to gain real work experience. Felipe Armenta owns seven restaurants/concepts in Fort Worth, with additional restaurants in San Angelo and Midland. Beneventi’s Italian Restaurant, located about an hour from Fort Worth in Mingus, works with the Mingus Job Accelerator to offer adults with intellectual differences on-the-job training in foodservice.

by Lee Virden Geurkink

Whipped Ricotta with Roasted Tomatoes

Pacific Dip

Beneventi’s Italian Restaurant

Pacific Table

Not only does Beneventi’s Italian Restaurant make delicious Italian dishes, but they are also making a difference for people with intellectual differences, and that’s worth the drive to Mingus!

Felipe Armenta has been delighting Fort Worth diners with his myriad of restaurants, including The Tavern, Press Café, Maria’s Mexican Kitchen, and the new(ish) Le Margot. Perennial favorite Pacific Table serves Armenta’s take on Pacific Northwest seafood, and the Pacific Dip is a fan favorite.

“This luxurious whipped ricotta is so decadent, but so easy to make. Roasting cherry or grape tomatoes ‘til they’re jammy makes them sweet and bursting with flavor. The tomatoes’ sweet-tart acidity is the perfect counterpart to the silky whipped ricotta cheese. At Beneventi’s Italian, we serve both alongside some crispy crostini to create the perfect first course, or a fab accompaniment to your favorite glass of wine!”

[Editor’s note: This is a pared-down version of the restaurant’s recipe that is made for the home cook.]

Ingredients 2 filets smoked trout, available at Central Market or other specialty grocery stores 1 8-ounce block cream cheese [Editor’s note: You can use Neufchatel cheese if you must, but this is best with the full-fat stuff.]

Juice of 1 lemon ¼ cup sour cream [Editor’s note: Like the cream cheese, the full-fat stuff is the best.]

1/3 cup good-quality mayonnaise 1 to 2 teaspoons horseradish [Editor’s note: The hotter, the better!]

A couple of good shakes of Tabasco or other Louisiana-style hot sauce 1 to 2 green onions, thinly sliced 1 medium-boiled egg

Ingredients 1 15-ounce container of whole-milk ricotta cheese [Editor’s note: You can make this with part-skim ricotta if you must, but it’s really best with the whole-milk version. Whatever you do, DO NOT use the fat free stuff. Take my word for it.]

1 tablespoon heavy cream 4 teaspoons dried Italian season herb blend, divided use 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling 2 garlic cloves, minced or grate on a rasp-style grater [Editor’s note: You can use more if your family is like mine and LOVES garlic.]

Kosher salt and freshly-ground black pepper to taste Baguette, ciabatta, or other good quality bread sliced into ½ inch thick slices

Directions Preheat the oven to 375°.

In a small casserole dish or on a small, rimmed baking sheet, toss the whole tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of the extravirgin olive oil, as well as the minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Roasted in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are just beginning to burst. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

Directions Add the cream cheese, lemon juice, sour cream, mayonnaise, horseradish, and Tabasco to the bowl of a food processor. Blend until everything is smooth, pausing to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to make sure all the ingredients are well incorporated.

Dice the egg. (To medium boil an egg, place the egg in a small pot of cold water over high heat.

Cover the pot and bring to a rolling boil. Once the water has reached a rolling boil, turn off the heat and let the egg cook for 8 to 9 minutes. Drain the egg and place in an ice bath to stop the cooking.

Allow to sit in the ice bath for a couple of minutes before peeling and dicing the egg.)

Place the slices of bread on a baking sheet and drizzle evenly with extra-virgin olive oil. Sprinkle the slices with 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning and a little salt.

Toast in the oven until the bread is golden brown, approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

Remove the skin from the trout filets and dice into ½-inch squares.

In a large bowl, gently fold the green onions, egg, and trout into the cream cheese mixture.

Don’t overmix. You want lovely pieces of trout surrounded by the smooth cheese mixture.

While the bread is toasting, combine the ricotta cheese, heavy cream, and remaining 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning in the bowl of a stand mixer or in a large bowl if using a hand mixer. [Editor’s note: You can use a whisk to whip this by hand, but a mixer is so much easier.] Whisk the mixture together until it’s light and fluffy. It should be smooth and luxurious.

Serve with crostini, bread sticks, crackers, vegetables, or just a large spoon. Makes enough for 6 to 8 as an appetizer. illustrations by Trish Wise

Place the whipped ricotta in a large, shallow bowl and garnish with the roasted tomatoes.

Drizzle the ricotta with a little more extra-virgin olive oil and serve with the toasted bread and some wine. Serves 4. Buon appetito!

06

PERSONAL INJURY & FAMILY LAW

725+

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Moms helping moms through life's greatest challenges.

Grace’s Goodies Seek first to understand your partner.

When there is conflict, first look in the mirror.

Co-create the best environment for listening and validating.

If it’s important to your partner, at least consider it.

Respect and honor boundaries.

Never voice contempt, bully, name call or give ultimatums.

Hold hands in bed before sleeping.

Respect differences in music and video.

Be good, game, and giving with intimacy.

Allow for ME time to enhance WE time.

Dance, laugh, and sing together.

Give more than you get.

It’s ok to look at other people, just don’t drool.

Cooperate with your partner instead of trying to change them.

Say five positive things for every one negative thing.

Schedule time to talk and time to play.

Say I love you in a variety of ways.

Ask for what you want.

Honor your relationship.

Be courteous and don’t interrupt.

Share your thoughts and feelings.

Express admiration and respect.

Demonstrate affection in the way they want to receive.

Talk to me like I’m someone you love.

BRAD NOWLIN Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist brad@bradnowlin.com 817-676-5904

versustexas.com

Great relationships are worth it.

APPRECIATING THE VIBRANT TAPESTRY OF FORT WORTH

by Edward Brown photo by Ximena Arista-Zapata

Long before the United States War Department named the little fort in our neck of North Texas in honor of General William Jenkins Worth, the confluence of the West and Clear Forks of the Trinity River was governed by Mexico and inhabited by Hispanics living on the edge of the Comancheria.

Many Hispanic families living in Fort Worth today trace their roots here back seven generations or more. The story of Hispanics in Fort Worth is the story of Fort Worth.

The 2020 pandemic was particularly battering to Hispanic families, many of whom didn’t have the luxury of sheltering in place due to their overrepresentation in essential fields that kept food manufacturing and distribution going, along with other vital services.

Anette Landeros, president of the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of

Commerce, and her team were struck by the resilience of Fort Worth’s Hispanic business owners during those difficult and often deadly times. To celebrate the contributions of those business owners to our city’s economy and culture, her team launched a new public awareness campaign.

“Hecho en Fort Worth emerged as a dynamic campaign initiated at the conclusion of the pandemic in 2021,” Landeros said. “The preceding year had been a rollercoaster ride for both our business community and our organization, marked by virtual events, innovative adaptations, and the resilient navigation of uncertainty.

We took immense pride in the unity displayed by our business community during challenging times.”

The program’s name, which translates to “Made in Fort Worth,” is a reminder that many of the goods and services enjoyed by locals come from the labor of Hispanic families.

Landeros said Hecho in Fort Worth

has become something of a rallying cry that demonstrates pride in Fort Worth’s history and diverse business community. Last year’s annual fundraiser was rebranded Hecho in Fort Worth to further bolster public awareness of the initiative. Marketing efforts include Hecho in Fort Worth signs on dozens of rentable bikes from Fort Worth Bike Sharing and Trinity Metro, custom scarves featuring the vibrant red, flower-adorned steer head Hecho in Fort Worth logo, Saddleback Leather coasters, and the distribution of custom placards proudly displayed

by Hispanic-owned businesses.

Landeros credits Hispanic Chamber member Lydia Guajardo and her marketing team for creating the designs that Landeros said brought the “grand vision to life.”

“The branding, initially created for the gala, gained widespread attention and resonance,” Landeros continued. “The infusion of Spanish flair not only piqued interest but also significantly enhanced the visual appeal.”

Last year’s Hispanic Heritage Month featured Hecho in Fort Worth banners throughout downtown’s Main Street while the custom silk scarves have become popular accessories at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.

Hispanics now account for 35% of Fort Worth’s population and are the second-largest ethnic group behind Caucasians. U.S. Census data shows that the Hispanic population in Tarrant County grew from 482,977 to 620,907 between 2010 and 2020. Researchers from Arizona State University released a report last year that found Hispanics are the fastest-growing contributors to

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the U.S. economy, contributing $3.2 trillion of the nation’s gross domestic product.

Hispanic-owned businesses manage everything from small stores to massive real estate and architecture companies.

Arts organizations like local stalwart Artes de la Rosa rub shoulders with smaller mom-and-pop shops like J. Munoz Trucking and small coffee shops such as Casa Azul Coffee. Some local businesses, like the Near Southside’s destination for board game lovers, Game Theory, do not bear Latin names or make Mexican-themed products even though their owner or co-owner has familial roots in Spain or Latin America.

Landeros said her group has plans to expand the program through downtown banners, new merchandise, and murals. The idea, she said, is to embed the campaign even further into the Fort Worth community because the Hecho in Fort Worth campaign is meant to celebrate every business in the city, including non-Hispanic companies.

“Imagine residing in a city where cultural differences are not only acknowledged but celebrated, shared, and embraced as valuable assets,” Landeros said. “That’s the vision we aspire to realize. We aim to share our rich culture, instill a sense of pride, and extend a warm welcome to the entire city, inviting everyone to partake in and appreciate the vibrant tapestry that defines Fort Worth. Let’s create a community where diversity is not just recognized but cherished. After all, we are all collectively contributing to what is Hecho en Fort Worth.”

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TUESDAY, MARCH 12–FRIDAY, MARCH 15 1–4 p.m. | All ages welcome!

FREE Are you ready for a break?

Spend the week with us as we think outside the box!

Enjoy free, fun-filled events with exciting activities throughout the week including gallery games, art making, creativity challenges, and more.

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!e BEST Kind of CoDependence

by Lee Virden Geurkin photos by Carolyn Morris, OMG Photostuff

Two parents. Four (and a half) children. Three dogs.

Two(ish) cats. Twenty-four assorted reptiles and amphibians. Unknown numbers of houseplants.

Sounds like pure chaos, right? Now, throw in two successful but wildly different small businesses.

Meet Shea and Conor Dardis, ringleaders of the aforementioned chaos and owners of Wandering Roots Markets and Thirst & Co., respectively.

If you live in Fort Worth, you are surely aware of Wandering Roots Markets. From pop-up artisan markets at small businesses like Tulips FTW and Funky Picnic to the wildly popular seasonal markets in the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Wandering Roots Markets led the way for pop-up vendor markets in our area. And while Conor and Thirst & Co. might not be a household name (yet), their design work, both for corporate and creative clients, is seen all over.

In fact, you're holding an example of Thirst & Co.'s designs in your hands right now.

Conor has been the lead designer for Madeworthy for over half of our existence. He's the genius behind our layouts and our branding. If you enjoy reading Madeworthy, you have Conor to thank. We may provide the content, but he makes us look GOOD. But how does a boy from Ireland meet a girl from Waco and become parents and owners of two small businesses in Fort Worth?

Born and raised in Waco, Shea wanted to move to Austin or Fort Worth. "I was on Google looking for jobs, putting my resume in envelopes and mailing them to businesses in Fort Worth and Austin. I just happened to get an interview in Fort Worth first."

A Fort Worthian since 2005, Shea can't imagine life anywhere else. "I'm a Fort Worth gal through and through," she said. "The most magical thing happened when I first moved here. I didn't know anybody. A girl I worked with said, 'Hey, I play guitar, and I'm going to play at a little bar called The Moon after work. Wanna come?' Until then, it had been just me and my pit bull, so I said, 'Oh my gosh, yes!'"

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"That night, I met all of the people I'm close friends with today," Shea said. "I feel like I finally found my people."

On the other side of the Atlantic, Conor was busy pursuing music and design. There is a strong storytelling tradition in Ireland, and Conor is a master storyteller in his music and his art. While in Dublin, he did design work with "some big car brands with Coca-Cola and things like that." (Conor is nothing if not self-effacing.) After the ultimate meet-cute, he left Dublin for the wilds of Texas.

"I love telling the story of how we met – it was such a fluke," Shea said. "I was a single mom. I wasn't looking for anything. It was just me and Jo (Johanna, age 13), and I was happy. I found Conor on Instagram, where he was mostly posting song lyrics and stuff, and I made a comment on one of his posts. He started following me, and I started following him. Then I accidentally unfollowed him."

Conor interrupted, "No, I accidentally unfollowed you."

"That's right! He accidentally unfollowed me, but then he re-followed me, which confused me. So I sent him a message, asking if I had offended him somehow. He messaged me back, and that was it.

We immediately clicked. We started talking 24/7."

That was in July of 2015. By November of 2015, Conor came to visit for the first time. "All the clichés and romantic movies? They were happening," Shea said. "He kept rescheduling his flight back. After that, he would come visit every couple of months."

It was when he was visiting Shea that Conor met his

future business partners. "My two best friends here, outside of Shea, are Kris and Levi, who now work with me. They're really like my brothers. To find that sort of kinship when you're older and thinking about moving somewhere unknown is quite unique."

After deciding they wouldn't move Johanna away from her family and friends, Conor moved to Fort Worth in 2017. Or maybe 2016. They can't agree on the date. Now they have Johanna, Amelia (age six), Ada (age five), and Sylvie (age two). Plus the dogs and cats and reptiles and amphibians.

Owning one small business requires immense sacrifice. Finding a balance between work life and family life is always difficult because you're the boss.

If anything goes wrong, it's your job to fix it. Multiply that by two, and things get exponentially more

I going to do with these 25 cuttings I had? So I started doing vendor markets."

They lost AJ on June 18, 2023.

It was at a vendor market that Shea met Maria Arriaga, who would become her business partner and soul sister.

"When we lost our best friend, when we lost our son, we couldn't take off the time to grieve," Conor said. "We both have small businesses, and we'll stop making money."

"This [Wandering Roots Markets] was just supposed to be a November/December thing," Shea remembered. "Maria was a full-time vendor, but I was just dabbling, selling houseplants to give me something to do during Covid. We decided to do a few pop-up markets to help small businesses and vendors because nothing was going on. All the people who did vendor markets for a living had nowhere to go, and small businesses in town were struggling."

The couple turned to each other and their work for support. Conor said, "We get through difficult things by leaning into the reality of the mundane.

We'll get through what we have to do during the day and worry about things when we have 30 minutes at the end of the day. We would reconnect after the girls were in bed. A lot of our grieving for AJ happened on the couch at 10 pm when one of us would start talking about him. It was like, 'I'm here with my person, and I can tell her what I'm feeling.'"

“”

“!e incredible outpouring of love from our community – all the businesses we worked with and the relationships we made – made me see all the positive things these markets do for people.” challenging. Yet Shea and Conor manage to make everything work.

"My background is in property management," Shea said as we enjoyed a rare child-free afternoon. "I worked in property management for 17 years before I was able to become a stay-at-home mom. The plan was that I would quit to work alongside Conor. We would have a couples' business."

"We had a home office and everything," Shea laughed. "Within three or four months of my quitting, 2020 happened."

Conor chimed in, "When the pandemic hit, we realized things were going to change quite

What was supposed to be a temporary thing to help people make it through the holidays became a hit. "We did safe everything – distancing, hand sanitizers everywhere, we were very strict on masks… People felt guilty for going out, so we provided a safe space for vendors to sell their goods, for small venues to get some business, and for people to get out of the house and shake off the funk of 2020."

Both businesses hit a sweet spot in 2021. As the world came back online, more companies needed rebranding. And the music scene in Fort Worth had discovered Conor's creative work. His posters and album covers are immediately recognizable for their cool retro vibes. "That's one thing I wish people knew," Shea said. "People may see his cool retro music stuff, but Thirst is so much more than that.

He can do the beautifully clean corporate branding designs. He really can do anything!"

The problem with owning a small business is that when tragedy strikes, the business has to go on because the rest of the world goes on. In October of 2022, Maria Arriaga died of a brain aneurysm.

"Maria was the first person I talked to in the morning, aside from Conor," Shea said. "She was usually the last person I talked to at night, aside from Conor. I told her most things before I told Conor. After she died, my first thought was, 'I quit.'"

dramatically. There was a moment when the kids were all home because the schools were closed, and we realized we needed to have a conversation. We decided if we were going to get through this, Shea would take over more of the day-to-day parenting so I could work on continuing to build the business."

The worldwide Covid pandemic was brutal for everyone, but it hit small businesses particularly hard. "I still had some clients in Europe," Conor said. "One of them was going through a rebrand at the time, which really helped. They were using that time to look internally and make some changes; I helped them through the rebranding process, which kept us going."

While at home during the pandemic, Shea started focusing on growing houseplants. "I've always been a plant person, but like a lot of people during the pandemic, I really started getting into them.

I started learning about things like propagation because I was bored at home. But then what was

"You told me that Maria wouldn't want you to quit," Conor interrupted gently.

"No. And if I were the one who had passed away, Maria would still be out there doing the markets," Shea admitted. "The incredible outpouring of love from our community – all the businesses we worked with and the relationships we made – made me see all the positive things these markets do for people.

I'm just trying to continue [Wandering Roots] for our legacy and all the small businesses. I've watched people go from their first market with us to having a little shopfront. I live for that stuff."

"See, you say you've lost your passion," Conor said.

"But just then, when you were talking about it, your passion is very clear."

But the hits just kept on coming. When Shea was pregnant with their fifth child, scans revealed that the child had Trisomy 18, a chromosomal disorder that is almost always fatal within the first year of life.

Shea and Conor named their son Aiden Jude and, while hoping for the best, prepared for the worst.

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"There's a public face and a private face to grief," Conor continued. "The world moves on, but I couldn't really get out there and pursue new business. And I know there were days when Shea needed me to stay home, but because she has her own business, she understood the need for me to do the work."

"We have a greater appreciation for the flexibility of being our own bosses now," Shea added.

"There's normalcy in the work, and it helps ground you," Conor said.

Now Shea is pregnant again. "This is the last baby.

It really is. I didn't want any more children until I met Conor, and now I want all the children. But this is the last one." The baby is due on June 11, 2024.

I get overwhelmed with two children. What these two people have been through in the last two years is unimaginable. The fact that they can smile and laugh is remarkable. When I said something about controlling the chaos of family and work without losing their collective minds, Shea and Conor laughed. "There's a joke in our house if we've overordered supplies or over-bought at the store. We say, 'We'll get through it.' Now, it's become our family motto."

To have kept both businesses going through grief while being good parents and good spouses is a pretty amazing achievement. But Conor and Shea take it in stride.

Shea explained, "We respect the fact that we're both running completely different businesses. I don't see the world like he does with his creative brain."

"Being a creative person is not what most people think it's like. The whole obsessive-compulsive nature of creative industries can be difficult," Conor said. "Sometimes I'll come home, and Shea wants to talk about the kids and her job, but my brain is still fully focused on a project I'm working on. I can't turn it off."

"But he's definitely my right-hand man," Shea continued. "I can't go for an hour without texting him, and he can't go for an hour without texting me."

Conor smiled. "It's the best kind of codependence."

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New Businesses to Watch We've said it before, and we'll say it again: Fort Worth is a great place to start a business! Fort Worthians love a local success story, and new business owners can rely on a network of mentors and support in our fair city. Check out these businesses that opened recently or are opening soon.

by Lee Virden Geurkink

Edward Brown and James Talambas co-founded Panther City Pass with two goals: to help local businesses reach new customers and to provide a trusted source for Fort Worthians to keep up with the best eats, drinks, and entertainment options our city has to offer. After a soft launch in January, the co-founders plan to release a complete 16-bar Cocktail Guide to the public in February 2024. Other cities may offer passport programs, but Panther City Pass will provide something new — exclusive events at area bars and private spaces where guidebook purchasers can enjoy complimentary offerings and access to curated cultural events spotlighting local artists and artisans. Brown, an award-winning journalist, and Talambas, owner/founder of New Media Contemporary in Dallas, plan to expand their program with subscription options, smartphone apps, and, of course, new guidebook launches. (Taco guide, anyone?) Follow Panther City Pass on Instagram @ PantherCityPass and PantherCityPass.com.

Husband-and-wife team Jennifer and Brian Kieta are proud to announce the vision that is UNION Cycle + Strength. Fitness guru Jennifer was a spin instructor for eight-and-a-half years at ZYN22 before it closed its doors in August of 2023. Husband Brian is a Fort Worth music producer, songwriter, and worship leader. UNION Cycle + Strength will be a place where people of all fitness levels will find community. Through this community, we will fight to find a stronger version of ourselves, inside and out. The Kietas plan to offer indoor cycling classes, strength training classes, and a unique combination of cycling and strength training, which will be the best workout experience in Fort Worth. Opening in August of 2024.

Former Fort Worth ISD teacher Dr. Jessica White's life's work is to inspire students to achieve their greatest potential regardless of their circumstances. That's why she founded college and career consulting service EduSail in 2023. Using an innovative, collaborative approach to college and career counseling, Dr. White and the rest of the EduSail crew help middle and high school students find what's best for them. EduSail wholeheartedly believes that every student should have access to the resources they need to become successful, and they pledge to advocate for equity while teaching their students to advocate for themselves as well.

Being a new parent is amazing. It's incredible. It's also exhausting.

Certified sleep consultant and mother of two Cristina Pilcher understands that. She knows that when the baby isn't sleeping, no one is sleeping, so she founded 40 Wink Revolution to help new families get a good night's sleep. Pilcher takes a collaborative, whole-family approach to sleep training. Instead of using a onesize-fits-all, cookie-cutter sleep training method, Pilcher works with families to customize their experiences. She stated, "It's my goal to empower parents to make informed decisions about their baby's sleep, schedule, and routines that will help them form healthy sleep habits that will last a lifetime."

Licensed esthetician Alexa Rogers and nurse injector Samantha Reinsel, R.N., wanted to create a community of beauty providers to nurture a culture of innovation and collaboration. Serene Beauty offers everything from facials to fillers, lash extensions to hair extensions, permanent jewelry to permanent brow microblading. They also offer skinbetter science skincare products. Enjoy a full day of beauty pampering or come in for a medical weight loss consultation. The staff of Serene Beauty is ready to help you feel your most confident best.

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but Alexandra Rohloff is ready to help. Rohloff founded Happy Day Events, a full-service wedding and event planning and coordination service, so you don't have to stress and can enjoy your engagement and wedding. From coming up with a concept for the wedding to helping the couple manage their budget and track RSVPs to being on hand to coordinate the rehearsal, wedding, and reception, Rohloff uses her passion for planning and her superb organizational skills to make sure that each and every couple has a truly happy day.

Opened in 2023, La Palmilla Boutique Resort & Gardens offers an escape from the everyday. Founded by a group of friends with a vision of an extraordinary resort experience, La Palmilla provides luxury accommodations, as well as facilities for corporate, nonprofit, and church retreats and events.

Casa del Rey, a beautiful Spanish Colonial chapel with stained glass created by Granbury artisan Cody Stromberg, is the perfect place for an intimate wedding. Located less than an hour from Fort Worth, La Palmilla offers a unique, personalized experience for every visitor.

With over 27 years combined experience, speech therapist Kim Dillon and feeding therapist Mary Breznik opened The Speech Source to help parents and caregivers of children who struggle with speech and feeding advocate for their children. They also recognize that professionals need support, and so through workshops, teacher training, professional coaching, and a podcast, Mary and Kim offer practical advice, strategies, and insight into child development, as well as support and understanding. They also offer preschool screenings and direct speech, language, and feeding therapy.

After moving back to DFW, TCU alumna Bri Waldrop launched her design company, Bri Lindsay Interiors, in June of 2023. Using her flair for incorporating your pieces into her designs, Bri offers services tailored to your needs and budget. If you're not in the market for a full-service redesign, Bri Lindsay Interiors offers E-Design. Simply upload dimensions and photos of the space you would like to design and fill out an easy questionnaire, and Bri will provide you with a custom design concept board, a floor plan, and a list of shoppable links customized for your budget. The perfect way to liven up a room!

While owning your own home is the American dream, all the upkeep on that home can be overwhelming. Recognizing this, Rita McWaters founded Main + Tenacious to help homeowners learn how to take care of their most valuable investment. Main + Tenacious is a unique course that will teach you to tackle the projects you keep putting off and budget your time and money; you will also get a newsletter full of tips to help you build your home maintenance skills and be part of a community of other home maintainers.

You'll get everything you need except the wrench!

Burst water popes. Broken sewer pipes. Flooding. The stuff of nightmares, right? Casey and Caleb Dill understand. They started The Dry Guy Restoration to help you restore your home and life after a disaster. Even the smallest amount of standing water can cause damage to the foundation and allow mold to grow. The Dry Guy is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They will give you an estimate for the work and will bill your insurance company directly. Their motto is "Making bad days better," and while dealing with water damage is difficult, the Dry Guy will make it better.

Jordan Heddins doesn't think of herself as a photographer. She prefers to think of herself as a storyteller. And that's why she started Jordan Heddin Photography. Jordan uses her skills with the camera to help you tell your story. She can help you document your journey from the engagement to the "I dos" to the arrival of your babies. Your senior will love celebrating their upcoming graduation with a senior portrait photoshoot. (Who doesn't like a little glamor?) Most importantly, Jordan understands how important it is to document your family's story.

13

New Businesses to Watch It's funny how the right outfit can completely transform your attitude. Betsy Beaman understands this, and she started B. Beaman Stylist to help you transform your wardrobe into a statement of your style that will show the world who you really are. She will reboot your style, helping you curate outfits tailored to your needs and lifestyle. Betsey believes that style should support and enhance your individuality. Forget fashion dos and don'ts. Fashion should make you not only look good but also feel good.

Together with her husband, Ashley Lilavois started Blind Tiger Bartending Company in 2023. From weddings to corporate events to birthday parties, celebrate with custom cocktails. Blind Tiger provides experienced bartenders who know how to make the latest yummy cocktails; they even take care of the setup and clean up. From the initial consultation to the end of the evening, Ashley and her team will guide you through the party so that you and your guests don't have to do anything but have fun.

Led by triple board-certified facial plastic and cosmetic surgeon and TCU alumna Emily Johnson, DO, 817 Surgical Arts offers an array of aesthetic procedures and plastic surgeries focusing on prevention, helping patients age gracefully, and empowering them to look and feel their best at every age. The practice offers chemical peels, skin resurfacing, radiofrequency microneedling, Botox®, fillers, and other non-invasive cosmetic services.

Emily tailors each cosmetic treatment to meet, and often exceed, patients' aesthetic goals. She welcomes her patients to 817 Surgical Arts and looks forward to helping them live their best life.

Lauren Manolescu is proud to announce that she is The Tie-Dyed Doula. This mother of five will help you through your pregnancy and post-partum experience, regardless of the outcome, with love, compassion, and support. She's your sister, your best friend, your biggest fan, and your advocate all tied up in tie dye. She can teach a private childbirth class in the comfort of your home and offers unlimited support via phone, email, or text throughout your pregnancy and beyond. We're not born knowing how to be moms. Lauren can help you make the first steps on this journey of a lifetime.

Dying is as natural as giving birth. This is why lifelong friends and death doulas Taylor Bell and Lacy Buynak created The Art of Dying as a way to offer end-of-life education, guidance, and companionship within their local community and beyond. Just like a maternity doula supports and advocates for you throughout pregnancy and the birth experience, Lacy and Taylor offer a variety of services to support and advocate for you or your loved ones at the end of life. From pre-planning to sitting vigil, Taylor and Lauren help you and your loved ones at a time when help is most needed.

Is there anything more uncomfortable than an ill-fitting bra? No. There's not. That's why it's so important to get fitted for a bra.

Grace Grubic opened Wildflower Intimates to help women find the perfect bra. Our bodies change, girls, and the same bra you wore in college probably won't fit you now that you're in your, ahem, more mature years. Having children, gaining and losing weight, and that darned gravity all work to change our figures.

Having a professional like the ones at Wildflower Intimates help you find your correct size and the best bra style can be a lifechanging experience. Trust me on this, ladies.

Jenya Feldeer would like to introduce you to Jenya Renée, a luxury handbag line featuring beautiful, limited-edition designs crafted from exotic skins and premium leathers. Each handbag is created with a focus on quality and quiet luxury in a variety of beautiful, eye-catching colors. Jenya Renée will consist of six different handbag collections and accessories, all sure to grab the attention you deserve. Each design blends wearability and sophistication, is ready for any occasion, and adds a beautiful pop of personality to every outfit. "Let's celebrate life's every occasion with elegance and confidence, one handbag at a time."

Glen Rose girl Nöelle Overturf is preparing to open her new art gallery, Nöelle Grace Designs. Nöelle always loved creating art, but it wasn't until after the birth of her second child that she decided to start sharing her art on Instagram. Nöelle specializes in mixed media abstract and is best known for her bold brush strokes, unique color combinations, and texture. No two pieces are alike, and each piece is made with purpose. Her gallery on Park Lane will open in 2024.

What happens when three friends decide they need more space than their homes to work? If you're Kelsey Sheets, Brandi Wood, and Catherine Cartie, you start Poppy House. The friends renovated an old house in downtown Aledo to serve as their studio and showroom. Although not a retail store, the Poppy House Ladies host pop-ups and events to showcase small businesses. So, follow them on Instagram to keep up to date on the latest events and support local artists and artisans.

Katie Higgenbotham boasts that she has a decade of design experience, a passion for storytelling, and the talent to reheat her coffee for the third time - all while keeping up with her three little adventurers. She uses these skills to help you tell your brand's story with Katie Higgenbotham Design. No matter what you need to make your business stand out, Katie can help with website design, logos, curated color and font palettes, social media cheat sheets, and more. Katie will guide you through the process and ensure your company stands out from the crowd.

In February of 2023, Laurie Birko opened Your Best Home Ace Hardware on Camp Bowie. While we all know that Ace is the place with the helpful hardware man, you might not know that this particular Ace is the place with the helpful hardware woman! That’s right. This is a woman-owned business. Your Best Home Ace Hardware is an anchor for the ongoing revitalization of the West Camp Bowie area, and Laurie is a proud member of the Fort Worth business community. With more than 70 years of family hardware store experience, a visit to Your Best Home Ace Hardware is like a visit to your neighbor.

Many small business owners need additional help but cannot take on the additional overhead. Ashley Duwe understands and created Escape Virtual Assistants to help. Ashley and her people use their organizational talents to help you with the day-to-day tasks essential to starting and running a business so that you can focus on growing and expanding. While virtual assistants aren't a new concept, Ashley feels they are underutilized. Escape Virtual Assistants can help you find the balance between your work and your life that was missing.

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Influencing with Purpose:

Cameron Cushman of HSC Next We started “Influencing with Purpose” to shine a spotlight on local social media influencers who use their platforms for more than just advertising themselves. For our local business issue, who better to profile than Assistant Vice President of Innovation Ecosystems at HSC Next and podcaster extraordinaire, Cameron Cushman?

- by Lee Virden Geurkink CC: Fort Worth has a long history of innovation going back to our founding.

We’ve created the ice cream drumstick and hydraulic fracturing and [are home to] influential companies like Radio Shack, Mucinex, and Alcon.

Fort Worth’s tremendous growth over the last few decades has brought new talent and capital that have contributed in important ways. Fort Worth has a diverse population in a large metro area that is ripe for testing ideas and taking products to market successfully. photo by Jill Johnson

Madeworthy: You are the Assistant Vice President of Innovation Ecosystems at HSC Next. First, what is HSC Next? And what is an innovation ecosystem?

Cameron Cushman: Great question!

HSC Next is the innovation arm of the University of North Texas Health Science Center. We advance solutions for a healthier community by guiding innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and others in the community to success.

MW: You’ve been involved in the Fort Worth entrepreneur scene for a long time. How has that landscape changed?

CC: We’ve improved the understanding of the value that innovators and entrepreneurs bring to our economy. They are job creators, wealth builders, and problem solvers.

Helping entrepreneurs is, at its core, economic development.

MW: How does your podcast “Innovate Fort Worth” tie into your job at HSC Next?

CC: Bringing an innovation to market… is extremely difficult. We believe that with a broad group of people and resources working to help these innovators, we can increase their chances of success… Our podcast tells their stories at the earliest stages of their development before they get press in other publications.

MW: How and why did you become interested in entrepreneurialism?

CC: It started during my time in Washington... I saw the role that innovation… played in economic growth and job creation. I saw that policymakers didn’t understand this and that no one was advocating for these drivers of wealth creation that were solving some of the toughest problems in our society. And I was hooked.

MW: Why do you think Fort Worth has become an entrepreneurial incubator?

MW: What are some of the promising innovations or ventures that you can talk about?

CC: One of our top researchers at HSC is working to release one of the world’s first blood tests for Alzheimer’s Disease.

That could be on the market later this year and will be a game changer...

MW: Fort Worth has expanded rapidly in the last decade. Do you see that trend continuing?

CC: Absolutely. Austin is full. Dallas is too fancy, and Houston is, well, Houston. Economically speaking, Texas is hot. Fort Worth is hot. We’ve got lots of land to build and all the ingredients to make this the epicenter of a new entrepreneurial renaissance in the state.

MW: Is now a good time for entrepreneurs to consider entering the market with a new product, service, or software?

CC: Yes! It is cheaper and easier to start a company now than ever. If interest rates continue to decline this year, borrowing and investing will get less expensive, increasing the probability of success.

Just like in biology, an ecosystem exists around the many parts… that are required to bring new innovations to market. This collaborative work… helps improve our world by enhancing the environments, cultures, and mindsets to increase the chances of success for game-changing innovation to thrive.

MW: And what does the Assistant Vice President of Innovation Ecosystems do?

CC: I consider myself an “innovation evangelist.” There is so much cool stuff happening in Fort Worth, and most of the people in our city have no awareness of it. The problems our neighbors are trying to solve through creative new products, services, and solutions are truly remarkable, and I work every day to increase that awareness and improve their chances of success.

in what’s new and next will have a significant impact on our future.

MW: How does HSC Next help Fort Worth entrepreneurs achieve their goals?

CC: Our team runs a variety of programs that can help entrepreneurs, particularly those in biotech, along their journeys. We are closely tied to Tech Fort Worth, the oldest startup incubator in the city. We run a program that helps funnel federal research dollars directly to startup companies.

We also host about a dozen companies in our labs on campus... And we run lots of events to connect and educate entrepreneurs and innovators.

Photo courtesy of UNTHSC

MW: What positives and negatives do you see for Fort Worth entrepreneurs?

CC: A positive is our tremendous growth and our robust universities.

A negative is our lack of early-stage capital that can help get these promising ideas and research off the ground.

MW: Are there particular types of startups that seem to do better here?

CC: Everyone knows that Fort Worth is a good place to build companies in the real estate and oil and gas industries, but we also have an emerging concentration of biotech companies.

In a five-year span starting in 2017, we had five biotech startup companies sell to established companies for millions of dollars…

MW: Where do you see Fort Worth entrepreneurship heading, short-term and long-term?

CC: Fort Worth is ripe for a tremendous explosion of entrepreneurial activity… as a part of the larger Texas-wide economic expansion. In the long term, I think you will see a tremendous number of new startup companies that are going to raise significant capital and make a huge impact on society.

MW: If someone has an innovation they are working on, how do they get on your radar?

CC: Call. Email. Send me a DM. Carrier pigeon. Whatever! We want to hear about what you are working on. And we can connect you to resources for free that can save entrepreneurs lots of time, capital, and heartache. Start at HSCNext.com and go from there.

MW: Tell us about 1 Million Cups? How did it start, and how is it going?

CC: 1 Million Cups is a weekly educational program for entrepreneurs that was started in Kansas City at the

In the short term, we have to find more ways to connect budding entrepreneurs to the capital they need to grow… Our ability to shift investment dollars from extracting resources from the ground to investing

16

Kauffman Foundation about 10 years ago. It is now in 100+ communities all around the country. It is a simple, friendly way for startup companies to inform their community about what they are working on and provides them a platform to get feedback from others about their business or idea.

It is based on the idea that if we can drink one million cups of coffee with our local entrepreneurs, then we can fundamentally change the trajectory of entrepreneurial-led economic development in our city.

The Fort Worth chapter of 1 Million Cups died after COVID, but we are planning to bring it back soon. Stay tuned!

MW: What are the requirements and process for someone who wants to get involved with 1MC? CC: We are looking for people with idea and early-stage businesses who want to share what they are working on with others in the community and seek feedback on a problem they are facing or how they can maximize their chances for success. This is not for multi-level marketing folks, bankers, or franchise owners, but for those that are starting down their path as entrepreneurs. Everyone from the community is welcome to listen and pitch in. I’ve been involved with 1MC

Photo by Shannon Lange

for a decade, and I ALWAYS learn something new!

MW: Tell us about Global Entrepreneurship Week. Did you get this started in Fort Worth?

CC: Yes… The goal is to shine a light on all the great things happening in our entrepreneurial community for a full week. It is a great way for anyone to engage… It has now expanded all over North Texas. Mark your calendars for November 18-24, 2024!

And now it’s time for the Lightning Round!

What are your Fort Worth favorites?

• • • • • • • • • • •

Coffee shop – Ampersand on Bledsoe Breakfast/brunch place – Snooze A.M Eatery Hangout with friends – Taco Heads on Montgomery Place to relax and recharge – University Little League Artist or musician – Grady Spencer and the Work Yearly event - Global Entrepreneurship Week!

Boutique - Morgan Mercantile Best bartender/cocktail - Fuzzy’s margaritas Hamburger joint – JD’s Hamburgers Barbecue – Heim BBQ Mexican restaurant - Uncle Julio’s

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The Man Definitely Makes the Suit

by Hannah Bush

They say the suit makes the man, but Franklin Moss, Jr. disagrees.

According to his philosophy, "The man definitely makes the suit."

However, decades-long experience in men's fashion has shown him the magic of a well-constructed and fitted ensemble.

longer the thing!"

Keaon Anthony, asked if he wanted to start a suit company did Moss consider turning an interest into a formal pursuit.

Fashion came naturally to Moss. He had confidence and an intuition for predicting trends, and he caught the attention of an industry professional.

By 2005, Quite Frank was part owner of Supreme Records, a Fort Worth label promoting Texas hiphop artists. The manager of Supreme Records' biggest artist expressed an interest in also managing Moss.

"He wanted to manage me.

But he didn't like me as a

The friends knew the only thing that stood between them and success was

photo by Jordan Smith

photo by Brandon Allen

Does it make the man? No. Does it enhance the man? Yes. Moss is the creator and co-owner of Franklin & Anthony, a bespoke menswear and womenswear company in Fort Worth that continues to grow and evolve since its launch in 2015. The clothier's ethos is simple: quality fabric and keen design make a lasting impression.

This Deion Sanders-like ideology of how presentation affects outcome ("If you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you play good. If you play good, they pay good.”) was adopted

by Moss back when he went by a different name.

In the early 2000s, Moss was a young kid pursuing a hip-hop career. He was known to everyone as Quite Frank and was known as much for his style as his rhymes. It was one of the constant themes in his music, too.

"I used to rap about fashion. But because we were all in college, I still went to Burlington Coat Factory and Ross to get thrifty clothes that were in style," said Moss, laughing as he recalled his bold choices then.

"I remember being one of the first people to wear Ed Hardy before it actually became something big.

The thing that made me stand out more was my fashion was always different. I used to get clowned in the neighborhood because I used to wear skinny jeans before skinny jeans were the thing." He grinned, "And now, the people who clowned me back then are still wearing skinny jeans even though skinny jeans are no

their personality. Not only do clients walk away with an outfit tailored to fit like a glove, but they also receive an education in the process. Rather than designing behind closed doors before presenting a finished piece to the client, Moss adopts the role of collaborative partner, preferring to involve his clients in all decisions so that they leave with an understanding of and an appreciation for how their suit was built. "I feel like we create the suit together," said Moss who shies away from

the need to learn the business side of fashion while providing for their families. Moss's club days were behind him as he was now a married man and father, and the same applied to Anthony. So, in addition to fulltime jobs, they apprenticed at Persona, a Dallas-based suit company, for a year before starting Franklin & Anthony.

photo by Angie Garcia

rapper. He [understood] the potential that I had as a brand…and thought I should get into fashion more," said Moss.

Around this time, Moss was already elevating his style, transitioning from urban wear to menswear under the influence of a debonair cousin, who dressed the part of the quintessential gentleman – waistcoats, cardigans, pocket squares, etc. This cousin's advice was straightforward: "When you get dressed for work, you should be able to take that same outfit and go to the club." This advice resonated with Moss, a single man at the time.

When he embraced this more formal look, Moss noticed that others' behavior towards him changed.

"People treat people different if they're wearing a suit. I used to think it was because I was a Black man, but I've learned it's far beyond that.

The conversation is different. The treatment is different. You also create a new environment every time you walk in a room wearing a suit," said Moss.

Of course, hindsight can make everything obvious, but we often lack vision in the moment. Despite emceeing fashion shows across the country and eventually working as a stylist, it wasn't until a school friend,

"We worked to learn the game and to have an understanding of how things worked. We were able to do research to find fabric companies, and that's when we found the tailors and everything we needed," said Moss. (The owner of Persona gave his blessing to the duo to study the business. He and Moss remain good friends today.)

Franklin & Anthony opened in 2015, offering an alternative to the fastcasual trends athleisure helped create. But the multi-billion-dollar fashion industry has never intimidated Moss. On the contrary, it only helps his business. While three-piece suits and pocket squares are not as commonplace as leggings and polyblend golf polos, there is a consumer base looking for sophisticated options. Even in Fort Worth.

"There are still people who live a gentleman's life or believe in that world of looking good and feeling good," said Moss. And it's those individuals Franklin & Anthony serves.

Moss works with his clients to design a suit or wardrobe from scratch, incorporating elements that reflect

18

photo by Jordan Smith

being labeled a "designer."

In almost a decade of business, some things have changed at Franklin & Anthony. Keaon Anthony left in 2016 to focus on family, and Moss now runs things with another Anthony – Michael Anthony. COVID hit, but their sales doubled. Their customer base now extends well beyond Texas. A true-to-its-roots operation, Franklin & Anthony collaborates with local artists like Sunflowerman and embraces the Western culture of the city, designing a line of high-end denim and pearl snap shirts. "We're trying to show that you can do luxury menswear and still be a Fort Worth person… because we're fancy whether we want to acknowledge it or not," said Moss. The company also plans to open a haberdashery in late 2024 or 2025, employing in-house tailors and pattern cutters from a Dallas-area design school.

Moss's designs are bold and assertive, but he's humbled by his success, always acknowledging the friends, partners, and mentors he's encountered along the way. He'll tell you he's still earning his seat at the table. Whether true or not, he's sure to be the best-dressed one seated there.

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Building a Business in a Changing World:

The Cicada

by Edward Brown photo by Johnny Govea

The sounds of clinking liquor bottles filled The Cicada on an early afternoon. Co-owners and married couple Tyler and John Stevens were restocking the extensive offerings their customers have come to expect.

“Around 20% of our product is non-alcoholic,” Tyler said. “Being someone who doesn’t drink, it’s important to me to offer a range of drinking options. Bars are about having a good time and making memories. What you’re drinking doesn’t have to be alcoholic.”

Selling Topo Chicos, non-alcoholic craft beers, and CBD sodas allows the owners of this local music venue in the Near Southside to keep up with trends in drinking culture. According to a recent Pew Research Center poll, 38% of Americans abstain from consuming alcohol, and Gen Z shows a slight decline in alcohol consumption compared with previous generations.

Tyler and John, like many bar and restaurant owners, have seen a noticeable decline in the number of folks who go out for live music or socializing in bars compared to five or six years ago. Creating the right messaging and providing the social environment is part of their mission to keep their nearly one-yearold venue open while supporting local music.

One factor for the slowdown in local live music attendance, the co-owners posited, could be the rise of the popularity of streaming services like Netflix after the Covid pandemic.

“People socialize differently now,” John said. “The pandemic definitely got people in the habit of staying home. Netflix has made it so you don’t have to get out of your La-Z Boy. [Covid] forced everyone to work from home, so people got comfy staying home.”

While music venues shutter for various reasons, the recent closing of Downtown Cowtown at the Isis Theater, Lola’s Fort Worth, and Twilite Lounge Fort Worth spurred several articles from local publications about the precarious state of the local music scene. Groups like Hear Fort Worth (a nonprofit under the auspices of Visit Fort Worth) and

Amplify 817 (a program of the Fort Worth public library system) focus on spotlighting local talent and organizing mixers and performance events. Still, the survival of local music venues remains one of the most critical, if not the most critical, factors for keeping local music thriving.

One hopeful sign for the Stevens: John said national and regional acts are beginning to find The Cicada and book it as a tour stop.

As a music venue, “You can only chew on the same local scene for so long,” John said. “We are trying to develop other acts – bands out hitting the road.

A lot of bands are having to go back to performing because streams aren’t [paying what they used to].

I want to create a stop for those working musicians.

The first time, maybe a few people come. The 12 people here tell others. By the third time they play here, they are selling it out.”

To draw new patrons, Tyler organizes various events, from pop-up markets to craft-making events. One popular draw for the venue has been burlesque bingo, where each callout of “Bingo!” comes with the removal of an article of clothing from the organizers.

“It’s more campy than racy,” Tyler said with a laugh, adding that attendees love the playful spin on the game.

For every popular event, the couple says they see around four to five attendees become regular customers. John, himself a lifelong performer, and Tyler have decades of experience in the food service industry. They said music venues do best when they have bar regulars to float the business in between shows.

“I’m trying to work hard on the social media side of the business to drive home the bar aspect of Cicada and build a community of regulars,” Tyler said.

“The regulars become your friends. You can have regulars who’re here more than employees. They call it happy hour for a reason. People are supposed to decompress and move the water cooler chat to another location.”

Misconceptions about music venues like The Cicada persist, Tyler said. Folks who quit drinking entirely may worry that stepping into a bar will come with pressure to order alcoholic drinks, and some

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people think live shows are too raucous for enjoying conversations with friends.

“People often ask me why I work in a bar after quitting drinking,” Tyler said. “This is the career I picked to be around people. I get to create a fun environment for people to create memories and friendships.”

Each new customer – whether they come for a craft show or a cocktail – is potentially a live music fan.

Fort Worth boasts an abundance of exceptional talent, so music will always be an important draw for The Cicada, the co-owners said. Local acts like Royal Sons, Holy Moly, and Denver Williams bring steady crowds, and there are bands repping Gen Z, even though that generation appears less enamored with live local music shows.

“We have a 15-year-old at home,” John said.

“He isn’t about sex, drugs, and rock ‘n roll like past generations. Their interests are different.

Regardless, we have to get people to be social again. We just have to figure out how to do that.”

The bar owners see promise in their neck of the Near Southside off Rosedale Avenue and South Main Street. Nearby Brix Barbecue and Down ’n Out are helping fill in the neighborhood that lost anchor tenant Four Sisters - A Taste of Vietnam over a year ago. However, John and Tyler say several more new businesses are needed in the immediate area to make it more of a destination.

Unexpected culture-changing events like the pandemic and rising rent haven’t helped the local music scene. Still, the music venue model has stood the test of time, and Fort Worth’s booming population brings tens of thousands of new residents and potential new concert attendees to Tarrant County and Fort Worth every year.

The Cicada’s first year has come with many challenges. The owners said they both work seven days a week to ensure quality customer service and keep their staffing overhead down. But supporting local music and building community are worth the initial struggle.

“My goal is to find new live music lovers,” Tyler said. “Whether we do it through dog adoption events, crafts, or my Panther City Bar Bazaar events.

When people come in, they see that it is safe and inclusive here. It will work out, eventually. The model will build itself.”

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