May 2023

This magnificent bedroom is 100% made in Italy and is a perfect blend of elegant finishes and contemporary design. The combination of natural walnut and high gloss panels comes together to offer a unique blend of warmth and sophistication. By employing the latest in modern manufacturing while remaining conscious of our environment, our Italian bedroom offers exceptional quality and a truly distinctive look and feel. These items are available from stock for quick delivery.

King bed $2788 Queen bed $2498 (mattress and bedding not included) Nightstand $855 each

Dresser $1995 Desk $1799 Chair $455 Mirror $635 Dining collection also available.

www.copenhagenliving.com

Don’t let pain keep you from enjoying the activities that matter most

For Karl Koenig, MD, an orthopedic surgeon and the Executive Director of UT Health Austin’s Musculoskeletal Institute, academic medicine is always changing, yet his approach to patient care remains the same Dr. Koenig establishes connections with patients to better understand their priorities, preferences, and beliefs, allowing him to provide quality treatment that addresses their individual needs Find out more by scanning the QR code

42 FEATURE PERMANENT IMPERMANENCE

BY CY WHITE

PHOTOS BY JOI CONTI

50 FEATURE THE CHAMPIONS OF FEMALE-FOUNDED BUSINESSES

BY JENNY HOFF

SHURONDA ROBINSON

KIP GARVEY COO

CLAIRE HELENIAK Social Media Specialist

Contributors

This month, we asked our contributors: Who is a woman-identified AAPI entrepreneur you admire?

JOI CONTI

Photographer, “Permanent Impermanence,” page 42

• She crochets to de-stress.

JAIME ALBERS Creative Director

DARBY KENDALL

KRISNA MENIER

MICHELLE BERMEA Media Sales Executive

SONIA YAZDI Media Sales Executive

ETHAN JIN Media Sales Executive

NINA GLORIA

CONTRIBUTORS

Editorial: Tamara Atkinson, Janaye Barabin, Brown Girl in Recovery, Jan Goss Samantha Greyson, Tess Harmon, Jenny Hoff, Kaila Pathak, Mia Sims, Shonté Taylor, Jennifer Tuttle, Cy White, Kaitlyn Wilkes, Wen Zhang

Art: Tamara Atkinson, Eryn Brooke, Brown Girl in Recovery, Joi Conti, Larissa Davila, Philip Edsel, Farshid Farrokhnia with Ben Porter Photography, Jan Goss, INNW Institute, J.P. Morgan Wealth Management, Ben Porter, Raeka Beauty, P.V Subramaniam, Shonté Taylor, Jessica Wetterer

INTERNS

Samantha Greyson, Tess Harmon, Jessica Spendley, Brena Ullrich, Isabella Urby, Kaitlyn Wilkes

INC.

MELINDA GARVEY

SHURONDA ROBINSON

LANA MACRUM Co-owner

LYNELLE MCKAY

TERRY MITCHELL Co-owner

GRETEL PERERA Co-owner

ANA RUELAS Co-owner

NEHA SAMPAT Co-owner

SAMANTHA STEVENS Co-founder

Austin Woman is a free monthly publication of AW Media Inc. and is available at locations throughout Austin and in Lakeway, Cedar Park, Round Rock and Pflugerville. All rights reserved.

To offer feedback, email feedback@awmediainc.com. For submission information, visit atxwoman.com/jobs.

• She drinks tea and loves (unsweetened) matcha.

• She’s veganizing her favorite Filipino dishes.

“I admire Emlyn Roesler of Solid Soaps. From the soap she creates, you can feel the heart in her craft, which is also evident in her solid personality. ”

CY WHITE

Writer, “Permanent Impermanence,” page 42

• She’s independently released two EPs.

• She can sing in Korean.

• Her favorite video game series is The Legend of Zelda.

“I was spoiled with this month’s cover woman and the photoshoot, as I was blessed to be in the presence of three AAPI woman entrepreneurs: cover woman Lezlie Tram Le, photographer Joi Conti and stylist Asma Parvez. From their work ethic to their perspectives, these women are a font of endless inspiration.”

KAITLYN WILKES

Writer, “Believing the Dream,” page 22

• She used to play the flute.

• The Lion King is her favorite movie.

• She is left-handed

“A woman AAPI entrepreneur that I admire is Anh Nguyen, who is half of the duo that owns both Sip Pho and Pho Please. Sip Pho is close to campus, and a friend recently introduced me to it; it’s super good! ”

TESS HARMON

Writer, “Faithful Representation,” page 20

• She’s studying history and Spanish at UT.

• She loves ’70s soul music.

• She recently taught herself how to whittle. “When I interviewed Nepali-American filmmaker Kirtana Banskota for this issue, I was inspired by her passion and commitment to her community!”

Co-owner/Co-founder

CEO/Co-owner

Co-owner

CY WHITE Managing Editor

Copy Editor

Community and Events Manager

Production Coordinator

CEO

he April flowers have bloomed, and the May showers are upon us. I’ve spoken before about the healing power of rain. In May, that healing turns into growth. Ultimately, that’s what this issue is about: growth, experience, being able to build something from the ground up and call it yours. This month we celebrate entrepreneurs, but more specifically women who came from very little or unideal circumstances to follow their dreams and create something they’re proud of. As you’ll learn in our Women in Numbers segment, only 25% of the businesses owned in the country are womenowned. That being said, Texas has proven it’s more than up to the task of ensuring that number keeps growing. Of the three million businesses in the Lone Star State, nearly half of them are women-owned (1.25 million). Now that’s what I call growth!

LT Commercial Group, founded by our cover woman, Lezlie Tram Le, is one of those women-owned businesses. The story of how Le made a name for herself in the commercial real estate space is a powerfully inspirational tale of perseverance, ambition and, ultimately, inner peace. What’s more notable about Le’s story is her desire to bring other women along with her. LT Commercial Group is comprised of mostly women whom she trains, encourages and, yes, inspires to grow and build the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Le’s story is exactly why in this issue we also pay homage to the women behind the women. Other women who help woman-identified entrepreneurs make their dreams come true through funding, advocacy, providing resources, etc. That’s where the general partners come in. Of the hundreds of general partners at venture capital organizations in Austin, only about eight of them are women. We just so happen to have more than half of them in this issue. These four very different women are all united in profession for a common goal: help scalable startups—a large portion of them women-owned—get the capital they need to grow. (There’s that word again. It all comes back to growth.)

This month’s issue is just a snapshot of the many faces and facets of entrepreneurship. From hairstylists to executive directors for nonprofits, revolutionary masseuses to groundbreaking film studios, May has given us an abundance of inspiration and shown us that with ambition, drive and help from other women, we can grow into our greatness. Grow into your greatness, dear reader. We at Austin Woman are rooting for you!

Editor’s Picks: Books that Have Inspired Growth

CY WHITE EDITOR

Publication of Austin Woman would not be possible without the support of our monthly advertisers and sponsors, who believe in the impact we are making in the Austin community. The following businesses have stepped up their support of our efforts beyond traditional advertising and we are proud to recognize them as our partners. The team at Austin Woman is grateful for these businesses that have shown their commitment to the advancement of women in Austin and hopes you, as readers, recognize their efforts and support these businesses and all our regular advertisers.

DIAMOND-LEVEL PARTNER

PLATINUM-LEVEL PARTNERS

Toa of Jeet Kune Do by Bruce Lee

Thick: And Other Essays by Tressie McMillan Cottom

I Put a Spell on You by Nina Simone

Christabell Nuñez, “When I Win, We All Win” Crowned Mrs. Texas Plus America, Christabell Nuñez advocates for mental health, local businesses and Latina representation.

Gratitude to the Tia Neiva: Mother of the Dawn

A mostly woman team of filmmakers, led by Austin-based director Janell Shirtcliff, tell the story of the Valley of the Dawn.

Nuha Elkhiamy: Breaking Down the Wall of the Unknown

As a leader of tech in Austin, Nuha Elkhiamy envisions and creates representation and community support at Google.

A Professional Organizer’s Guide To Spring organization Spring organization

Written by Shaina Fainglas of Shaí Organized

Last month, I covered what to do when you have too much stuff. Now that you have (hopefully) started to donate or recycle what no longer sparks joy, let’s create systems that keep you and your home organized. A season of renewal and growth, spring is the perfect time to start!

Room by room, these simple changes can make you feel accomplished and grounded. If you need help from a professional to get started, Shaí Organized offers a free consultation to discuss what your organization and decluttering goals are and how I can help get you there this season.

For any of your items that cannot be donated or repurposed, Texas Disposal Systems (TDS) offers the perfect option for home projects with their mini roll-off dumpsters. TDS is one of the largest

independently-owned companies who provide the highest quality and most environmentally friendly services in Central Texas. They are truly top-notch and give you peace of mind that your belongings are responsibly managed and diverted to beneficial uses.

Austin Woman is partnering with Texas Disposal Systems and Shaí Organized for a spring-cleaning contest! Check out our Instagram @austinwoman for more details on our winner and their spring cleaning make-over!

Happy Spring cleaning, Shaí Organized #SpringCleaningChallenge

Spring Organizing Tips for Your Home

Eliminating clutter reduces stress and improves your productivity and mood. Take control of your space one room at a time by following these spring organizing tips.

Bedroom + Closet

✔When you open your closet and bedroom drawers, do the contents spark joy within you? If not, those items no longer serve a purpose in your home. It is time to let them go. Then we create systems that keep everything organized and aesthetically pleasing.

✔Replace mismatched hangers with matching slim hangers. These take up far less space than traditional hangers do, and they are a game changer for making your closet look crisp, clean and well-organized.

✔Color code your clothing. This makes creating outfits easier and faster, and it gives your closet a low-anxiety, coordinated, peaceful look. Enhance further with closet dividers that categorize the space even more. Color code each category, or simply keep similar items together. Whichever system works best for you will save you time when getting ready each day.

✔Utilize drawer organizers. They help keep your clothes “file folded” (thank you Marie Kondo!) and in place when pulling outfits. Pro tip: I match the dividers to the interior of the drawer for a customized look.

Kitchen + Pantry

✔The kitchen has more gadgets than any other room in the house. Do you really use it all? Let go of the cooking ware that you were gifted or bought for that one recipe so you can easily locate your go-to kitchen items.

✔I start with the drawers and take everything out, insert drawer dividers that match the interior of the drawers and create a category in each section for your cooking utensils (e.g. spatulas, tongs, knives).

✔Turntables are a great solution for dead spaces in a cabinet or corners in the pantry to easily access your oils and spices. There is a wide variety of turntables out there, giving you the choice of material, size and height.

✔Labeled bins keep your snacks, backstock and other kitchen items categorized and organized. Opt for clear bins to easily see your goods, or choose a sustainable wood or hyacinth basket to keep your pantry items out of sight.

✔Risers for your cups and plates are a great way to utilize otherwise wasted vertical space. They also make it easier to reach your serving ware.

Bathroom

✔Bathrooms have lots of little items that are easily lost when tossed haphazardly in a drawer, cabinet or under-sink.

✔Use plastic or a sustainable bamboo drawer organizer to keep your items categorized in small bins, which also allows for easier cleaning of your bathroom drawers.

✔Use a turntable for your stand-up cosmetics and hair care products. You can store it under the sink, in a cabinet or directly on your counter for easy access to your daily products. I recommend a deep clear turntable that also won’t topple over when spinning it around so you can see your products.

✔Under the sink is typically underutilized. Utilize it! I use pull-out drawers, stacking bins and adhesive organizer bins on the doors to maximize the space and build vertically.

Playroom

✔Children’s toys can take over your life and your home. Don’t let it happen with these easy tips.

✔A trick that has helped my clients is to have a clean-up basket into which you throw all toys, games, etc. You can even turn this into a clean-up game for your kids: “Who can fill the clean-up bin fastest?” Then give your kids a deadline to put everything away or else it gets donated.

✔It’s difficult to keep track of all the little pieces that come from toys like Legos, Hot Wheels or Paw Patrol. Create categorized bins for small toys, games and art supplies for easy cleanup and accessible storage.

✔Puzzle boxes take up space. Try a zippered pouch to store your puzzles instead. Simply cut out part of the puzzle box to put on the inside of the pouch, and for an added touch cut out a smaller part of the box and attach it to the zipper for easy identification using a rubber band or pipe cleaner.

Garage

✔The place where all things we do not know what to do with go to be forgotten about. First things first, create a system to get your belongings off the floor.

✔Hire a garage installation company to do a custom installation, or purchase wire metal racks on castors for a moveable and cost-effective solution. Either option creates a system to get your stuff off the ground.

✔Get large bins with lids to store less used items and label all of the contents so you can easily find what you want when you need it.

✔Mix and match open bins for frequently used items like sporting equipment and outdoors accessories (candles, bug spray, sunblock, pool supplies, etc.).

YOU CAN WIN A FREE mini roll-off rental and 5 hours for Shaina to help you get organized. Austin Woman is partnering with Texas Disposal Systems and Shai Organized for a spring-cleaning contest! Check out our Instagram’s @austinwoman and @shaiorganied for more details on how to enter!

For a free consultation, visit www.shaiorganized.com

Women-owned AAPI Businesses

There’s nothing more beautiful than women supporting women.

BY AUSTIN WOMAN

In May, we recognize and honor our AAPI community. One of the best ways to do that is show patronage and support for local woman-owned small businesses. These women have shared their entrepreneurial spirits with the Austin community, allowing us all a glimpse into their cultures and their hearts. Ranging from cosmetics to baked goods, fitness to art, these businesses open up a wide range of experiences for everyone.

WOMEN-OWNED AAPI BUSINESSES

COMPILED

BY CY WHITE AND GRETEL PERERA

Renzoe Box: Native Austinite René Graham founded Renzoe Box in 2017. But before submitting the first utility patent for the company, she was already accomplished in architecture, real estate and community development. Graham conceived of the concept of Renzoe Box to provide luxury cosmetics options that were not only affordable, but sustainable and simple to use. According to her bio, “It all started when…Graham was riding the Houston metro to her job Downtown. She was a graduate student, making ends meet by working her way through school. For quick changes from class to work, she always carried her makeup bag and a change of clothes. One day while riding the metro, she (yet again) had to dump her makeup bag out on the seat next to her to find the eyeliner, notoriously buried at the bottom. She thought to herself: there has to be a better way. A few sketches later, Renzoe Box was born.”

renzoebox.com

RenzoeBox

renzoebox RenzoeBox

OMG Squee: A self-professed “Creative Skill Hoarder & Entrepreneur,” Sarah Lim is the founder of OMG Squee, a purveyor of 100% gluten-free desserts. With everything from macarons to mochi donuts and the ever-popular bubble tea, the shop offers traditional Asian American sweets with a twist. They practice environmental responsibility, specializing in small batch desserts. A third-culture Asian American and self-taught baker, Lim started by making cartoon-character macarons and selling them at farmer’s markets, baking out of her home with her partner Michael DeAnda in 2017. In 2020, at the beginning of the pandemic, they opened the first and only brick-and-mortar in East Austin. (You might remember seeing Lim on an episode of Queer Eye when the Fab Five made their way to Austin for their sixth season.) squeeclub.com squeeclub squeeclub

Paper Craft + Pantry: Founded by Pei Sim in 2015, Paper Craft + Pantry is a retail stationery shop and workshop. They specialize in custom designed paper goods as well as hosting monthly workshops. With offerings from over 100 different artists from small businesses nationwide, Paper Craft + Pantry offers a unique creative experience for customers. “My goal for this small business has always been simple: Provide our retail guests with the very best independently designed stationery and paper goods,” Sim says. She also owns, runs and co-hosted one of the bigger Lunar New Year celebrations at her store this year, with Kathy Phan, founder of Kathy Phantastic.

thepapercraftpantry.com

thepapercraftpantry

Sky Candy: Founded by Winnie Hsia in June 2010, Sky Candy is an aerial arts studio. Hsia began the studio after her own struggle to conquer the silk. With no prior background in dancing or gymnastics, in 2009, she finally approached the apparatus with confidence and found she could climb it. She’s been dedicated to the aerial arts ever since, even landing the titular role of Charlotte in the ZACH Theatre’s 2016/17 production of Charlotte’s Web. “Circus is for every body,” Sky Candy’s website proclaims. “Our mission is to make circus accessible and empowering for everyone. We offer classes, camps and performances that emphasize safety, cultivate creativity and celebrate diversity.”

skycandyaustin.com skycandyaustin

skycandyaustin SkyCandyAustin

Bom Bakeshop: Wife and husband duo Teresa and Anthony Kwon founded Bom Bakeshop in 2016, the first mochi doughnut pop-up in Austin. After discovering she had celiac disease in 2005, Teresa adapted but struggled to find the same enjoyment out of food she’d always had. She met her husband in 2011, whose love language is food, and the two embarked on a journey to allow Teresa and others like her to enjoy the baked goods they have to forego. In 2020, when the pandemic forced a global lockdown, they went all-in with Bom Bakeshop (“bom” being the Korean word for “spring” and “joy”). The duo are still the only two working the bakeshop. Their core philosophy is to keep it simple, keep it joyful and fully embrace creativity. “It’s less about perfection and more about satisfaction.”

bombakeshop.com bombakeshop bombakeshop

Raeka Beauty: Founder Raeka Morar created Raeka Beauty in 2017 to give South Asian women a wider range of options to suit their skin and hair care needs. The glaring lack of diversity in the beauty industry inspired her to create something for her community. With a staunch commitment to sustainability, all of their products are derived from plants, and their policy of transparency means you can see what ingredients they use right on the website. Their unique blend of traditional remedies and modern technology means Raeka Beauty can ensure everyone has the same access to skin and hair care. “We believe in creating a better future with self-care in mind, and we are proud to champion the South Asian narrative and lead the conversation around South Asian beauty.”

raekabeauty.com

raekabeauty raekabeauty

WOMEN-OWNED H-E-B IS PROUD TO SUPPORT Brands

UNCLE FUNKY’S DAUGHTER

Uncle Funky’s Daughter offers sustainable, chemical-free hair care products to a blossoming curly hair market. While it is true that curly girls have more fun, with more fun comes more frizz. Challenged with finding all-natural products that truly tame frizz and provide long-lasting defined curls, Uncle Funky’s Daughter products for kinky and curly textures was born.

SWEET

A veteran in the catering business, former postal worker and entrepreneur, Brenda transformed sweet tea into a delicious punch that keeps guests asking for more. After becoming one of the top 25 products selected in the H-E-B Primo Picks Quest for Texas Best competition, she’s now packaging and distributing Savannah Rose Sweet Tea Punch to H-E-B stores throughout Texas.

Learn more about these products and other women-owned brands at heb.com/bethechange

A TEA THAT PACKS A PUNCH

CRAZY ABOUT CURLS

Brenda Powell, Founder

SAVANNAH ROSE

TEA PUNCH

Renee Rhoten Morris, Founder

Larissa Davila: Consulting and Empowerment

The new executive director for EGBI, Larissa Davila, has found her passion at the intersection of business and community.

BY TESS HARMON

Larissa Davila originally saw herself working in the corporate world, but her passion for volunteerism and community building has led her on an eight-year journey to her recent appointment as the executive director of Economic Growth Business Incubator (EGBI). Founded in 2011, EGBI is a nonprofit business support organization serving Central Texas that offers burgeoning and veteran business owners alike practical training and coaching to help their businesses grow. Offering training on everything from creating a business plan and business management, workshops and one-on-one coaching, EGBI has generated $43 million in revenue for businesses who have worked with EGBI (according to their 2021 annual report). With 85% of their clients identifying as minority-owned, the organization is intentionally creating opportunities for equity in Austin.

Before her appointment in March, Davila worked as a volunteer for EGBI, operated her own consulting business, BCO Consulting Group, and worked as the executive director for both the Latino Arts, Culture & Education Organization and Amhiga Hispana.

Now, Davila is keen to continue serving her community in her new role at EGBI, while also pursuing an MBA at the University of Texas. She sees her position as a “dream come true” and urges other women to develop their passions and ignore the naysayers.

What experiences and passions led you to your role at EGBI?

I have a bachelor’s degree in business administration. My goal was to always work in corporate America, but when I moved to Austin, I started doing volunteer services. I would say that I really have a passion for [it]. At the time, people started figuring out that I was good with business and they started asking me questions [like], “Can you help me with a business plan?” It creeped up on me in a way that I didn’t realize. I was helping one, two, three people or more per week, and I wasn’t charging them. I started telling them my rates and scheduling appointments. I left my job and started doing consulting services. Fast forward eight years later, people from the board and from the team of EGBI invite me to apply for this position. It’s my dream come true, and I’m really excited.

What are your biggest priorities at EGBI right now? What do you hope to improve, and what do you hope to change?

One of my biggest priorities is doing community outreach at a whole new level. I think a lot of people in the community of Austin are a little lost on where to find information to develop their small businesses. Mom-and-pop and lifestyle businesses are the driving engine in our economy. My hope would be to share all the services that EGBI has to offer and to help the community, especially women and minorities, to improve their skills and their training to be more profitable and have more sustainable long-term businesses. It seems to me that EGBI is like a hidden gem in the community.

You previously worked as a volunteer for EGBI. How does community involvement fit into your role and in your daily life?

I was a volunteer for about eight years. I actually won the Volunteer of the Year award in 2022. Some people say they help the community through volunteer service, but sometimes volunteer service also helps you. It’s like a win-win situation where you help other people achieve improvement in their quality of life. Volunteer service is really important, and I think regardless of what one likes to do, one should figure out what their talents are and what you can do for the community.

What value do you see in working for a nonprofit as opposed to a larger company?

Having a job at a nonprofit business, consulting for women- and minority-owned businesses, is like a virtuous cycle. I’m not someone who can afford to volunteer 40 or more hours a week. But working at a nonprofit helps me to continue doing my passion and to continue helping the community for which I care the most. At the same time, I can provide for my own family. So I get to do what I’m good at doing, what I studied for, what my experience is about.

What is an accomplishment that you’re most proud of?

While having my own practice as a consultant, and having a translations and interpretations business, I was able to help more than 500 businesses throughout my consulting. It’s not a onetime thing; some of them are returning customers. That is a huge accomplishment for me, having something that I like to do and having people benefit from it.

Photo courtesy of Larissa Davila.

What is a piece of advice you wish you’d gotten when you were starting out on your professional journey?

I believe that who you work for, especially in the first part of your professional career, is more important than what you actually do. I was blessed to work alongside amazing executives, and I always appreciated the opportunity, but I wish I had studied them in a way that was more intentional—really examined the way they made decisions, communicated with their teams and clients and engaged in conflict. I was too focused on myself and my next step and didn’t live enough in the present to absorb all the lessons that were right in front of me.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of working with YPO?

I have never felt more confident as a CEO, and I owe that to YPO and my forum. I joined YPO at a time when I sensed complexity and scale were on the horizon for my business and I might be faced with decisions where I knew my experience and knowledge were lacking. My forum is comprised of highly diverse executives, and I can almost guarantee that for any challenge or opportunity I face, there is someone who will share their battle scars or provide proven solutions and best practices for me to consider.

coming together to become better leaders and better people.

JENNY

How has your connection to YPO informed your current work?

Because I am more confident, I have less anxiety about the future and my energy is more positive and inspiring. That translates into me showing up as the leader I want to be for my team, clients and our partners. It also translates to me being more present and engaged with my family. I am so thankful to my friend in the YPO Albuquerque chapter who put YPO on my radar and encouraged me to apply.

The world’s largest leadership community of chief executives, over 30,000 extraordinary global members,

STONE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Faithful Representation

Kirtana Banskota creates South Asian representation through bridging Nepali and American filmmaking at home in Austin.

BY TESS HARMON

Kirtana Banskota’s proudest accomplishments include starting the first-ever South Asian House at South by Southwest and climbing to Everest Base Camp. A first-generation Nepali-American filmmaker, Banskota overcomes challenges with her commitment to opening up spaces for greater representation in film in Austin, the United States and Nepal.

Most recently, this commitment culminated in South by Southwest’s first South Asian House, which Banskota helped create. The South Asian House drew filmmakers, producers and industry leaders together for events, panels and discussions on fundraising and investing in media, Asian representation and the future of filmmaking. Between March 11 and 12, over 6,000 people attended the South Asian House for live music, happy hours, a comedy show, a Desi drag brunch, a Bollywood flash mob and an Oscars watch party. In planning, Banskota saw a need to create a space for uplifting the voices of South Asian filmmakers.

“The lack of representation in 36 years at South by Southwest was gobsmacking because they’re looking at the biggest industry in the world, yet there’s not a faithful representation,” Banskota says. “We created this platform where we could collaborate with South Asian organizations across the globe and bring in representation and really talk about issues that are not only about representation, but also talk about the next step. I’m looking forward to doing more, because it’s not just a one-time thing. We’re definitely coming back next year.”

Banskota has strong ties to Austin and SXSW, as she decided to move to Texas in 2011 after visiting Austin for the festival. Before Austin, Banskota spent her formative years in Nepal and India, later coming to the U.S. for university. Banskota was shy as a child, but she flourished in theater programs, leading her to pursue careers in acting and eventually production.

Now, Banskota is a triple threat: producer, director and actor. She owns her own award-winning production company, Banskota Productions, which began in 2016 as a sole proprietorship. Operating in-house, Banskota seeks to tell global stories and create space for greater representation of Nepali women filmmakers in the United States.

In her work as a filmmaker, she focuses on telling underrepresented stories. Currently, Banskota has multiple projects in the works. Premonition, a psychic thriller she co-directed, releases this summer. With her production company, she has been working on Where the Stars Are, an Austin-based AAPI romantic comedy that she hopes to launch in Austin later this year. She is also writing, directing and producing her first animation, Maya From the Himalaya, a story influenced by Banskota’s own trek to Everest Base Camp.

“I’m very conscious about what stories we’re looking at and what stories we can focus on,” she says. “To me, if it doesn’t have a social impact on a story, I don’t want it to be an in-house production. Having had that upbringing and passion for philanthropy, making sure you’re an echo chamber for voices that are unheard has always been instilled in me growing up. My family’s all about that too. I think it just carries on in my work as well.”

For Banskota, this work continues in her participation with her community. She serves as the community and partnerships chair on the board of directors for the Austin chapter of Women in Film and Television, working to create access, opportunity and mentorship programs for local women in film. In addition, she is on the board of the Asian Family Support System of Austin, a nonprofit which offers support for Asian families experiencing abuse. To create spaces for Nepali filmmakers in the U.S., Banskota co-founded the Nepal America Film Society and Nepal America International Film Festival in Maryland, which work to create a bridge between Nepali and American filmmaking.

“One of my goals right now, while I am collaborating with other Nepali filmmakers in the U.S. as well as in Nepal, is we want to make Nepal a destination for filming,” Banskota says. “It’s not what people think. It’s not just the mountains, and it’s not just everyone climbing the mountains. It’s also about the people and their stories. Bringing that diversity and educating people has been remarkable.”

Photo by PV Subramaniam.

Your Next Summer Staycation Destination

Top 5 Reasons to vacation at Fairmont Austin

Go For Gold

Fairmont Gold is a “hotel-within-a hotel” concept that offers guests a boutique-like experience at Fairmont Austin, a landmark property conveniently located in the heart of downtown Austin. Enjoy private check in on the 35th floor, a dedicated concierge team, stunning views, as well as access to the Gold Lounge. In the lounge, explore a plethora of complimentary food and drink options including, breakfast, pastries, canapés, desserts, espresso and non-alcoholic drinks. Plus, there’s an honor bar and Enomatic® wine machine to enjoy and charge to your room at your leisure.

Skyline Serenity

Enhance your next stay with a personalized spa experience. Fairmont Spa Austin is a downtown gem lavishly adorned with two signature women’s and men’s solariums, wrapping guests in sweeping views of the Austin skyline. Each solarium showcases a saline soaking pool, eucalyptus steam grotto and European dry heat sauna. From memorable massages and unforgettable facials to luxe manicure and pedicure options, your relaxation vacation awaits!

Hotel Happenings

When it comes to special events and holidays, Fairmont Austin in the place to be in Austin for summer and beyond. The bustling hotel is partnered with nearly all citywide events and serves as a downtown hub, often adding cars and activations throughout the lobby and seventh floor. Plus, the hotel celebrates the winter holiday season all December long with custom igloo experiences and welcomes guests to enjoy lavish, family-friendly buffets on Thanksgiving, Easter and Mother’s Day.

Luxe Restaurant & Bar Options

Fairmont Austin is home to six restaurant and bar options, including its acclaimed Garrison and reservation-only, Room 725. Both showcase the best of Austin luxury with unique, welcoming indulgent experiences. Make Garrison your go-to for a memorable dining experience, tasting seasonal, post-oak flamed favorites like Tomahawk steaks and the restaurant’s famed Truffle Tater Tots. End your evening in Room 725 with an exclusive Champagne & Caviar experience, perfect for either novice caviar lovers or aficionados. This semi-private lounge is ideal for small gatherings or a romantic date night.

Rooftop Pool

The Texas heat is unrivaled in the summer, so take time cool off at the largest hotel rooftop pool in downtown Austin. Located on the 7th floor, the expansive pool is exclusive to hotel guests only on the weekend due to its popularity, and boasts both a north and south pool, as well as a hot tub for cooler evenings. Lay poolside or book a cabana with friends to take in unmatched views and delicious cocktails.

Believing the Dream

Musician Charlie Faye and booker Adrienne

Lake founded Daydream Believer Creative to fill in some of the gaps for local musicians.

BY KAITLYN WILKES

Charlie Faye and Adrienne Lake were already involved in the Austin music scene when they met. Faye was a musician, and Lake was a booker for The Ballroom at Spider House. When a mutual friend connected them, they realized they had similar interests in helping the community.

“Every time we would get together, we would talk about, ‘What are the missing pieces here? What do Austin artists need? How can we help?’” Faye says.

It was during the pandemic that Lake and Faye decided to combine their skills to create Daydream Believer Creative, a company that helps music businesses, artists and nonprofits with consulting, PR, project management, event planning and team building.

Faye noticed she and Lake were both doing a lot of consulting at that time. Lake had also taken on some PR work. This made Faye wonder how she could turn her consulting side job into something more permanent.

“My thought was, number one, artists, music, businesses, everybody needs creative consulting; everybody needs somebody to talk to about that kind of stuff,” Faye says. “Not everybody realizes the value of it, to the point where they’re willing to pay for it. But what people in the music business do value and do see as worth paying for is PR. I saw that Adrienne was doing both of these things. I started thinking about doing both of these things in combination.”

In Lake’s estimation, one of the benefits of starting Daydream Believer Creative during the pandemic was that it afforded them

the space they needed to figure out what they wanted to do and how they wanted to do it.

“It allowed us to finally figure out that niche, what that was and how we could fill that,” Lake says. “It was sort of the answer to all of these questions that we’ve been tossing around for so many years.”

Daydream Believer Creative differentiates itself from other businesses through their ability to sit down with and customize their services uniquely for every client. “We don’t work in any kind of cookie-cutter way,” Faye says. “We really start by having a conversation with the artist or with the business owner and trying to really tease out exactly what their needs are and what their goals are, what they’re trying to accomplish, so that we can really help them in every way that we’re able to.”

Even though they have been in business for a little over a year, Daydream Believer Creative did not launch publicly until early February. Before officially launching, Faye and Lake relied on their connections in the local scene and word of mouth. Luckily, because of their established relationships, this grassroots PR successfully established their client base.

“That was so nice, I think for both of us, not only to feel like becoming a team is going to be something awesome and make us stronger, but everybody else is feeling that way too,” Faye says. “They’re excited about it, and people are talking about it, and word’s getting out.”

When Lake started working in the music industry in the ’90s, there was not the community and help for women that there is now. As she reflects on how no one was looking out for the women in the industry at that time, she acknowledges that things are better.

“I think it’s helped everyone realize how absolutely crucial it is to have women involved and women’s voices heard,” she says. “That goes for everybody: queer folks, people of color. We need to hear everyone’s voices in order to be an equitable industry, and that’s certainly a goal for me, to fight for that.”

As the music scene in Austin changes, and as the city changes, Lake and Faye are intentional about ensuring their clients have the best, most upto-date information so they can make waves.

“A big part of the job is to keep an active role in learning and in keeping up, and honestly there are some great resources for that. But one of the best ways to do that is to connect with other people in the business,” Lake says.

As Daydream Believer Creative heads into the future, they want to continue to level up, serve more clients and make the scene a better place for all musicians, music businesses and nonprofits.

“I want clients that are doing something to make the world a better place, and they seem to just come,” Lake says. “I’m really excited about seeing the ones that pop up around the corner.”

Photos courtesy of Daydream Believer Creative.

Charlie Faye Adrienne Lake

Dell Children’s Medical Center North Campus

Most advanced pediatric specialty care

From a name in Austin you already trust — closer to home

Dell Children’s

Center is open near you! Now pediatric specialty care, including around-the-clock ER and trauma care, specialized surgical care, pediatric imaging, and outpatient rehab services, are right here, closer to where you live and work — without leaving Austin.

You can schedule with specialists today! Many of our pediatric specialists are now in a new medical building on the same north campus, including gastroenterology, neurology and neuropsychology, general pediatric surgery and more. Ask your doctor about appointments closer to home on our north campus.

Only in Austin. Only at Dell Children’s.

How Do I Make Money?

Jan Goss, founder and CEO of Show Up Well Consulting, gives advice to burgeoning entrepreneurs.

BY JAN GOSS

Hello, Jan.

I have a great idea, and want to start a business. Where do I even start?

First, congratulations for having the courage to even think about beginning a business. I began four successful businesses after the age of 40. Some were more lucrative than others, but all brought me joy and increased my financial well-being.

Here are some simple safeguards to get you started:

1. Do your homework. No venture succeeds without sales. If you don’t have sales, you don’t have a business.

a. Is your idea something that people already want, or will you have to explain why you think they want it? If it is a hard sale, you may be setting yourself up for burnout, physically, emotionally and financially.

b. Is your idea meaningful to the population at large, to a select group or just to you? Have you identified your ideal client? Dig deep into their world. Learn everything you can about them.

2. Think your operational processes through from beginning to end.

a. Write out a solid business plan. Without a map, it is tough to get where you are going.

b. Be the customer in your mind. Use your imagination to create the most excellent experience for the people who are spending their money with you. Think about every detail. Be sure your customers will feel they benefit greatly from your product or service and will come back for more.

3. Check your energy level. It takes a lot of effort to begin a business. Are you exhilarated when you think of your new venture?

a. Write down all the reasons WHY you want to do this business. Your WHY will keep you going when obstacles arise.

b. Make a list of who will benefit when you succeed. What need are you meeting? What about your venture fills you with joy? How are you making their life better?

4. Have a solid financial base and management. Your basic needs must be met, or fear and worry will creep in. When you are starting a business, it is a great time to look at your relationship with money. Money is energy, and your thoughts, emotions and beliefs around it can make or break your business.

a. If you are offering a service, it is possible that you can begin with a lot of hustle. Knock on doors and get to work! If you are developing a product, you are wise to have your capital in place for the development process so you will have something to sell.

b. Be sure you secure wise financial management. Talk openly and honestly with your financial team. Weigh your financial decisions carefully. If you are not sure about something, seek wise counsel. Ask for help in areas you are weak.

5. Be clear about how you will get the word out about your business.

a. Who is already successful that you can participate with to make your business known?

b. Use every free avenue you have available to talk about the benefits of what you bring. People care about how your product or service will affect them. Focus on how their life is better because they do business with you, then talk about it!

Take starting your business seriously, but don’t forget to have fun in the process! Tap into that excitement within you and enjoy your journey. Things may not turn out exactly as you planned. It is okay. It is all part of the process. Learn and grow, make necessary adjustments and keep moving forward. Light a candle, say a prayer and show up well every day!

As always, I am here to support your success, Jan

Photo courtesy of Jan Goss.

Women in Charge

Within the last 20 years in the United States, women-owned businesses have seen a steady increase, showing the hard work and dedication of female business owners.

BY KAITLYN WILKES ILLUSTRATIONS BY JESSICA WETTERER

25%

According to Guidant Financial, 25% of businesses in 2023 are owned by women. Over half of these business owners are women from Generation X who cite a desire to “be their own boss” as impetus for starting their own businesses.

55+

The same study by Writer’s Block Live cited women aged 55 years old and above are “becoming the new face of entrepreneurship,” stating women in this age range are most likely to leave corporate work to start their own businesses. That being said, they also cite these women face barriers steeped in both sexism and ageism more often than their male peers.

2.2 million

In a study conducted by Writer’s Block Live, in 2022, more than 2.5 million of the businesses owned by women of color in the United States are owned by Black women, and 35% of Black business owners are women. Businesses owned by women of color employed over 2.2 million people.

Women and Wealth: Why Investing Can be a Powerful Tool

In this guest segment, Jennifer Tuttle, market director at J.P. Morgan Wealth Management, gives basic steps on how to start on your investment journey.

BY JENNIFER TUTTLE, MARKET DIRECTOR AT J.P. MORGAN WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Investing can be a powerful way to help build wealth in the long term, but it can feel overwhelming to get started. How much money do you need to invest? When is the right time to start investing? How do you create a financial strategy? If you’re new to investing, you might be asking some of these questions.

J.P. Morgan Wealth Management published its Diverse Investor Study last summer, which uncovered different investing preferences across race and gender. Our research found that the majority of women are more optimistic about their financial situation compared to five years ago. While these findings are encouraging, there are still many women out there who aren’t investing or who might find it intimidating.

Here are some broad tips for women who are looking to kick off their investing journey.

HAVE A PLAN

Everyone’s financial situation is different, which is why your investing strategy should be centered around you—your goals and your dreams. It’s important to know what you’re investing toward and how long you have to get there. Take a step back and outline your short- and long-term goals, map out your investing timeline for those goals and ask yourself how much risk you’re willing to take with your investments.

Women tend to live longer than men on average. Some women take career breaks to raise children or act as a caregiver for a family member. These are important factors for women to consider when mapping out a long-term plan for their future.

THE SOONER THE BETTER

Starting to invest early on can help you take advantage of the power of compounding. In other words, the earlier you invest your money, the more time it has to potentially grow. It’s so important to take a long-term view when it comes to investing. Remember, it’s not about timing the market, but time in the market.

It’s a common misconception that you need to have a lot of money to be able to invest. This isn’t true. You can start investing a small amount each month and work toward increasing that amount over time in a way that makes sense for you. What’s important is getting started.

GETTING STARTED

For new investors, there are a few things to consider before getting started:

• Understand your full financial picture. It’s important to have an understanding of your budget and your monthly spending and saving before you factor in investing.

• Make sure you have a cash emergency fund. You never want to be in a position where you need to sell your investments to cover an emergency. Depending on your situation, you should have a cash safety cushion of at least three to six months of expenses for any unexpected circumstances.

• Pay down high-interest debt. High-interest debt, such as credit card debt, can add up quickly over time and offset potential investing returns.

Once you start investing, consistency is key. Contribute regularly to your portfolio if you can. One helpful method is setting up an automatic investment plan so you’re taking out the guesswork of deciding when to invest.

For instance, you could be a working mom trying to manage the day-to-day of helping support your family. Retirement might feel far in the future as you’re juggling the costs of everyday expenses, doctor visits, school activities and family trips. But it’s important to prioritize your future self and invest for retirement. It could be helpful to categorize your money into buckets for your different needs and goals. For example, one bucket for your family’s needs, one for future college costs, one for a summer vacation and another for retirement. It doesn’t have to be either or. You can work toward your different goals at the same time. If you feel like you don’t have much to invest each month, remember that investing a small amount is better than nothing.

To find out how J.P. Morgan Wealth Management’s content hub, The Know, can help you overcome intimidation, read the full article at atxwoman.com and visit chase.com/theknow.

Photo courtesy of J.P. Morgan Wealth Management.

Jennifer Tuttle is a market director at J.P. Morgan Wealth Management, where she oversees advisors in 17 branches across North Austin. She joined JPMorgan Chase in 2014 and was an advisor before her current role. Tuttle is the proud mother of three grown-up children.

Celebrating Black Hair

Milly Fotso, CEO and founder of The Braided Life, creates a safe space for Black women to embrace and love their hair.

BY JANAYE BARABIN

Like many Black women, Milly Fotso is keenly aware of the power of hair. She founded The Braided Life, a braiding and natural hair salon dedicated to providing a safe space for Black women, trans and nonbinary people while celebrating Black hair.

Looking back on her childhood, Fotso believes that braiding was healing for her. Her mother was a braider, and after she passed, her dad became the one who braided her hair. “My brother was a month old when my mother passed, and I kind of stepped into the role of mother,” she says. “I became an adult in a lot of ways. Those times when my dad did my hair allowed me to feel taken care of and like a child again. I really think that was bonding for the two of us and also very grounding for me as a child to have those moments.”

She first thought about opening a salon in 2016, when she started her career in the beauty industry at L'Oréal. But her experiences discouraged her. “I was on the corporate side of beauty, and I felt like that environment turned me off to the whole beauty industry. There weren’t really people who looked like me, and it was also like a The Devil Wears Prada type of culture.”

She then pursued a career in tech and started her own company. However, when the pandemic hit, Fotso began to reevaluate her career choices and used braiding as a way to connect with herself. “That was when I started braiding my own hair again,” she says. “It was a very therapeutic experience for me, because you’re having to stand in front of the mirror staring at yourself for eight hours. I think that allowed me to tap into parts of myself that I hadn’t been able to before. That’s when the seeds of The Braided Life started to be planted again.”

In June 2022, the Austin City Council approved implementation of the CROWN Act, an amendment to the definition of Discriminatory Employment Practice, becoming the first city in Texas to do so. The CROWN Act, which stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,” ensures that employees of color cannot lawfully be discriminated against for their hair’s natural texture or wearing protective hairstyles, including locs, bantu knots, cornrows, twists, afro styles and braids. As of the writing of this article, the CROWN Act (HB 567) has passed through the Texas House and heads to the state Senate.

Top: Photo courtesy of Milly Fotso, Bottom: Photo courtesy of The Braided Life.

“It was a very therapeutic experience for me, because you’re having to stand in front of the mirror staring at yourself for eight hours. I think that allowed me to tap into parts of myself that I hadn’t been able to before. That’s when the seeds of The Braided Life started to be planted again.

—Milly Fotso

Her original plan was to launch a braiding hair line, but when she did a model call for the initial photoshoot, she was surprised by how many responses she received. “I was only looking for eight models,” she recalls. “We got responses from over 30 Black women. I had never been in a space in Austin with this many Black women before, and it was just this beautiful energy.” The response from the community inspired Fotso to try a pop-up.

Fotso is very intentional about the design of her shop because she strives to make it a space where Black people can feel welcome and safe. “Everything in the salon has a curved edge,” she explains, “from the shelving to the curved wall leading to the shampoo area. I did that to create a sense of openness, softness and acceptance. I wanted everyone to feel warm and at home. The table was extremely important to have because I wanted to signal that it was a place to come and gather. There’s also a piece of artwork that is a collage of Black women, nonbinary and trans folks throughout the years, to show Black joy and transformation.”

The salon’s location is also intentional. “It had to be on the East Side, and it had to be close to Downtown,” she says. “There are all these high rises now, and the Black community has been pushed out. The East Side was originally for us, so it’s important to me to be there. It’s almost a statement of, ‘You’re trying to push us out, but we aren’t going anywhere.’” As Fotso was looking for a new location, she faced a great deal of discrimination. “A lot of times I would call and tell them I was building a salon, and we would schedule a tour. Then I would show up, and they would start backing out by saying things like, ‘I’m not sure we need a business like yours,’ or asking if I serve primarily the Black community. It was a lot of no after no.”

Despite the obstacles, Milly Fotso has built a thriving business. As The Braided Life continues to grow, Fotso believes it’s essential to support her community. “It’s important to me to create third spaces, places outside of work and home that allow you to make connections with people other than family and coworkers. Those connections and spaces are really important to mental health. I really wanted to be able to foster a sense of safety for the Black community.”

To read more about how Milly Fotso found her salon space, read the full interview at atxwoman.com.

Investing in a Venture Capital Fund

Exploring the kind of investing you can’t do with just a click of a button.

BY JENNY HOFF

In this month’s second feature story, we focus on the handful of female general partners at venture capital funds in Austin helping get more female entrepreneurs funded for business expansion. But where do these heads of VCs get the money to invest in these companies? It comes from investors who are aiming to make much more than they could in the traditional stock market and putting their money in VCs that they believe are finding the kinds of companies that can deliver those returns. It’s a higher-risk investment strategy, but the reward potential is much greater.

Investing in a typical diversified stock fund will double your money, on average, every seven years. While the returns in VCs are much more volatile, making it hard to pin down an exact number, the hope for investors is that they could make three to four times their investment in that same amount of time.

“When trying to invest with a VC, it still has a ‘good ol’ boys network’ feel,” says Kerry Rupp, co-founder of True Wealth Ventures, a VC that invests exclusively in female-led businesses. “It doesn’t get exposure to a wider audience, giving more people a chance to get into the space.”

It’s important to note that while venture capital funds require a substantial commitment amount to enter into a partnership, you don’t have to hand over the entire amount up front. Typically, you will spread out your commitment that you agreed upon during the subscription period over three to five years with quarterly payments. For example, if you commit $500,000 to a fund, you would likely be paying $25,000 every three months over the course of five years. Since you may get some returns before you’ve invested the entire commitment amount, that could offset actual cash out of hand you need to pay.

We are talking big numbers here, but in a city where many women have high-paying jobs and substantial savings, knowing what options you have to invest those savings is vital. The rich get richer because they know how to make their money grow exponentially.

Not every fund requires such a high commitment. Some funds have a minimum of $250,000, spread out over three to five years; others may go as low as $100,000.

Besides having to meet the minimum commitment amount prescribed by the VC, you’ll have to meet certain requirements before being able to invest in it. It’s up to a VC to do its due diligence and make sure investors are “accredited” according to the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission rules. This isn’t a certification you receive but, rather, documents you’ll need to provide to the fund to prove you meet one of these two standards:

1. A natural person with income exceeding $200,000 in each of the two most recent years or joint income with a spouse exceeding $300,000 for those years and a reasonable expectation of the same income level in the current year.

2. A natural person who has an individual net worth, or joint net worth with the person’s spouse, that exceeds $1 million at the time of the purchase, excluding the value of the primary residence of such person.

Additionally, you’ll need to know when firms are raising funds, and that goes back to Rupp’s description of a good “ol’ boy’s network.” Do your research, make connections with funds you’re interested in and ask good questions. Then you’ll be in a position to make educated decisions on the best way to make your money grow.

To learn more, sign up for True Wealth Ventures newsletter and attend one of their VC primer seminars via Zoom.

1. 2.

CHELSEA BLALOCK

ANT MOORE-CHELSEA BLALOCK WINES | MANAGING PARTNER, NORTH AMERICA

C helsea Blalock is the North American managing partner at Ant Moore-Chelsea Blalock (AMCB) wines, where she oversees sales and operations for the company’s wine brands Ant Moore, Wai Wai and Blalock + Moore, plus private labels—all produced in New Zealand. A lifelong Texan, Blalock began her career in marketing and quickly found her passion in the wine industry. She has spent her entire career enhancing national and regional wine programs through her solutions-oriented, supplier-side industry expertise. At AMCB, she helped set the brands on the world stage through coveted acclaim. Blalock recognized early on the need to mentor other women ascending through the industry. She has spent the last 15 years elevating other women in wine through her leadership and vast professional network. When not traversing hemispheres for work, you’ll find her traveling with friends and family, downhill skiing, practicing yoga and dabbling in extreme sports. (Because you only live once!)

antmoorewines.com

ATX ATX WOMAN to WATCH

AUSTIN SCHOLAR

A ustin Scholar is a 17-year-old high school student with a passion to help parents understand, motivate and talk to their teenagers about education, life skills and mental health. Her desire to help parents better understand their children influenced her decision to start Austin Scholar, her Twitter account and weekly newsletter for parents that has been seen by millions. Parents love Austin Schola r because she tells them what their kids are thinking—without them needing to guess. Austin Scholar is working on growing Austin Scholar to a top 10 newsletter that transforms the way millions of parents view education. austinscholar.substack.com

LISA SCHWAB

SVA

SOFTWARE, INC. | COO AND SVP SALES

L isa Schwab is the COO and senior vice president of sales at SVA Software, Inc., where she leads the U.S. branch of SVA GmbH, a German system integrator. Originally from Hamburg, Germany, she accepted her current role in 2019 to strategically lead the U.S. team in maximizing the potential of the North American market and helping clients run their IT infrastructure efficiently. During her career, she worked for global tech leaders like IBM and has since been recognized with numerous accolades, including InterCon’s 2021 Excellence in Technology Award and IBM’s 2016 Best of IBM Award. Schwab truly embraces the expat life in Austin, with its inclusive culture, culinary variety and vibrant tech scene. Understanding the importance of early mentorship, she is also an active contributor in the ATX Women in Technology networking group, supporting fellow techies to connect, learn, grow and lead.

svasoftware.com

ATX ATX WOMAN to WATCH

R

ose Stuckey Kirk is senior vice president and chief corporate social responsibility (CSR) officer for Verizon. She is responsible for the company’s CSR investment strategy and programmatic buildout. As a senior leader in the marketing organization, she oversees the strategic direction for all of Verizon’s social impact marketing activity. Her background as a senior leader in various P&L functions has primed her to advance the social innovation work of Verizon. An award-winning journalist and the executive producer of the documentary Without a Net: The Digital Divide in America, Stuckey Kirk also serves on the board of directors for Casella Waste Systems, BSR, National Archives Foundation and the World Childhood Foundation. She is a member of the Leadership Board of the Women and Public Policy Program at the Harvard Kennedy School; the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Leadership Council; the Executive Leadership Council; and C200, a preeminent global organization for women business leaders. verizon.com

ROSE STUCKEY KIRK VERIZON | CHIEF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OFFICER

CHRISTINE STILWELL

TEXAS SWEET HEAT JAM CO. LLC | CO-FOUNDER/ ADVOCATE FOR ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Being an advocate for children and adults with special needs has been the driving force behind the company Christine Stilwell and her son Nolan founded in 2011. Texas Sweet Heat Jam was created to give students with disabilities the skill sets and experience necessary to compete in the real world of employment. Her desire to help individuals with special needs to pursue a career in the culinary field was catapulted when Nolan entered the H-E-B Quest for Texas Best in 2014. As a finalist, he was the first individual with intellectual disabilities to compete for this award. Stilwell has led many young adults to accomplish dreams beyond their disabilities, and the Sweet Heat products are sold in many H-E-Bs across Central Texas, online and in boutique gift markets throughout the U.S.

sweetheatjam.com

LAWTON CUMMINGS

CAPITAL FACTORY | GENERAL PARTNER

Venture capitalist and Capital Factory General Partner Lawton Cummings got her start in law. A two-time cancer survivor, she transitioned to helping scalable startups find the funding and resources they need to grow. After serving as a partner at Notley for two years, she landed at Capital Factory. Find out more about Lawton Cummings on page 50. capitalfactory.com

Beth Goff-McMillan is the president and CEO at SKG. SKG is one of the nation’s largest MillerKnoll dealerships providing workplace consulting, design, furniture, architecture and technology solutions to all business sectors. SKG is a 100% woman-owned business rooted in Central Texas. It has made the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies for three consecutive years. SKG has also been recognized as one of Austin and San Antonio’s best places to work. Goff-McMillan has worked in senior management roles for publicly traded multinational enterprise businesses, as well as started two ventures of her own prior to SKG. She is a Henry Crown Fellow of the Aspen Institute, a member and current board chair of the Austin Chapter YPO, on the steering committee for Austin Women’s Fund, mentor at Ceresa and an E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year finalist. skgtexas.com

AMPLIFY CREDIT UNION | DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

Felicia Morales is the Director of Marketing of at Amplify Credit Union. She develops, manages, and executes marketing strategies that help grow the credit union’s membership throughout Texas. Currently, Felicia serves as Board Chair for Financial Health Pathways, on the board of directors and marketing committee for Austin Young Chamber, and as ambassador for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Previously, she served as Ambassador Chair with the Austin Young Chamber as well as a board member for the Austin Chapter of Credit Unions and as a graduate of Leadership Austin’s 2020 Emerge class. Felicia balances work by spending time with family and volunteering. She is passionate about supporting Latinas, ending homelessness, building bridges to home affordability, and supporting those experiencing mental illness within the Austin community. goamplify.com

Wilson & Goldrick Realtors

FELICIA MORALES, MBA

Wilson & Goldrick Realtors

Wilson & Goldrick Realtors

BETH GOFF-MCMILLAN SKG | PRESIDENT AND CEO

MELISSA “MISSY” PHANSANA

PRIORITY ROOFING | SALES MANAGER

In 2021, single mother Missy Phansana joined a male-dominated industry. Within one year of inspecting roofs and selling roofing systems, she broke every record held by her male peers, competing with 200 contractors across nine locations. Now as Priority Roofing’s sales manager, she leads by example for other women in construction. priorityroofs.com

AMY SWEET, MHS, PA-C

HALCYON HOME | CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Amy Sweet, PA-C, is the CEO of Halcyon Home, LLC, with a life goal of ensuring seniors Age in Place in the setting of their choice. Her company is one of the top largest woman-owned businesses providing home care (caregivers), home health and hospice in Central Texas. She has won numerous awards as the “Best of” in Austin for six years, the 2019 Woman’s Way Business Award CEO of the Year, EY Entrepreneur of the Year - Central Texas in 2020 and National Finalist in 2021. Sweet also started the Halcyon Foundation, a 501(c) (3) that assists struggling seniors and employees who need a helping hand through a crisis. halcyonhome.com

Wilson & Goldrick Realtors

Wilson & Goldrick Realtors

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CAPITAL FACTORY

The most active early stage venture investor in Texas.

capitalfactory.com | 540-460-6992

NOTLEY

Scaling and supporting businesses, nonprofits and individuals making positive change. notley.com

FURNITURE

SKG

SKG is a furniture dealership supporting all business verticals.

skgtexas.com | 512.481.1500

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS

One of the world’s leading providers of technology and communications services.

verizon.com | 908.559.8241

FINANCE/BANKING

AMPLIFY CREDIT UNION

Fee-free banking and award-winning lending from the heart of Texas.

goamplify.com | 512.836.5901

FROST

Since 1868, Frost has provided banking, investments and insurance services.

frostbank.com | 512.473.4364

NONPROFIT, COMMUNITY CREATIVE SPACE

ASMBLY MAKERSPACE

Educational nonprofit makerspace providing an outlet for creative endeavors.

asmbly.org

NEWSLETTER

AUSTIN SCHOLAR

Subscribe to Austin Scholar to transform your views on education and parenting. austinscholar.substack.com | 512.460.1224

FOOD/BEVERAGE/WINE

ANT MOORE - CHELSEA BLALOCK WINES

A New Zealand Winery antmoorewines.com | 903.235.8019

PEPSICO

Sports entertainment and gaming for Pepsi Beverages North America. pepsico.com | 214.808.1227

CONSTRUCTION

PRIORITY ROOFING OF AUSTIN

Storm restoration services specializing in the insurance claims process. priorityroofs.com | 806.420.8771

HEALTH CARE

HALCYON HOME

Homecare, home health and hospice. halcyonhome.com | 512.815.9009

FOOD MANUFACTURING/ SPECIAL EDUCATION

TEXAS SWEET HEAT JAM CO.

Artisan jam company created for adults with IDD. sweetheatjam.com | 281.797.2806

Lezlie Tram Le, founder of LT Commercial Group, practices living in and for the moment.

BY CY WHITE

PHOTOS BY JOI CONTI

STYLED BY ASMA PARVEZ (WITH ASSISTANCE FROM NOHA NOMAN), WITH INSPIRATION FROM MADEWELL, STAUD, CINQ À SEPT AND NORDSTROM. SHOT ON LOCATION AT PECAN FLEX SPACE.

HAIR BY MICHAEL FENNER FROM DECO BLUE SALON. MAKEUP BY ADELA TOUVELL FROM KISS N' MAKEUP.

Vietnamese curry is a wholly unique experience. It’s more of a stew, really, more liquid than the paste-like consistency of a traditional Indian or even Japanese curry. There’s an emphasis on vegetalia, even when eating a classic chicken rendition of the meal. The broth is simple, leaving room for the natural flavors of the solid ingredients, and you can taste every single one: meat, mushrooms, onions, coriander, carrots.

Each flavor stands alone; you can recognize each and every one for its unique taste, texture and depth. However, each flavor works in perfect harmony with the other, all playing gleefully in a warm, creamy broth (doctored ever so slightly with red chili sauce for an added kick).

It’s an experience unlike any other. As is speaking with the woman who invites the small Austin Woma creative team to lunch after her cover photoshoot. The perfect cap to a rain-soaked Thursday.

Lezlie Tram Le is much like the curry she treats me to: warm, earthy, unique in flavor and texture, with a little sauciness added in for extra kick. Her story, much like the curry, is an amalgamation of various experiences, an interesting balance of tragedy, pain, trauma, triumph and joy.

Each experience she’s had in her life has its separate story, with different characters and plot points. However, every single one of those experiences makes up who this woman is today, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Le is a product of post-war Vietnam. Her parents met and got married during what’s known as “The Fall of Saigon” in 1975, in which after a two-month offensive from North Vietnam, then-president of South Vietnam, Nguyễn Văn Thiệu, resigned his position, and the remaining South Vietnam government surrendered. Saigon was renamed Ho Chi Minh City, and the decades-long battle for control for Vietnam came to an end.

“My parents are the generation that had the direct effect after the war,” she says. “After ’75, they’re right at 24, 25, the beginning of the peak of their career. They did not get a chance because of the war, because of no schooling; you have to be very high up in order for you to get a higher education, or be super gifted. So they didn’t get a chance to finish college. Both of them graduated from a village high school. So the education compared to what we have [in the States] is not as high. They had a small family together, and in ’81 they had me.

“They tried for so many years; then they got a chance to leave,” she recalls. “I remember when we left Vietnam, you would hear gunshots over your head.”

Le was 8 years old when she and her family made their way to Malaysia on a small boat floating on the Mekong River for seven days. It’s a memory that has defined a large part of her life. “I don’t have any desire to go on cruises because that is really traumatizing,” she says, her voice quiet. “When the sun starts to set and you see the horizon, it starts getting dark, all you see is black. You think there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, but technically, it’s not even light. It’s the stars on the other end of [the horizon].”

Finally making it to Malaysia, they were told the camp wasn’t accepting any more refugees. When faced with attempting to go back to war-ravaged Vietnam or attempting to survive the harsh conditions of a cramped refugee camp, the Le family chose the latter.

Seven years. Seven years of living in close confines with other families. Seven years of waiting, hoping. Seven years of “no.” Le lived in that camp for most of her adolescent life, watching her family suffer in a post-war environment, which eventually became its own battle zone.

“When they tried to deport us back to Vietnam, they brought forces to the camp and tried to violently escort us out, so they shot into the camp. I’m one of the eight people who got shot, at the age of 14,” she says. “I got shot in the foot. They threw in tear gas and things like that and tried to deport us back because we wouldn’t volunteer [to leave]. That happened for almost a week. On the second day, that’s when I got some help.”

The United Nations eventually stepped in and allowed the injured to leave the camp, and Le was escorted to a government hospital. When she was finally released back into the custody of her parents, the family remained in the camp for another two weeks before military ships escorted about 400 of the occupants, including the Les, back to Vietnam.

“People used to call us the bottom of society,” she says. “That really got me to think, what does it mean to be ‘the bottom of society’? How does it feel to have people labeling you as that? From that, I grew in my compassion in life, compassion to myself and compassion to others.”

In 1998, the Le family immigrated to the United States, landing in Houston; the next year, they moved to Austin, where Lezlie graduated from high school.

“My mom and dad didn’t speak any English,” she says. “So you’re at the age 17, 18, what would you do? You’re going to become the breadwinner of the family, right? You go to work, you come home, you try to study and everything else, and then you become the parents of the family. You interpret for them. You make decisions for them. You do everything for them because they don’t know any better. I worked, and I also tried to get an education.”

Eventually her mother bought a nail salon, and Le stepped up to help her family. Her mother, knowing very little English, relied heavily on her daughter to help her run the business. “Little did I know that I’d read all these leases,” she says. “I tried to negotiate with the landlord. It’s not like I knew [what I was doing]. It’s not like I knew how to do customer service.” Le inevitably acquired a taste for entrepreneurship, opening and closing several of her own businesses until becoming a full U.S. citizen at the age of 24.

A few business endeavors (including opening her own nail salon), a marriage and two children soon follow. Varied experiences as a young entrepreneur opened her eyes to the fact that much of what she was doing had to do with real estate. Dealing with leases and contracts, closing deals, interacting with landlords. Something finally clicks.

“I decided there’s some pieces of me that I did not try,” she says. “Okay, here you go, entrepreneur. I’m going to take real estate as a challenge.”

At first, her mother was wary of her daughter’s chosen path. “She was like, ‘No, you can’t do it. You’re not going to be good enough because English is not your thing. This field is very male-dominated, and you’re not going to get there.’” Instead of giving in to her mother’s fears, Le saw this as her own opportunity to step up for people like her mother who had the ambition but lacked the know-how and resources.

“I was like, ‘Well, if I don’t do it for them, I’m doing it for myself and for my own people; if the Americans don’t want to use me, I’m going to work for my community,’” she says. “I saw an opportunity on a second-generation Cici's Pizza down on Riverside, and I took a big ad in the Vietnamese community magazine that said, ‘If you want to open a restaurant, call me. This is a second-generation space. It won’t cost you a lot to fix it up. You can open your business.’

“[The owner of] one of the pho restaurants called me up. It’s called Kim Phung. She said, ‘Why don’t you just show that space for me?’ I showed her the space, and I got the lease executed for her after four or five months. That was my first deal in commercial real estate. I was so proud of myself. All the time that I had to read these leases paid off. Then from there, of course, you don’t know what you don’t know. You start learning, and then you start building.”

Inspirations

The Oprah Winfrey Show

“Every day, I put on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Girl, I tell you, it’s heart-filling. I learned English from watching her show. That’s how my English got better, through the television and then interacting with the customers.”

No Mud, No Lotus: The Art of Transforming Suffering by Thich Nhat Hanh

“From one of my spiritual teachers. He said, ‘Do you know why the lotus is so beautiful? Because of the mud. People call us ugly, yucky, dirty, [but] that’s because it’s soaking up all of the nutrition. The negative things in life taught you to become the beautiful lotus. Because you were born from that mud, it’s going to give you that opportunity to bloom, to blossom.’ I read through that book, and oh my God, I did not know that I could be validated like that. I had a long time of soul searching. We’re put here in this world and we ask, ‘Why me?’ We ask, ‘What happened to me? What am I going to do next? How can I do this?’ A lot of these [questions] we don’t have any answer. No one’s giving us the answer. Our parents only know so much, and they know enough to survive through life. They didn’t know how to thrive through life.”

“

I was so proud of myself. All the time that I had to read these leases paid off. Then from there, of course, you don’t know what you don’t know. You start learning, and then you start building.

—Lezlie Tram Le

Vietnamese Immigration to the U.S.

According to an article published by Migration Policy Institute in 2021, after the Fall of Saigon in 1975, the U.S. sponsored largescale evacuations of 125,000 Vietnamese refugees. U.S. Census Bureau calculated nearly 1.4 million Vietnamese immigrants entering the United States between 1980 and 2019. Of the 1.4 million Vietnamese people living in the U.S., more than 50% live in California and Texas. The Indochinese Assistance and Refugee Assistance Act of 1975 officially resettled 1.2 million Vietnamese refugees between 1975 and 1988, with Houston, Texas, being a major city for resettlement.

Every morning, Le greets the day with the rising of the sun. She practices yoga and centers herself, breathing in the energy of a new day, breathing out illusion. This is also how she approaches business and those she helps.

“You can only control so much,” she says. “Within meditation and yoga, what we’re practicing is the permanent and the impermanent. The permanent is only temporary. We have to accept the impermanent. When we accept the impermanent, we don’t get upset with ourselves, and we don’t invite that anger to rise up. When we acknowledge it, we know it’s impermanent. That anger starts to defuse, and you know it’s temporary. It’s not going to be here for long. You’re going to be in a different feeling and different space in your mind.

“Everything changes,” she continues. ”Every minute, every second of the day. I’ve been practicing to accept the impermanent.”

In an industry that’s heavily male dominated, this philosophy has helped guide her. According to a study conducted by the CREW Network in 2020, women make up only 36.7% of the commercial real estate industry, a number that’s remained largely consistent for the last 15 years. The number becomes more glaring when considering the ethnic makeup of respondents. In a 2017 study conducted by the National Association of REALTORS, 74% were white, 13% Hispanic or Latino, 7% Black, 6% AAPI and 2% Native American. Never mind the gender pay gap, which according to the CREW Network’s study is a staggering 34% (with Asian women making 86 cents, Black women 85 cents and Hispanic/Latine women 80 cents for every dollar that men make).

Le made it a point to create LT Commercial Group with all women. She also made it a point to teach any woman who had the drive to learn the business. “The field I’m in, women are a minority, let alone women of color, right? Because of that reason, all of my team that I took in are female. I told them, ‘If you have what it takes, I’m going to take you in and teach you. But if you don’t have what it takes, you think you’re just going to dance around, this is not for you. You have to work 10 times harder than these guys. You’re going to have to work; you’re going to have to be more creative. You will not come in and demand [respect] because you don’t have it. They know you’re a female; they already look and laugh at you. When they work five, you have to work 10; you have to double your work.’

“For the past seven years, most of my teams are female. I just want to stick with them. Some of them I trained, and now they’ve opened their own businesses. That’s a very heartfelt feeling. They feel like they find themselves; they find a career. The funny thing is, none of them has a real estate background.” She leads by example. Le has never allowed someone’s “no” to deter her from getting the result she wants.

“Consistency, right?” she says. “You have to be consistent. You have to be persistent, and you have to push through that door and get creative. You can’t just scream in your head and start cussing. You’ve got to get creative. You’ve got to show people who you are with dignity, and they’ll respond to you.”

That being said, she has never allowed any man to get the upper hand on her. “There’s cases of sexual harassment as well,” she reveals. “There was this guy [who said], ‘Okay, you want to do a deal with me? You want to go hang out with my girlfriend?’ I know where that is going to lead to. I told him straight, ‘You know what? I do want to do a deal, but not with you.’ At the time, I didn’t say it that strongly, but now I can,” she says with a chuckle. “You have to put your foot down and let them know, ‘Either we do a deal or we don’t. I’m not going to lose anything if I don’t do a deal with you. I’ll do a deal with somebody else.’”

She makes sure every woman who works with her learns that lesson and sticks to it with everything they have. “That’s the toughest thing that I tell a lot of females,” she says. “Especially if they have the fear in their head: ‘I’m not sure if I can get into this field. How am I going to make it? How am I going to get there?’ Persistence, consistency and thinking it’s always a win for both [sides]. Never do a deal where it’s going to be all one side wins and the other side loses. Sometimes when you don’t make that deal happen or you don’t [take] that deal, it’s the best thing. That’s the right winning result.”

Permanent impermanence. The one constant is that things must and inevitably do change. If one person says no, or wants to coerce more out of you than you’re willing to give, there’s always someone who will say yes to what you have to offer. “The good side is if you ask people to open the door for you, if you’re consistent enough to knock on their door until they open the door, they will open the door.”

This is the whole of Lezlie Tram Le. A simple woman whose ingredients are complex, varied and rich. Even her name is a culmination of her varied experiences. “I’ve been living in hope all my life, since I got to the U.S.,” she says. “It’s not so much I just want another name for myself. It’s more like, what would make me come into this next chapter of my life? So I searched around. One of the ladies [I found], she’s successful, her name is Leslie. But it started with L-E-S. So I was like, ‘One day, if I need to make this name as my branding, what would it be?’ This is the entrepreneur thing,” she chuckles. “I googled it as Lezlie. [The search showed] you can use this name for female and male; it’s strong enough, not too feminine. Tram is my Vietnamese first name, and Le is my dad’s last name. I took two of my middle names out, so now it’s Lezlie Tram Le.”

When the sun sets on each day, she’s a woman who simply says yes to life. Embraces its peaks, valleys and plateaus in order to gift those behind her a path to follow for their own definition of success.

“I think what’s really insightful is when you start practicing looking inward every day, slowly. One thing at a time; process [it] all the way through. Then you start getting it. It’s funny, I’m 40 something now, and I was like, ‘Oh my God. It took me this long to realize it!’ If you keep going every day like yesterday, you don’t have the time to process what’s inward. Most of the time we process what’s outward. So, take an hour, two hours of your day out, honey. The richest we’re going to get is when we change our perception.”

To learn more about Lezlie Tram Le's time in a government hospital and more, go to atxwoman.com.

LOCATION: PECAN FLEX SPACE

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The richest we’re going to get is when we change our perception.

—Lezlie Tram Le

The Champions of Female-Founded Businesses

Get a glimpse into how a physicist, yogi and celebrity legal expert are making waves in Austin’s venture capital scene.

BY JENNY HOFF

Acelebrity legal commentator, a physicist from the former Soviet Union, a yoga instructor and philosopher—these are the backgrounds of some of Austin’s leaders in the venture capital world. While their varied life experiences already make them unique in this industry, what really sets them apart is their gender.

“Out of the couple hundred VCs I worked with around the country while I was with Deloitte, less than a handful were led by women,” says Emily Rollins, an accountant of 30 years and a current member of multiple boards in Austin. “It’s changing, but slowly.”

According to Crunchbase, there are 159 venture capital organizations in Austin. Most have at least two general partners, which is the highest level of leadership in the firm—the ones who make the final decision on which entrepreneurs to invest in. Of all those general partners, approximately eight are female.

(l to r) Sara Brand, Lawton Cummings, Kerry Rupp, Dr. Oksana Malysheva, not pictured Genevieve Gilbreath

“I would say about 5% of general partners making investment decisions are women,” says Kerry Rupp, former Austin Woman magazine cover woman and co-founder of True Wealth Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests strictly in female-owned businesses. “Is that better than before? Maybe. But it’s not 50%.”

Rupp and her business partner, Sara Brand, started True Wealth Ventures after extensive research showed femaleled businesses weren’t just good for society, but good for the bottom line, with women possessing skills needed for company longevity and stability. They wanted to focus their investments on female-led businesses that tackled consumer health and sustainable products and technology.

“We started fundraising in 2016,” says Rupp. “Not a single business we have invested in has failed, which is very rare in the venture capital world.”

While Rupp and Brand are working to prove investing in women isn’t charity but, rather, smart for business, Rupp hopes it’s not a torch they’ll have to carry for long.

“We would like this explicit need to have gender diversity as a differentiation to go away,” she says. “People are seeing having diverse teams bring better team performance. Boards are starting to recognize it. We hope that part of our thesis becomes obsolete.”

Achieving that goal starts at the top.

“

We would like this explicit need to have gender diversity as a differentiation to go away. People are seeing having diverse teams bring better team performance. Boards are starting to recognize it. We hope that part of our thesis becomes obsolete.

Kerry Rupp

Photo by Farshid Farrokhnia with Ben Porter Photography.

FROM PHYSICIST TO VENTURE CAPITALIST

At 20 years old, Dr. Oksana Malysheva never would have dreamed of the life she has today. Studying physics at the Moscow Institute of Technology, she planned for a life of pure science and a small stipend as a physicist in the communist Soviet Union.

Then the Soviet Union collapsed, and her life plans with it. “Studying physics was still my dream, but suddenly there wasn’t even continuous electricity,” she recalls. “I knew I had to come to the U.S. to pursue it.”

Taking tests and filling out applications that cost more than her father earned for his monthly stipend, Malysheva finally found herself in the U.S., pursuing her Ph.D. in physics at the University of Pennsylvania. With no knowledge of entrepreneurship, markets or business in general, she started reading the Financial Times on her lunch breaks and imagining what it would be like to run the companies she read about.

By the time she was finished with school, she knew a life at a science institution wouldn’t be enough. So, she joined McKinsey as a consultant and got an inside look from the best in the business on how companies thrived and failed.

From McKinsey, Malysheva found herself taking another unexpected turn joining the marketing team for Motorola and being a part of taking cell phones into the future with the introduction of the Razr.

Now, as managing partner of Sputnik ATX, Malysheva and her business partner, Joe Merrill, are always on the hunt for other visionaries looking for the expansion of human potential—the kind of people who don’t fit in with the rest.

“We wanted to become a home,” she explains. “If you’re a nerd with a life-changing idea, we can teach you how to expand and sell.”

Each venture capital firm has its own thesis on what sets them apart for investors, on what kind of businesses they’re best fit to help grow. Sputnik ATX is dedicated to mentoring and training the businesses it invests in to ensure smart growth and success. Due to the intense training and office space they provide at their Austin building, they only invest in five to seven companies at a time. For those five spots, they have more than 1,200 entrepreneurs submitting applications.

“I get the cream of the crop applying,” says Malysheva. “Part of that is because we market in areas other firms don’t go to. It’s actually a really smart strategy to go out and find diverse founders. It’s not our mandate, but it’s smart to attract a large pool of people and let the best founder win.”

Of the businesses they’ve backed, Malysheva says about 40% are led by women. The diversity goes well beyond that, with founders from various ethnic backgrounds.

Despite VCs like Malysheva’s making a concerted effort to attract a diverse pool of applicants, the number of female-led businesses that get VC funding overall is still abysmally low. Part of that could come down to

Dr. Oksana Malysheva, managing partner of Sputnik ATX

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If you’re a nerd with a life-changing idea, we can teach you how to expand and sell.

Dr. Oksana Malysheva

culture. According to a Harvard Business Review study, men are more likely to get asked about growth potential, while women often find themselves having to defend their ideas. Alternatively, VC leaders say men are also more likely to focus on the positive when pitching to investors, while women are more likely to concentrate on the challenges that could arise.

Both are needed, but when it comes to getting funded, optimism wins.

“Venture capital firms are focused on what could go right,” says Malysheva. “We consciously coach every woman who comes to us to remember to address what could go right in the business and not just the risk. You have to talk about how big it could be and how big you could make it.”

In Malysheva’s experience, most men in the VC world are supportive of female founders who bring in a great idea, solid numbers and a tight presentation. To increase the numbers of female-funded businesses, it’s a two-way street. Women need to have the courage to apply, and not use the low numbers of women in leadership as an excuse to not enter the arena.

“Listening to headlines is not useful, and often people use it as a justification for their own laziness,” says Malysheva. “We’re there. So, you can no longer say it’s impossible.”

OVERCOMING THE ODDS

Seeing possibilities is a trait that has served Capital Factory general partner Lawton Cummings well. Like Malysheva, her career has taken unexpected turns with no clear path to venture capital. Twenty years ago, with a husband in the military and two small children, Cummings focused on her law career, publishing articles and getting tenure to teach at George Washington University. She liked the security of a stable career. Her outgoing personality coupled with her legal expertise got her a spot as a FOX News legal analyst, offering commentary on legal issues for 10 years. She had hit the pinnacle in her industry and had a loving husband and beautiful children to boot.

Then she got cancer. Going through treatment as her husband transitioned from the military to entrepreneurship, she took a break from work and depended on her positive outlook and faith to get her through the scariest time of her life

But when she got cancer a second time, she realized it was time to change course. Living in Austin at this point, Cummings had developed a fascination with artificial intelligence and started angel investing in tech companies. She was asked to join Austin 100, a group of thought leaders in the city, and didn’t think it odd that out of the 100 members, she was one of only seven women. Coming from a male-dominated industry, she was used to it.

Then the #MeToo movement happened.

“I decided then that I was going to work to get every badass woman I could find and bring them into the group,” recalls Cummings. “Screw this safety stuff, I was ready to own my power.”

Through her efforts, Austin 100 doubled in size and changed its composition to 50% women.

Lawton Cummings says before approaching a VC, you should have answers to the four “why” questions.

1. Why this product?

2.Why are you the right person to head the business and bring it to market?

3.Why now?

4.Why are you asking this investor?

Lawton Cummings, Capital Factory general partner

About a year later, a general partner with Notley investment group asked her to come on as a partner and professional investor. After two years of intense learning as a partner, Cummings decided she wanted a position at a VC that would allow her to get more of the upside and make the big decisions. In other words, she was ready to move from a seat at the table to the head of it. She landed at Capital Factory.

While she loves investing in all types of founders and great ideas, she gets most excited when she has a chance to champion women.

“There’s a big difference between recommending someone and championing them,” she says. “You need a champion on the outside to get your application across our desk, but you also need a champion inside. That’s where I come in.”

Like Sputnik ATX, Capital Factory doesn’t have a mandate to specifically invest in women. But Cummings also sees it as a profitable endeavor. Nevertheless, the number of female-founded businesses that make it to her desk is much smaller than male-founded. She wants more women to feel confident in selling their ideas, painting the big picture for investors and believing in their idea’s potential.

“Know your numbers, don’t overvalue your company and don’t bluff your way through it,” advises Cummings. “But you need to have a lot of confidence. Turn mindset-limiting questions into growth answers.”

Don’t be scared to share your personal story and philosophy. You’re selling yourself as much as the product.

A YOGI COMES HOME

On a phone call from London, while traveling with her 12-year-old son, Genevieve Gilbreath, co-founder of the VC firm Springdale Ventures, laughs when she thinks of her journey to the world of venture capital.

“If you would have asked me 15 years ago if I saw myself running a VC, I would have said, ‘What’s that?’”

Gilbreath was perfectly happy living far from her native Texas 15 years ago, teaching yoga while studying Sanskrit and philosophy in India. A vegetarian since she was 12, she was passionate about health and wellness and provided private wellness consulting as a way to earn extra income. Travel, plants and peace were her world. But soon she came to see the need for more wellness options in the consumer space and started a business selling plant-based supplements.

Shortly after her son was born, however, she and his father separated and Gilbreath’s vision for her future changed. She moved back to Texas with baby Kapila Max in tow (named for the third Buddha in the Hindu religion) and used what she had learned in India to create success in the States. Her instantly dissolving herbal supplement, Herbal Zap, based on Ayurvedic principles, soon hit the market.

Seven years later, she started her own venture capital fund, backing consumer brands like Goodles (a brand of healthier, more high-protein versions of traditional mac and cheese), Cece’s Veggie Co. and Lumen. Many of her businesses are run by women, creating products that support Gilbreath’s lifelong goal of a healthier, more holistic world. Most importantly, they’re creating products customers want.

Genevieve Gilbreath, co-founder, VC firm Springdale Ventures

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With any business, try and kill it before it kills you.

Genevieve Gilbreath

While she wants to encourage entrepreneurs to follow their ideas and bring them to fruition, she supports the Silicon Valley mantra to “fail fast” so you don’t expend all your energy on creating a product or service that the market isn’t demanding. “With any business, try and kill it before it kills you,” she advises.

Though the number of VC-backed female-founded businesses has a lot of room to grow, Gilbreath believes with more women at the head of the table and in the boardrooms of companies and organizations, more female founders will get noticed and get a chance to make their businesses grow

“The more diverse the allocators are, the more chances femalefounded companies will get funded,” she says. “That’s the biggest difference that will change things.”

Rupp, Brand, Malysheva, Cummings, Gilbreath and the other few female VC heads in Austin are doing what they can to change the tide, but they also need the help of women entrepreneurs who are willing to show up and fight for a piece of the VC pie.

To learn more about each woman’s story, read the entire article at atxwoman.com.

Kerry Rupp and Sara Brand, co-founders, True Wealth Ventures

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The more diverse the allocators are, the more chances female-founded companies will get funded.

That’s the biggest difference that will change things.

Genevieve Gilbreath

Boosting Women’s Success

By Addressing Deficits

Neuroscientist and success trainer

Shonté Jovan Taylor reveals the mental stress women face working from the deficit.

BY SHONTÉ JOVAN TAYLOR, MSC, PH.D(c)

Our mothers and grandmothers showed us how to make a little go a long way by surviving on minimal resources. However, stretching limited resources often does not translate into sustainable growth or success in our professions and businesses, especially when internal and external barriers make these resources invisible or inaccessible.

The solution?

Both internal and external processes and systems must be addressed to make women more likely to succeed at work and in business. Society thrives when women have a strong presence in the business world and in organizations. In nature, thriving ecosystems have a diversity of organisms. Human ecosystems are no different. Every area where women have been deliberately or unintentionally excluded needs to better represent women.

Having to work in deficit is a major challenge for women. One of the obvious deficits is financial capital. According to the Harvard Business Review, women receive less than 3% of all venture capital funding.

Furthermore, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report, it will take 250 years for the economic gender gap to close. Considering that women still earn about 82 cents for every dollar men earn, and it’s even lower for Black women (65 cents) and Latina women (60 cents), we can see the financial deficit that women face in their professional and business lives.

Women may not consider intangible deficiencies that can hinder their success including motivation, mental energy and time. It’s easy for women to start their lives in the deficit mentally, physically and emotionally, because of traditional gender roles.

As a result of societal constructs, women tend to take care of their households; as a consequence, they work fewer hours in the workplace and within their businesses. The result is that women are unable to spend as much time as they need networking, finding capital, etc., in order to thrive.

Women are also burdened with a heavier mental load than men. Mental load refers to the effort involved in managing your work, relationships, family and household. Too much mental load can interfere with decision-making and focus. Our brains are like batteries; they require regular recharging and fueling. Productivity, decision-making, networking, managing emotions and ultimately consistent growth and success depend on our mental batteries.

According to the National Library of Medicine, the allostatic load is a phenomenon referring to the cumulative “weight” of dealing with persistent stress and life events. In women of color, this load is compounded by historical PTSD as a result of centuries of racial inequities and race-related violence. The emotional and mental load women of color face often depletes their mental batteries and causes deficits when they are faced with systemic challenges. In the wake of traumatic events, most people experience a great deal of emotional and mental stress. These times tend to coincide with ebbs and flows of venture capital; during these tragic events, financial support tends to increase for Black women and decrease when headlines fade, according to the World Economic Forum. So for minority women,

ShonteJTaylor.com • OptiMindInstitute.com

ShonteJTaylor shontejtaylor

@shonte_taylor @neuroscientist_coach

@neuroscientist_coach

that financial support ebb and flow further compounds the mental load.

Our professional or business potential is limited if we are constantly in the red. Is there anything that can be done to begin filling in the gaps (or deficits), especially considering that societal success is strongly correlated with women’s success?

Yes!

1 . There needs to be systems and processes in place to minimize or remove the barriers discussed. Financial barriers can be overcome by increasing venture capital funding dedicated to women; for example, VC firms investing in women- or minority-owned businesses could benefit from governmental funding or tax incentives, creating a steady flow of capital and reducing mental load. Additionally, providing free education and mentorship via organizations like Girls in Tech and Amazon Web Services can help overcome the educational deficit women often suffer from.

2 . There is a need for more awareness among women about what they need to succeed and thrive so they can engage in activities that will reduce their mental load and fuel their motivation to move up in their companies, start businesses or grow their current businesses.

3 . There is a lack of research specifically focused on what challenges women face and how they thrive. More of this research would allow processes and systems to be analyzed and new ones developed that provide women with the resources they need to succeed.

Ultimately, women are going to have a greater chance of being success-FULL if they start with more resources that are on par with their male counterparts and tailored to meet their unique needs.

Shonté Jovan Taylor is a revolutionary neuroscientist, author and founder of OptiMind Institute, with a mission to unlock the potential of one billion minds. As a worldrenowned coach and success trainer, her empowering message has been sought after around the world. She is an expert at inspiring others to optimize their brain power in life, business and profession to realize their potential.

Photo courtesy Shonté Jovan Taylor.

Getting DEEP

AustinDEEP’s Jessica Price welcomes and works her magic on anyone who walks in her door.

BY SAMANTHA GREYSON

Massage therapist and AustinDEEP founder Jessica Price remembers in high school she began giving massages to coworkers at retail jobs. Her grandmothers told her they gave her the gift of magic hands, and Price used this natural gift to build and expand her company.

She moved to Austin from South Texas in the late ’90s to with the intention of attending university. However, at the age of 19, Price found her life’s passion in massage therapy. When she worked as a receptionist at a holistic health clinic, the clinicians exposed her to the benefits and wonders of massage.

“I ended up in massage school very young,” Price says. “I realized in massage school that I actually was really good. I could bind knots and feel what was going on in people’s bodies, and I could tell that other people didn’t quite have that gift.

That’s when the lightbulb turned on for me. I was 20.”

She describes her young self as having a hippie, beachy, laid-back attitude— and she was ready to tackle the world of massage.

“I was good at it. I actually liked it. It was rewarding. You get to help people feel better,” she says. “It’s like all of the stars aligned for me.”

After massage school, Price worked in the physical therapy department of a fitness center, which helped her develop her skills, as well as her unique outlook on massage.

“They sort of took me under their wing, and that’s where I learned so much,” Price said. “I learned about preventative injury, about fascia, about body mechanics and stuff that normally you don’t get exposed to.”

When she opened her business, originally named Lake Austin Massage, Price realized that her approach to massage differed from other therapists.

“I was able to actually trademark my method, the deep method,” Price says. “I basically decided that we’re not going to do all these extra add-ons. We don’t do cupping. We don’t do hot stones, aromatherapy. We just do one thing. It’s just one massage. It’s 60, 75 or 90 minutes—that’s all you get. But this massage is insane, and it makes you feel super good. It releases toxins; we get into the trigger points, but our approach is radically different from anyone else.”

Price’s deep tissue massage is no-frills and focuses on fascia, the thin tissue casing that surrounds your body’s muscles. At AustinDEEP, all therapists are trained in the deep method, so customers can expect consistency from each member of the team every time they book an appointment. “I like taking any worry out of the equation for my customers,” Price says. “I love that people can book massages and come in feeling one way and then leave feeling completely changed. Here we call it ‘massage-drunk’ because that’s how you look, and that’s how you feel. Because we’re really doing so much while you’re on the table zoning out; we’re warming you up and working our magic. We’re getting those tight spots that no one’s ever touched or that you’re hoping the therapist will touch. When you get off the table, you’re like, ‘Whoa, what?’”

Pre-pandemic, massage school required 500 in-person hours in order to receive a certificate. In order to make the certificate more accessible and affordable for single moms, students with second jobs and tight schedules, Price approached state politicians to pass a bill that would allow 250 of the 500 hours to be completed online.

“I testified on behalf of my bill to allow for the online school for the whole state of Texas,” Price says. “I had to fight. There were a couple guys from the massage school advisory board, and they were also massage school owners who did not want anyone to rock the boat. They want things to stay the way they are. Nonetheless, my bill got passed by unanimous votes in both the Senate and House, and it was a big win.”

In addition to her Lake Austin and Downtown locations, Price has plans to open a third AustinDEEP location in the coming year.

“It’s interesting, being a female entrepreneur,” she reflects. “The way we think and the way we operate, the way we multitask is very different than men. I think we’re pretty good at it.”

In order to further streamline the training process, Price created her own massage school and graduated her first cohort of six students in January. Afterward, the students were directly on-boarded at AustinDEEP. She starts her next cohort on May 1, where she will be training a class

of 15 in a 20-week $5,000 program. For reference, other schools charge between $8,000 to $10,000.

“I invest in my people, and I’m grateful for them,” Price says. “I praise them all the time because I think it’s important to hear that.”

Photo by Philip Edsel (courtesy of AustinDEEP).

Embracing Unique Beauty

Raeka Beauty’s latest skin care launches celebrate South Asian culture.

BY KAILA PATHAK

In a world where the definition of beauty has often been dictated by societal norms and unrealistic standards, Raeka Beauty, a revolutionary skin care brand, is on a mission to empower customers to embrace their own unique beauty. With their latest skin care product launches, Raeka is making waves in the beauty industry, embracing South Asian culture and inspiring women to feel confident in their skin and heritage.

Raeka has always been known for its innovative and natural skin care solutions that are rooted in ancient South Asian beauty rituals. Raeka believes every individual is born with unique features and characteristics that make them beautiful, and their products are designed to enhance and celebrate these unique traits. Using natural skin care products that are packed with botanicals can be a fantastic way to feel comfortable in your own skin. Botanicals are plantderived ingredients that are known for their beneficial properties. Here are two examples of how you can use botanical-rich products to boost your confidence and embrace the skin you’re in:

1. Using a botanical-powered face mask with ingredients like clove oil and lavender can soothe and calm the skin, reducing redness and inflammation. This promotes a refreshed and revitalized complexion, leading to increased self-confidence. The act of applying the face mask itself can also be a form of self-care, allowing for a moment of relaxation and self-pampering.

2. Integrating ingredients like camphor oil and nutmeg into your self-care routine can provide a sensory experience that enhances your well-being. The invigorating scent and nourishing properties of these ancient ingredients can awaken your senses and create a spa-like atmosphere at home, promoting a deeper connection with nature and boosting your self-care and confidence.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Raeka’s latest skin care launches is how it has captured the culture of South Asia, taking pride in its heritage and drawing inspiration from the rich history and traditions of South Asian beauty rituals. The use of Indian sarsaparilla and camphor in the products, for instance, not only

reflects the commitment to authenticity but also pays homage to the wisdom of ancient South Asian beauty secrets that have been passed down through generations. Derived from the bark of the camphor tree, camphor has been a staple ingredient in South Asian skin care routines for centuries. It is known for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and cooling properties, making it a popular choice for treating various skin ailments. Generations of South Asian women have incorporated camphor into their skin care rituals, using it in face packs, oils and creams to soothe irritated skin, reduce acne and rejuvenate the complexion. This tradition also has a nostalgic connection to the past, as grandmothers and mothers have passed on this beauty ritual as a part of their cultural heritage, symbolizing the rich and enduring legacy of South Asian beauty traditions.

Moreover, Raeka is not just about skin care; it’s about empowering women to embrace their own unique beauty and gain confidence in their skin and heritage. In today’s world, where the pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards can be overwhelming, Raeka encourages women to celebrate their individuality and be proud of their roots. When women feel confident in their skin and heritage, it can positively impact their lives, whether it’s in the workforce or while starting their own businesses.

As more women are entering the workforce and pursuing their passions, having confidence in one’s skin and heritage can play a pivotal role in their success. When women feel comfortable and confident in their own skin, they can focus on their talents, skills and abilities without being burdened by societal beauty standards.

“Raeka Beauty is not just about skin care; it’s about empowering women to embrace their unique beauty and heritage,” says Raeka Morar, founder of Raeka Beauty. “We want to inspire women to be confident and proud of their skin, whether they are in the boardroom or starting their own business. Our brand is designed to really captivate culture, embrace all beauty and provide effective skin care solutions that cater to different skin types and concerns no matter who you are.”

Raeka has partnered with CleanHub and ReCity India to tackle plastic waste and empower local women by providing jobs and enabling them to become financial contributors to their household, which in turn boosts their independence and confidence. Raeka’s products are not only empowering, but they are also easily accessible. Visit raekabeauty.com, which offers a seamless and user-friendly shopping experience.

Photo courtesy of Raeka Beauty.

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Support Working Mothers

The burden on working moms must not be carried alone; here’s how we can help.

BY TAMARA ATKINSON

Not long ago, I was working full time while managing provider care for Savannah, my special needs daughter, and Ruby, my typically developing daughter. It feels like yesterday, and I can still recall the stress of trying to balance it all.

This summer, Ruby will finish out her freshman year of college. As she was approaching high school graduation and I prepared to shepherd her into the “real” world, I had done a lot of reflecting on her educational trajectory and how early childhood education played a significant role in our lives.

I’ve watched Ruby’s journey since she started early childhood education at just 6 weeks old. I still feel the heartache of putting my baby in someone else’s hands, hoping they’d provide the best possible care and education for her. Now I can take a step back and look with pride, relief and gratitude for the care and education that Ruby received to help her develop and grow.

But no matter how intelligent or driven Ruby is, the availability of financial assistance has been a significant factor in her post-secondary pathway, just as it was for her early education.

Think about it: For a family that wants the best learning experience for their child—without feeling the weight of financial burdens— assistance for early childhood education is no less significant than support for post-secondary education.

An investment in early education is fundamental to the future success of children and parents. The child receives the care and education to reach their fullest potential and the parent(s) are able to work and further their own education.

The burden on working mothers is real, so here’s a much-needed reality check.

A substantial number of women support themselves and their families by working in low-wage jobs. Before COVID, nearly half of all working women worked in jobs paying low wages. The share of workers earning low wages is higher among Black women (54%) and Hispanic or Latina women (64%) than among white women (40%). We also know the pandemic is associated with an increase in gender disparities in the labor market. Women who had no education beyond high school exited the workforce in far greater numbers than educated men and women. Working mothers without access to affordable child care experienced additional hardships during the pandemic, trying to be a child’s teacher and caregiver while holding down a job (if they were fortunate enough to work remotely). Mental health effects on caregivers and young children, in particular, were also devastating during the pandemic. Collectively, we can and must show more grace and kindness toward working mothers, as we’ve certainly all had moments where we needed a helping hand. Workforce Solutions Capital Area recognizes the challenges caregivers face—mentally and financially—and we strive to connect caregivers to the right resources for child care assistance.

As a mother and an employer, I see this as some of the most important work we do at Workforce Solutions Capital Area to ensure the sustainability of our future workforce.

To find out how Workforce Solutions Capital Area supports working mothers and how you can do the same, read the full article at atxwoman.com.

Photo courtesy of Tamara Atkinson.

Tamara's daughters, Savannah and Ruby

Seedling’s “Austin’s Fab Five” Light up the Night! Gala

On April 14, 368 people gathered at the Hyatt Regency Austin for Seedling’s annual Austin’s Fab Five gala to honor five local heroes who dedicate time to improving the lives of youth in our community, and to raise funds for Seedling’s school-based mentorship program for children in Central Texas who are impacted by parental incarceration. This year’s event saw its highest attendance and highest funds raised, with more than 275 gifts totaling $322,000. Honorees included Blake Absher, Ana Cortez, Jonathon “Chaka” Mahone, Lisa Ivie Miller and Dr. Rosalind Oliphant Jones.

Board member Mark Beavers and his wife, AZ, chaired the event. Sponsors included more than 35 businesses and individuals, with Amarillo National Bank, CAPTRUST, Austin Energy, Verbena Floral Design and QT (QuikTrip) as major underwriting sponsors.

KXAN News Chief Meteorologist David Yeomans emceed the program, which included dinner with wine, honoree awards, a Seedling graduate’s moving testimonial, and concluded with an exciting live auction with Louisiana State champion auctioneer David Ackel.

Seedling’s mentoring program recruits community volunteers to mentor children in public schools and has served more than 2,700 students since 2006. Seeding mentees achieve positive outcomes in relation to school engagement, attendance, persistence and personal development skills.

For information on becoming a mentor, contact info@seedlingmentors.org.

SEEDLINGMENTORS.ORG seedlingmentors

Trouble Brewing

Brown Girl in Recovery recounts her journey to sobriety by starting at the beginning.

BY BROWN GIRL IN RECOVERY

Trigger Warner: This story mentions an eating disorder.

If you brilliant readers will remember, I (briefly) dedicated my first column back in February to who I am and why I am recounting my story of recovery. Now, I will start sharing more of the darker parts of my alcoholic journey. I believe it is important to share every aspect of my story. This means the not-so-pretty parts too. Why? For two reasons. One, it is healing for me. Being open and honest with you releases the shame and embarrassment I tend to feel (even being well into my 30s, with seven years of sobriety). Two, I want to help other Brown women like me see there are solutions to alcoholism and that they are not alone. So here we go.

As a teenager, I was determined to go to law school. I had this idea in my head of how my life would be, the great things I would do. I graduated from college a semester early and went straight to law school. I was 21. It wasn’t my dream school, but I didn’t let that bother me too much. I rationalized that not everyone gets into their dream school, but they can still do something good with it. That’s what I kept telling myself. Looking back, I should have sat out a semester or two, retaken the LSAT and reapplied to schools. Maybe that would have afforded me a better experience. But who knows? It is always easy to look back and see the different ways you could have handled certain situations. But what good does that do?

Long story short, I started struggling right away in law school. Looking back, it just wasn’t a good fit. At the time, the discomfort of the struggles was not something I was used to feeling. My solution was to bury the voice in my head telling me to “quit while I was ahead.” Instead, I began to binge and purge my food and developed bulimia. (Years later and after I got sober, therapy taught me that one reason I turned to binging and purging was as a coping mechanism. It was also the one thing that I felt I had control over when law school and life, in general, felt unpredictable and uncomfortable.) It happened quickly, in just the first month of law school. I honestly didn’t think what I was doing was a harmful way to deal with my struggles. I viewed it as a temporary behavior that was helping me get through some difficult times. For three years, I struggled pretty consistently with bulimia. I didn’t tell anyone. I suspect that some people figured out what I was

I sure did have a rocky climb from the bottom to become who I am today, but this part of the story is just the beginning of my journey.

doing, but no one said anything. I lost a bunch of weight and got some cute new clothes. “No biggie,” I thought. I did not realize the harm I was doing to my body. In your early 20s, you think you are pretty invincible and nothing can hurt you. Or at least I did.

I found a solid group of girlfriends, but most of us drank and partied hard. It was how we unwound. I, however, took it one step further. I would black out regularly, and my friends would have to take me home and put me to bed. I just thought this was a rite of passage, totally normal, what everyone in graduate school did. Again, a temporary behavior helping me to cope. Therapy allowed me to realize that I did it so I could disassociate from my experience, numb myself and forget who I was and what I was doing. I was managing life semi-okay and was still in law school. I sure did have a rocky climb from the bottom to become who I am today, but this part of the story is just the beginning of my journey. Was I an alcoholic at this point? No. Did I have horrible coping mechanisms? Yes. What happened next? In sharing more about my journey in the coming issues, I hope to give other Brown women a space to reflect, perhaps nod along and feel less alone, and realize life is going to eventually be okay.

Iam Brown Girl in Recovery.

Photo courtesy of Brown Girl in Recovery.

—Brown girl in recovery

The VORTEX

There’s always something happening at The VORTEX! From live music to burlesque, dance and theatre, we’ve got something for everyone. Check out our calendar to see what suits your fancy. Enjoy dinner, drinks and a show—all in one spot!

MedievalXModern Through JULY 9

The Blanton

Medieval X Modern presents the work of modern artists from Europe and the Americas who created prints, drawings, paintings, illustrated books, sculptures and decorative objects informed by the spectacular craftsmanship and compelling historical figures of the Middle Ages. Drawing primarily from the Blanton’s permanent collection, Medieval X Modern offers a wide array of artistic responses to the European Middle Ages, including one of the museum’s most iconic works—Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin.

Did you know...

1 IN 4 GIRLS

1 IN 6 BOYS will experience sexual abuse before their 18th birthday?

If Not Now, Wen? A Story of Perseverance and Triumph

Wen Zhang, founder and CEO of the If Not Now Wen Institute, chases her dreams.

BY WEN ZHANG

Growing up in a small mountain village in southeast China, life was simple for me. The close-knit community meant everyone had a defined role, and we didn’t have cars, so we rode bicycles or motorcycles to get around. The internet wasn’t even a thing yet. As a result, no one ever left the village.

As a young girl, my future was already mapped out for me. I was expected to follow the traditional path of marriage and motherhood. But I always knew that there was more to life than what my small mountain town had to offer. I would often take walks around the village, gazing into the distance and dreaming of a bigger world.

When I was 7 years old, I had a life-changing experience. While riding bikes with my mother, I saw the moon following me from our house all the way to my grandma’s house. That moment instilled a sense of wonder and curiosity within me and made me believe that there was a whole world out there waiting for me to explore.

One afternoon I stumbled upon a cassette tape player in the corner of a library. It was then that I made the decision to teach myself English and apply for college, as I knew this would be a way for me to explore the world beyond my village. It was challenging at first, especially at the beginning. It took me an entire afternoon to understand a 15-second English conversation. I had to search for each word in the dictionary, break it down and listen to my cassette repeatedly until I could comprehend the sentence without my notes.

After months of intensive study, I took my first TOEFL language exam and received a low score. In the span of four years, I took and failed the test nine times! So, I decided to switch gears and take the GRE exam, creating an intense nine-month study plan and dedicating eight hours a day to studying.

Passing the GRE exam was the key to escaping my village and exploring what lay beyond. I received a score of 1280 out of 1400. I was shocked. With a nearly perfect GRE score and a sub-optimal TOEFL score, I applied to 12 schools with an advertising major. With unwavering determination, I devoted countless hours to improving my English proficiency and excelling in my studies. Through my efforts, I was accepted to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2011, and on Aug. 6, 2011, I arrived at Chicago O’Hare International Airport with four large suitcases and a pair of high heels. (Although I have no idea why I chose to wear them!) I was bursting with excitement as I started my journey toward my American Dream.

After graduation, I chose to stay in Chicago and work on a few startups. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I wanted to start my own business.

I loved what I was doing, but I couldn’t help feeling that I had made a promise to myself to see the world if I ever left my village. While I had gained valuable experience in the startup world, it was time for me to chase a bigger dream. I moved to North Carolina to study at Duke University, where I received my MBA in 2018 and had an opportunity to join the Dell Technologies team in Austin the same year.

So, I followed my passion for storytelling and helping others and created the If Not Now Wen (INNW) Institute. Our business accelerator program is designed to empower entrepreneurs and dreamers to tell their stories with the goal of securing funding or investment. Our mission is simple: to guide and support business owners who may need help communicating their vision.

Since its launch, the INNW Institute has served over 300 entrepreneurs worldwide, helping them raise over $40 million in capital to make their dreams a reality—and we’re just getting started. Our commitment to helping entrepreneurs reach their full potential has resulted in a thriving community that I’m incredibly proud of. Working with some of the most inspiring people I’ve ever met has taught me valuable lessons about entrepreneurship, leadership and the power of storytelling.

I believe that while the universe always has your back, it first tests our commitment. In my experience, if one shows dedication and determination, the universe will eventually come around and support your journey full-heartedly. But it starts with us.

There is never a “perfect” time to chase your dreams. If you have a passion burning inside you, don’t let fear or doubt hold you back. Seize the opportunity now, because tomorrow is never guaranteed. Don’t wait for the “stars to align” or for everything to be “just right.” Take the first step toward your dream today. If not now, when?

Photo courtesy of INNW Institute.

Electrify your life with Volvo Recharge

Designed for a better way to move through the world. Meet Volvoʼs pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The Recharge line brings you technology, design and sustainable materials to elevate your drive.

Learn more today at Volvo Cars of Austin.

For over 95 years, Volvoʼs research and innovations have saved over one million lives, and are working on a million more.

Focusing on innovations that understand whatʼs outside the car isnʼt enough. There also needs to be better understanding of you, the driver inside. So Volvo is stepping into a new era – for safety and for Volvo Cars – where the ambition isnʼt just to protect your life. It's to help you live your best life.