TOTALLY TAVARES

URSULINE GRADUATE LISA TAVARES is a doer, and her living room shows it. Amid Lego sets and PTA fliers, the former stay-at-home mom has created a home office for her new business, PopUp Funds, which is a way to set up a sale without creating a web storefront. In spite of having little experience in the tech sector, Tavares has launched herself into the business world with ferocity.

What was the inspiration for PopUp Funds?

I had a good friend who was diagnosed with cancer. We were trying to figure out how to raise money for medical bills. The same ideas are always thrown out. “Let’s do GoFundMe,” or “Let’s do T-shirts to show our support.” I thought, “I don’t want another T-shirt.” A friend and I designed a bracelet, but the problem was we had no way to market it other than just texting or randomly talking to people. I kept going online trying to find a way to create a quick pop-up shop. That’s all I wanted — a shop that would let me throw up a photo, send out a URL and let people pay

No. I was an education major, and I taught third grade. I then decided to stay at home with my kids and raise them, so for the past 13 years I have been doing that. I did a year of research and development for PopUp, and we launched last July. I don’t have training, but I know how to figure it out when I don’t know something — how to research and find the best answer. I will say I would not know what to do without my husband. He was a computer engineering major, and he knows how to develop all the tech stuff for me. We are great partners.

Do you have any advice for creating a business?

When my last child went to kindergarten, everybody asked what I’d do. I said, “I’m going to take a year and think.” They all just stared at me. I took that time. When they asked me about my business idea, they thought it would be sewing or selling something on Etsy. Instead I said, “I’m going to start an e-commerce site that specializes in short-term sales.” And then the conversation would be over. Take small steps. Keep researching, keep at it and don’t get overwhelmed by what you don’t know.

Trust your gut. And when you get frustrated, walk away for a day or two, sometimes a week, and then come back and tackle it.

What are your memories of Ursuline?

I was a B s tudent in the Class of 1997, and I remember a teacher who told me, “You don’t need to worry. You are going to make it because you have the personality to make it, and that is what is most important. In the end, you will be fine.” Ursuline instilled in me that I could go out into the world and try anything. I felt like they were teaching us to be our greatest selves and leaders for the community. My class was filled with headstrong personalities that continue to support each other to this day.

What advice would you give yourself?

To my younger self, I’d say, “It is OK to speak up for yourself.” I think about my kids and how I tell them when they want something at school, they need to vocalize it. As a child, I didn’t do that. To my older self, I’d say, “Take it easy. It is okay to sit down and read a magazine. Go to swim practice. Have a massage! You deserve it.”

How have you managed the work-life balance?

It’s a struggle. My husband has a full-time job, travels a lot and has late nights out. I am still the default parent. If a kid gets sick or there is a doctor’s appointment, I am the one. I work around their schedule. I went from being a parent who would always have a home-cooked meal on the table to, “Let’s have peanut butter and jelly tonight”. It is good for my children to see that mom works too.

Prestonhollow.advocatemag.com Watch how PopUp Funds works.

Education

AT ST. JOHN’S WE BELIEVE IN THE LOVE OF LEARNING AND THE COURAGE TO USE IT.

JOIN US FOR A PRIVATE TOUR. (limited spaces available in select grades) WWW.STJOHNSSCHOOL.ORG

Programs

■ Convenient to Downtown Dallas

WHERE CAN I FIND LOCAL ...?

AC & HEAT

Air Conditioning

Roofing + Insulation

Commercial + Residential Sales + Service

Putting the ‘i’ back into earth through integrity, innovation, inspiring change.

214- 330 - 5500 iiirth.com

TACLB29169E

APPLIANCE REPAIR

JESSE’S A/C & APPLIANCE SERVICE

TACLB13304C All Makes/Models. 214-660-8898

BUY/SELL/TRADE

CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!! All Makes/Models. 2000-2016. Any Condition. Running Or Not. Top $$$ Paid. Free Towing. We’re Nationwide. Call Now 1-888-985-1806

CABINETRY & FURNITURE

CABINETMAKER Design/Build Custom Furniture. Repair, Refinish. 40 yrs. exp. Jim 214-457-3830

SQUARE NAIL WOODWORKING

Cabinet Refacing, Built-ins, Entertainment/ Computer Centers. Jim. 214-324-7398 www.squarenailwoodworking.com

CLEANING SERVICES

ALTOGETHER CLEAN

Relax ...We’ll Clean Your House, It Will Be Your Favorite Day! Bonded & Insurance. Free Estimates. 214-929-8413. www. altogetherclean.net

CINDY’S HOUSE CLEANING 15 yrs exp. Resd/Com. Refs. Dependable. 214-490-0133

WANTED: HOUSES TO TIDY, Organize, De-clutter, or Pack. Sunny 214-724-2555

WINDOW MAN WINDOW CLEANING.COM Residential Specialists. BBB. 214-718-3134

COMPUTERS & ELECTRONICS

ALL COMPUTER PROBLEMS SOLVED

MAC/PC Great Rates. Keith. 214-295-6367

AT ODDS WITH YOUR COMPUTER? Easily Learn Essential Skills. Services include Digital Photo Help. Sharon 214-679-9688

BILL’S COMPUTER REPAIR Virus Removal, Data Recovery. Home/Biz Network Install. All Upgrades & Repairs. PC Instruction. No Trip Fee. 214-348-2566

CONFUSED? FRUSTRATED? Let a seasoned pro be the interface between you & that pesky Windows computer. Hardware/Software Installation, Troubleshooting, Training. $60/hr. 1 hr min. Dan 972-639-6413 / stykidan@sbcglobal.net

CONCRETE/MASONRY/PAVING

ADVANCE STONE ART CREATIONS Decorative Concrete Overlays. 214-705-5954

BRICK, BLOCK, Stone, Concrete, Stucco. Gonzalez Masonry. 214-395-1319

BRICK, STONEWORK, FLAGSTONE PATIOS Mortar Repair. Straighten Brick Mailboxes & Columns. Call Cirilo 214-298-7174

CONCRETE, Driveway Specialist Repairs, Replacement, Removal, References. Reasonable.

Chris 214-770-5001

CONCRETE, RETAINING WALLS 25 yrs exp. T&M Construction, Inc. 214-328-6401

EDMONDSPAVING.COM Asphalt & Concrete Driveway-Sidewalk-Patio-Repair 214-957-3216

FLAGSTONE PATIOS, Retaining Walls, BBQ’s, Veneer, Flower Bed Edging, All Stone work. Chris 214-770-5001

Electrical Services

ANTHONY’S ELECTRIC Master Electrician. TECL24948 anthonyselectricofdallas.com 50 Yrs. Electrical Exp. Insd. 214-328-1333

BRIGHT LIGHT ELECTRIC • 214-553-5333 TECL 31347 Brightening Homes and Businesses

LAKEWOOD ELECTRICAL Local. Insured. Lic. #227509 Call Rylan 214-434-8735

TH ELECTRIC Reasonable Rates. Licensed & Insured. Ted. E257 214-808-3658

WHITE ROCK ELECTRIC All Electrical Services. Lic/Insd.TECL-34002 214-850-4891

EXTERIOR CLEANING

G&G DEMOLITION Tear downs, Haul. Interior/Exterior. 214-808-8925

NEED A FENCING & DECK PRO ?

Look here for local professionals.

FENCING & DECKS

4 QUALITY FENCING • 214-507-9322 Specializing in Wood. YourWoodmaster.com

AMBASSADOR FENCE CO. Automatic Gates, Fences/Decks, Pergolas, Patio Covers, Arbors. AmbassadorFenceCo.com 214-621-3217

FENCING, ARBORS, DECKS oldgatefence.com 214-766-6422

HANNAWOODWORKS.COM Decks, Pergolas, Patio Covers. 214-435-9574

LONESTARDECKS.COM 214-357-3975

Trex Decking & Fencing, trex.com All Wood Decks, Arbors & Patio Covers

FLOORING & CARPETING

CALL EMPIRE TODAY To Schedule A Free In -Home Estimate On Carpeting & Flooring. 1-800-508-2824

DALLAS HARDWOODS 214-724-0936

Installation, Repair, Refinish, Wax, Hand Scrape. Residential, Commercial. Sports Floors. 30 Yrs.

HASTINGS STAINED 214-341-5993

Hardwoods- Install/Refinish/Stain. Stained & Sealed Concrete. hastingsfloors.com

WILLEFORD HARDWOOD FLOORS

214-824-1166 • WillefordHardwoodFloors.com

FOUNDATION REPAIR

• Slabs • Pier & Beam

• Mud Jacking • Drainage

• Free Estimates

• Over 20 Years Exp. 972-288-3797

We Answer Our Phones

GARAGE SERVICES

IDEAL GARAGE DOORS • 972-757-5016

Install & Repair. 10% off to military/1st responders.

UNITED GARAGE DOORS AND GATES Res/Com. Locally Owned. 214-251-5428

GLASS, WINDOWS & DOORS

EC0NOMY GLASS & MIRROR Mirror, Shower, Windows Repair. 24 Hr. Emergency. 214-875-1127

LAKE HIGHLANDS GLASS & MIRROR frameless shower enclosures • store fronts replacement windows • mirrors 214-349-8160

PRO WINDOW CLEANING prompt, dependable. Matt 214-766-2183

ROCK GLASS CO Replace, repair: windows, mirrors, showers, screens. 214-837-7829

HANDYMAN SERVICES

BO HANDYMAN Specializing In Historic Home

Renovations & Pro Remodels. Custom Carpentry, Doors, Kitchens, Baths & more. 214-437-9730

DANHANDY.NET Repairs Done Right For A Fair Price. References 214-991-5692

HANDY DAN The Handyman. ToDo’s Done Right. handy-dan.com 214-252-1628

HANDYMAN SPECIALIST Residential/ Commercial. Large, small jobs, repair list, renovations. Refs. 214-489-0635

HOME REPAIR HANDYMAN Small/Big Jobs + Construction. 30 Yrs. Exp. Steve. 214-875-1127

HOMETOWN HANDYMAN All phases of construction. No job too small 214-327-4606

ONE CALL WEEKEND SERVICES

Contractor & Handyman. Remodels, Renovations . Paint, Plumbing, Drywall, Electrical.469-658-9163

DECEMBER DEADLINE NOVEMBER 6

HANDYMAN SERVICES

WANTED: ODD JOBS & TO DO LISTS

Allen’s Handyman & Home Repair 214-288-4232

Your Home Repair Specialists Drywall Doors

Senior Safety Carpentry Small & Odd Jobs And More! 972-308-6035 HandymanMatters.com/dallas Bonded & Insured. Locally owned & operated.

HOME INSPECTION

BOOK YOUR HOME INSPECTION TODAY hardwoodhomeinspections.com

214-697-6173 TREC #23765

HOUSE PAINTING

972-6-PAINT-1 Int/Ext Paint & Drywall. A+ Quality. Call Kirk Evans 972-672-4681.

BENJAMIN’S PAINTING SERVICE Professional Work At Reasonable Prices. 214-725-6768

RAMON’S INT/EXT PAINT Sheetrock, Repairs. 214-679-4513

TONY’S PAINTING SERVICE Quality Work Since 1984. Int./Ext. 214-755-2700

VIP PAINTING & DRYWALL Int/Ext. Sheetrock Repair, Resurfacing Tubs, Counters, Tile Repairs. 469-774-7111

KITCHEN/BATH/TILE/GROUT

BLAKE CONSTRUCTION CONCEPTS LLC

Complete Kitchen And Bath Remodels. Tile, Granite, Marble, Travertine, Slate. Insured. 214-563-5035 www.blake-construction.com

FENN CONSTRUCTION Full Service Contractor. dallastileman.com 214-343-4645

MELROSE TILE James Sr., Installer, Repairs. 40 Yrs. Exp. MelroseTile.com 214-384-6746

STONE AGE COUNTER TOPS

Granite, Quartz, Marble For Kitchen/Bath-Free Est. jennifer@gmail.com 214-412-6979

TK REMODELING 972-533-2872

Complete Full Service Repairs, Remodeling, Restoration. Name It — We do it. Tommy. Insured. dallas.tkremodelingcontractors.com

• Tubs, Tiles or Sinks

• Cultured Marble

• Kitchen Countertops

214-631-8719

WE REFINISH! www.allsurfacerefinishing.com

LAWNS, GARDENS & TREES

#1 WHITE ROCK TREE WIZARDS

Professionals, Experts, Artists. Trim, Remove, Cabling, Bracing/Bolting. Cavity-Fill Stump Grind. Emergencies, Hazards. Insd. Free Est. 972-803-6313. arborwizard.com

CHUPIK TREE SERVICE

Trim, Remove, Stump Grind. Free Est. Insured. 214-823-6463

DALLAS K.D.R.SERVICES • 214-349-0914

Lawn Service & Landscape Installation

HOLMAN IRRIGATION

Sprinkler & Valve Repair/ Rebuild Older Systems. Lic. #1742. 214-398-8061

MAYA TREE SERVICE Tree Trim/Remove. Lawn Maintenance. Resd/ Commcl.Insd. CC’s Accptd. mayatreeservice.com 214-924-7058 214-770-2435

NEW LEAF TREE, LLC Honest, Modern, Safety Minded. 214-850-1528

PAT TORRES 214-388-1850 Lawn Service & Tree Care. 28 Yrs. Complete Landscape Renovation. New Fence Install & Brick Repair. Concrete Removal and Gutter Cleaning.

RED SUN LANDSCAPES • 214-935-9779 RedSunLandscapes.com

TAYLOR MADE IRRIGATION Repairs, service, drains. 30+ years exp. Ll 6295 469-853-2326. John

”WE CARE ABOUT YOUR TREES”

214-327-9311 FULLY

LEGAL SERVICES

A WILL? THERE IS A WAY! Estate/Probate matters.maryglennattorney.com 214-802-6768

PEST CONTROL

A BETTER EARTH PEST CONTROL

Keeping the environment, kids, pets in mind. Organic products avail. 972-564-2495

MCDANIEL PEST CONTROL

Prices Start at $85 + Tax For General Treatment.

Average Home-Interior/Exterior & Attached Garage. Quotes For Other Services.

214-328-2847. Lakewood Resident

NATURE KING PEST MANAGEMENT, INC

Squirrels, Rats, Racoon, etc. removal. Best Rates. Since 1994. Same Day Service Available. Rated 5.0 Star on Google. 214-827-0090 natureking.com

PET SERVICES

WINSTON ABBEY PETS

Fur Babies, Dog Walking, Pet Sitting, etc. Insured & Bonded, winstonabbey.com, 214-808-8993

PLUMBING

AC PLUMBING Repairs, Fixtures, Senior Discounts. Gary Campbell. 214-321-5943

ANDREWS PLUMBING • 214-354-8521

# M37740 Insured. Any plumbing issues.

STAGGS PLUMBING Water Heaters, Sewer Backups, Water Leaks. All Plumbing Repairs. 972-379-4000

POOLS

CERULEAN POOL SERVICES Family Owned/ Operated. Weekly maintenance, Chemicals, parts & repairs. CeruleanPro.com 214-557-6996

LEAFCHASERS POOL SERVICE Parts/Service. Chemicals/Repairs. Jonathan. 214-729-3311

Professional Services

C.A.S. BOOKKEEPING SERVICES

Personal/Small Business. Payroll, Accounting, Organizing, Consult. Cindy 214-577-7450

Remodeling

A2H GENERAL CONTRACTING,LLC

Remodeling, Painting, Drywall/Texture, Plumbing, Electrical,Siding, Bathroom/Kitchen Remodels, Tilling, Flooring, Fencing. 469-658-9163. Free Estimates.

A2HGeneralContractingLLC@gmail.com

BLAKE CONSTRUCTION CONCEPTS, LLC

Complete Remodeling, Kitchens, Baths, Additions. Hardie Siding & Replacement Windows. Build On Your Own Lot. Insured. www.blake-construction.com 214-563-5035

BO HANDYMAN Specializing In Historic Home Renovations & Pro Remodels. Custom Carpentry, Doors, Kitchens, Baths & more. 214-437-9730

FENN CONSTRUCTION Kitchens And Baths. Call Us For Your Remodeling Needs. 214-343-4645. dallastileman.com

INTEX CONSTRUCTION Specializing in int/ext. Remodel. 30 Yrs Exp. Steve Graves 214-875-1127

MP ARCHITECTURAL Design & Construction. mattandpaul.com 214-226-1186

O’BRIEN GROUP INC. Remodeling Dallas For Over 17 Years www.ObrienGroupInc.com 214-341-1448

RENOVATE DALLAS renovatedallas.com 214-403-7247

WHERE CAN I FIND LOCAL ...?

Services For You

AIRLINE MECHANIC TRAINING Get FAA technician certification. Approved for military benefits. Financial Aid For qualified students. Career placement assistance. Aviation Institute Of Maintenance 866-453-6204

ATTENTION ALL HOMEOWNERS In Jeopardy Of Foreclosure. We Can Help Stop Your Home From Foreclosure. The Foreclosure Defense Helpline Can Help Save Your Home. The Call Is Free. 1-855-515-6641

Bob McDonald Company, Inc. BUILDERS/REMODELERS

30+ Yrs. in Business • Major Additions

Complete Renovations • Kitchens/Baths

214-341-1155 bobmcdonaldco.net

NEED A ROOFER?

Look here for local professionals.

ROOFING & GUTTERS

BERT ROOFING

DENIED SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY Appeal. If Your 50+, filed for SSD & denied, our attorneys can help get you approved. No money out of pocket. 1-866-376-3163

DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance company. Not just a discount plan. Real coverage for (350) procedures. 1-877-308-2834. dental50plus.com/cadnet 6118-0219

DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance company. Not just a discount plan. Real coverage for (350) procedures. 1-877-308-2834. dental50plus.com/cadnet 6118-0219

DISH TV $59.99 For 190 Channels. $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation. Smart HD DVR Included. Restrictions Apply. 1-855-837-9146

EARTHLINK HIGHSPEED INTERNET As Low As $14.95/month.(first 3 months) Reliable High Speed Fiber Optic Technology Stream Videos, Music & More. 1-855-520-7938

GET NFL SUNDAY TICKET FREE W/DIRECTTV Choice All-included package. $59.99/per month for 12 months. 185 channels plus thousands of shows/ movies on demand. Free Genie HD DVR upgrade. 1-855-781-1565 or satellitedealnow.com/cadnet

HEAR AGAIN Try Our Hearing Aid For just $75 Down And $50 Per Month. 800-426-4212. Mention 88272 For A Risk Free Trial. Free Shipping

NEED TO RENT MASSAGE SPACE Weekly, Thursday or Friday - 1/2 hour between 1-2pm. Once every 2 months, Sunday pm for 1 hour. Germaine 214-826-5009

SPECTRUM TRIPLE PLAY TV, Internet & Voice for $99.97/month. Fastest internet 100 MB per second speed. Free prime time on demand. Unlimited voice. No Contracts. 855-652-9304.

SUFFERING FROM ADDICTION TO ALCOHOL Opiates, prescription painkillers or other drugs? There is hope. Call today and speak with someone who cares. 1-855-866-0913