Mueller June 2025

Mueller

JUNE 2025

FINE FOOD, FUN MOOD

SALTY SOW

POWERFUL SUPPORT

PARTNERS IN PARENTING

Learn.

Travel.

Paint.

MALTI B. LEE

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As the leading provider of workers’ compensation insurance in the state, Texas Mutual takes pride in the meaningful ways we’ve contributed to the Mueller community and our fellow Texans. By investing in the state’s economy and rewarding workplace safety, we’re helping to build a safer, stronger future for Mueller and all of Texas. Visit texasmutual.com to learn more.

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Contents JUNE 2025

20 F EATU RES

12

16

Fine Food, Fun Mood

Salty Sow offers crafted, comforting dishes and inventive custom cocktails.

16

Finding a Village

Partners in Parenting members create the community support needed to help raise a child.

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Learn. Travel. Paint.

Artist Malti B. Lee draws on worldwide journeys to infuse colorful works with links to diverse places..

I N EVE RY I S SUE

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE Welcome to Summer!

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WHAT’S NEW Events and Attractions

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MEET ME AT THE MARKET La Mimi Bakery

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Q&A Michelle Flores and Kristen Harper of Remodel Boutique

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PERSPECTIVES Poem by Charles Cann

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PHOTO OP Pad Place

COVER

Malti B. Lee focused on art after earning a doctorate in biophysics and working as a management consultant.

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Your YourNeighbor, Neighbor,Your YourRealtor, Realtor,Your YourAdvocate Advocate LO CA E EE X N NM M UE LO C LA LR E RA E LA LE SETAT S TAT EP XE PR ET R TO O U LELLEL R E ’RS’ SL ILFIEFSETSYT LYEL E

AsAs a real estate professional and proud resident ofof thethe Mueller neighborhood, I love being a real estate professional and proud resident Mueller neighborhood, I love being a part ofof this vibrant, close-knit community.

With itsits mix ofof modern homes, green spaces, a part this vibrant, close-knit community.

With mix modern homes, green spaces, and walkable amenities, Mueller truly offers something special.

Living here gives meme anan and walkable amenities, Mueller truly offers something special.

Living here gives inside perspective onon thethe area’s unique market and lifestyle, which I use toto help clients make inside perspective area’s unique market and lifestyle, which I use help clients make informed and confident decisions.

Whether you’re buying, selling, oror just curious about thethe informed and confident decisions.

Whether you’re buying, selling, just curious about neighborhood, I’mI’m always happy toto share mymy expertise and enthusiasm forfor this amazing neighborhood, always happy share expertise and enthusiasm this amazing place wewe call home. place call home.

Soud SoudTwal Twal

GLOBAL REAL ESTATE ADVISOR GLOBAL REAL ESTATE ADVISOR

512.787.8617 512.787.8617 soud.twal@sothebysrealty.com soud.twal@sothebysrealty.com soudtwal.com soudtwal.com

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PUB LISH ER’S NOTE

CUE THE QUIETER, more laid-back days of summer—we made it!

Sure, the heat is here, but it’s a fair trade for barbecues, patio happy hours and long-overdue family vacations. I’ll take it!

In this issue, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Mueller’s very own artistic gem, Malti B. Lee. Her vibrant artwork is a reflection of her unique journey—one that reminds us how powerful it can be to follow your passion. Her story is inspiring, and her creations are simply stunning.

We also pay a visit to one of our

PHOTOGRAPH BY MARGARITA GARCIA ACEVEDO

M

WELCOME TO SUMMER!

favorites right down the road, Salty Sow. With its elevated comfort food and creative craft cocktails, it’s the perfect place to relax this summer, whether you’re soaking in the sunshine on the patio or enjoying the cool indoors.

Summer’s slower pace is also a great time to plan for fall projects. Thinking about a home refresh? Meet the talented duo behind Remodel Boutique, Michelle and Kristen. In this issue, we get to know them and their design philosophy. Stay tuned: Over the next few months, we’ll showcase some of their standout Mueller projects.

And as we head into June, let’s take a moment to celebrate all the dads out there—this is your month! We spotlight Partners in Parenting, a local group that supports new parents as they navigate the early days of family life. It’s a thoughtful reminder that behind every great dad (and mom) is a village.

Finally, don’t miss the Mueller Farmers’ Market column this month! We caught up with Mimi of La Mimi’s Bakery, whose delicious gluten-free and keto-friendly treats prove that healthy can absolutely mean indulgent.

There’s so much happening in Mueller—get out there, enjoy the sunshine and take it all in.

Liz Reingold Publisher

Mueller MAGAZINE

Editor & Publisher Liz Reingold Writers Carmen Gray Cristina Tangredi Photographer Margarita Garcia Acevedo Marketing Coordinator Alexandra Garcia Social Media and Content Intern Nicole Higgins

WAINSCOT MEDIA Chairman Carroll V. Dowden President and CEO Mark Dowden VP, Group Publisher, Regional Thomas Flannery VP, Content Strategy Maria Regan Creative Director Kijoo Kim Art Director Rosemary O›Connell Executive Editor Richard Laliberte Associate Editor Sophia Carlisle Advertising Services Director Jacquelynn Fischer Operations Director Catherine Rosario Production Designer Chris Ferrante Print Production Manager Fern Meshulam Advertising Production Associate Griff Dowden

Mueller magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Mueller, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. Copyright 2025 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

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Your home has a story.

Let’s write the next chapter together.

Free virtual consults available.

Contact us today.

remodelb.com

(737) 747-3305

remodelboutique

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Groups & Events

Save Big this Spring Groups with 75 or more room nights receive complimentary Self-Parking ($20/night value), one suite upgrade, and one day of waived meeting room rental when reserving two or more meeting days.

Purchase an “All Day Beverage Break” Package, receive a complimentary Chef’s Choice morning or afternoon snack.

Groups & Events

Groups with 75 or more room nights receive complimentary Self-Parking($20/night value), one suite upgrade, and one day of waived meeting room rental when reserving two or more meeting days.

Save Big this Spring

Purchase an “All Day Beverage Break” Package, receive a complimentary Chef’s Choice morning or afternoon snack.

512-861-1140 Groups with 75 or more room

Reserve a full buy-out of Blue Lacy, receive a credit of $250 towards a bar package of your choosing.

Reserve a full buy-out of Blue Lacy, receive a credit of $250 towards a bar package of your choosing.

nights| receive complimentary originhotel.com/austin 18125 McBee St, Austin, TX Self-Parking ($20/night value), Promotions are available for groups and events booked between April 1, 2025 - June 30, 2025 one suite upgrade, and one day of Terms & Conditions: Taxes & Gratuity not included; Subject to availability at the discretion of the hotel waived meeting room rental when reserving two or more meeting days.

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WHAT ’S NEW

In the Neighborhood CELEBRATING JUNETEENTH Join Mueller’s first annual Juneteenth celebration! Experience an immersive, educational and interactive event honoring Black history and culture. Enjoy live music, dance, Black-owned businesses, interactive art, literacy workshops and amazing food.

Free and open to all—come celebrate, learn and connect.

The Juneteenth planning committee includes Mueller residents (from left) Tyrone Robinson, Amber Hane, David DeLeon and Veronica Wright.

GEM OF A JEWELRY STORE Chasing Indigo is Mueller’s newest jewelry shop, designing modern jewelry with Texas heart—think permanent jewelry, a charm bar and bold gemstone jewelry. Proprietors create high-quality, meaningful keepsake jewelry that journeys with you!

4524 Mattie St., #105.

NOW OPEN: BUDDY BEAR Brought to you by the folks at Mueller favorite Lilla and Beth, Buddy Bear children’s boutique is now open. Offering clothing, books, toys and more, this is the one-stop shop for everything kids!

1906 Aldrich St., Suite 140

FOURTH FESTIVITIES Join the parade and festivities at MNA’s 2025 Fourth of July event! The neighborhood parade starts at 10 a.m. at Ella Wooten Park and ends at Branch Park Pavilion, followed by a celebration with music, food trucks, face painting, kiddie train and activities for kids and adults. Details and a call for volunteers coming soon.

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M E ET M E AT TH E MARKET

TASTE the

LOVE At La Mimi Bakery, Yamina Mechentel channels a lifelong passion for cooking and hospitality into gluten-free delights.

BY CARMEN GRAY

IN A STALL FACING exuberant children running through green space at the Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller, you’ll find the sweet, smiling Yamina Mechentel, commonly known as Mimi by her friends and family. I’ve always been drawn to her products at La Mimi Bakery, as they are high quality and made with love.

Also, as my gluten-free diet limits my beloved brioche consumption, I can find a tasty substitute at her stalls on Sunday mornings.

“I’ve always enjoyed baking and cooking, ever since I was a young child,” Mechentel says. She was born and raised in a little town in Algeria, where she grew up enthusiastically experimenting in the kitchen among four sisters in a cheerful household.

Mechentel’s father had a small shop where she spent a good part of her childhood having fun—all the while observing the nuances of running a business. This would

come in handy later on in life.

Her childhood home was filled with the scents of spices and baked goods as well as the warmth of family meals shared around a large table. She learned early in life the joy of feeding others, of seeing smiles light up people’s faces as they tasted something delicious she had made.

These formative experiences laid the groundwork for her lifelong relationship with both food and hospitality.

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CULINARY EDUCATION Mechentel’s hobby stayed with her as she grew, providing comfort and familiarity through more stressful times in her life.

Although this was not her main pursuit while she had a 30-year professional career in taxes, she still continued to spend her free time taking cooking lessons wherever she found herself— England, France, Switzerland, Morocco and Spain.

This aided in widening her accumulation of the cuisines of different cultures, as well as her collecting of famous cookbooks and great recipes from various

cities and countries.

“While I enjoyed delicacies from around the world, I was most inspired by French cuisine,” she says. And you can definitely tell this in the many Frenchinspired gluten-free delicacies and goodies that she bakes and sells at the market.

In order to turn her childhood passion into an actual vocation, Mechentel eventually decided to join a well-established school of baking in France. At the Institut National de la Boulangerie Pâtisserie (INBP) in Rouen, she realized how much baking truly made her happy.

INBP specializes in teaching bread baking, pastry-making and chocolate art, catering to both beginners and professionals.

Mechentel cherished every moment of her training period there while striving to make remarkable viennoiseries.

Viennoiseries are types of French pastries that are often described as a bridge between boulangerie (bread) and patisserie (pastry). They are typically made with a yeast-leavened dough or puff pastry, often enriched with butter, eggs, milk, cream and sugar—like croissants, brioche and pain au chocolat.

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M E ET M E AT TH E MARKET

NEVER TOO LATE At INBP, Mechentel realized how deeply she felt about the craft. To take her learning even further, she then joined the San Francisco Baking Institute to learn the skill of artisan pastry making.

But how did she come to perfect her hand at gluten-free and keto products?

It started with one of her sisters who had developed some health conditions. This led Mechentel to turn to healthier cooking techniques, and you can taste the love in her many boutique products that are impossibly close to the richness of the originals.

Her best-sellers include French brioche, baked donuts (keto) and

bagels (also keto), but truly all of her treats sell out quickly at the market, so get there early!

Among the lessons that Mechentel and her sweet business offer: It is never too late to pursue your passions.

She continues striving to enjoy her vocation after a long-established different career in her life. La Mimi Bakery is a labor of love and a lifelong passion that has come to fruition.

Carmen Gray has lived in Austin since 1992. She is a dual-language teacher, a published author and freelance writer, and contributing editor for Latino magazine.

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Got a great image for Photo-Op? PHOTO OP

Beauty Multiplied

At Mueller Lake Park, this reflection of nature’s quiet splendor was captured

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chef-driven menu delivers clean, farm-to-table

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W I T H P U R C H AS E OF AN ENTRÉE

options for small groups or parties.

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Fine Food, Fun Mood

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PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY RONNY GALDÁMEZ

Salty Sow offers crafted, comforting dishes and inventive custom cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere.

Above right: Jordan, bartender extraordinaire, mixes a custom cocktail. Staff is encouraged to experiment, and drinks are often made using fresh juice as well as herbs picked from the on-site garden.

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IF YOU’VE EVER WONDERED what decades of culinary passion taste like, you’ll find the answer a stone’s throw from Mueller on Manor Road at Salty Sow. Executive Chef Harold Marmulstein brings serious heart and a lifetime of experience to every dish on the menu. His love for food started in a small family bakery in upstate New York, where he baked alongside his dad in the early mornings. That hands-on, from-scratch approach still

drives everything Marmulstein does.

After graduating from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, Marmulstein sharpened his skills under some of the best in the business, eventually opening the award-winning Dick and Harry’s in Atlanta. With over 30 years in fine dining and national nods from Zagat, Condé Nast and Southern Living, he definitely knows his way around a kitchen.

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the exceptional food and service found at sister restaurants Roaring Fork and Bulevar to a wider audience, and at a more accessible price point.

Along with owners Guy Villavaso and Larry Foles, Marmulstein “envisioned a space where guests could share conversation and memorable meals without the intimidation—or the bill—of white-tablecloth dining,” he says. “That’s why the portions are generous. That’s why the happy hour is such a standout.

Every element is designed to offer value without compromise.”

CURATED CREATIONS At Salty Sow, it’s all about elevated comfort food—think slow-cooked, locally sourced ingredients with a creative, chef-driven twist. It’s gourmet-meets-

neighborhood-gastropub-meets-delicious.

The restaurant is a warm, welcoming space where high-end techniques and ingredient-driven dishes meet the casual vibe of a neighborhood pub. But there’s more to it than comfort food with a twist.

The chefs at Salty Sow take a scientific and research-based approach to flavor pairing, carefully designing each dish to highlight ideal combinations of taste and texture. Your meal at Salty Sow is more than just about the food; it is a curated experience.

Everything served at Salty Sow is made in-house. One of the highlights—the charcuterie board—really showcases the kitchen’s creativity. It features house-made rillettes, pâtés, smoked meats and rotating sausages crafted daily by the skilled culinary team.

The same care extends to the bar, where bartenders juice fresh and— when the weather cooperates—pick herbs straight from the on-site garden.

They’re encouraged to experiment and frequently test new cocktails on the daily specials menu. If a drink becomes a guest favorite, it will be made a permanent part of the menu.

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WHY ‘SALTY SOW’?

Salty Sow’s general manager loves to talk about where the restaurant got its very original name when it opened in 2012. “The concept was to be a bit of a more edgy restaurant for younger people to dine,” says Grace Fregia. With a circa-2012 Austin hipster attitude in mind, “Salty” invoked a sailor or pirate. “Sow” related to pork on the menu. “We’re still very pork-centric,” Fregia says. “It was all supposed to be about the attitude at the time. And the name has become the restaurant’s personality.”

MORE THAN A MEAL Grace Fregia, general manager, recognizes how special the environment is at Salty Sow. “The team understands that service is a skill—one built over time through experience, empathy and reflection,” Fregia says.

“While they may not be saving lives, the staff believes their work truly matters.

They care deeply about each guest’s experience, whether it’s a casual night out or a special occasion.”

Salty Sow wants to provide more than a meal: It wants to be your favorite

place to visit—a place where the food is unforgettable, the cocktails are crafted with passion and the people genuinely care.

At its core, Salty Sow is a gastropub in the truest sense, where fine dining meets fun dining and where thoughtful, handmade food and cocktails are served with heart and hospitality.

Whether you’re popping in for crispy Brussels or hanging out on the patio with a craft cocktail in hand, Salty Sow keeps things relaxed, tasty and close to home. It’s the kind of spot that reminds you why neighborhood restaurants matter—and that sometimes, incredible dining experiences can be found just around the corner.

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Finding Their Village Partners in Parenting members proactively create the community support needed to help raise a child.

BY CRISTINA TANGREDI

WITH FATHER’S DAY this month and having just honored mothers in May, we celebrate parents raising children—especially those new parents navigating the beautiful yet often overwhelming early days of parenthood.

Becoming a parent is a lifechanging experience filled with joy, exhaustion and countless uncertainties. As new parents transition into this next chapter, they often find themselves seeking guidance, reassurance and a sense of belonging.

That is why we are excited to shine a light on Partners in Parenting (PIP), a nonprofit dedicated to building a strong support system for new parents across Central Texas. And now, Mueller is home to the newest PIP group!

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GROUP PARTICIPANT PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY LAURA WISE, LAURA WISE PHOTO

Above: Val Rios, executive director of Partners in Parenting.

Right: Members of the PIP staff and leadership team meet.

MANY FORMS OF SUPPORT Parenting may be a universal experience, but that does not mean it should be faced alone. A recent Surgeon General advisory highlighted the immense stress and mental health challenges many caregivers face. In fact, 48% of parents reported feeling completely overwhelmed on most days, according to 2023 data. While welcoming a child is a beautiful milestone, it also brings emotional, physical and logistical challenges that can feel isolating

without the right support. That is where PIP comes in.

PIP helps bridge the transition into parenthood by reducing isolation and providing a safe, welcoming space for parents to share experiences, seek advice and build a lasting support network. These small groups welcome first-time parents of all genders, creating hyperlocal communities where neighbors can connect and help each other navigate the ups and downs of early parenthood.

Partners in Parenting offers free Newborn Groups for parents of infants aged 2–16 weeks and free Baby Groups for parents with children 4–12 months.

Each group fosters candid conversations on sleep, feeding, developmental milestones, postpartum mental health and transitioning back to work.

With 50% of these groups conducted in Spanish, PIP ensures that language is never a barrier to finding support and building friendships.

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Meetings take place in homes or community spaces, fostering an intimate, neighborly atmosphere that encourages open discussions and long-term friendships. PIP also partners with local businesses, postpartum professionals and trained facilitators to create a truly enriching experience for parents.

In the past, experts spoke to PIP groups about infant and child development, infant and toddler sleep, prenatal and postpartum support, infant feeding and solids, and movement and bodywork for parents. Additionally, to ensure financial accessibility, PIP provides free participation and grocery gift cards to families in need, ensuring that every parent has the opportunity to build their village.

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THE POWER OF SMALL GROUPS Since its launch in 2014, PIP has served over 2,000 families, demonstrating its vital role in fostering strong, connected communities. The impact is undeniable: 96% of PIP alumni report having a reliable network of support after completing their group— an invaluable resource for parents facing both everyday challenges and unexpected emergencies.

One parent put it this way: “Joining a PIP group was the single best decision I made as a new parent. This incredible organization set me up with my ‘village’—a support system that has lasted over nine years. I cannot recommend PIP enough.”

Partners in Parenting groups are free for all. To get started, visit www.pipaustin.org.

As we honor parents this Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, let us celebrate the strength found in community.

With Partners in Parenting, families in Mueller and beyond are not just surviving—they are thriving, together.

Cristina Tangredi is a communications professional dedicated to creating community-first communications, and has over seven years of experience in nonprofits, government agencies and PR firms.

WHAT PARENTS SAY ABOUT PIP Comments like these are typical of Partners in Parenting participants: • “PIP was hands-down the best thing my husband and I did during our first year as new parents. Our group got us through those first few rough months and resulted in friendships that continue to this day (six years later). It’s the only thing I recommend to new parents!”

• “Partners in Parenting is the best thing you can do as a new parent, and I recommend it to everyone I know. We had an incredibly positive experience with our group. Meeting other parents going through the same highs and lows as us at such a precious and trying time made such a huge difference in our confidence, mental health, relationship, everything!”

• “I truly believe PIP should be a household name for new parents across Central Texas. It provides valuable, needed support and community connection during one of life’s biggest transitions.

We love PIP!”

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Learn.

Travel.

Paint.

O

Artist Malti B. Lee draws on worldwide journeys to infuse her colorful works with architecture and links to diverse places.

ONE OF THE BEST aspects of our neighborhood is its diversity. People come to Mueller from many different places and backgrounds. I recently had the pleasure of getting to know one such incredibly dynamic neighbor—a British/ Indian artist with a PhD in biophysics— who now calls Austin home.

Malti B. Lee lights up a room with her radiant smile and infectious energy.

An esteemed graduate of Cambridge University, she has always been passionate about art.

Throughout her childhood and high school years, her artistic talent was so apparent that many teachers encouraged her to pursue it at university. However, she was equally gifted in math and science and ultimately decided to follow that path instead. Still, she never lost her love of art—dabbling in it during study breaks

Cambridge graduate Malti B. Lee has a doctorate in biophysics and experience in management consulting but gradually turned her focus to her passion and talent for art.

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY MALTI B. LEE

BY CARMEN GRAY

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Lee’s distinctive, multilayered style often blends fine-lined architectural renderings with bold colors and floral motifs.

and continuing to explore it whenever she could.

After earning her PhD, Lee went into management consulting. It was during this busy period that she realized her time for painting had nearly vanished.

She visited art galleries whenever possible and was especially drawn to the work of British architectural artist Stephen Wiltshire, an autistic savant known for drawing detailed landscapes entirely from memory.

Yet her consulting career wasn’t without its rewards. She sharpened her people skills, developed her knack for making connections and met her future husband, Josh, at Boston Consulting Group. Although they worked in different offices (she in London and he in Dubai), they maintained a long-distance

relationship across continents.

Since both traveled frequently for work, they would meet up in cities around Europe, combining romance with a shared love of exploration and world-class art galleries.

Everything came to a halt when the COVID-19 pandemic struck and international borders closed. That pause made them realize it was time to make some big decisions about where to build a life together.

SETTLING LOCALLY Josh decided to take a year off from the corporate world while Lee continued working. Together, they carefully shortlisted five cities around the world for the next chapter in their lives.

When Josh accepted a job in the San Francisco Bay area, Lee eventually left

her corporate job and joined him in the U.S., originally intending to take just a year off. But during that break, she found her way back to painting, and that’s when her creative career truly began to blossom.

Over their two years in the Bay area, Lee’s artwork gained momentum and renown. Though she and her husband both enjoyed their time there, it never quite felt like home. They continued exploring potential cities across the U.S. and visited Austin in the height of summer.

Drawn to the city’s culture and energy, they made the move at the end of 2023, settling at last into the Mueller neighborhood. “We couldn’t be happier with the decision,” Lee says.

“Both Austin and Mueller have very quickly become home. There’s a sense of openness and nonjudgment here, and it’s a place we can see ourselves in for the foreseeable future.”

The warmth and support of Austin’s creative community confirmed for her that this is a place where deep and lasting relationships can thrive.

ARTISTIC ACCLAIM Lee’s love of travel and passion for architecture are reflected in her vibrant acrylic paintings. Drawing from her global background, she captures the essence of cities and places she’s

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experienced firsthand.

Her work has been featured in solo and group exhibitions across San Francisco, Northern California and now Texas. Her notable achievements are vast and include commissions for the National Hockey League’s San Jose Sharks and the City of San Ramon, California.

In Austin, Lee continues to rise in her artistic journey, recently being chosen as one of eight local artists for the inaugural Downtown Austin Space Authority (DASA) residency. She has upcoming solo shows at the Dougherty Arts Center in December 2025 and the Asian American Resource Center in summer 2026.

As a driven and talented emerging artist, she has already received awards from the Round Rock Arts Council (Texas), City of San Jose, San Ramon (California) Arts Council and ArtSpan in San Francisco.

A CAPTIVATING STYLE Lee’s most recent collection, “Local Imprints,” features iconic buildings and scenes in Austin that evoke memories of London.

“These paintings bridge the gap between my new home and my old, illustrating how distant places can share surprising similarities,” she says. “This series reflects my personal journey of embracing Austin’s vibrant life. I incorporate vibrant Texas wildflowers into each scene—symbols of resilience and renewal that flourish across the city every spring.”

Lee’s artwork is both gentle and captivating, sparking a sense of curiosity and wonder. Her vibrant, multilayered paintings invite viewers to reflect on themes of place and connection. For example, a piece that particularly resonates with me as a longtime Austinite is Lee’s “Sense

of Belonging,” featuring the Capitol building as the focal point, framed by the Austin skyline and a foreground bursting with colorful spring blooms, including the Texas state flower.

As you take time to explore her work, you’ll discover thoughtful details that reflect a rich tapestry of cultures and histories. Her distinctive style blends dreamy, vivid compositions with delicate line-drawn architectural silhouettes, brought to life through acrylic ink markers and layered with bold, oversized florals.

The contrast in technique, scale and color mirrors the dynamic interplay found in urban landscapes.

Lee has a unique ability to translate her expansive visual journeys into a signature aesthetic, and Mueller is fortunate to be home to such a creative force. To learn more about Malti B. Lee’s artwork and upcoming events, visit maltiblee.com/links.

Carmen Gray has lived in Austin since 1992. She is a dual-language teacher, a published author and freelance writer, and contributing editor for Latino magazine.

JUNE 2025 |

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Mueller To contribute, contact Liz Reingold at Liz.Reingold@muellermagazine.com

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Love Your Home The co-owners of Remodel Boutique create spaces that are functional, beautiful and personal.

INTERVIEW WITH

MICHELLE FLORES AND KRISTEN HARPER

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Michelle Flores (left) and Kristen Harper strive to help clients uncover their own style and bring it to life in a way that feels functional, intentional and unique.

How would you describe your company, its history and your mission?

We’re Kristen Harper and Michelle Flores, co-owners of Remodel Boutique—a womenowned, POC-owned, LGBTQ-plus-owned design/build firm based right here in Austin.

We started Remodel Boutique in 2010 with a simple mission: to make the renovation process smooth, joyful and deeply personal.

Over the years, we’ve grown into a full-service design/build company that takes our clients from initial ideas to beautifully built spaces, guiding them every step of the way through what we call the RB Way. Our approach is collaborative, creative and clear—helping people fall in love with their homes again.

We’re partners in life, business and parenting two young kids, Teo and Lucia, so collaboration is at the core of everything we do.

Kristen leads the design side of Remodel Boutique. With a background in both real

estate and interior design, she has a unique perspective on how design choices impact both lifestyle and long-term value. She oversees our design team, who also serve as project managers, ensuring every project is intentional, functional and beautiful—always keeping scope, budget and timelines in check.

Michelle is our sales and construction manager, and is often the first person our clients meet. She brings a sharp wit, calm energy and deep experience to both sides of the business. Michelle guides clients through the initial consultation process and leads our construction team to make sure everything is built to spec and to the highest standard.

She has an incredible ability to anticipate challenges before they arise and keep the process moving smoothly.

Together, we balance creativity and execution, and our shared love for thoughtful design and problem-solving drives everything we do.

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Flores and Harper with children Teo (left) and Lucia.

What do you consider your design style, if you have one?

We’d describe it as eclectic and bohemian. We love discovering pieces during our travels, layering in textures, patterns and color, and mixing vintage and modern elements. Our spaces feel lived-in, soulful and full of personality. We want every room to tell a story and for you to notice something new every time you walk in.

That said, our projects are always client-driven. We love helping our clients uncover their own style and bring it to life in a way that feels functional, intentional and uniquely theirs.

Why is Mueller the perfect neighborhood for you to work in?

Mueller is intentional, creative and community-driven— values that align perfectly with how we work. It’s full of families, diverse homeowners and people who care deeply about how they live. We love working in Mueller because the community is thoughtful, collaborative and always open to making their homes a true reflection of their lives. Plus, we live just a stone’s throw away, so we understand the spirit of this neighborhood and what makes it special.

What else should readers know about you and your business?

Remodel Boutique is more than a business to us—it’s an extension of who we are. As partners, parents and business owners, we know how much your home matters. It’s where life happens. We’ve built our company around the belief that the renovation process should be collaborative, clear and—dare we say—fun.

When you work with us, you’re not just hiring a contractor or designer— you’re gaining a team that cares deeply about your home, your family and your experience. We’re here to make the process smooth and meaningful, and to create a home you’ll love for years to come.

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Calling all Mueller poets and writers!

The new Perspectives department is for YOU! Send us your poems and short essays (max 350-400 words) to share with your Mueller neighbors.

Send submissions to hello@muellermagazine.com.

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PERSPECTIVES

The Aging Mind POEM BY CHARLES CANN

The river slows and backs up behind a massive concrete dam banks rimmed by sun washed granite boulders bounded by the tangled roots of overhanging spruce deep in watery green depths lie old snags and branches carried by storms untold mottled and dimly reflecting the distant sunlight High in the pitted wall a small sluiceway releases a restricted foaming violent stream of water over the edge and into the shallow and rocky outflow below Against that unrelenting stream shiny muscular fish strive to swim against that onslaught only a few battered survivors scales torn and colors muted make it to lie in the quiet depths wishing they were birds

Charles Cann is a Mueller resident and member of the Mueller Neighborhood Association who is also an artist, retired woodworker, writer and bluegrass musician.

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Memberships

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PHOTO OP

PAD PLACE FINDING ZEN IN unlikely places: Can you identify where this tranquil space is located in Mueller?

Have a great image for Photo Op?

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Submit your high-resolution shot to hello@ muellermagazine.com.

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Recently Sold, Current Listings & Coming Soon Recently Sold, Current Listings & Coming Soon

In the Treetops by Morris Williams Golf Course

Modern Farmhouse + Garage Apt

In the Treetops by Morris Williams Golf Course

Modern Farmhouse + Garage Apt

3-Bed Parkside Condo with DT Views

3-Bed Parkside Condo with DT Views

4-Bed Yard Home w Garage Apt

4-Bed Yard Home w Garage Apt

Hilary Herrin Realtor® Mueller Silent Market Team Hilary Herrin Realtor® hilary@muellersilentmarket.com

Mueller Silent Market Team 512.913.8642

hilary@muellersilentmarket.com 512.913.8642 Compass is a licensed real estate broker. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

Compass is a licensed real estate broker. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

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