MYAUSTIN 124 - Beau Theriot - Oasis On Lake Travis

2024 TOP MEN OF SUCCESS

BEAU THERIOT OASIS ON LAKE TRAVIS

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TOP MEN OF SUCCESS

MEN OF SUCCESS

PUBLISHER

MARK ALAN SHAFFER

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES

LESLIE LAGUARDIA

WRITERS

DARYL K. JONES

C. REGI RODGERS

JAQUELIN ANTHONY

PHOTOGRAPHERS

DANIEL TREVINO

HEATHER BECKHAM

MICHAEL FRANCO

SVETLANA FROLOVA

FROM THE

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In the event of any errors or omissions on any ads or articles in this issue, will be cured in a future issue at publisher’s discretion. Any materials submitted after publishing deadline are not guaranteed to make the current issue. Next Issue: MyAustin Issue 224 deadline is April 30, 2024. For advertising inquiries, call 1-855-274-3375 or email: info@myaustinmagazine.com *All ads and content must be submitted by this date in order to be included in the next issue.

Welcome to our new issue, we’re so happy to have you here! In this issue, MyAustin is congratulating the Top Men in Austin. I hope you enjoy our specially featured men and their companies, including Craig Carlson of The Carlson Law Firm, Beau Theriot of The Oasis on Lake Travis, Realtor Soomin Kim, and more. We’re also proud to feature local real estate duo, Lynn and Wayne Morgan, and the Power Couple behind Spradling Engineering, Shannon and Don Spradling. And last, but certainly not least, the woman that means business: Laura Hartnett of Glow Gal Salon. In this issue, you’ll also find some amazing local stories, the best restaurants in the city, small businesses you’ll love to support, and content you’ll love to read.

If you know someone who you think should be featured in the next issue, let us know!! Please email us at info@myaustinmagazine.com or visit us online at www.myaustinmagazine.com and vote for someone you know! In our next issue, look out for the Top Doctors in Austin. We are accepting nominations now from YOU, our lovely readers. We look forward to bringing you the Best of Austin in every issue!

COME BREAK BOURBON WITH US.

AWARD-WINNING, HAND-CRAFTED BOURBON WHISKEY.

Every bottle of Garrison Brothers is overflowing with the finest, gourmet-grade ingredients on the planet. The nectar inside is made from a sweet mash bill and heat-forged in the scorching sun, extracting all the flavor possible from our new American white oak barrels, yielding a darker, richer and fuller bourbon than any out there. We’d love to have you down to our distillery in Hye, Texas or simply share a drink with you next time we cross paths. Salud!

MEET THE

TEAM

LAURA DAMIAN PRODUCTION MANAGER

SARAH MONINGER EDITOR

LESLIE LAGUARDIA ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE

DARYL K. JONES AUSTIN WRITER

GIOVANNY NAVA DIGITAL MANAGER

ANNALICIA SHELTON ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

STEVEN CAMPBELL NATIONAL MARKETING DIRECTOR

INTRODUCING THE

TOP MEN SUCCESS

of

IS PROUD TO SHOWCASE AUSTIN’S TOP MEN OF SUCCESS

SUCCESS LEAVES

FOOTPRINTS

The Beau Theriot Story

BY DARYL K. JONES

My Austin Magazine Man of Success, Beau Theriot, is truly much more than an entrepreneur. Befitting as a title it is, it takes much more than that descriptor to characterize Beau.

From creating exciting restaurants in Houston and Austin, to developing hundreds of beautiful lots on Lake Travis, to designing and decorating unique homes (including ranches) across the U.S. and Mexico, Beau Theriot is not someone who can be easily labeled and placed neatly in a box.

Additionally, Beau philanthropically promotes and supports multiple charities by donating his time, properties, and finances. His heart belongs to the children of Austin Smiles, Wounded Warriors and ASPCA. Not surprisingly, Beau is quite adept at raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for worthwhile charities.

Among Beau’s entrepreneurial creations have been such iconic restaurants as the Timeless Brownstone Restaurant in Houston. Created by Beau at age 26, the Brownstone boasted such elegant décor that others could not help but notice his flair for design and decorating. This led to people enticing him to

design and decorate their homes. He then opened the Brownstone Gallery of Fine Furniture and Antiques. Beau’s design expertise was natural, and led to him being featured in such renowned magazines as Architectural Digest, Better Homes & Gardens, and Black Book.

His taste for authentic Tex Mex led to the opening of the ever-popular Café Adobe (on Westheimer, in Houston) in the early 80’s. After years of these successes, he decided he wanted to live in Austin, overlooking Lake Travis. On his 530-acre Comanche Canyon Ranch was where he discovered the perfect location for one of the world’s most unique gathering spots: The OASIS on Lake Travis (now open 43 years). The multi-level OASIS sits 400 feet above sparkling Lake Travis and seats up to 2,500, overlooking the controversial Hippy Hollow.

Despite being almost 78 years of age, Beau is not nearly finished with his giving, creating, dreaming, sharing, fund-raising and making new friends daily. As his doctor tells him, “This is not a dress rehearsal.” You’ve got to make every day a holiday! That’s what it seems our entrepreneur has been doing all of his life. Growing up in his dad’s lumberyard in Port Arthur, Texas is what inspired Beau’s great sense of style and pride. As he helped his mother shop for unique antiques and fabrics, Beau’s two sisters, Dianne and Brenda, and brothers Tom and Joe, pursued their diverse interests after college. Beau simply honored

his dreams, which he obviously has always done. This was a young man who obtained his driver’s license on his 14th birthday. The same young man who went to Gulfway Drive to use all his savings ($395 cash) for a stunning red and white 1956 Dodge Custom Royal convertible. There was simply no stopping young Beau from his exciting venture into life and all it has to offer. His attitude has always been “I can do it.” Even a terrible automobile accident at 20, that fractured both femurs and his hips, as well as gave him a concussion, couldn’t slow him down.

“We take with us what we give,” explains Theriot. Beau believes that a true entrepreneur’s life is about others, not himself. With values such as these, it stands to reason why some of his employees have been with him for as long as 47 years. His genuine devotion to, and generosity towards them, especially his family, show all the love, loyalty, and trust in his heart. Beau says there’s lots more to tell, but we will save that for another round! MA

•SUNSET CAPITAL OF TEXAS

•YEAR ROUND PANORAMIC INDOOR AND OUTDOOR VIEWS

•VENUES FOR PRIVATE EVENTS

•ONE OF A KIND LOCAL ARTISTS FINDS IN THE OASIS GIFT SHOP

The OASIS on Lake Travis 6550 Comanche Trail Austin, TX 78732

Craig Carlson is not only an attorney, he is an attorney who is well aware of what is at stake for families and individuals, alike. He chose law as his career for reasons that are extremely personal. This gives him an unparalleled insight into the needs of his clients. “When I was a young boy, my parents were unable to afford an attorney to represent them against a Nebraska city trying to take a portion of our farm for water rights. Rather than allow this injustice, as a 12 year old, I stood up on behalf of my family,” explains Craig. “My family was able to keep their land and I claimed my first legal victory.” Ever since, Carlson has dedicated his life to ensuring that no one ever had to face this type of injustice again, at least not on his watch.

Craig Carlson went on to serve in the Army as the Chief of Legal Assistance, Chief of U.S. Army Claims and Senior Trial Counsel in the U.S. Army JAG Corp from 1989-1992 at Fort Devens. He moved on to be stationed in Fort Hood, where he served as the Senior Trial Defense Counsel from 1992-1994. After retiring from the military, he wanted to continue serving others through the law in a way that aligned with his values. This is what prompted him to start The Carlson Law Firm. Helping people has always been at the heart of why Carl son became an attorney. This is what he would consider his favorite aspect of his profession. “Without caring about others, none of the verdicts, settle ments and hard work mean anything,” states Craig. This is part of their core values and why they “hire for heart” at The Carlson Law Firm. Aside from this, Craig Carlson submits that his faith in spires his dedication to a life of serving others, and informs his decisions in ev erything he does.

A few years ago, a client filed a claim on behalf of her husband who was

VALUES OVER VALUE PEOPLE OVER PROFIT

The Carlson Law Firm

catastrophically injured after a delivery truck ran a red light. He had a severe brain injury and will be in a wheelchair the rest of his life. His family was concerned the wife had ill intentions and was planning to take whatever settlement he was awarded. All documents were drafted in a way to protect him and award him all of the money, a very significant amount for a very significant injury that altered his life. His wife did end up leaving him in the end, but his assets and monetary award from the case were protected. He and his family expressed how incredibly grateful they were to Carlson and the firm, for not only protecting him, but being a voice for the injured as well.

charitable program of The Carlson Law Firm dedicated to improving the lives of everyone in our communities. They started Carlson Cares in June 2018. Since then, their Austin-area staff has volunteered with local food banks and MADD. They’ve supplied backpacks and snacks to hundreds of students, hosted trunk or treats, donated toys and costumes to local charities, and helped ensure dozens of children in the Austin area can wake up on Christmas morning with a tree, gifts, and more through their Christmas Miracle program.

Craig Carlson and The Carlson Law Firm put values over value, and people over profit. They are a veteran-owned, faithbased operation led by a man of sincere integrity. Craig Carlson definitely deserves to be recognized as a Top Man of Success in his industry, and My Austin Magazine applauds his efforts. MA

Chef

BRINGS EUROPEAN INFLUENCE TO OASTHOUSE

Chef Amir is the culinary genius behind the array of flavorful menu items at Oasthouse, in North Austin. Oast Houses are houses in Europe that are used to roast hops and barley for brewers. Since their focus is local beers (and cooking with beer), Chef Amir and his team decided to use the name Oasthouse for their concept.

Chef Amir has been a restaurateur in Austin since opening Oasthouse 620 in 2015, and he recently opened his newest location on Slaughter Lane in 2021. Chef Amir’s passion for cooking translates into every dish and is a testament to the fact that he knew what he wanted to do from a young age. When he was 5 years old, he recalls hanging out in the kitchen with his mom and grandmother, watching and helping them cook. “I really enjoyed how delicious food brought people together,” states Chef Amir. “That is what really made me want to become a Chef/restaurateur because I want to create that moment for my guests every day.” Oasthouse has many dishes that are a twist on the classics, like its Shepherd’s Pie made with lamb. Many of these creative menu options are inspired by the chef’s travels, as well as inspiration from local ingredients. Chef Amir is also adamant about crediting the wonderful chefs with whom he works, stating that even though he oversees every aspect of

culinary operations, there are some great chefs who contribute to his menus.

Oasthouse is an elevated pub, chef driven, and locally sourced kitchen with a great cocktail program and locally sourced beers. They aim to be an elevated family friendly restaurant; somewhere you can bring the kids and have a great cocktail and delicious food while kids play at their playground. It is a great hangout spot for friends to hangout and catch up or catch a game on one of their TVs.

Oasthouse has been a hit with locals for happy hour as well. They offer a great value for Happy Hour with a fresh variety of ingredients that can't be beat for the price. Additionally, Oasthouse provides a great atmosphere that is hard to match in North Austin. In fact, Chef Amir has been updating all their restaurants. Both District Kitchen restaurant locations had beautiful remodels this summer as they celebrated their 10-year anniversary. Their restaurant, Keepers, also got an amazing new look. Oasthouse 620 also had a cool remodel, adding a private room for special events and parties (which has been very successful). Additionally, Chef Amir wanted to create a warmer atmosphere, so they changed lighting and seating, and they’re featuring some great artwork from local artists now, as well. “We are always looking to expand our brands,” states Chef Amir. “If the opportunity presents itself, we would love to continue growing Oasthouse.”

Regarding the menu items that are most popular with patrons at Oasthouse, Chef Amir makes mention of their wagyu steak. It comes from Heartbrand Ranch in Harwood, Texas. The chef also recommends their fish and chips, as well as their chicken schnitzel which are both extremely popular. Oasthouse also serves traditional favorites such as burgers, and Chef Amir’s favorite, their Rueben sandwich.

Chef Amir is not only a restaurateur, but he also acts as a mentor and culinary educator. For those that want to be a chef someday, Chef Amir implores them to be patient and whatever they do, to do it with passion and pride! “Work on your discipline both professionally and personally,” Chef Amir advises. “Take care of your mind and body because to be great at what you do, you must have balance.” He also expresses how learning at a young age can really help young cooks become great Chefs.

Chef Amir has been provid ing quality service, great food, and alluring ambience, helping the people of Austin create memories for over half a decade. We recognize Chef Amir as one of the Top Men of Austin and congratulate him on having one of the top restaurants in Austin. MA

Don and Shannon Renee Spradling are the owners of Spradling Engineering, LLC. Married for 19 years, Don and Shannon have five children and four grandchildren. Don, principal engineer for the firm, has a Master of Science Degree in Civil Engineering with Structural Emphasis from the University of Kansas. Shannon Renee, office manager for the firm and a former insurance agent, has years of experience working claims from the insurance company point of view. Together, they manage Spradling Engineering, a successful engineering firm in the North Austin Area!

Don and Shannon have called North Austin home since 2016. Spradling Engineering is a veteran owned company and has been operating in the North Austin area since 2019. Don served as an analyst in the US Navy and is a licensed professional engineer in multiple states along the Gulf Coast and Midwest. Don is also an appointed inspector for the Texas Department of Insurance which mandates building inspections on the Texas Gulf Coast.

Spradling Engineering’s focus includes structural and forensic engineering. Structural engineering is the practice of designing elements of buildings with a

focus on the forces and exposure the element is expected to endure during its service life. It requires the calculation of loads that the building is designed for and using the combined loads to determine the best materials to resist those loads for the expected service life. Forensic Engineering is the practice of determining the extent and cause of damage. With a focus of structural engineering, this type of work involves determining why a building or building component is not performing its expected function and what is required to return it to its pre-loss condition. In this capacity, Spradling Engineering is usually consulted to determine if damage is a result of a particular damaging event (ie. wind, fire, hail, flood), and what repairs are required to be performed. Sometimes, damage, or unsatisfactory conditions, are caused by contractors or builders performing substandard work, resulting in a construction project that is much different than what they were hired to perform. Other projects include determining whether or not an injury was caused by an irregular condition and if someone in the process may have been negligent in maintaining a safe environment.

Recently, Spradling Engineering has been involved in specific problems common to the North Austin Area. The rapid construction of buildings in the area has created cause for concern where

some buildings are not constructed to standards or are lacking the required permits. Spradling Engineering has been instrumental in determining if the structures are defective or given peace of mind to homeowners who are skeptical due to many reports of shoddy construction. In other projects, cracking in swimming pools have been diagnosed with Alkali Silica Reaction, a concrete deterioration problem stemming from the use of untested aggregates.

Spradling Engineering is typically hired by homeowners, contractors, insurance companies, public adjusters, and attorneys.

Don and Shannon currently live in the West Georgetown area. They are active with Austin Smiles, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide sustainable surgical and post-surgical care to children born with cleft lip and cleft palate both in Central Texas and Latin America. MA

SOOMIN KIM

THE MODERN AGENT

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN REAL ESTATE?

I have only been licensed for approx. 3 years. Beginning Nov of 2020.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GET INTO REAL ESTATE?

I relocated my family from another state to Texas in 2020. The process was an all-together physical, financial, emotional and spiritual experience. Having settled here in Austin and seeing that many were or were in the process of doing the same, I felt the need for a professional opportunity to which I can passionately serve the needs of those embarking on a similar journey. I realize that most successful agents in the area were born and raised here and may not be able to relate to those coming here and moving here for the first time. A passion to share my story and help others to do the same led me to seeking Real Estate as a profession.

WHAT DIFFERENTIATES YOU FROM OTHERS IN YOUR FIELD?

I consider myself a ‘Modern Agent.’ I see that Real Estate is composed of, influenced by, and trained by office and team leaders that have become successful in a different era, be it the 80’s, late 90’s and early 2000’s. They are still teaching the same strategies and techniques for a world that no longer exists. What differentiates me is that I have never performed ‘traditional’ strategies such as cold-calling, door knocking, etc. I rely heavily on the efficiencies today in communication such as video and social content.

DO YOU PARTICIPATE IN LAND/COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE DEALS?

I have tremendous partners when it comes to this subject and my clients can be best served with my referral of collaboration with experts in this field. I am more focused on residential.

WHAT ARE THE CORE VALUES THAT GUIDE YOUR ACTIONS AND DRIVE YOUR SUCCESS AS A REALTOR?

Efficiency and adaptability. I will use efficient platforms to seek buyers for listings and data for buyers. My clients understand this competitive advantage in working with me, this is why they seek me.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST OBSTACLE AS A REALTOR AND HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH IT?

Although I have only been in this profession actively for 3 years, my production would exceed some that have been doing this for 20+ years. Experience should then be measured by transactions and not simply longevity. I also remain humble and surround myself with those that have been in the industry much longer than I have.

WHAT WOULD YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT AS A REALTOR?

Besides the true joy and satisfaction of helping families into their new home, my greatest accomplishment as a Realtor is seeing the many colleagues that have shared my strategies and success on social platforms. There is not a day I don’t see someone copy my posts, channels, announcements, flyers, logo, captions, speech, branding, etc. I came to realize that I may be helping usher the next generation of modern agents in this market locally, nationally and globally.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR THOSE LOOKING TO FIND A GREAT REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL?

Ask your prospective agent what differentiates them from any other agent on the market. Listen to their answer and believe them. If you don’t feel there are any unique advantages mentioned, keep looking!.

WHAT OTHER SERVICES DO YOU OFFER?

I offer other agents and colleagues my partnership if they are seeking to advance their production, add new strategy or bring their marketing into a more modern era. I have helped hundreds of agents to effectively do this through a partnership with me. I am also a conduit of all necessary services within the transaction of residential real estate: contractor work, pool, cleaning, flooring, roofing, paint, pressure washing, etc. MA

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY OUR READERS CAN GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU?

@soominkimgroup

Email: SoominSK@gmail.com Call: 714.926.5730

Determine Your Own Income

Build Your Wealth Be Your Own Boss Control Your Own Time

BY ACQUIRING PROPERTY WITH WAYNE AND LYNN MORGAN

by Daryl K. Jones

CONGRATULATIONS! YOU’VE GOT YOUR REAL ESTATE LICENSE. NOW WHAT?

If you’ve ever had the notion to buy real estate, sell real estate, or invest in real estate, Wayne and Lynn Morgan are unquestionably the ones you should consult. Aside from having invaluable wisdom and experience to impart on a conversational level, this duo has made it their mission to assist as many as they can in this regard. By establishing and facilitating Texas Real Estate Commission-approved courses through their Real Estate Business School, (a business school for Realtors®), they teach people not only how to obtain a license, but also how to use it to create the income to have the life about which they have always dreamed. “Real estate is about making your dreams come true,” submitted Wayne and Lynn. “That’s why it’s the best business in the world. We make other people’s dreams come true while achieving our own.”

What differentiates Wayne and Lynn Morgan from others is that they understand one crucial factor of licensing. That is to say, that licensing courses only teach you the information needed to obtain a license, but do not teach you anything about what it actually takes to be a great real estate professional. Your license guarantees you nothing; it is merely the entry fee you pay to get into the business. The licensing courses do not prepare you to be successful in the business. They are a good foundation, but obtaining the license is just a start. How will you find people who are thinking about buying or selling a home today? What will you say to them when you find them to convince them to hire you?

There are three types of education required to become successful and get to the financial top of the heap in real estate. One is the technical education required to pass the licensing exam. Two is the business education that your clients expect you to have, and three is the financial education required to maximize returns and mitigate risk in the process of acquiring wealth by way of prudent real estate acquisitions. Wayne and Lynn Morgan teach all three. This is what sets The Real Estate Business School apart from other schools that simply offer licensing classes. The Real Estate Business Blueprint® shows the six components of a business, the definition and goal of each, and how all of these components fit together. “We get new licensees up and running in 10 days,” boasts Wayne and Lynn. “You don’t need 6 months of savings to get into real estate. You just need to be committed and coachable and follow our proven formula.”

The Real Estate Business School is the only school in the state of Texas that offers over 30 hours of mentoring at no extra charge in all pre-licensing courses. This means as soon as the license arrives in the mail, the licensee can start to access their own personal mentor, start learning how to generate leads, and help people buy or sell their property and get to the closing table quickly. It’s an accelerated learning program available online 24/7/365 with bi-weekly follow up calls to keep them on track. Simply put, they not only help you get into the industry, they also help you stay in the industry.

They have authored over 25 books and created the Texas Real Estate Commissionapproved courses to go with them. They have taken their experience from thousands of transactions (representing buyers, sellers, investors, developers and builders), and used all of that experience to attack the greatest enemy of realtors: attrition. Wayne Morgan states, “If you want to get to the top of the best business in the world, go here; www.buildmyrebusiness.com and ask them how.”

The Real Estate Business School; where you get your license AND learn to use it! MA

THE REAL DEAL

Ihad the opportunity to sit down and have coffee with Isaac Strycker, and he is the real deal. He was friendly, well-rounded and comfortable making conversation with a stranger. I immediately felt at ease with Isaac, and within minutes I felt as if I had made a new friend. These are the qualities I would look for in a realtor, and with Isaac, I found them. As we got to know each other, I discovered much more about him and what makes him an outstanding realtor.

Isaac Strycker decided to work in real estate out of an innate desire to help others, but also because he has deep respect for land and the improvement of such. He realized he could use his talent for working with people, as well as his talent for creative problem solving to make an impact on individuals, families, and communities.

One factor that separates Isaac from many other realtors is his desire to build relationships with people that are not solely based on profit. “I am happy to meet and show someone some homes even if they’re not pre-approved for a loan,” submits Isaac. “I want to find out what they expect, so I can tailor my service to their specific needs. I want to be invited to their backyard BBQs to celebrate moving into their new home.”

Being relationship driven is not the only thing that differentiates Mr. Strycker from his counterparts. Strycker has experience selling undeveloped land. He deals with multi-million-dollar buyers, as well as with families on their first purchase. “I will never turn down a client because of price,” explains Isaac.

What makes Isaac successful as a realtor is the fact that he puts his own needs aside and tells the truth! He takes his responsibility to serve his clients’ best interests extremely seriously. “I have to stay on top of market data and have the most current and accurate information about what is happening, and where things are going,” Isaac explains. That knowledge helps him be an invaluable advisor to everyone in his sphere of influence. “I know if I treat people the right way and come from a place of respect and care, I will have clients for life.”

By: Daryl K. Jones

Contrary to the old adage, what you don’t know can hurt, especially when you’re talking about buying or selling homes. That’s why it is imperative to seek the guidance of a trusted and tested professional like Isaac Strycker. We asked Isaac to give our readers a glimpse into where he sees the market heading, and he happily obliged.

Isaac states, “According to the Fed, we’re going to continue to see these higher interest rates that we have now, (7-8%) for most of 2024. While this is scaring a lot of people and slowing down buying and selling, this is actually a GREAT opportunity!” Mr. Strycker goes on to explain that prices are much lower than they were the last two years, and they will be again, when rates finally come down. That means “bidding wars” are rare and buyers can negotiate on terms. If you can afford the mortgage, you’ll be able to refinance soon, and bring your payments way down.

Also, for sellers, if your loan is assumable (FHA, VA, & USDA) your home can still be sold at a premi um since more buyers will want to take over your 2.75% or 3.5% loan at a higher sales price. “There are really a ton of ways to benefit from the current and upcoming market,” he states emphatically.

So, what’s next for Isaac? Well, when he’s not working with clients, performing and producing music, or writing scripts about the Austin music scene in his spare time, he is collaborating with a group of people on a de velopment project which aims to provide affordable housing in a regenerative earth-focused environment.

This includes spaces for diverse events, film locations and all kinds of hospitality and amenities. This is a special project for Isaac and we’re excited to see what the future holds for Mr. Strycker. MA

For more information, or to contact Isaac Strycker, visit texashomespace.com or call (512) 799-5391.

means business austin

GET TO KNOW AUSTIN’S SWEETHEART CINTHYA ROMRIELL OF

Q:How did you get started in creating Cinful Sweets?

A:Having left my hometown of Houston Texas, I came to Austin with an academic scholarship to the University of Texas, to pursue Secondary Education. During my first semester of teaching, I brought a huge container of animal crackers as snacks for my students. After they quickly emptied the container, I decided to take it up a notch and bake them some homemade cookies. The joy that I saw in my students’ faces while eating my creation encouraged me to keep baking. Cookies led to cakes and other desserts over the next several months. Even though I had just earned my bachelor’s degree, I felt inspired to follow my newfound passion for baking and attend culinary school to become a pastry chef. I felt an even bigger connection with chocolate after learning the history behind it, and its ties to my parent’s birth country, Honduras. The Mayans believed that the cacao bean had magical, or even divine properties, suitable for use in the most sacred rituals including birth and marriage. So, let’s do as the ancient Mayans did. Let’s celebrate those special moments with chocolate (and other delicious desserts.)

Q:Where do you get your inspiration for the amazing designs you come up with?

A:My inspiration for my designs come from everyday life. I love to create chocolate designs that inspire myself and others around me. My clients also give me an incredible amount of inspiration with their ideas.

Q:What is your favorite type of sweets you work with? Cakes, Candy, etc?

A:My passion is chocolate- it is my happy obsession! I believe chocolate to be a form of art: it’s science, it’s a moment in time, it’s a passion and a pleasure. There is so much you can do with chocolate. The artistry of it is endless.

Q:What is your busiest time of the year?

A:The holidays are a lot of fun, and it is an extremely busy time for us. Valentine’s Day, Halloween, and Mother’s Day are amazing. We love to create new treats for every different season and showcase those to our clients.

Q:You are often involved with big corporate orders for special events. What do you make for these galas and parties?

A:That is up to our client, they bring us their ideas and what they are looking for, and we make them happen. Some want chocolate centerpieces, other clients like our bonbons. We have created bonbons using client’s products, for example our Texas Whiskey. We use Garrison Brothers Bourbon Whiskey, which is a fantastic Texas made product, and the results were amazing. We can infuse almost anything with our chocolate, and we are always looking for the next amazing product to showcase using our chocolate.

Q:Have you received any special training?

A:As the Certified Chocolatier and owner of Cinful Sweets, I have studied under world renowned Chocolatier Amaury Guichon, award winning Chocolatier Vincent Vallee, Master Sugar Artist Chef Peter Gyorgyicsek, Pastry Chef Antonio Bachour, Chocolatier and Pastry Chef Norman Love, Pastry Chef Susan Notter, and the US Pastry Team.

Q:Do you have a chef that you are inspired by?

A:Many Chefs have inspired me, and I just took a class with Chef Amaury Guichon. I learned a lot from him about technique, and just watching him create is an amazing inspiration.

Q:What are the future plans for Cinful sweets?

A:My mission is to be the premier spot for all types of desserts and chocolate. I really want to be a positive part of our clients’ celebrated events. I want to give my customers an authentic feel and take their taste buds on an exciting path. I am driven to always provide the best service, and the most visually stunning, and delectable product possible.

Q:What advice would you give to someone who loves to create sweets and is just starting out?

A:Don’t take no for an answer, and never give up on your dreams. I have gotten so many no’s in my career, that the more no’s I got, made me more determined to figure out ways to get a ‘yes.’ I just don’t give up!

Cinful Sweets

9415 Burnet Rd #106 Austin, TX 78758

Cinfulsweets.com

@CinfulSweetsAtx

MICHELLE CABRET, MD

ustin Cosmetic Surgery is a leading cosmetic surgery practice that specializes in surgical and non surgical procedures, as well as health and wellness services for both men and women. Led by the stunning Michelle Cabret, M.D, DDS, Austin Cosmetic Surgery provides services in 5 major areas: body, face, and breasts surgically, nonsurgical aesthetics for the face & body, and wellness to include hormone optimization and medically assisted weight loss. This includes breast augmentation, tummy tuck, mommy makeover, jaw augmentation and more. Dr Cabret is a premier cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon in both Scottsdale, Arizona and Austin, Texas.

Born on an Air Force Base in Puerto Rico, Dr. Cabret spent much of her childhood (9 months a year) in foreign countries, including Japan, Philippines, and the United Kingdom due to her parents’ careers working for the Department of Defense (DOD). Additionally, her parents felt traveling provided an education in and of itself and she had the fortune of traveling the world- Europe, Asia, and Russia. The highlight of her young life was always coming home to Central Texas and visiting family in Southern California.

Educationally, starting around age 15, Dr. Cabret thought she wanted to be a craniofacial surgeon so tracked the fastest path and found that if she went to dental school first and then medical school she could get to the residency portion much sooner. Dr. Cabret studied with the Young Scholars program at the University of California, Santa Barbara while still technically a high school student. She did her undergrad at UC San Diego and UCLA for Dental School. The highly intelligent Michelle Cabret became the first female ever to be granted an academic scholarship and accepted into the prestigious double degree program at the University of Texas, Southwestern School of Medicine. She went on to complete her residency at UT Southwestern in Dallas as well.

In 2002, Dr. Cabret started her private practice in Scottsdale followed by the opening of Austin Cosmetic Surgery in Austin in 2018 and opening The Spa at Rough Hollow, a med-spa at the exclusive marina on the gorgeous Lake Travis in Austin, TX over the holidays.

Dr Cabret has performed hundreds of thousands of procedures over the course of 21 years; 90-95% cosmetic and 5-10% reconstructive at this point. Breast lifts seem to be the most common surgery performed in both locations.

MYAUSTIN Magazine applauds Michelle Cabret M.D DDS for her nominations as a Top Cosmetic Surgeon in Austin Texas. She is extremely educated, a beautiful person inside and out, and even more, a highly regarded cosmetic surgeon with a diverse and unique background.

SCAN

THE EXISTENTIAL COACH

Transformative Healing with Abi Mallick, LMSW, CLC

By: Daryl K. Jones

Abi Mallick, LMSW, CLC (they/ she) is a therapist, a life coach, a mental health educator, and a self-proclaimed nerd when it comes to the brain science of healing and recovery. Abi’s background is in social work and mental health research.

For Abi, it’s fascinating to look at what actually makes people happier and how different that is from what we think will make us happier. Most of Abi’s clients are dealing with anxiety in some form, whether that shows up as people-pleasing, low self-worth, procrastination, overwhelm, catastrophizing, or sabotaging relationships. Difficulty managing anger and difficulty communicating

needs in a healthy way are also common issues that Abi’s clients experience. One of the factors that informs Abi’s work is the fact that many of us didn’t have good role models for what a healthy relationship looks like growing up, so as adults, we’re trying to figure it out as we go, with very little guidance.

Abi’s methodology is centered around healing the root of anxiety or self-sabotaging habits, not just managing the symptoms forever. To accomplish this, clients are encouraged to go deep into their childhood, explore their core beliefs about themselves and the world, and are taught exercises that heal the conscious and unconscious parts of the brain.

your own. “I love seeing clients make big changes so quickly. It’s so exciting, every damn time,” Abi professes. “Once they start doing the work and seeing major changes, there’s a shift from thinking about what you don’t want (in your life) to thinking about what you do want. How DO you want to show up in the world? What DO you want your relationships to look like?”

Are you ready for real change?

Using highly focused, short term coaching, Abi teaches clients self-coaching tools so that they can continue to do the work on their own after they finish working together. Abi is of the mindset that clients do not need to be seen for months or years in order to make big changes. This is partly what separates Abi from others who operate in their field. The methods that she employs are a mixture between talk therapy (which taps into the prefrontal cortex; the logical, problem-solving part of your brain from where thoughts come) and exploration of the unconscious mind (where emotions and core beliefs are stored). That includes anxiety, low self-worth, and beliefs such as ‘I’m only loveable if I don’t express my needs’ or ‘people aren’t trustworthy.’ In order to heal those habits and beliefs, she uses talk therapy strategies, but also somatic practices, meditation tools, and inner child work to heal both the conscious and unconscious parts of

Clients usually see Abi for only five to eight 90-minute sessions. That’s enough time to start seeing major changes and learn how to use the self-coaching tools to keep healing on

As a rule, Abi only works with individuals, but there have been several instances when she saw both members of a couple separately. She helps them with healthy communication and emotional regulation so that they can heal their relationship together. Abi mostly sees clients one-on-one, but also teaches workshops on anxiety management, self-confidence, and healthy parenting. As far as expansion goes, Abi says this: “I love exactly what I’m doing. I don’t want to become a franchise or an empire. I just want to keep seeing one-on-one clients go through incredible transformations and keep doing occasional workshops as well. I’m a small-town girl living her best life.”

Abi Mallick feels that there are many paths to healing, and that there is everything to gain from deviating from traditional ways and means. This innovative approach is checked and balanced by her respect for research, and her yearning to disseminate the healing truth to those she treats. We applaud Abi for the magic that she performs every day in her client’s lives and congratulate her for being one of the Top Women of Austin. MA

Rising Star of the Legal Industry:

MEET ATTORNEY KARA L. O’SHAUGHNESSY

Kara L. O’Shaughnessy, a highly respected attorney based in Austin, Texas, is a force to be reckoned with in the legal industry. Her passion for the law and her dedication to her clients have earned her a reputation as a fierce advocate and trial attorney. With a focus on civil litigation, oil and gas, estate planning, and real property law, Kara consistently exceeds expectations, even when the stakes are high, and time is short.

Kara’s passion for law is evident in her dedication. Working as a paralegal before attending law school gave her a unique perspective and the drive to do more for her clients. For Kara, litigation involves lifelong learning, as she needs to understand the details of a specific contract, how a particular process works, or a sequence of events, in order to explain it later to a judge or jury. In particular, she finds litigation rewarding because it requires her to delve into the details of a case and use her knowledge to advocate for her client.

Of course, being a lawyer is not without its challenges. For Kara, the biggest challenge is balancing the personalities involved in a case to achieve a settlement. But her ability to multitask and empathize with her clients makes her well-equipped to handle this challenge. Kara sees these—and the fact that she is often underestimated—as some of her greatest strengths as a female lawyer. And when it comes to winning cases, she assisted with several notable wins, including the resolution of the Saucedo v. Kerlin case, where she helped Hispanic families reacquire their mineral estate under Padre Island, which was featured in the Texas Monthly article “Return to Padre” by Cecilia Ballí.

Despite the demands of her career, Kara is also a loving single mother of three. She’s found ways to balance work and family life, like going on road trips and having family movie nights. And for new attorneys just starting out, Kara’s advice is simple but effective: stay humble, work hard, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Whether she’s volunteering as a pro bono attorney or taking her kids on outdoor safaris, Kara brings her all to everything she does. Kara’s clients know they can count on her to take great care of their case. As part of an amazing law firm, she has been working with the same four attorneys in her litigation section for 20 years. They are a well-oiled machine and “work-family” with 100+ years of combined legal experience. For any individual or business in need of legal representation, Kara L O’Shaughnessy of Duggins Wren Mann & Romero is a name you can trust for the utmost care and attention to your case. MA

Duggins Wren Mann & Romero, LLP

Kara L. O’Shaughnessy

SHE MEANS BUSINESS!

Laura Hartnett and GlowGal Enterprises

by Daryl K. Jones

We know Laura Hartnett as the driving force behind, and owner/operator of GlowGal Salon; a full-service hair salon and extension bar located in Cedar Park. Additionally, this year she launched GlowGal Enterprises: an online business that teaches mothers, (or anyone wanting to earn an income online), how to earn money while staying home and raising their kids. “We as women have an abundance of choices,” states Hartnett, “I’ve talked with many women that are still desiring to earn money without sacrificing time with their kids, and GlowGal Enterprises shows you how.”

For those who wish to participate, Laura has set up a dedicated Instagram for GlowGal Enterprises. There, you will be able to find remote jobs for mothers (including information on how much they can get paid), as well as a link to access her free ebook. In this ebook, you will be educated on what affiliate marketing looks like, programs that Laura herself has used, and the steps to get you started. It is important to note here that Laura is not just pursuing this venture as a way to promote and enrich herself, as she has already laid a great foundation for her own life and would remain successful whether or not anyone decides to participate. This is truly a labor of love for Laura Hartnett. She genuinely wants to be a resource to help those who are struggling to find their purpose, with a special focus on what is (or in my opinion, should be) the true backbone of any civilized society: women, and particularly mothers. Also, there are no machinations that would confuse anyone in this process. Simply visit the Insta, and right there, you will see

step-by-step instructions to start earning today!

Laura Hartnett has been a working mom, mom boss, business owner, as well as a stay-at-home mom. It is more than fair to say that she sees the value of all these choices. Laura’s hope is to inspire women to feel comfortable with whatever path they choose, and assist in any way she can to help them succeed.

As for what’s new with GlowGal Salon, it is growing into a tiered salon which will allow Laura and her team to service many different clients, (regardless of budget), so clients receive a “quality, and fun experience.” This is evidenced by the reviews many have posted regarding GlowGal’s acumen, as well as their superior service. The overall message received is that they

work with heart, alongside their talent. Laura is proud of this reputation for customer service, and feels that this needs to become a focus again in business. To inspire this sentiment in a new generation of stylists, Laura has also added to the team, and now offers an apprenticeship program. Concerning GlowGal Salon’s newest services, they are most proud of being one of the only salons in Texas that offer Mesh Integration Systems, which are the most advanced methods of hair extensions in the hair care industry. It helps those suffering from alopecia.

Additionally, throughout 2023, Laura opened her salon up to several industry educators so her staff is always ahead of the latest trends and techniques, also ensuring that her staff is provided with the support they need to give the best service. This year, they had Cole Thompson pay them a visit to expand their cutting techniques, and Jessica Powers to grow their talent in vivid coloring. Anyone who decides to visit GlowGal Salon will definitely be satisfied with their work. MA

For more information on GlowGal Enterprises: @glowgalenterprises, or search the web at www.glowgalaffiliate. com/256f494b

For more information on GlowGal Salon: @glowgalsalon, or search the web at www.glowgalsalon.com

THE AUSTIN STARTUP SCENE:

Where Innovation Meets Weirdness

In the heart of Texas, amidst the live music, food trucks, and laid-back vibes, lies a buzzing hive of creativity and in-

novation: the Austin startup scene. It’s a place where tech wizards and dreamers come together to turn wild ideas into re-

ality, all while embracing the city’s motto of “Keep Austin Weird.” Let’s take a deep dive into Austin’s startup landscape and explore what makes it such a unique and exciting place to launch a business.

In recent years, Austin has earned a reputation as a haven for startups and entrepreneurs looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Silicon Valley. With its affordable cost of living, vibrant arts scene, and quirky charm, the city offers a refreshing alternative to the corporate grind. From software startups to craft breweries, Austin’s startup culture is as diverse as it is dynamic, attracting innovators from all walks of life.

At the heart of Austin’s startup scene are the city’s eclectic mix of tech companies, incubators, and coworking spac-

es. From iconic brands like Dell and Whole Foods to scrappy startups like Yeti and Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Austin is home to a wide range of businesses that embody the city’s entrepreneur-

ial spirit. In addition, the city boasts a thriving community of investors, mentors, and industry experts who are passionate about supporting the next generation of startups.

Over the years, Austin has produced its fair share of startup success stories, from SXSW darling Twitter to the quirky dating app Bumble. These companies have not only achieved financial success but have also made a lasting impact on the city and its residents. Whether it’s revolutionizing the way we connect with one another or redefining the concept of “going green,” Austin startups are at the forefront of innovation and change.

As the startup scene continues to evolve and grow, the future looks brighter than ever. With new technologies emerging and new industries taking shape, the possibilities are endless for entrepreneurs willing to think outside the box and embrace the weirdness of Austin. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or a wideeyed dreamer, there’s never been a better time to join the ranks of Austin’s startup community and help shape the future of innovation in the Live Music Capital of the World. MA

LOCAL RESOURCES

AUSTIN CITY HALL

301 W 2nd St

Austin, TX 78701

512-974-2000

Austintexas.gov

TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE

1019 Brazos St

Austin, TX 78701

512-463-5555

Sos.state.tx.us

AUSTIN ANIMAL CENTER

7201 Levander Loop Bldg. A

Austin, TX 78702

512-974-2000

Austintexas.gov/Austin-animal-center

DMV

Austin Regional Service Center

512-719-6900

Txdmv.gov

CAPITAL METRO

209 West 9th St

Austin, TX 78701

Customer Service

512-474-1200

Customer.service@capmetro.org

Lost And Found

512-474-1200

Lostandfound@capmetro.org

AUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT

715 East 8th St

Austin Tx, 78701

Info Center

512-974-2000 Or Dial 311

Police Fire Medial 911

Austintexas.gov

AUSTIN FIRE AND RESCUE

5811 Nuckols Crossing Rd

Austin, TX 78744

Emergencies: 911

General Info

512-974-0130

Austintexas.gov

UTXA (UNIVERSITY OF AUSTIN)

2112 Rio Grande St

Austin, TX 78705

General Inquires

512-348-7252

Uaustin.org

AUSTIN WATER

625 E 10th St

Austin, TX 78701

512-972-1000 Or Dial 311

Austintexas.gov/content/austin-water

CITY OF AUSTIN UTILITIES

North: 8716 Research Blvd #115

Austin, TX 78758

South: 1901 W. Willam Cannon Drive #100

Austin, TX 78745

East2800 Webberville Road

Austin, TX 78702 Coautilities.com

AUSTIN ENERGY

721 Barton Springs Road Suite 513

Austin, TX 78704 512-494-9400

austinenergy.com

TEXAS GAS SERVICE

1301 S Mopac Expressway #400 Austin, TX 78746 800-700-2443

Texasgasservice.com