Austin Woman MAGAZINE | JUNE 2015
“To find joy in work is to discover the fountain of youth.” —Pearl S. Buck
5/21/15 4:43 PM
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may2015cover.indd 3
5/21/15 12:51 PM
Austin Thyroid & Endocrinology Center Control your hormones. Control your life.
ENDOCRINOLOGY
is the science of hormones, substances released by glands that regulate every cell in your body, for both men and women. Examples of endocrine diseases: thyroid, osteoporosis, metabolic syndrome and obesity, hirsutism, menopause, pituitary and adrenal pathology, low testosterone in males, andropause and impotence, polycystic ovaries, recurrent kidney stones, irregular or lack of menstrual periods, high and low calcium, diabetes etc. We provide a comprehensive assessment of your hormone balance, in-house hormone testing, thyroid ultrasound, and bone density.
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2 DO YOU KNOW YOUR TSH?
2 HAVE YOU SEEN AN ENDOCRINOLOGIST?
is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break. Osteoporosis affects one in two women and one in four men over fifty and is generally missed. Bone fracture is the “heart attack� of the bone. New treatments reduce the risk of fracture and build new bone. A bone density test is the only way to test for osteoporosis. We have the latest bone density testing equipment in Texas, and provide instant bone metabolism, medical consultation, and treatment option. 2 DO YOU KNOW YOUR BONE DENSITY?
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Physicians are employees of Scott & White Clinics, an affiliate of Baylor Scott & White Health. ©2015 Baylor Scott & White Health SWClinic_139_2015 CE 05.15
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Let’s Talk Visit austinwomanmagazine.com for information about how to join the conversation.
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60
On the cover
ISABELLA ROSE TAYLOR By rachel merriman
66
feature
TIMELESS STYLE
72
feature
walking in high cotton
Photo by Annie Ray.
by Rachel Phua
Contents
Photo by Robert Reck.
JUNE
37 on the scene
gourmet
23 KRISTY’S TOP 10 June’s To-Do List 26 Philanthropy Art Bra Austin 28 GOOD CAUSES ATX Man Golf Tournament 33 OUT AND ABOUT Party Pics 34 horoscopes Happy Birthday, Gemini!
53 me nu
must list 37 M ust travel New York City 40 must read Good Reads, Poolside Edition
style
wellness 56 health 58 Fitness
Your Sexual Health Yoga for All
opposite sex 76 memo from JB
When Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
savvy women 78 MOther of the Bride
43 runway report Austin Fashion Week 46 trends The Last Straw
home 48 What’s In Store 50 outdoor design
Addicted to Peaches
Love Ding Claire Brody on the Rise
12 | Austin Woman | june 2015
Settling into the Calm Before the Storm
80 AUSTIN ENTREPRENEUR Magatte Wade 84 e xpert advice Guiding Your Reputation 86 i nsider information WBENC Conference
88 L ast Word
Age Is Just a Number
on the cover Photo by Annie Ray annieraycreative.com
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Volume 13, issue 10
Co-Founder and Publisher Melinda Maine Garvey vice president and Co-Publisher Christopher Garvey associate publisher Cynthia Guajardo Shafer Co-Founder Samantha Stevens
EDITORIAL Editor-in-chief Deborah Hamilton-Lynne associate editor Molly McManus copy editor Chantal Rice contributing writers
Daniel Azneer, Jamie Balli, Cheryl Bemis, Deborah Alys Carter, Jill Case, Silvana Di Ravenna, Steve Habel, JB Hager, Katie McKee, Rachel Merriman, Kristy Owen, Rachel Phua, Ricky Rodriguez, Scarlett R. Smith, Alison Stoos
ART CREATIVE Director Niki Jones ART DIRECTOR Lucy Froemmling ART ASSISTANT Nora Iglesias CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS
Rudy Arocha, Eric Lars Bakke, Kimberly Davis, Gerry Hanan, Ashley Hargrove, Korey Howell, Pu Ying Huang, Kristy Owen, Annie Ray, Aisha Seay, Audrey Sandberg, Staci Valentin, Katie Wahlman, Jessica Wetterer, Josh Wong
ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Amber Gunst, Katie Paschall
ADMINISTRATION Operations and Marketing manager Maggie Rester
Interns
Daniel Azneer, Jamie Balli, Lauren Matthews, Rachel Phua, Audrey Sandberg, Scarlett R. Smith Austin Woman is a free monthly publication of AW Media Inc., and is available at more than 1,150 locations throughout Austin and in Lakeway, Cedar Park, Round Rock and Pflugerville. All rights reserved. For submission requirements, visit awmediainc.com/contribute. No part of the magazine may be reprinted or duplicated without permission. Visit us online at austinwomanmagazine.com. Email us at info@awmediainc.com. 512.328.2421 • 3921 Steck Ave., Suite A111, Austin, TX 78759
Transcending age and time: It is a concept that fascinates people, including me. I loved the variety of answers from our contributors when they were asked, “What is something that transcends age and time for you?” In the past, we have had magazine issues that focused entirely on young women and others focused on mature women, but in this issue, I wanted to look at what all women have in common, no matter their age, to examine things that transcend age and time, beginning with the obvious enthusiasm and joy of the youngest woman ever to grace our cover. At age 14, Isabella Rose Taylor is a prodigy. She was recently named to Fast Company’s list of 100 Most Creative People in Business, and her fashions are carried by Nordstrom nationwide. She has garnered national attention from both the business community and fashionistas for her design savvy and entrepreneurial bent. While her clothing is decidedly targeted toward teens, the impetus behind her designs is timeless. Taylor set out to express herself creatively and to share the realization of her vision with other women, no matter what their age. Having a vision and sharing a passion can be the kind of motivation that transcends age and time. This is also something that our other three Young Women to Watch have manifested in different ways, united by their heartfelt desires to make the world a better place. At a very young age, they understand one of the essential tenets that has proven true since the dawn of time: Having a purpose in life can make all the difference. One of my favorite quotes regarding aging comes from writer Mary Ann Evans, better known by her pen name, George Eliot, which she used so her work might be taken seriously; it was easier to be published as a man in the 1800s: “It is never too late to be what you might have been.” I confess that I was enthralled by the final episode of Mad Men, and the hope that indeed reinvention and rejuvenation can happen throughout life. The joy of reaching for a dream has no time limit, as evidenced by Rachel Phua’s story on the journey of baby boomers Pam and Frank Ferguson, who are creating the life and the business they always wanted in their second act. My icon for timeless style and taste has always been Coco Chanel.
The woman had grit, ambition and talent. She knew how and when to take a risk and was ahead of her time. I would venture to say every designer that has come after her has been influenced by her ability to perfectly capture a sense of timeless elegance and raw beauty, and translate it to fashion that women can wear confidently. We tasked our in-house stylist, Ashley Hargrove, with putting together modern outfits that would transcend age and time, and she outdid herself. Punctuated by quotes from local style makers and books to reference, this feature will help you develop and solidify your personal timeless style. I find it interesting that contributor Rachel Merriman found baking and cooking familiar family recipes her answer to things that transcend age and time. Growing up in Georgia, fresh, ripe peaches always signaled the beginning of summer for me. The sight, the feel, the smell and the taste of one of my favorite fruits bring back so many memories that I had to include classic recipes in our Gourmet pages. It is not often that I recommend a cookbook for summer reading, however, in addition to the wonderful recipes, the story of the Masumoto family farm shared in The Perfect Peach shows how family ties and dedication to a family business reach through generations and transcend age and time. Food, fashion, love, sex, yoga, weddings, summer reads, relationships, finding a calling, making a living, finding your passion and making a difference, information and advice about those topics passed from one woman to another and from one generation to another: It is the connection and the sharing that make these stories transcend time and age. When we plan each issue of Austin Woman, our connection with you, our reader, is always on our minds. Please let me know how we can make that connection transcend time and age. I would love to hear what transcends time and age for you.
deborah hamilton-lynne Editor-in-Chief
George Eliot quotes that transcend time and age
“Blessed is the influence of one true, loving human soul on another.”
“It seems to me we can never give up longing and wishing while we are thoroughly alive. There are certain things we feel to be beautiful and good, and we must hunger after them.”
“Wear a smile and have friends. Wear a scowl and have wrinkles.” “The strongest principle of growth lies in human choice.”
16 | Austin Woman | june 2015
“Adventure is not outside a man; it is within.” “Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.”
“Excellence encourages one about life generally; it shows the spiritual wealth of the world.”
Isabella Rose Taylor photo by Annie Ray. Ashley Hargrove photo by Rudy Arocha. Peach sorbet photo courtesy of The Perfect Peach: Recipes and Stories from the Masumoto Farm by Marcy Nikiko and David Mas Masumoto, copyright 2013. Published by Ten Speed Press, a division of Penguin Random House Inc. Photography (c) 2013 by Staci Valentin. Deborah Hamilton-Lynne photo by Korey Howell.
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contributors
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This month, we asked our contributors: What is something that transcends age and time for you?
Rachel Merriman
Cover Story Writer, “Isabella rose taylor,” Page 60
Rachel Merriman is an Austinbased technical writer and freelance magazine writer. When she isn’t writing, you can probably find her in her kitchen covered in flour. She blogs about baking and renovating her 1970s fixer-upper at siftingandthrifting.com. “Family recipes. Every time I make my grandmother’s banana bread or my mom’s spaghetti or my great-grandmother’s ginger snaps, everything tastes exactly as I remember it when I was a little kid. It’s so wonderful and comforting.”
AnNIE RAY
Cover Story PHOTOGRAPHER, “Isabella rose taylor,” Page 60
Since 2005, Annie Ray has focused on bringing out the “real stuff” in everything she shoots. Her relationship with every subject will make 1,000 words say so much more. “I think romance novels will stand the test of time because there will always be a romantic at heart who wants to read them. I recommend the Outlander series.”
Perfect date nights start here.
RodgeRs & HAMMeRsTein celebRATion™
conceRTs in THe PARk
ASHLEY HARGROVE
STYLIST and model, “TIMEless style,” Page 66
Austin symphony Hartman foundation “concerts in the Park”— sundays, May 31 through August 23, 7:30 p.m.
This project is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department.
This project is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department.
This project is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department.
This project is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department.
This project is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department.
All artists, programs, and dates subject to change. This project is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department.
media sponsors
Rachel Phua came from Singapore to Austin as an exchange student at the University of Texas last August. She fell in love with what she was doing and the city she is in, so she extended her stay in the Lone Star State’s capital. Her piece started after she read stories of older individuals returning to the workforce, whether because they wanted to keep an active lifestyle or because they needed the income. She wanted to show how the baby boomers who built our society are still going strong, and hopes the Fergusons’ story can serve as an inspiration to other retirees as well. “The camera never gets old. It never lets us forget, and it retells tales from moments beyond our time.”
Upcoming events: Rodgers & Hammerstein celebration™—June 5 & 6
season sponsor
RACHEL PHUA
Writer, “WALKING IN HIGH COTTON,” Page 72
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Connect with us! find us online at austinwomanmagazine.com
FEATURED sponsored EVENT
EDITOR’S PICK
June 14
Austin Woman magazine and the Paramount Theatre’s Summer Classic Film Series present Martinis & Manicures with Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Martinis & Manicures is from 12:30 to 2 p.m., and 4:30 to 6 p.m. The film showing is at 2 and 6 p.m. In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the historic Paramount Theatre and the 40th anniversary of the Summer Classic Film Series, Austin Woman brings our readers a classic girls’ night out. Enjoy a martini and a manicure before you channel you inner Holly Golightly. Dress up and put on your best hat for photos with your group. Best hats will win a pair of film passes for the Summer Classic Film Series. Call 512.474.1221 to purchase tickets for Martinis & Manicures, and mention Austin Woman magazine for a free gift commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Paramount (while supplies last). Tickets sell out quickly, so please purchase tickets in advance.
For more information, visit austintheatre.org.
Dr. Gunther von Hagens’ Body Worlds & The Cycle of Life Presented by the Texas Museum of Science & Technology Through Sept. 20 1220 Toro Grande Drive, Cedar Park, Texas For an educational and intriguing family adventure, check out the newly opened Texas Museum of Science & Technology in Cedar Park and its first exhibit, Body Worlds, the stunning real-life specimens preserved through Dr. Gunther von Hagens’ unique plastination process. This incredible exhibit has been seen by 40 million people throughout the globe and features more than 100 authentic human specimens in an unforgettable anatomy lesson that allows visitors to see the human life cycle through various stages of aging. It’s guaranteed to be an outing and an anatomy lesson the entire family will never forget. For tickets and information, visit txmost.org. Win a family set of four tickets: Post a photo of your family on Instagram and tag @austinwoman.
Can’t get enough of this issue? Check out austinwomanmagazine.com
➥ More Young Women to Watch. Updates from former YWTW pro wakesurfer Raleigh Hager, BeeSweet Lemonade’s Mikaila Ulmer and Bold Photography’s Aisha Seay.
➥ More summer fun. The kids are out of school just in time
for the Alamo Drafthouse Summer Kids Camp screenings.
➥ Best of the Blogs: Butterlust. We share details about the
Austin baking blog and a sweet recipe that will wow the toughest crowd.
➥ More events. The inside scoop on the X Games’ music lineup. summer reading. Five critically praised books from 2015 that will give ➥ More you your literary fill during the summer months.
Win This!
the perfect Father’s Day gift: unlimited golf all summer long at award-winning Wolfdancer Golf Club at the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort. Hit the links with a Wolfdancer summer golf card. Valued at $899, Dad’s dream summer membership includes unlimited rounds between June 1 and Aug. 31, 2015 (based on availability; no blackout), tee times bookable up to seven days in advance, golf cart and range balls, access to clubhouse amenities and a 10 percent discount on merchandise at the pro shop. Only 100 summer golf card memberships will be sold. For more information, call 512.308.4770 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. To win, post your favorite photo of you and dear old Dad on facebook.com/ austinwoman and tell us why your dad deserves to win.
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Breakfast at Tiffany’s photo courtesy of the Paramount Theatre. Body Worlds & The Cycle of Life photo courtesy of the Texas Museum of Science & Technology. Butterlust photo by Katie Wahlman. Wolfdancer Golf Club photo courtesy of The Hyatt Lost Pines Resort.
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ON THE SCENE kristy’s top 10
June’s to-do list from 365 Things To Do In Austin, Texas.
Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ESPN Images.
By kristy owen
1
X Games Austin
June 4 – 7, Circuit of the Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd. circuitoftheamericas.com/xgamesaustin X Games is back for their second year in Austin! If you didn’t have the opportunity to make it out to the inaugural year of X Games Austin, you truly missed out. But lucky for you, they are back this year and things are going to be bigger and better than last year. They’ll have all your favorite events in skateboarding, BMX, Moto X, and rally and off-road truck racing. Plus, there’s a great lineup of music, including Nicki Minaj, Talib Kweli, Pennywise, Deltron 3030 and more big names.
austinwomanmagazine.com | 23
n the scene
KRISTY’S top 10
2
Father’s Day Concert in the Park
June 21, 7:30 to 9 p.m., Zilker Hillside Theater, 2201 Barton Springs Road austinsymphonicband.org
The Austin Symphonic Band is at it again with the annual Father’s Day treat, offering a free concert at the Zilker Hillside Theater. The band plays marches, patriotic tunes and other songs that will get you grooving with Pops. Grab a dad, a picnic and blanket, and head on out for an evening of live music and fun with the family.
4
The Fit Foodie Race
June 12 – 14, Mueller Lake Park, 4550 Mueller Blvd. fitfoodierun.com/austin-texas.html Austin is constantly topping the charts for health and physical fitness, so it comes as no surprise that we’re playing host to The Fit Foodie 5K Race Weekend.
3
The events start June 12 with a VIP cocktail party, at which guests can mingle with celebrity chefs, editors from Cooking Light and Health, and fellow race participants. The 5K takes place June 13. Following the race, runners enter The Finisher’s Village Celebration and are greeted with a plethora of food and beverage samples, as well as fitness and culinary demonstrations from acclaimed professionals. The weekend concludes with a Sunday Sweat Session presented by Fabletics, featuring a yoga and Pure Barre series. This one-hour workout is designed to offer an exciting fitness challenge that builds both outer and inner strength. After the workout, attendees are invited to toast their weekend successes and enjoy a brunch by a celebrity chef.
Shake Shack
1100 South Lamar Blvd. shakeshack.com Burger monsters, come one, come all. The wait is over; you can finally get your Shake Shack fix. They’re known for their burgers, crinkle fries and shakes. I put them to the test in May and they didn’t disappoint. They have local beers from Hops & Grain, Independence Brewing Co., Real Ale Brewing, Karbach Brewing Co. and Austin Eastciders. Austin’s Shake Shack features a Lockhart Link Burger, a cheeseburger topped with “griddled” Kreuz Market jalapeño-cheese sausages, pickles and Shack Sauce. The dessert menu also pays respects to Austin, with the Uchi-konkrete made with Uchi and Uchiko miso hazelnut blondie and huckleberry jam. Five percent of Uchi-konkrete sales will be donated to Austin Pets Alive! The Cold Shot, made with vanilla and chocolate custard, brown sugar caramel sauce, chocolate toffee and malt powder, is named after the song by Stevie Ray Vaughan. Shake Shack also features a pet menu that offers poochinis and dog biscuits. North Austinites, fear not, a Domain location is set to open later this summer.
Austin Cool House Tour
June 7, various locations txses.org/solar
To further the green-home movement, Texas Soar Energy Society and Austin Energy Green Building put together a tour each year to highlight the houses of Austin that are practicing sustainability through innovative design. The event not only showcases green homes, but also gives participants an opportunity to learn more about sustainable design through energy-efficient features. It’s a self-guided tour and tickets are $20 presale, $25 the day of, and children 12 and younger are free.
24 | Austin Woman | june 2015
5
2. Photo courtesy of Austin Symphonic Band. 3. Photo courtesy of The Fit Foodie 5K Race Weekend. 4. Photo by Kristy Owen. 5. Photo by Kimberly Davis.
O
Rust Rapture Premiere Party
6
Trailer Food TuesdayS
2015 dates: June 9, July 7, Aug. 4; The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive trailerfoodtuesdays.com
6. Photo courtesy of The Long Center. 7. Photo courtesy of Johnny Stevens. 10. Photo courtesy of The Bob Bonis Archive.
This event is always a crowd favorite, and it’s back for another season. Trailer Food Tuesdays is an evening of trailer food and live music. Several food trailers set up on the terrace at The Long Center, so it’s a great opportunity to try a variety of local cuisine in one night.
8
7
Premiere Party: June 12, 6 to 8 p.m. Exhibit: June 1 – June 29, O2 Gallery & Project Space, 2832 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. johnnystevens.com/rustrapture
Johnny Stevens’ photography focuses on the secrets hidden in rusted hotrod and ratrod cars. His photography proves that there is much more than meets the eye when it comes to old cars. The O2 Gallery will host an exhibit with his work, and the premiere party is June 12.
Movies in the Park: THE NeverEnding Story June 4, 8:30 p.m., Dick Nichols District Park, 8011 Beckett Road austinparks.org/moviesinthepark.html
There is something about catching a flick under the stars that’s just fun. And this one’s free! This month, they’ll feature classic The NeverEnding Story. Pack a picnic and make a night out of it.
Blues on the Green
8 p.m., Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road kgsr.com/promotions/blues-on-the-green
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The Blues on the Green season is shorter than normal this year, with only four dates this season (and one of the dates has already passed!). Be sure to mark your calendars early so you can make it out to at least one show. Blues on the Green is an Austin summer staple. Packing a picnic and listening to free music at Zilker is undoubtedly one of the things that makes Austin cool during the hot summer days. June 24: Riders Against the Storm, Shakey Graves July 22: Walker Lukens, Bob Schneider Aug. 5: Max Frost, Jamestown Revival
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Ladies and Gentlemen…The Beatles! Exhibit at LBJ Library
Opening Party: June 13, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Exhibit: June 13, 2015 – Jan. 10, 2016, LBJ Presidential Library and Museum, 2313 Red River St. lbjlibrary.org/press/ladies-and-gentlementhe-beatlesexhibit-to-open-june-2015
Ladies and gentlemen, The Beatles are coming to Austin for the first time. The exhibit celebrates Beatlemania. On display will be more than 400 pieces of memorabilia, records, rare photographs, tour artifacts, video and instruments from private collectors and The Grammy Museum, including the original Ludwig drumhead Ringo Starr played on The Ed Sullivan Show. It even includes an oral-history booth where visitors can leave their own impressions of the timeless group. Ladies and Gentlemen…The Beatles! opens at 9 a.m. June 13 at the LBJ Presidential Library. The opening-day festivities are free and open to the public, and will last until 5 p.m. austinwomanmagazine.com | 25
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n the scene
philanthropy
Sponsored Events
Art Bra Austin
Austin Woman June Launch and Pink Pages Party June 2, 6 p.m., Fiat of Austin, 13049 Hwy. 183 North austinwomanmagazine.com
By Scarlett R. Smith
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: Man and Woman of the Year Grand Finale June 5, 6 p.m., AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center, 1900 University Ave. mwoy.org/sctx/localchapter/aus/finale
Inspiring survivors model creative designs to raise funds for breast-cancer research and resources. On June 6, at Austin Music Hall, ornate brassieres crafted of cut glass, jewels, metal, gold and nearly any material imaginable will be worn by local breastcancer survivors as part of a fashion show and live auction to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Resource Center. The event, known as Art Bra Austin, is currently in its eighth year, and features breast-cancer survivors and those still battling cancer as models for 70 artists and their respective pieces.
Martinis & Manicures June 14, 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. (Film Breakfast at Tiffany’s showing at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.) austintheatre.org Texas Women in Business Luncheon June 19, 11 a.m., Shoal Crossing Event Center, 8611 N. Mopac Expressway texaswomeninbusiness.org Austin Classical Guitar: Quaternaglia Summer Series June 20, 7:30 p.m., AISD Performing Arts Center, 1500 Barbara Jordan Blvd. austinclassicalguitar.org Women’s Business Enterprise National Council: National Conference and Business Fair June 22 – 25, Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez St. conf.wbenc.org
Runway photo courtesy of Art Bra Austin. Bra photo by Flashback 23.
The Breast Cancer Resource Centers of Texas offers individualized support to those who are diagnosed with breast cancer, and seeks to educate and empower those affected. BCRC is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. “If you look back 20 years ago, and you look at what it is today, there is a tremendous evolution,” says Executive Director Ray Anne Evans of the growth and development of BCRC. Art Bra Austin is the signature fundraiser for BCRC, bringing together women and artists of different backgrounds who are united by their shared experiences and commitment to helping others still fighting the disease. For the past five years, two local artists, Dianne Sonnenberg and Monica Meadows, have participated in the event by creating a piece to be worn and auctioned off. This year, the two have collaborated on a bustier made of 24-karat gold, mosaic and cut glass known as Treasure Chest V. It is expected to sell for as much as $20,000 at auction. The two artists were inspired by the Spring collection of couture mosaic dresses by Dolce & Gabbana at Paris Fashion Week. “Our goal is to make something more wonderful and more beautiful each year,” says Sonnenberg, a professional mosaic artist for 10 years and a breast-cancer survivor, along with Meadows. Both artists are former clients of BCRC. “I would have been lost without the organization when going through [breast cancer],” Sonnenberg says. “It really is a not-to-be-missed event.” Art Bra Austin aims to celebrate the lives of those affected by breast cancer. “My favorite part is celebrating their life, their beauty and their survivorship,” Evans says. “It is an amazing glimpse into what it is like to have breast cancer and the support group of those who have had breast cancer.”
Art Bra Austin June 6, 6 p.m., Austin Music Hall, 208 Nueces St. artbraaustin.org
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Nearly 2 out of 3 Austin ISD children qualify for low-cost school meals. Your donation makes sure the meals don’t stop when school does.
FREE FITNESS CLASS FOR BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS, FAMILY MEMBERS + CAREGIVERS. Seton Breast Care Center at Seton Medical Center Austin 1201 West 38th Street • West Tower, 1st Floor • Austin, Texas 78705 Visit us online for class schedule + registration
Donate today at austinfoodbank.org
StilettoStampede.org
austinwomanmagazine.com | 27
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n the scene
good causes
Three Times the Impact
Third annual ATX Man Golf Tournament continues to stand out from the crowd.
Winning team from Hills Dental Spa
From fairytales to Hollywood blockbusters, the “rule of three” principle suggests things that come in threes are inherently more satisfying and effective than any other number of things. That time-honored principle was proven again with the success of the third annual ATX Man Golf Classic on March 27. Twenty-five teams challenged the pristine Hill Country layout at Austin’s River Place Country Club as 18 charities—one for each hole on the golf course— benefited by creating awareness for their specific causes and raising money. The tournament was founded in 2013 by AW Media’s owners and publishers Christopher Garvey and Melinda Garvey, with the guidance and support of Jim Bagan, the managing partner of Roger Beasley Mazda and Roger Beasley Hyundai. Bagan says the event’s rousing and continued success is due to its prime directive to call attention to the charities, and because it has become so vital within the philanthropic community. “If you go back to some of the great charity events that highlighted the calendar in Austin in the past, they worked to involve the entire community,” Bagan says. “This tournament is a throwback to the way we used to do things, and that’s a very big part of its success. “We make this tournament different than others. At the end of the day, this event is not about getting people’s money; it’s about getting these charities the exposure we think they so deserve. It’s easier to support this tournament because things are so transparent and vital.” This year’s event featured 100 players on 25 teams, a number limited to allow a relatively easy round of golf, time-wise, and a fun afternoon for all involved. The event also included the participation of the golf
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course’s architect, Roy Bechtol. The Garveys have a well-documented history of giving back to the community and supporting local charities through the monthly issue launch parties for Austin Woman magazine, the cornerstone publication of their company. When they founded ATX Man, they were searching for a way for men to get more involved in helping area charities, and hatched the idea for a golf tournament that adheres to the company’s core philosophy of having a charitable or giving element to everything it does. “This year, the connectivity and conversations that have grown from the tournament and in the weeks since have been impressive,” Melinda Garvey says. “People that met each other during the event and the after-tournament dinner have continued dialogues and have been mutually supportive of each other’s causes. That, in essence, is what this event was supposed to produce, so we are very pleased.” The winner of this year’s event was the team sponsored by Dr. Benjamin Nemec, and included Clay Reed, Dr. Jeff Shell and Bechtol. It likely helped Nemec’s team to have the man who designed every part of the golf course on his team pointing out all the correct angles of attack and the breaks on each putting surface. Talk about a homefield advantage! “Dr. Nemec has sponsored and supported the tournament three years in a row, so it is great that his team was able to win it this year,” Christopher Garvey says. “We are thrilled that the tournament was hugely successful for the third straight year. We raised more money than last year, which was great. “Again, the entertainment aspect of the event was phenomenal, and [headline comic] Pat Hazell brought the house down and has become a good friend. We appreciate his contributions and the dedication to the tournament and to the 18 charities.” Charities that benefited from this year’s tournament include A Legacy of Giving, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Any Baby Can, Austin Humane Society, Be the Difference Foundation, Discovery, healincomfort4achange.org, I Act, Ignite a Dream, Rainforest Partnership, Stiletto Stampede, Survive 2 Thrive Foundation, The Autism Trust, The First Tee of Greater Austin, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, The Shade Project and Wonders & Worries. “We are very happy about how this tournament continues to be supported,” Bagan says. “The charities that are represented are all community-driven, and it’s 100 percent Central Texas-centric.” Keep an eye on the 2016 calendar to see how you can be a part of the fourth annual 18 Holes for 18 Charities Golf Classic.
Photo by TapSnap.
By Steve Habel
Photo Credits: Bold Photography & Tap Snap
Stiletto Stampede Team with Publishers Christopher and Melinda Garvey.
Evening Entertainment, Comedian Pat Hazell.
Mazda 6 (Hole in One Prize #16).
Dulce Vida Bar with owner Richard Sorenson.
Discovery presenting to players.
Ignite a Dream Team.
Stay tuned for information on the 4th annual
2015|  june 2015 30 |  Austin Woman
Wonders & Worries Team.
12th Green at River Place Country Club.
The Autism Trust Team.
Be the Difference Foundation & Mazda CX5 (Hole in One Prize #6).
AW Cover Woman Ingrid Vanderveldt with husband Glenn Hodgson.
Ali Specialties with Owner Ali Carr.
18 Holes for 18 Charities Golf Classic.
2015
austinwomanmagazine.com |  31
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n the scene
OUT and about
Photos by Bill Bastas, Jim Bruton, Kim McCorkle and John Gutierrez.
Photos by Bold Photography.
Austin woman May launch party
1. Katie Paschall 2. May cover woman Anne Akiko Meyers 3. Courtney Horn, Mary Catalanotto, Anne Akiko Meyers, Deborah Hamilton-Lynne, John Branham, Maggie Rester
Komen austin pink party
1. Ilona and Doug Toole and Angela Quitmeyer 2. Shari Fish, Amy Mosier, Julie Scheinthal 3. Christen Edel, Andrea White, Janna White, Michelle Martin, Aryn Hellmund, Ashley Dean
Photos by Olympia Sobande, Jonathan Garza and Lee Ann Womack.
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Austin heart ball
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3
4
1. Denise Bradley, Dr. Stanley Wang, Abbi Miller 2. Jennifer and Ashton Cumberbatch 3. Russell Rehmann, Lee Ann Womack and Tamera Rehmann
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n the scene
horoscopes
Happy Birthday, gemini!
May 22–June 20
Your month: You’re a human dynamo, an exploding volcano, Mighty Mouse coming to save the day. And like the song says, you “got your mind on your money and your money on your mind.” Your instincts are unerring and you have the courage to follow through and act. You have more going on in your head than even the pile of stuff on your to-do list, and it takes a lively and active mind to get everything done you need done. But that’s you. So try to be patient with interruptions of a personal nature. Your partner should be grateful for the tiny tidbit of quality personal time you have left at the end of the day. ➺ June’s need for constant stimulation drives you to juggle several projects at once, and you do it adroitly, I might add. You’ll have more energy than a Tesla, so go ahead, overcommit. You can handle anything but boredom. This month has you talking fast, thinking quickly and looking for adventure. Cancer (June 21–July 22): This month, you’re all about love, so allow its warm energy to comfort you like a blazing fireplace on a winter night. Cocoon with it, and don’t worry that you don’t have any desire to go out in the real world anyway. In fact, if the destination doesn’t need a passport, you’d rather stay home, so that’s exactly where your focus should be. You rock work and work rocks you, so at this point, it’s a no-brainer. But now you must figure out a way to incorporate others into your home environment, and share your feelings. But don’t worry; next month it’s nose to the grindstone again. Leo (July 23–Aug. 23): Everywhere you look, people seem to be out having a great time. Clubs and restaurants are full of laughing, smiling folk drinking too much and staying up late and still getting their work done somehow. Astrology books like to call you guys the life of the party, but you are just as likely to be a reticent wallflower clinging to the drapes, watching the rest of the room dance. Just so you know, this isn’t the month to be shy; it’s the month to dance like everybody’s watching. Social interaction is the name of the game in June, and this month is a game changer. Virgo (Aug. 24–Sept. 22): June brings nothing new, really, just astounding career successes, swarms of friends (and dare I say, fans) and deep, introspective analysis. Career opportunities are so plentiful and diverse,
you may mistakenly believe you can’t accomplish them all, but that would be wrong thinking. This month, your genius lies in “herding cats” and combining each shared resource in new, surprising ways. And no one can really see you doing it. But everything needs to feel family-like because you won’t be spending much time at home, much to your dismay. And your soul-searching? Let’s just say you’ll have your answers by July. Libra (Sept. 23–Oct. 22): The key to your success in June is your ability to mentally hang in there and tackle odd and complicated technical tasks when other people give up and quit. It’s your persistence that brings success, and this presents an interesting paradox: You’re curious about anything unusual and out of the ordinary, but if you bypass the usual rules and try to work outside the box, things can go a little askew. The thing is: Everything that’s happening to you, from your expanding awareness and your rapid acquisition of information, to the flurry of able bodies jumping onto your bandwagon is fated. It’s all meant to be. Scorpio (Oct. 23–Nov. 21): In May, it seemed like every Scorpio in the world was freaking out. My advice was: “Change before you have to.” So here’s June, and you are still reeling from the changes to your career, but you can see a light at the end of the tunnel. You guys are on fire, careerwise, but you’re almost too hot
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to handle, and even handling yourself is a full-time job. Have faith in the universal right-ness of things right now. A little glitch in your forward motion in July lasts until September, but then it’s full speed ahead, with a growing crowd of accolades trailing behind. Sagittarius (Nov. 22–Dec. 21): It’s time to leave behind any past inhibitions about partnerships. Events place you face to face with a benefactor, and it’s the start of a beautiful relationship, no matter how you resist. They may not contribute cash, but their knowledge and experience is invaluable to help jump-start the next two-year cycle. In that cycle, you’ll have something to say, a message that needs to be heard by a much bigger audience than you are currently used to. And you need to do it anyway. It’s good and necessary for the growth of your soul and your wallet in 2016. Capricorn (Dec. 22–Jan. 20): While everyone else is living it up, partying like it’s the end of the decade, you have your nose to the grindstone. You instinctively know that this month, daily routine, health and work equal career progress and money making. Good luck, good fortune and prosperity are knocking at your door. You want to be ready for them in preparation and position, but also psychologically. You want to be strong enough, not just to support your progress, but also to sustain it. Capricorns value sustainability and longevity as much as they appreciate making money, and this month, they go hand in hand. You get the whole package. Aquarius (Jan. 21–Feb. 19): You win! You get to have the best month. You share information with friends about short trips and creative pursuits, parties and fun, art shows, kid shows, phone calls, emails, errands, animals, friends and partners. And it’s all so much fun, unless you decide to be a fun killer. Then you’ll worry and work and turn down invitations and get depressed and worry about money and argue with your friends and not return emails and texts. It’s completely
up to you. Your month will be terrific if you reign in those omnipresent dark thoughts. Pisces (Feb. 20–March 20): Which do you want: the good news or the bad news? I’ll give you the good news first: All’s great on the love front. Circumstances change and alliances and allegiances shift to your side on a personal level. If you keep the wishes of others in mind, you can’t lose. Now the bad news: It’s kind of the opposite at work. Someone is a problem. Pay close attention to the people at the office, even those you consider friends. And in about 10 days, you’ll be able to figure out who the problem is and plan a strategy. Let them think they’ve won then marshal your forces after September. Aries (March 21–April 20): What’s the craziest thing you can think of, career-wise? What’s an out-of-reach dream you keep putting off until later? What’s the most exciting project you can plan? Among all the signs, you guys have the best chance of implementing even the craziest schemes. And you’ll have a huge, unending supply of energy to use as you see fit. Enroll in college? Start your own business? Live and work on some tropical island? You just have to sort through all the offers coming your way and be selective. Make sure it’s what you really want because it’ll happen in June. Taurus (April 21–May 21): Everything changes in your world by the end of this month, and I mean everything. Things speed up and transform at the speed of sound, but forewarned is fore armed. Right now, you’re surrounded by opportunities, but each one drags a barrier with it across your path. Know this month is going to be a little tough, so concentrate and try to look at each possible opportunity as objectively as possible. Don’t let the current level of difficulty stop you, but if you can wait to make important money decisions and postpone action for a month, do it. Your personal life’s great, though. By Deborah Alys Carter deborah@pinkaustin.com
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Must List
Taking a Bite Out of the Big Apple
Three itineraries for visiting New York City based on location, location, location. by Deborah Hamilton-Lynne
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ust list
Must travel
Let’s face it, I love Austin, but there is nothing like the Big Apple. Whatever your taste, your interest, your palate or your mindset, the city that never sleeps has something for everyone. I lived in New York for several years and believe that it should be on everyone’s bucket list. One of the most daunting aspects of visiting New York is getting around. Finding a location for your base is the key to walkability and to accessing public transportation. With so many hotels to choose from in Manhattan, I always opt for excellent service and convenience. To help you get the most out of your stay in the teeming metropolis, I have recommended three Manhattan hotels that provide impeccable service and serve as base locations for your introduction to one of the great cities of my heart.
Romantic Getaway Midtown near Broadway Base of operations: The Iroquois, 49 W. 44th St. iroquoisny.com This historic treasure came highly recommended to me by friends who have been rendezvousing here for more than 30 years, and I must say I was not disappointed. Located between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue on a very prestigious block that includes tony neighbors such as the Harvard, Yale and New York yacht clubs, as well as the Algonquin, it is a stone’s throw from some of Manhattan’s finest restaurants and bars, and a short walk from the Great White Way. Built in the late 1800s, the Iroquois is an award-winning member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, which shows in the attention to detail. Its renowned concierges are rumored to have some of the best connections in the city. While business travelers feel at home here, it is my pick for a romantic getaway. From the chilled Champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries, the luxurious Frette bedding and bathrobes, the classically appointed décor, to the excellent and highly vaunted cuisine of Chef Florian Wehrli at Triomphe, everything about this hotel screams, “Fall in love with me.” Once you arrive, if you care to leave your room, here are my choices for ways to add to the romance.
Romantic dining The Loeb Boathouse Central Park Gramercy Tavern One if By Land, Two if By Sea (Check out the Sunday Jazz Brunch.) Daniel Blue Hill The River Café
Isn’t it romantic? Lantern’s Keep. This hidden gem is actually located just behind the lobby in the Iroquois. It’s dark and mysterious, and the feeling is 1920s speakeasy, complete with the most evocative and delicious cocktails I have ever had. Feeling a bit naughty? Have a Sidecar, a High Horse or a Chinatown, order a plate of Coop Inlet oysters and charcuterie and pâté, then call it a night. Algonquin Hotel. Located next door to the Iroquois, the Algonquin is probably best known for the bar scene where the literati, led by Dorothy Parker, opined through liquid lunches and prolonged happy hours. The hotel itself is worth a tour simply for the history and architecture. Dine like the legendary Vicious Circle of artists, writers and actors at the Round Table, or grab an after-dinner cocktail at the legendary Blue Bar. You won’t be disappointed.
The Empire State Building. The star of so many chick flicks, the building practically invokes a Pavlovian response when it comes to romance. Make it An Affair to Remember with a trip to the top, or gaze at the architectural masterpiece from the Rainbow Room ala Sleepless in Seattle. Either way, you can’t go wrong.
H Insider tip: Take the Staten Island Ferry for a romantic view of the skyline, the harbor and Lady Liberty. Best of all, it’s free.
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Photos courtesy of Triumph Hotels.
Broadway, baby. You are steps away from the best theater performances in the world. Whether you prefer drama, comedy or musicals, your best bet is to talk with the very knowledgeable concierge at the Iroquois about the current shows. If you have your heart set on a certain play, booking ahead is the only way to be assured of tickets. However, the hotel is only a few minutes’ walk from the TKTS Discount Booth in Times Square, and I had great luck there.
Girlfriends Shopping Extravaganza Location: Fifth Avenue and Midtown Base of operations: Andaz 5th Avenue, 485 Fifth Ave. (at 41st Street) andaz.hyatt.com This hotel is tucked away just off Fifth Avenue across from the New York Public Library and near Grand Central Terminal, with great walkability, as well as access to busses, the subway and the airport shuttles, which are located just across the street. From your first greeting to express check-out, the service is geared toward making your stay hassle-free. The staff is knowledgeable and accommodating, yet they know when to stand back and let your adventure begin. It’s a boutique hotel with a minimalist vibe, intimate yet cosmopolitan. What would a girlfriend getaway be without food and drinks? There are dozens of choices within a five-block radius of the Andaz, but for sheer convenience, The Shop, located on the street level of the hotel, and The Bar Downstairs are two of the most chic and highly rated restaurants and bars in the city. If your group is worn out after a day of fashion foraging, The Shop also has a retail section where you can grab pastries, sweets, soup, salads and sandwiches. Shop till you drop: Bryant Park is a block away and is often the site for artisan fairs and picking up that locally made treasure. I love the gift shops of the New York Public Library, the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Strolling down Fifth Avenue • 663 Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa • 711 Ralph Lauren • 727 Tiffany’s • 712 Henri Bendel • 730 Bulgari • 717 Armani • 754 Bergdorf Goodman • 718 Harry Winston • 767 Cartier • 725 Trump Tower
Cosmo stops • 20 W. 53rd St., Baccarat Hotel • 2 E. 55th St. at Fifth Street, St. Regis Hotel, King Cole Bar • 700 Fifth Ave., The Peninsula, Salon de Ning • 768 Fifth Ave., The Plaza Hotel, The Rose Club
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Insider’s shopping tour: With a tour company established by two native New Yorkers, shop in New York’s hippest neighborhoods, where celebrities and their stylists get the hottest fashions. On this off-the-beaten-path tour of SOHO and NoLita, you can visit a cross-section of the best and most unique shopping that New York has to offer. This tour combines high-end boutique shopping with bargain hunting. Highlights include trendy shopping, the architecture, unique boutiques, NYC trivia and celebrity gossip. insideouttours.com
FAMILY FUN
Phots courtesy of the Andaz Hyatt and Langham Place.
Location: In the center of it all Base of operations: Langham Place, 400 Fifth Ave. langhamhotels.com/en/langham-place/new-york I have to confess that I fell in love with Langham Place the minute I walked in. For some reason that I have completely forgotten, I arrived dragging two suitcases behind me after having walked too many blocks in high heels (probably after exiting my taxi due to impatience with New York City traffic). Sensing my distress, their team swung into action and before I knew it, I was in my room sipping a glass of Champagne, looking in awe at the Empire State Building. Although I would highly recommend this hotel for any traveler—single, couples, groups—the reason I am recommending it for a family vacation is that they also make it a priority to cater to families with their specially designated Family Place rooms and one-bedroom family suites. Kid comfort-food favorites are also included on their restaurant and roomservice menus, and if Mom and Dad want to slip away for an evening of jazz at the Measure Lounge on the hotel main floor or some R&R at the spa while the kids nap or watch a video, the concierge is more than happy to help locate a sitter. Beyond service and convenience, Langham Place perfectly positions families for taking in the sights, whether walking or using public transportation. Must-see and must-do family adventures • Spend the entire day: American Museum of Natural History and the Hayden Planetarium • Bronx Zoo • The One World Observatory/ National September 11 Memorial & Museum
Within walking distance • Empire State Building • Times Square • Broadway theaters • Macy’s
• Central Park • Korea Town (Check out the food.) • New York Public Library • Rockefeller Center
H
Insider tip: Take a helicopter tour. I know it is pricey, but you only live once, and I promise this is one New York City experience your children will never forget. This is 30 minutes of the best views in the city. manhattanhelicopters.com
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Must Read
Good Reads, Poolside Edition
Top 2015 releases from best-selling authors make for excellent summer reading. By Rachel Phua The summer is the ideal time to catch up on your reading list. With a handmade cocktail and a pool to lounge by, who says only college kids have all the fun when the sun is shining? If you haven’t already made a catalog, these books by award-winning authors will fit the bill. From a thrilling mix of detective work and romance, to an exhilarating read about why marriage is overrated for many women, your summer will be more productive than ever. You Deserve A Drink: Boozy Misadventures and Tales of Debauchery (May 2015) Mamrie Hart has finally produced a portable version of her comedy. Known for her YouTube channel, You Deserve A Drink, Hart compiles even more of her crazy times into 288 pages. The nights you don’t remember will find a companion among her stories about the worst hangovers, spring breaks and bachelorette parties. Be prepared for an afternoon of raucous laughter and questionable looks from poolside gawkers.
Mist of Midnight (March 2015) A menacing tale of passion and trepidation bleeds through Sandra Byrd’s latest novel. The book is set in 1800s England, and the protagonist returns to Hampshire, England after a life in India to find her possessions and identity taken away. She seeks out a relative who received her inheritance, but falls in love with the mysterious and potentially dangerous man. The Victorian backdrop is gorgeous, while the ominous relationship enthralls the reader to turn each page and find out more about this enigmatic man.
The Children’s Crusade (April 2015) A period drama set through author Ann Packer’s words, The Children’s Crusade is a tragic yet nostalgic take on a questionable history of a family that begins in the serene 1950s in rural California. But tumultuous times follow, as the mother begins to regret her decision to conform and marry as her artistic spirit surfaces. The novel moves to and from the 1980s, when their community transforms into Silicon Valley, and the children return to reconcile the lack of maternal love they got. Slow-paced and moving, Crusade is an inward look at forgiving those closest and most aching.
Spinster: Making a Life of One’s Own (April 2015) Choosing to remain a single woman all throughout life was taboo until a recent past, and still persists, even as there are more calls for females to make independent lifestyle choices. Many females worry about future loneliness, whether if by nature or nurture. Kate Bolick’s feminist essay gives the reader a refreshing analysis of why we continue to think so, and advocates for us to be free from these norms. Whether you’re married, widowed, newly single or looking for love, Spinster makes us take an intelligent pause and re-evaluate our actual desires.
Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania (March 2015)
Pulitzer Pick
All the Light We Cannot See
Last year’s incredible release by Anthony Doerr—a touching read about a blind daughter and a Nazi youth who opens his eyes to the atrocities done by his own party—won the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for fiction. It has spent more than 50 weeks on the New York Times’ bestsellers list.
40 | Austin Woman | JUNE 2015
Erik Larson’s books go beyond recording history. They are historical journalism at its finest. Larson delves into the sinking of another massive ship, the Lusitania, which then became crucial in the British crusade against Germany in World War I. It was also a crucial turning point for the United States. When more than 120 U.S. citizens perished after it was torpedoed, many U.S. nationals were outraged. It would take two more years for the U.S. to join the war after the sinking, but the Lusitania was a compelling force. Larson’s research and storytelling ability go beyond the facts, and draw you to the awe people had for the ship and the unfortunate individuals who lost their lives during the journey.
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STYLE Austin Fashion Week Comes of Age
When the trend is to buck the trend, Austin’s diverse style lights up the runways. By Cheryl Bemis Photos by Gerry Hanan
This is Sloane
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Abi Ferrin
Austin Fashion Week is one of the most anticipated fashion events in town, and this year marked a very impressive seven years for the week-long focus on fashion. Events during the week included in-store soirees that featured sips, bites and designers, a charity lunch benefiting the Rise School of Austin and a variety of fashion runway shows. With more than 20 runway shows hosted at the Austin Music Hall, there were some favorite fashion moments to share from the packed-press-pit vantage point. Fashionably Austin was proud to supply the official photographer for Austin Fashion Week 2015. Favorite runway moment Jeffrey Sebelia, winner of Project Runway season three, designs a children’s collection called La Miniatura, and it delighted the crowd as his young models walked barefoot down the runway. Austin Fashion Week
44 | Austin Woman | JUNE 2015
Daniel Esquivel
Amanda Valentine
Founder Matt Swinney’s son did a little end-of-the-runway dance, looked left and handed out a big high-five to Austin designer Ross Bennett, followed by a hug. He finished his way around the u-shaped runway and we all loved this fun fashion moment from the night.
Korto Momolu from season five sent down a to-die-for strapless chiffon gown in Scuba Blue, as well as several elegant bridal gowns. Designer Abi Ferrin showed a vibrant, tropical swimsuit cover-up that lit up the runway, and Sally Daneshjou’s classic ball gowns were ready for any Austin gala event.
Runway trend color Pantone’s Spring/Summer 2015 color palette has three blue colors: Classic Blue, Dusk Blue and Scuba Blue. All three hues were shown from nearly all the designers at Austin Fashion Week, providing ideas for easy ways to update your wardrobe. Go blue. The Stars runway night featured eight Project Runway designers and was not only a highlight for the week, but it was also the first time in Austin Fashion Week history it sold out. Designer Amanda Valentine featured several pieces with her signature color-block techniques, and her classic blue pieces were paired with leather accents.
Menswear Don’t think for a second that the men were forgotten on the runway. Austin designer Ross Bennett showed the most impeccably tailored collection I have seen to date from him, and the inside lining of each jacket looked as interesting to photograph as it did from the outside. Most interesting pieces/ silhouettes With so many designers and so many pieces coming down the runway, there were a few looks that created some memorable fashion moments from the end of the runway. Austin designer Daniel Esquivel updated some of
Gail Chovan
Sally Daneshjou
any Chovan show is equally as fun as his pieces, added some new accents in his actually seeing her show, and this year, the collection and added a show-stopping skirt collection didn’t disappoint. The handand dress made of black, twisted raffia. woven leather pieces and textured trims Austin designer Sloane Lenz with were featured in Chovan’s signature black, label This is Sloane had a very cohesive with hand-dyed white pieces splashed with collection, combining her funky music red wine-inspired stains, and multi-colored and interesting fan accents, such as when draped dresses floated down the runway. the model did a face reveal at the end The over-the-top frizzed-out hair and of the runway. A white Swan Lake-style dark makeup completed the ballerina tutu dress amazing final look to wrap was reminiscent of The over-the-top up the week. something I’ve seen at frizzed-out hair If you are yearning for a Betsey Johnson show in New York. The bright and dark makeup more fashion in Austin, you’re in luck. The next pink tights, bangle completed the Austin Fashion Week event, jewelry and matching hat made for a perfect amazing final look. Fashion X Austin, is set for June 12 and 13, and will finale piece. feature menswear. Austin Fashion Week officially ended at the Finale event with For more on the trends and runway videos, a runway show by Austin trailblazer visit fashionablyaustin.com. Gail Chovan. The anticipation of seeing
Ross Bennett
Korto Momolu
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THE LAST STRAW
The dark days are gone. Head for the summer sun. photo by rudy Arocha
Prada platform open-toe metallic leather espadrille, $650
Eric Javits Bulu woven straw shoulder bag, $345 Eric Javits Champ Squishee visor, $145
Lola two-tone raffia bowler, $240
Elizabeth and James woven raffia and leather hobo bag, $495
Loeffler Randall Cora knit raffia low-top sneaker, $350
Helen Kaminski wide-brim trilby, $265 Eric Javits Powchky shoulder bag, $380
Metal sculpture with light and humidor by Daniel Keeper, price upon request, 512.947.7608.
46 |  Austin Woman |  JUNE 2015
All items available at Neiman Marcus, , 3400 Palm Way, 512.719.1200, neimanmarcus.com.
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what’s in store
Love Ding
Summer décor essentials from design authority Denise Roberts. By Silvana Di Ravenna
Photos courtesy of Love Ding.
Take a step into Love Ding, the light-filled furniture, vintage and accessories store located on Manchaca Road. One quick peek at its offerings and you’ll fall instantly in love with the beautifully curated aesthetics of Denise Roberts, the face behind this unique store. Roberts graduated from Texas State University with a degree in interior design and has a passion for all things 1950s and 1960s. Roberts, who was born and raised in South Austin, brought her vintage musings to life after realizing that her continuous shopping trips to flea markets and estate sales were inevitably becoming her own lifestyle. When she found herself transforming and making unique pieces for her friends and family, she knew starting her own brick-and-mortar decoration and vintage business was the right decision. Love Ding supports local artists and currently carries more than 20 local artists’ works. More than a typical décor and furniture store, Love Ding (Roberts’ own childhood nickname) feels like a hip friend’s home that you’re just dying to emulate and raid all at once. It’s a bazaar of beautiful objects that are a true reflection of Roberts’ personality and passions, and is a happy, airy and perfectly pastel paradise.
48 | Austin Woman | JUNE 2015
On Getting Your Home Ready for Summer:
CREATE your own TERRARIUM Tuesday, June 30, 6 to 8 p.m. Love Ding’s first workshop features a lesson from Slavonk and Hortus Terraria and includes cocktails and snacks.
We asked Roberts for her decoration advice on preparing your home for the upcoming summer season. She also shares a selection of her favorite pieces from her beautiful inventory. 10516 Manchaca Road, 512.981.7367, withlovefromding.com
“Summer is all about brightening up your space. In my home, I like to change out pillows and bedding. I toss my neutral sofa cushions aside and add light and bright ones during the summer. I also swap out my heavy duvet covers for a lighter quilt, usually white, because white linens make you feel fresh and clean. I also like to spruce up my outdoor area with some color to make spending more time outside fun. New pillows, dishes and candles will make you the hostess with the most-est.”
Orange Radiance Pillow by Bunglo, $78 “These are the pillows I would toss on my sofa to add a pop of summer color. They make me happy.”
The Ultimate Summer Guide: Denise Roberts’ Favorite Love Ding Pieces Vintage Amber Moon and Star Goblets $8 to $12
Dutch Floral Prints by Leah Duncan Set of three, $24
“These scream summer to me. The color reminds me of rays of sun. I would totally use these during a summer cocktail party.”
“Switching art prints is an easy way to make you feel like you’re in a completely new space. These floral prints resemble the wildflowers that pop up in Austin during the summer.”
Turkish Kilim Bench by Barrington Blue $625
Handmade Soaps by Birch & Goldberry $10
“This vibrant guy would not only add color to a space, but it’s so cool, it can act as a conversation piece. Made in California. Cowabunga!”
“These soaps smell so fresh. They can add a summery scent to your guest bathroom when you host those luaus.”
701 Chair by Petrified Design $425
Icosidode Terrarium by Score & Solder $250
“These indoor/ outdoor chairs are made here locally in Austin. The wood weathers so beautifully over time when kept outdoors. Perfect patio piece.”
“Nothing brightens up a space more than greenery. These terrariums can bring life to a space that’s feeling drab.”
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Claire Brody on the Rise
Success and the pursuit of summer style. By Ricky Rodriguez At 24, Claire Brody has accomplished an impressive body of work that has made her a minister of taste within the interiordesign world. Her curated aesthetic and whimsical use of color have garnered her notice among the city’s design mavens. She worked her way up from design assistant to successful business owner and socialmedia sensation, with more than 6,000 followers on Instagram alone. Seeing success at such a young age, Brody is thankful for the growth that she has seen as a business owner and is a strong believer in following a career path that inspires people to do what they love.
“Follow your heart! When I was 18, I did what I thought I was supposed to do and pursued a career that I thought was right for me, but I knew it wouldn’t be fulfilling in the long run,” Brody says. “I lacked confidence and couldn’t imagine myself doing what I do now. I wish I knew what I do now, although I don’t think I would change anything.” Her love for design stems from her mother, who constantly worked on remodeling projects from the time Brody was a little girl. “My mom is very creative and has beautiful taste,” Brody says. “I remember her constantly rearranging our living room, and she was always working on a remodel project in our home. It was intriguing to me, but I actually remember thinking, ‘I wonder if I can ever do that?’ I’ve always had an interest in decorating and styling, but it hadn’t occurred to me that I could make a career out of it.” In the interior-design world, change is an inevitable concept. With summer approaching, it is only a matter of time before we start making changes to our own outdoor living spaces. For those of us who lack the creative gene, we often look to the pages of Elle Décor or Home & Design and wonder what we can do to recreate those stylish spaces. You can transform your outdoor living space from garden-variety to burgeoning oasis. We outline Brody’s top tips and tricks for elevating your outdoor space to the sanctuary you always dreamed of.
Back to Basics 1. Add several seating options such as an outdoor sectional, quaint wood folding chairs or comfy poufs. 2. Curate your own personal selection of accessories, such as antique furniture pieces, unique outdoor pillows and rugs, which will also help to define the living space. 3. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Seek out pieces that really speak to you, no matter how offkilter they may seem.
Outdoor pillows, $39.50 each, potterybarn.com Outdoor square mineral pouf, $199, crateandbarrel.com
Top Five Colors for Summer 1. Blue, in all its beautiful shades, creates a sense of serenity and luxury. There are no rules on how to use it. 2. Custard yellow because the warmth this color brings when paired with a blue or teal is breathtaking. 3. Green will forever say summer more than any other color. It brings life to a space because it is the color of life. 4. Orange because who doesn’t love a pop of color? 5. Red, which brings warmth and energy to a space.
Yellow arabesque indoor-outdoor rug, $40 to $750, worldmarket.com
50 | Austin Woman | JUNE 2015
Lighting 1. Candle lanterns are always a charming solution to adding lighting to an outdoor space. Consider finding pieces that are unique, vintage and contrast each other to create an eclectic look. 2. Torches tend to be often overlooked because of their tacky past. Today’s market provides an exceptional array of various styles of torches that will suit your own personal style. 3. Think overhead lighting. Consider hanging a pot rack from the ceiling and add an array of candles to create a beautiful statement.
Avignon light string, $64, restorationhardware.com
Dining 1. Instead of purchasing a matching outdoor set of furniture, go for a layered look to add personality and interest to your space. 2. Think thrifty. Craigslist and Goodwill are affordable options that will most likely have something to suit every style. Echo Beach dining table,
3. Contrast your dining table with comfortable chairs, benches or both to create visual interest.
$429.99, pier1.com
4. Consider finishes that are outdoor-safe.
Preserve and Protect 1. Preserve your coveted furniture pieces from the sun by placing them under a covered patio with luxurious outdoor fabric drapes. 2. Increase the life expectancy of your wood pieces by applying a layer of latex paint for a refreshing look that both protects and beautifully exhibits your curated pieces. 3. Store outdoor throw pillows and cushions in a safe area such as an outdoor bench that also doubles as a storage unit.
austinwomanmagazine.com |  51
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GOURMET
Addicted to Peaches
Recipes for those who cannot get enough of this luscious and healthy fruit. When I was growing up in Georgia, early summer was one of my most anticipated seasons. It meant summer vacation and lazy, hot days by the pool. But most of all, summer meant peach season. I admit it: Not only am I addicted to peaches, but I am somewhat of a peach snob, meaning that when I moved to Texas, I was cynical as to whether the Texas peaches could measure up to the famed Georgia peaches. Much to my delight, Texas peaches not only hold their own, but they are also grown in abundance throughout the Hill Country, just a short drive from Austin. Nearby Gillespie County alone produces about 40 percent of the entire Texas peach crop and plays host to the annual Stonewall Peach Jamboree and Rodeo, which takes place the third weekend in June. Whether you are looking for pre-picked or pick-your-own peaches, nothing can satisfy your craving like a drive down the Peach Blossom Trail (texaspeaches.com/trail.html). With peaches being a good source of vitamins A, B and C, I say give in to your addiction. Bring home a bushel and start cooking. And no family could be better equipped to provide recipes and expert advice on all things peaches than the Masumoto family. Our thanks to them for allowing Austin Woman to exclusively excerpt their latest cookbook, The Perfect Peach. — Deborah Hamilton-Lynne austinwomanmagazine.com |  53
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Summer Sangria
Serves: Six
“When peaches are in season, we use them every way we can. The beauty of sangria is that if you have peaches, you can use them in several forms—slices, nectar, brandy—or not. You do not need to start with expensive wine; you just want something that will provide a solid base for the combination of flavors. I personally like a drier white like a sauvignon blanc for this recipe. The secret to good sangria is to make it in the morning or the day before so that the fruit has enough time to soak and meld with the other flavors. This adult beverage is a great way to enjoy the best of summer with family or friends, especially as the sun sets.” — Excerpt from The Perfect Peach Ingredients: 1/2 orange, sliced 1/2 lemon, sliced 1 lime, sliced Juice of 1/2 orange Juice of 1/2 lemon 1 750-milliliter bottle white wine (sauvignon blanc, riesling, pinot grigio or chardonnay) 1/2 cup simple syrup or peach nectar 1/4 cup brandy or peach-infused brandy 1 peach with give, halved, pitted and thinly sliced 1/2 cup berries (raspberries, boysenberries or sliced strawberries)
Directions: Place the orange, lemon and lime slices in the bottom of a large pitcher and mash gently with a long wooden spoon to release some of the juice. Add the orange and lemon juices, wine and brandy, and stir gently to mix. Add the peach slices and berries. Cover and refrigerate for up to one day so flavors meld. Pour into tall glasses or wineglasses, spooning the fruit into the glasses, and serve.
Peach Gazpacho
Serves: Six to eight
“Inspiration occasionally manifests itself in a mad scientist sort of fashion. This recipe is proof of that. I locked myself in the kitchen with a basket of vegetables from the refrigerator and a bucket of peaches until I came up with an exciting peach dish. With wild determination and some heat, a peach version of Spain’s popular summer soup was born. I remember when my mom came home that day and I rushed out to greet her with a huge spoonful of my recent creation. A willing tester, my mom lit up with her first gulp. The experiment worked! Enjoy this savory soup ice-cold as a starter or as a refresher between courses.” — Excerpt from The Perfect Peach Ingredients: 6 soft to gushy peaches (about 2 1/2 pounds), peeled, pitted and quartered 1/2 cucumber, peeled, seeded and cut into chunks 1 small clove garlic, minced 1 tablespoon Champagne or golden balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 1/2 to 3/4 cup water 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or flat-leaf parsley, coarsely chopped Red bell pepper slices and avocado slices, for garnish (optional) Directions: In a food processor, combine the peaches, cucumber, garlic, vinegar, oil, salt, pepper and 1/2 cup water, and pulse until coarsely pureed. Thin with the remaining 1/4 cup water if needed for a good consistency. Transfer to a bowl, cover and refrigerate for at least two hours to chill thoroughly. Just before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning with more vinegar, salt and pepper, if needed. Stir in the cilantro. Ladle into bowls, drizzle each serving with a little oil and garnish with the bell pepper and avocado. Serve at once. Recipes reprinted with permission from The Perfect Peach: Recipes and Stories from the Masumoto Farm by Marcy Nikiko and David Mas Masumoto, copyright 2013. Published by Ten Speed Press, a division of Penguin Random House Inc. Photography (c) 2013 by Staci Valentin.
54 | Austin Woman | june 2015
Shaking Beef With Peaches
Serves: Four
“This Asian-Californian fusion recipe was inspired by our friend Mai Pham. Mai owns and operates Lemon Grass Restaurant in Sacramento, California, which specializes in Vietnamese cuisine, and draws on her childhood roots in Vietnam and Thailand. We partnered with Mai to host a dinner titled Peaches at Lemon Grass, where she first introduced us to Shaking Beef With Peaches. This recipe is our version, a humble offering in homage to our friendship with Mai. For the bed of greens, you may use a spring mix or other baby lettuces. Or, if you would like a peppery bite, use arugula. Serve this dish with stir-fried vegetables and your favorite rice for a refreshing summer meal. In our household, Mas likes Japanese short-grain white rice, I like short-grain brown rice and Nikiko and Korio like a combination of both!” — Excerpt from The Perfect Peach Ingredients: Beef and marinade 12 ounces boneless beef sirloin or better grade steak, cut across the grain into bite-size pieces 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper Salad 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon light soy sauce 1 tablespoon sugar 1/2 jalapeño chili, seeded and diced, or 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 3 cups (about 2 ounces) organic mixed greens, torn into bite-size pieces Directions: To marinate the beef, in a bowl, combine the beef, oyster sauce, garlic, sugar and pepper, and toss to coat the meat evenly. Let the meat rest for 20 minutes. To make the salad, first make the vinaigrette. In a small bowl, stir together the lime juice, vinegar, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar and chili until the sugar dissolves. Set aside to allow the flavors to blend while you work on preparing the remainder of the recipe. (The vinaigrette can be made up to a day in advance, if desired.) Ready the greens and arrange them in a bed on a platter. To cook the beef, heat the oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. If you are working on a gas burner, add the beef to the pan all at once and stir-fry or shake for three to four minutes, until nicely browned. If you are using an electric burner, cook the beef in two batches to maintain a high temperature in the pan and minimize the accumulation of juices. If excess juice forms, remove the beef and leave the pan on the burner for a short time to evaporate it. When the meat is ready, turn off the heat and add peaches, onion slices and basil. Toss to mix with the meat. Arrange the beef mixture on the greens and drizzle the dish with vinaigrette. Serve immediately. Cook’s note: You’ll find the fish sauce and oyster sauce in the Asian section of your supermarket or in an Asian specialty store. You may also substitute fresh mint for basil.
PEACH MELBA
Serves: Four to six
“The week before I started college at UC Berkeley, I was fortunate to spend two days helping out in the pastry kitchen at Chez Panisse. We had been shipping our peaches to the restaurant for years, and I had only gotten to visit once. It was amazing to experience this other side of the food world. Of course, I was also nervous and I think it showed. In less than 16 hours of work, I burned a tray of cookies and tripped down a flight of stairs as I was carrying hand-carved chocolate shavings of the best chocolate I had ever tasted in my life. Despite my mishaps, Alan Tangren, the then head pastry chef, shared his kitchen with great kindness and generosity. He taught me some guidelines on how to pick out the ripest berries (blackberries, boysenberries, raspberries). He told me to look really closely and focus on the tiny spheres that make up a single berry. The ones with the most intense flavor have a dull look rather than a shiny veneer. These ripe berries also look taut and ready to explode. Because this recipe has so few ingredients, it’s critical that every element be at its best. But if fresh raspberries are unavailable, frozen ones can be substituted. Serve with gingersnaps for some nice added crunch.” — Excerpt from The Perfect Peach Ingredients: 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar
2 soft peaches, peeled, halved, pitted and sliced
1 tablespoon pure lemon extract
1 pint vanilla bean ice cream
1 cup fresh ripe or thawed frozen raspberries
Gingersnaps, for serving (optional) Directions: In a food processor, combine the raspberries, sugar and lemon extract, and pulse until the raspberries are liquefied and sugar has dissolved. Pass the raspberry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve placed over a bowl, pushing it through with the back of a spoon. You will end up with a silky raspberry sauce. The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Scoop the ice cream into individual serving bowls and add a few peach slices to each serving. Drizzle about 1 tablespoon raspberry sauce over each bowl. Serve at once. Cook’s note: You can buy lemon extract, of course, but it is easy to make at home. Using a vegetable peeler, remove long, narrow curls of lemon zest from one or more lemons. Put the curls in a jar or bottle, add vodka to cover, cap the container and leave to infuse in a cool spot. The longer the mixture sits and the higher the ratio of lemon zest to vodka, the stronger the lemon flavor will be. We start with zest strips from one lemon and 3/4 cup of vodka and let it stand for two weeks.
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Your Sexual Health
What you need to know at any age. By Jill Case What is sexual health? According to the World Health Organization, it is “a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled.” Women of all ages are sexual beings, and Austin Woman talked with Dr. Karen Swenson to find out what some of the important sexual health issues are for women at every age.
Young Women (Late Teens and 20s) One issue for young women when they are becoming sexually active is knowing what to expect. “Sex should be an enjoyable part of their life. They shouldn’t just be having sex to satisfy their partner,” Swenson says. “They should be learning to be self-satisfied and also to be satisfied in a sexual relationship. It’s not something that happens immediately; it takes practice, knowing your body and learning to experiment a little bit.” She also wants young women to understand when they need to talk to a doctor about intercourse. “Intercourse can hurt initially, but it shouldn’t be something that hurts the whole time you’re having intercourse,” Swenson says. “If it’s repetitively painful, it needs to be evaluated.”
Childbearing Years When life is dominated by pregnancy, childbirth and life with small children, women may experience many different emotions. Women who are breastfeeding, for example, usually enjoy it, but they may be fatigued by all the touching and not as interested in having sex with their partner. Women should talk to their partners and talk to their physician to look for solutions. Women who have young children may also be tired and lose interest in sex. Swenson suggests couples put sex on their schedules, but she says if women are still not enjoying sex, they need to talk with a doctor. “I think it’s really important to look at your relationship and make sure you feel centered because when there are relationship issues,” Swenson says, “it’s not uncommon to have sexual manifestations in the relationship.”
The 40s Swenson says a woman’s 40s are an “unpredictable time of women’s lives, hormonally.” These are the years when ovulation becomes less effective and estrogen levels start to decline. Despite declining hormones, women shouldn’t assume they can stop using birth control. “You need birth control until you stop menstruating for at least one year,” Swenson says. A physician can do a blood test to check women’s FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) levels to definitively diagnose menopause and determine with certainty when a woman no longer needs to use birth control.
The 50s The majority of women go through menopause during this decade. Oftentimes, about two to three years after menopause, Swenson sees women coming in with complaints about pain during intercourse and 56 | Austin Woman | june 2015
decreased sexual responsiveness. Swenson notes women need to seek treatment as soon as they begin to experience these symptoms. “Some people try to tolerate the pain, and it becomes completely unbearable. Then, not only has the tissue become thinner and thinner, but they also enter into a pain cycle,” she says. These women benefit from physical therapy. Women who seek treatment early on for thinning vaginal walls due to lack of estrogen may benefit from vaginal estrogen creams and lubricants. Some patients may also benefit from an oral medication called Osphena.
The 60s and Beyond As women age, they may be dealing with medical conditions and medications that can affect their sex lives, and it’s important to talk with a physician about these things, as well as any pain during intercourse. In addition, Swenson notes that men also develop issues with sexual health, and this is the time for couples to talk to each other. “It’s a matter of coordinating both partners and learning to manage sexual issues. A lot of the guys have a hard time when they start seeing their sexual function becoming less consistent,” she says. “This is a time when it’s OK to talk about it, and it’s OK to help your partner get the right kind of help. … I like to try to encourage my patients to remain sexually active into their older years. There is good data that shows that it keeps you healthier.” Dr. Karen Swenson co-founded Women Partners in Health in Austin in 1985. She emphasizes open communication and works with her patients to achieve wellness. For more information, visit wpih.net/about-us/karen-swenson-md.
Protecting Against STDs: Important at Every Age Unless you are involved in a long-term, monogamous relationship, you should always talk with your doctor about protecting yourself against sexually transmitted diseases. At every annual examination, talk with your doctor about whether you need to be screened for diseases like chlamydia, gonorrhea or syphilis, which is on the rise in Texas, according to Dr. Karen Swenson. In addition, women 30 and older are now being screened for HPV as a way to screen for cervical cancer. Your doctor should also talk with you about the importance of using condoms to protect against STDs, no matter what your age.
Sex Therapy: How and Why It May Help You Austin Woman spoke to Sarah Janosik to learn more about sex therapy and what it really involves. “We’re often trying to fight people’s misperceptions of what sex therapy is,” Janosik says. “People see it as a sex surrogacy, but it’s not. We’re a science-based practice. People who are trained to do sex therapy have research-based studies to tell them about the specific sexual dysfunctions, along with the best way to try to resolve them.” Janosik points out that studies show “the best way to treat someone with a sexual dysfunction is to have a multi-disciplinary team that consists of physicians, sex therapists and physical therapists.” At The Relate Center, there are psychotherapists, physical therapists and Pilates instructors who work together to provide patients with comprehensive treatment. The psychotherapists provide sex therapy, as well as talking about any other problems that may be affecting sexuality. “We act like detectives,” Janosik says. “We send you home with some information, some exercises and have you come back in a couple weeks and see how that worked. Then we have people really start to talk about what happens in their body, and about what happens when they communicate with their partner. We’re helping them with this whole area that people tend to not be able to talk about.” Physical therapists have become an important part of treating sexual problems for some patients. “Our physical therapists are trained to understand what the muscles in the pelvic area do, how well they are functioning,” Janosik says, adding that treatment may include anything from learning exercises for the pelvic-floor muscles, to biofeedback, trigger points or different kinds of myofascial release. Those at The Relate Center also believe patients benefit from Pilates. “The idea of Pilates is that when people have gotten disconnected from their bodies, they are working with their physical therapist to learn to use and recognize the pelvic muscles. The next step is to start to do the work on their own,” Janosik explains. “It’s taking it to one more practical step as a way to help people learn.” In addition, Janosik, along with Dr. Karen Swenson and other physicians, therapists, psychotherapists and physical therapists, is part of the Austin Sexual Health Group. According to Janosik, the purpose of this collaboration is to “meet quarterly and talk about new ideas and share referrals so we really start educating ourselves about each other and the community.” As you can see, sex therapy is not just about sex; it’s about connecting with your feelings, your body and your sexuality so you can improve the quality of your life.
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Sarah Janosik is a clinical social worker in private practice and the co-founder of The Relate Center, a professional therapy practice that focuses on mind, body and emotional connection as a foundation for change, resolving issues and living a more satisfying life. For more information, visit relatecenter.com.
Vaginal Dryness Can Be a Problem at any Age Many women don’t talk about it, but vaginal dryness can be a huge problem for women’s sexual health, causing pain during sex. It can be a problem for women who have just given birth, as well as a problem that begins in the 40s, when estrogen levels begin to drop, and it continues to be an issue after menopause. There are several ways to treat vaginal dryness, including using lubricants, vaginal estrogen cream or seeking the services of a physical therapist that specializes in treating the pelvicfloor muscles. No woman should suffer from vaginal dryness in silence. Talk to a physician to find relief.
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Completed Neurology residency training at Harvard University’s Beth Israel-Deaconess Medical Center and at Northwestern University. He also accomplished postdoctoral fellowship training at the John Hopkins Hospital and at the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Robert Van Boven has a special interest in brain plasticity- the neural basis of learning and restoration of function after stroke or traumatic brain injury.
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Yoga for All
Have a Zen summer with one of Austin’s many yoga options. By Daniel Azneer I was greeted with a “namaste” as I entered the yoga studio on a hot Texas summer day. The room was filled with what seemed to be an endless sea of well-seasoned yogis with personalized mats, Lululemon yoga pants and that calmbefore-the-storm type of personality that only comes from years of mastering the contoured positions that would soon follow. I immediately felt nervous, thinking, “Will I be able to keep up? Can they tell this is my first class?”
After countless chaturangas, downward-facing dogs, sun salutations, warrior and triangle poses, and my favorite—child’s pose—my hour-long class was done and I had completely forgotten about those initial nerves. I felt centered. I walked back onto the now seemingly calmer street, and was ready to go back the next day. Austin is a yoga hotspot and there is truly a class for everyone. And when I say everyone, I mean it. There’s prenatal yoga, post-natal yoga, senior yoga, yoga for kids, yoga for teens, yoga for the family and even yoga for your dog. Here’s info on the wide variety of classes to check out this summer:
Furry Friends Yoga Do you need a yoga partner but don’t know who to bring? Austin Doga is a fun way for those looking to share their yoga habit with their canine companions. Doga is traditional yoga with your dog by your side. According to Nicole Vykoukal, owner of Austin Doga, this practice acts as bonding time with your dog, increases the mindbody-spirit connection between you and your dog, improves your physical and mental well-being and encourages relaxation for you and your dog. austindoga.com
Best Yoga for All
Extreme Yoga
Senior Yoga
Dharma Yoga offers classes in all disciplines of yoga, great for beginners or master yogis. The donation-based studio has locations in West Campus and on the Eastside that offer 50 classes a week. The studio focuses on relaxation and mindfulness through hatha yoga, all through the perspective of Buddhism. dharma-yoga.net
For those who are serious about yoga, CorePower is for you. It’s a class that mixes yoga poses with classic strength conditioning. Don’t be fooled; CorePower is for serious yogis that need to take their discipline to the next level. CorePower offers classic yoga with strength training, and boot camp for those trying to get in top shape. If you’re up for a class that will kick your butt, the intensity found at CorePower will be right up your alley. corepoweryoga.com
If you think yoga is only for the young, think again. Yoga is not only for all ages, but all shapes and sizes too. Yoga improves strength and flexibility, which makes it a great activity for those in their golden years. Stretch, breathe and focus on making healthy living part of your lifestyle. The Austin YMCA offers Senior Yoga classes every week. austinymca.org
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Yoga for Mom and Baby Yoga is a great way to bond with your baby before and after she is born. Yoga Yoga offers classes designed for pregnant women and new mothers. The focus of prenatal yoga is simple: to strengthen muscles and flexibility needed during birth, and it also acts as a cultivating and supportive environment for expectant mothers. But yoga doesn’t need to end after pregnancy. Yoga Yoga’s post-natal yoga classes are a great way for new mothers to regain strength in the back, neck and pelvic floor, all while creating a safe place to practice yoga with their child. Yoga Yoga offers classes for mothers of all ages. With classes for children from toddler age to 12 years old, Yoga Yoga allows you to share the dynamic practices of yoga with your kid for years to come. yogayoga.com
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Yoga for Little Ones Summer is when the kids are out of school, and you need to find ways to fill their day with activities. Why not yoga? Yoga teaches healthy habits, inner fulfillment and relaxation that helps navigate life with a little more ease. The Little Yoga House offers daily classes, parties and summer camp. The camp lasts a week, and each week has special themes like Eastern and Western Zodiacs and Ocean Safari to appeal to every child interested in yoga. thelittleyogahouse.com
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Isabella Rose Taylor The fashion designer and artist on inspiration, entrepreneurship and dreaming big. By Rachel Merriman Photos by Annie Ray
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Isabella Rose Taylor’s parents call her Bella, for short, a name derived from the word for “beautiful” in Italian and Latin. It’s a fitting nickname for the young artist and fashion designer who has been drawn to creating beautiful things for as long as she can remember. “One of my art teachers always said, ‘Your painting should be something you want to see.’ Art, for me, is creating things that I want to exist in the world. I believe in creating something that’s just beautiful to look at, not necessarily because of a certain meaning,” Taylor says. Taylor completed her first painting at just 3 years old, and had her first show at a local gallery when she was 10. In the time between her first painting and her first show, she experimented with many different styles to find the bold, abstract style she currently works in. “There was a certain freedom to doing one painting in one style, then trying something completely different just to try it,” Taylor says. “I really explored a lot, and I think that’s how I found my voice and what I like because I tried so many things. Of course, I didn’t like everything I did, but it narrowed down my taste. My style is still evolving and I’m still trying new things, but it’s more cohesive than it used to be.” Taylor, 14, made the jump from art to fashion design when she became interested in incorporating textiles into her art and attended a summer sewing camp to learn how to sew. Although fashion was something she already liked, Taylor’s artistic talent naturally lent itself to fashion design, and her love for sewing grew as she learned to pattern and construct her own pieces. “Because it was all about color, texture, shape and form, it really felt Isabella Rose Taylor’s art, created from ages 6 to 10.
like the same thing,” Taylor notes. Taylor began sewing for herself and friends at first, then created her first collection the following summer and began selling her clothes online and at pop-up trunk shows. After that, things began moving quickly: At 11, Taylor put on her first runway show at Austin Fashion Week, and two years later, she debuted a fall clothing collection for Nordstrom. Last September, Taylor achieved something most fashion designers only dream of doing: She showed her Spring 2015 collection at New York Fashion Week. “I was very nervous, especially since there had been a mishap with the clothing being dyed the wrong color, so it was reworked the day before, actually. That sort of added to the nerves of hoping that everything still worked and everyone would still like the collection,” Taylor says. “That was very nerve-racking. But I got a great response, which was really exciting.” Taylor describes the theme for her Spring 2015 collection as “rainy days and colorful beginnings.” The collection features relaxed graphic Ts and neutral staples juxtaposed with statement pieces that incorporate Taylor’s art, such as a dreamy blue dress with splashy abstract paint, and a miniskirt with a bold hand-drawn floral print. It’s casual and fun, yet modern and trendy. “My favorite part of fashion is developing my own textiles and making my own prints. I love incorporating my art in the textiles,” Taylor says. “I either draw or paint my own textiles, or take an existing painting and manipulate it to transform it into a textile. It’s a lot of fun.” Each piece of clothing in the line strikes a balance between girly and
edgy, which Taylor says reflects her personal style. “I have a similar style, a very street, urban, city, chick vibe. In a sense, it is pieces that are missing from my wardrobe. It’s important that the line is cohesive and sellable, but my personal style is in each of the pieces,” Taylor says. During the design process, Taylor often creates a fictional girl to design for to keep her collection focused. “This girl ideally wants to look cool but effortless, like she never tries too hard. Her makeup is more of a fresh-faced look,” Taylor says. “Even more specifically, I think about what she likes to eat or what she’s interested in. Making it more specific is helpful to me when I’m designing; it gives it more clarity.” That she’s quickly risen to her level of success is bound to have some associated challenges, and when asked about the most challenging moment in her career so far, Taylor notes that jumping from producing on a small scale to having her clothes carried by a big retailer like Nordstrom was “definitely a learning process.” And on the creative side, roadblocks do happen, but she has sage advice on how to get through them. “The best way I’ve found to work through it is just to distance myself for a little bit, or go take in some information and inspiration until something clicks, then run with it,” Taylor says. “I feel like if I put too much pressure, then it just never happens. I either have to try to find inspiration or take a break and come back with fresh eyes. “I’m definitely my harshest critic. I always have that little voice in my head saying it could be better. Something from art I apply to a lot of
different things is if it’s resolved, it’s finished. It doesn’t have to be the way you saw it in your head; just make sure it’s resolved. Otherwise, I would still be on my first collection, still tweaking. It’s important to compromise with yourself a little bit.” In addition to growing her business, designing and pitching to retailers, creating art, doing schoolwork and traveling, Taylor takes the time to share her story and advice at panels hosted by organizations such as Girl Up and TEDx. “Public speaking is not something I ever thought I would be doing, but it’s been really great. I get to share my story and my ideas, and I’ve met a lot of great people,” Taylor says. “I really just hope I inspire one person a little bit. That’s sort of my goal. I’ve had so many people that have been mentors and inspiration to me, so whatever I can do to be helpful to anyone is really important to me.” Named one of Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business just last month, it’s clear that Taylor’s career is still climbing to new heights. For the immediate future, Taylor will finish her associate degree in fine arts and continue creating art and fashion, but she also has some bigger dreams on the horizon. “Something I really believe in is that your greatest limitation is what you believe you can do. I’ve always dreamed big,” Taylor says. “My big, wild dream is to be a big, global lifestyle brand because why not? I’ll dream as big as I can.” Isabella Rose Taylor’s Spring 2015 line is currently available at Nordstrom. For more information, visit isabellarosetaylor.com.
Isabella Rose Taylor’s Spring 2015 Collection “This season’s print and pattern inspiration came to fruition from one of my abstract paintings. I took this painting and transformed it into my fabric. Drawing from this color palette, I also created my floral design and used it as a jumping-off point for my color story throughout this collection. The collection is a typical spring story with rainy days and colorful beginnings.” “I drew the floral pattern and then splashed color on the flowers loosely. My inspiration for these pieces was versatility. I sometimes like to mix these pieces or wear them together.”
“This T is literally a spring doodle!” “Sometimes you want to have that go-to item that you can literally throw on and run out the door. This dress is that piece.”
“Jogger-pant style is really in right now, and I wanted to make a pair that had a great fit and were super soft and comfy.”
“Those rainy, cloudy days in spring were the inspiration for this little halter top.”
“I wanted to design a dress that was a little sportier but fit within the context of the collection.” “My high-waisted skirt was designed to work with the other pieces in my collection. I used the black and white checker as my anchor in the collection. I like the way it mixes with the floral print or just worn with the halter.”
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“I wanted to design a casual, cute dress with plenty of pocket space. This is a perfect summer dress with lots of storage.”
“This dress was directly inspired by one of my abstract paintings, which I used as the textile for this garment. I love the colors for spring and this is definitely more of a statement piece.”
Young Women to Watch Keep your eyes peeled for these three young women looking toward the horizon and moving in the direction of their dreams. By Alison Stoos | Photos by Annie Ray The 2015 Young Women to Watch are indeed young. All younger than 18, these ladies are smart and passionate, possessing a grace and wisdom far beyond their years. While they differ in their poten-
tial career directions, what they have in common is the drive to make the world a little kinder. It is this compassion that sets them apart and shines a light on their already bright futures.
The Humanitarian During the past five years, 17-year-old Saima Khan has made a lasting impact on the Austin community. She is the president of Renaissance Academy’s Student Council, worked with the Bureau of Educational Services for the Blind and recently represented her school at the Blue Sky Luncheon organized by A Legacy of Giving, an Austin-based education and service-learning program. As the leader of her student body, Khan is goaloriented and passionate about benevolence. Last year, she headed a project to aid Syrian refugees. “We had all been watching the news and saw the plight in Syria,” she says. “The civilians were the people that were most affected. I think one in every three Syrians was a child.” A series of quickly implemented fundraising efforts later, Khan and her Student Council team raised more than $2,000 in relief aid to send overseas. A Muslim and first-generation American, Khan says she has faced her fair share of adversity. “It’s not that I’ve been ostracized really, but I’ve always had that feeling of ‘Oh, I’m different from other people,’ and really it shouldn’t happen because I’m an American,” she notes. It is this awareness that has helped shape her activism and influenced her drive. “I got to thinking [that] with all of the problems going on today, especially between religions, we don’t really realize that before we’re Muslims, Christians, Buddhists and Jews, we’re all human,” she says. “I think people need to understand that to appreciate diversity.” Khan’s passion to make the world a better one is apparent in everything she does. Her love of reading led her to volunteer with the Bureau of Educational Services for the Blind, transcribing books to give access to blind and visually impaired children. Along with organizing a Nepal fundraising effort, tackling the SATs and expanding her hobbies to include skateboarding, Khan has dreams of combining her love of philanthropy with medical goals. “I want to become a doctor, hopefully, [and] it’s kind of been a lifelong dream to go overseas and help out,” she says. “What’s the point of going through all the years of [medical] training if I can’t help the people that are most desperate? That’s always been my mentality.” austinwomanmagazine.com | 63
The Storyteller It was a roll of the dice that landed high-school junior Victoria Mycue in her first journalism class. Going into her freshman year at Austin’s Liberal Arts and Science Academy, her elective choices were limited. “We have so many signature courses that are required and only one elective,” she says. “In middle school, I liked writing a lot and wanted to do something with [it], so my first choice was newspaper, then theater and other ones.” As fate would have it, Mycue ended up in the editorial world, and she has yet to look back. Although she admits being wide-eyed at first when it came to reporting (“I didn’t really know what journalism was,” she says. “I just thought, ‘Oh, newspaper. Writing!’ ”), Mycue quickly developed a love for storytelling. “At first, when I started [doing interviews], my editors would give me questions and I would be kind of scared, but then I realized that I loved talking to these people because they’re really interesting,” she admits. “I love getting to know people and then writing stories about them.” Although her favorite pieces vary as she works on new articles, the ones tackling social change and activism stay close to her heart. Having recently covered a peer’s volunteer work at local nonprofit GENaustin, Mycue is even more passionate to tell “the untold stories.” To add to her growing collection of writing accolades that include the 2013 Award for Excellence in News Design at the Interscholastic League Press Conference Summer Publications Workshop, the 2015 Southwest Region-at-Large Scholastic Writing Award for Flash Fiction, and the 2015 Southwest Region-at-Large Scholastic Writing Award for Poetry, Mycue is set to join the Austin Woman team this summer as an editorial intern. She’ll be the first high-school student ever to do so. When asked about college plans, this exuberant 17-year-old is driven and innovative. “I feel like more people read online and watch videos and documentaries. I love documentaries and I feel like that kind of journalism could be something in my future,” she says. “I want to get [involved] in different ways to tell other people’s stories. I think that’s really interesting.” And when asked how her plans might have changed had she gotten theater as her elective, she laughs. “I don’t know. I don’t know,” she sighs. “It would have been a different world.”
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The Entertainer Thirteen-year-old Madison McWilliams knew she wanted to be a singer long before most kids learn the alphabet: in preschool. “My teacher liked my voice, and she worked with me after school,” she says. “Since then, I’ve always loved music.” Armed with this passion, McWilliams saw her young musical career continue to grow, eventually landing her the lead role of Annie in a Zach Scott production when she was 11. Despite the theatrical success, McWilliams knew her true career would take a more personal route. “I love musical theater. Don’t get me wrong,” she clarifies. “But the thing I really like about pop music is that I’m not trying to pretend to be another character or someone I’m not.” Now with two professional music videos launched on her YouTube page, a summer tour planned in the upcoming months and an opportunity to perform at Disney World in September, McWilliams is primed for success. With a successful launch at such a young age comes great responsibility, something the self-aware teen remains cautious of. McWilliams insists on staying true to herself, closely managing her social-media avenues and working hands-on in both the songwriting process and music-video development. When she collaborates on her songs, she is vocal about what she does and does not like. “I change some lyrics and [even] the overall feel of some songs because I really want my music to be my own,” she says. Authenticity is McWilliams’ ultimate goal, along with ultimately changing the world for the better. “I really want my music to have a positive vibe,” she says, “make people forget about the bad things in their lives and focus on the good.” And if, for some reason, she has to leave the entertainment world behind, this driven teen is heading to the Capitol. “I love politics because I come from a political family,” she says. “I really want to make a difference in whatever I do.” For more on Madison McWilliams, visit madisonmcwilliams.com.
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Timeless Style Fashion for any age or occasion. Photos by Rudy Arocha Styled and modeled by Ashley Hargrove In a world of ever-evolving wardrobe trends, a common thread remains: Classic fashion never goes out of style. For the Austin Woman Ageless issue, we talked with four bloggers and four stylists from Austin to gauge their thoughts on timeless fashion, how personal identity is achieved through clothing and what it means to have style at any age.
“Great style is ageless. It’s an attitude. It’s that moment when what you wear is perfectly in sync with who you are.” Carla McDonald, blogger, The Salonniere
A knee-length skirt is appropriate for any age; it’s not too long and not too short. Pair it with a flowing blouse and blazer, and you’re ready to hit the town. Spice it up with fun accessories like this blue bag or color-block shoes. Milly cotton stripe tie midi skirt, $295; Equipment sleeveless Adalyn white button-down, $188; Vince Gaudin color-block sandal, $395; Prada Saffiano Lux handbag, $1,850, available at Neiman Marcus, 3400 Palm Way, 512.719.1200, neimanmarcus.com; gold bangle cuff, $60, available at Julian Gold, 1214 W. Sixth St., 512.473.2493, juliangold.com.
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“Clothing is not just an item of materialism; it’s a sense of feeling, a sense of expression and a sense of curation and confidence.” Jessi Afshin, blogger, The Darling Detail
“Embrace color and wear it often!” Allison Taylor-Moseley, personal stylist and jewelry designer
This timeless and classic color dress works well for any age and any skin tone. Don’t like sleeveless? Throw a cropped cardigan on for comfort and style. Lela Rose raised-seam scuba dress, $1,295; Giorgio Armani cardigan, $595, available at Neiman Marcus, 3400 Palm Way, 512.719.1200, neimanmarcus.com.
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“Always invest in a tailor. Great-fitting yet comfortable clothes will make all the difference in the world.” Ashley Hargrove, wardrobe stylist
“Wear your heart on your sleeve. If you love the way something makes you look and feel then try not to second-guess it. Don’t get too caught up in trends. Wear what makes you happy.” Shelley Neuman, blogger, ATX Street Style
“Stick to colors that work for your skin tone and cuts that flatter your body shape. Look for simple, clean silhouettes that have unique but tasteful details. Classic style is about letting you shine through, not the clothes.” Allison Taylor-Moseley, personal stylist and jewelry designer
“I love seeing older women who are wearing funky prints, bright colors or accessorizing with unique glasses. Just because you are not of a youthful age does not mean you can’t be a trendsetter.” Joanna Wilkinson, blogger, Keep Austin Stylish
Wide-legged pants and a pop of color are always classics. Not only do they work with every body type, you can wear this look at any age. High-waisted pants are slimming and elongate legs, so you appear taller. Alice & Olivia white wide-leg pants, $295; Diane von Furstenberg Davi Eden garden yellow blouse, $298; Vince Gaudin color-block sandal, $395; Chanel J12 white watch with pink sapphires, price upon request, available at Neiman Marcus, 3400 Palm Way, 512.719.1200, neimanmarcus.com.
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Inspired Style: Books for Your Inner Fashionista
I’ll Drink to That: A Life in Style, With a Twist Betty Halbreich (2014) After more than 40 years as the legendary personal shopper at Bergdorf Goodman, 86-year-old Betty Halbreich shares personal accounts of working with socialites, celebrities and the everyday woman. Known for giving clients the best advice for their body types and personal styles rather than trying to make a sale, she continues to help women discover their true selves through her unique perspective, frankness and wisdom. 365 Style Nicky Hilton (2014) If you have preconceived notions of the Hilton sisters with a negative connotation, disregard immediately. Designer Nicky Hilton is a style icon and imparts her knowledge of the fashion industry in this guide to help readers discover their personal style. Despite her wealthy upbringing, Hilton maintains a less-is-more attitude and advises readers on how to look like a million bucks— without breaking the bank.
The Woman I Wanted to Be Diane von Furstenberg (2014) As a fashion designer, philanthropist, wife, mother and grandmother, Diane von Furstenberg reflects on the influential life she’s led. Describing herself as “the kind of woman who is independent and who doesn’t rely on a man to pay her bills,” Furstenberg discusses the steps and advice she’s taken to become the powerhouse she is today while also offering a section on the business of fashion. Women in Clothes Sheila Heti, Heidi Julavits, Leanne Shapton and 639 others (2014) Hundreds of women spanning a variety of nationalities, careers, religions, sexualities and ages contribute to this collection of stories, all focused on clothing and how it self-defines. Featured interviews include those with young girls, older women, famous women (Kim Gordon, Lena Dunham), trans women, designers, choreographers, artists and garment workers. With photographs, drawings and visual exercises, Women in Clothes is a comprehensive take on women and their personal relationships with beauty and style.
The Lost Art of Dress: The Women Who Once Made America Stylish Linda Przybyszewski (2014) Historian and dressmaker Linda Przybyszewski takes a critical look at today’s fashion and our haste to rush into new fads and trends quickly disregarded as soon as the season’s done. Przybyszewski takes a historical approach in this book, and readers will take away a better understanding on how to dress professionally and flatteringly, and achieve a style of quality versus quantity that will transcend the ages. The Little Book of Chanel Emma Baxter-Wright (2013) In this beautiful compilation of Coco Chanel’s designs, photography and runway looks, readers experience the legendary designer’s evolution from her underprivileged upbringing to the days of fame and fortune. Highlighting the renowned fashionista’s revolution through her liberating inventions in sportswear and jersey, iconic suit and little black dress, The Little Book of Chanel is a must-read for anyone with an appreciation and flair for style.
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“Keep it simple; don’t overthink your style. Be elegantly classic. I recommend tailored shapes and adding interest with key investment pieces such as handbags, jewelry and jackets. Mix classics with some newer, contemporary pieces.” Ashley Hargrove, wardrobe stylist
“What you wear has the power, like it or not, to tell the world who you are. I think dressing your age can be somewhat confusing and limiting, but if you are always on the lookout for what makes you light up when you put it on, you can’t go too far in the wrong direction. Confidence is timeless.” Laurel Kinney, personal stylist
“If a trend fits into your aesthetic then you should embrace it, but don’t ever force it.” Joanna Wilkinson, blogger, Keep Austin Stylish
Linen is a staple for anyone. And it’s breathable and light. Who doesn’t love wearing linen in the summer? Level 99 Jasmine drawstring jogger linen pants, $102; Bella Dahl white linen shirt, $136; Hobo Lauren champagne leather clutch, $110, available at PerriBerri, 2805 Bee Caves Road, 512.478.3785; Taylor-Moseley doublehammered bar necklace, $129, available at taylormoseley.com.
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“The shift dress works for just about everyone, depending on the neckline, seam placement, sleeves and length. Dress it up or down. Accessorize it any way you like. Overall, it’s a versatile garment for women of any age or size.” Thea Wood, personal stylist
“When I think ‘style at any age,’ I immediately think Coco Chanel. She’s the epitome of a timeless fashion icon, as her elegance, style and classic demeanor continue to inspire timeless designs, to this day. Her work as a designer has allowed women of any age (and many generations) to step into a pair of heels that will last a lifetime, or tote around a classic purse that will never go out of style. Coco Chanel created class, sophistication and ultimately became the first real role model in fashion as a timeless woman.”
“Knowing the silhouettes that work best for your body type is important, but enduring style comes from dressing in a way that is a natural extension of who you are, your attitude and your outlook on life.” Carla McDonald, blogger, The Salonniere
Jessi Afshin, blogger, The Darling Detail
Chanel grained calfskin shopping bag, $5,500, available at chanel.com.
For more information from the Austin stylists and bloggers featured in this article, visit: Ashley Hargrove: dtkaustinstyling.com Thea Wood: theawood.com Carla McDonald: thesalonniere.com Jessi Afshin: thedarlingdetail.com
This tweed set is one of the easiest looks for any age. It hides bra lines, isn’t skintight and has a high neckline to add a touch of conservatism. Pair it with a blazer or jacket.
Joanna Wilkinson: keepaustinstylish.com Allison Taylor-Moseley: taylormoseley.com Laurel Kinney: laurelkinney.com Shelley Neuman: atxstreetstyle.com
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Walking in
High Cotton Baby boomers are creating successful and satisfying second acts. Pam Ferguson is the owner of High Cotton, an antique shop in Bastrop’s historic downtown. She runs it with her husband, Frank Ferguson. Down the street, you’ll find historic shop houses, brick walls adorned with the Texas star and saloon-styled windows. Many of these spots are locally owned restaurants and boutiques. High Cotton’s colorful interior, homey murals and cheery owners create a stark difference from the quiet weekday fare found on Main Street in Bastrop.
by Rachel Phua Photos by Pu Ying Huang
Inside the boutique, you’ll find affordable, refurbished home décor. Frank Ferguson makes several of these pieces, creatively repurposing an old organ by turning it into a bar, for instance. He has a wood shop at the back of the store, where several other pieces are in the making. These pieces are also their most popular, says Pam Ferguson, especially because they are “made here in Bastrop.” Other items in the shop have personal ties to the Fergusons. Framed photographs taken by Pam Ferguson herself, and shirts with slogans about chickens and spitting—what the small town is known for, oddly enough—were ideas from the Fergusons’ children. The couple previously owned a similar business with a consignment-based model, in 1983, when they first got married, but had to close it down because of the recession. The couple went back to 9-to-5 jobs. After retiring, they thought about opening an antique shop again. It took a couple of years more than expected, as Frank Ferguson was diagnosed with cancer after retiring in 2004. “I was still working, and he was going through treatment. It really makes you step back and re-evaluate your life. [We asked,] ‘Have you done all that you wanted?’ ” Pam Ferguson says. The answer materialized in High Cotton, which opened on Mother’s Day 2012. Business
has been brisk and exciting for the owners, who are 56 and 74, respectively, now fully immersed in their second act. “We have people from all over the world, I think primarily due to the [Circuit of the Americas] racetrack they put out there. We’ve had people from New Zealand, Australia, Spain,” Frank Ferguson says. It is the people who visit High Cotton that make running the business a joy for the pair. And the satisfaction they get from their current jobs makes High Cotton successful. “Unlike Wal-Mart or Target, we aren’t ready to shoo you out. We want to know you,” Pam Ferguson says, adding that customer service is what draws people back and has created a loyal following. “We’ve had girls that were pregnant when they first shopped here and started shopping with us, and now they are back with their children, and they let us love on their kids while they shop.” The delight of meeting contented customers has motivated the couple to get hooked on social media. Pam Ferguson scrolls through High Cotton’s Facebook page, where charming photos of customers, young and old, pet and human, stand behind a gigantic photo frame or lick some ice cream. For the Fergusons, this second act may prove to be more satisfying than the first. For more information on High Cotton, visit highcottontx1.com.
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Unemployment Among
Older Individuals Pam and Frank Ferguson are just two of many that have returned to work after retiring. Last year, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released a report stating from 1992 to 2002, the number of those age 55 and older and in the labor force increased from 11.8 percent to 14.3 percent. In 2012, their share rose to 20.9 percent and is currently predicted to grow to 25.6 percent by 2022. Some return to the job market to pursue passions they never had the opportunity to try. But for many others, shrinking pension funds, early layoffs and a lack of retirement savings have forced middle-aged and elderly individuals to send off hundreds of resume copies, but barely any receive replies. Even though the BLS recorded that the unemployment rate for individuals 55 and older dropped from 4.7 percent in March 2014 to 3.9 percent in March 2015, the age group, when unemployed, is also more likely to remain unemployed for a longer time. But like many retirees, the Fergusons bring years of experience into managing High Cotton. Frank Ferguson’s job as an area manager for Moore Business Forms, acquired by RR Donnelley & Sons Company, meant he was in charge of “14 states, $4 to $6 million worth of equipment, 15 to 20 employees at any one time, and working with a profit and loss statement, as we do now.” Pam Ferguson was the office manager for Austin Habitat for Humanity. The Fergusons have to work with new digital technology as well. While Frank Ferguson currently works on the store webpage, which has several store items on display, Pam Ferguson maintains High Cotton’s Facebook page. She also uses Pinterest to look for furniture-refurbishment ideas. Since she hadn’t worked with social media at her previous job, the task has been somewhat challenging. This is just one of the examples of new technological barriers facing those who want to return to the workforce.
74 | Austin Woman | june 2015
Using apps to plan your company’s schedule rather than writing them down can be confusing, as is filing documents in the cloud rather than in cabinets. Younger employees who see these as natural tasks can get impatient with older colleagues. Recently, AARP Inc., previously known as the American Association of Retired Persons, has helped retirees who want to return to work cope with these changes. In 2013, AARP started partnering with community colleges throughout the United States to promote curriculum for retired men and women, and allow them to earn certificates and associate degrees as part of the AARP Back to Work 50+ program. Austin Community College is one of AARP’s newest partners, and is working to specifically target older women, who have fewer retirement resources than men, according to a 2014 AARP report. Earning less income, spending more unpaid time to care for family members and spending more on medical care have led more women than men to have difficulty meeting retirement needs. The ACC Women Economic Stability Initiative will be housed under the college’s ACCelerator program to ensure that classes are tech-centered, especially important in a city known for its startups and tech industry, says Kimya Anthony, one of the program’s coordinators and academic coaches. “[The program] will provide more one-on-one training and the students will be tracked closely,” she explains. The program aims to serve an estimated 280 women through the end of 2017, and award 80 scholarships to those pursuing courses in highdemand fields. “We are accommodating the people who have contributed so much to our society,” Anthony says.
ACCelerator photo courtesy of Austin Community College. Bastrop photo courtesy of the City of Bastrop.
Bastrop In Bastrop itself, business organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Business Alliance have further helped make the Fergusons’ retirement story a hopeful one. “It’s roughly $12,000 a year to put up one billboard [advertising our store] on the highway, and we can’t afford that,” says Pam Ferguson. “So the DBA came up with a collaborative strategy. Each business would put in $1,000 a piece for several billboards. And our DBA, Economic Development Council, Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Program all put in $5,000 a piece. It’ll help to pull traffic off Highway 71 and 95 into this historic downtown area.” According to a 2014 report conducted by Bastrop’s Main Street Program, the group has also created a shopping app for Bastrop’s visitors, started a wine-tasting fundraiser and opened a Community Volunteer Center. For the Fergusons, their optimistic spirit carries them through running High Cotton. “Both our dads worked with cotton farms, so that’s where we got the inspiration for the name High Cotton,” Frank Ferguson says. “And the saying goes: When you are doing something you really like to do, you’re walking on high cotton. It’s uplifting.”
The AARP Back to Work 50+ Women’s Economic Stability Initiative at Austin Community College will start this fall. ACC will hold information sessions at the Highland Campus on these dates: Aug. 6, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 11, 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 8, 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 13, 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 10, 1 to 3 p.m. For more information on ACC’s Women’s Economic Stability Initiative, visit austincc. edu/highland-campus/ accelerator.
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memo from jb
When Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
Visions of virtual marriage. By JB Hager, photo by rudy arocha
If it’s a social setting, the wives quickly ditch the husbands and socialize elsewhere. Why did we come to this social event together? Why the concern about my whereabouts? In a virtual world, my location could just be mapped—without misleading me or putting her through the effort of asking. She would just know. I think I’m far better at flirting virtually. I have so much control of the words and no use of my hands. My words seem to win her over with messages of “Looking forward to this weekend,” “Can’t wait to see your beautiful smile” or “This bachelor party is so lame. Would much rather be watching a Meryl Streep movie with you.” If that’s a distinct possibility, I’m thinking it might play in my favor. However, in person, my animal instincts kick in and I do what she Here are my observations based on my 18 years of marriage that might calls “groping” or “heavy breathing,” neither of which seem to win prove virtual marriage is a better thing. her affection. The longer I’m away from my wife, the more she Virtually, I can even use techniques that all women seems to adore me. Given a typical weekend, Friday Studies show that are familiar with: only sharing my flattering angles in afternoon, anything is possible and I can see the the correct lighting at the perfect time of day, or if all verbal communication optimism in her eyes. By the time Sunday evening far exceeds that of text. else fails, just share photos from a decade ago. In the rolls around, she looks at me with the same sort of real world, in real time, I’m subject to my actual, aging, disgust you get at the zoo when you see an orangutan playing with his bloated appearance. own fecal matter. If I were gone, I could only sense that the fantasy that I’m open to the virtual relationship. It might just be the key to our I’m less disgusting would proliferate. marriage lasting another 18 years, if not 50 more. Via text, I always seem to have the right thing to say with the fewest I’m sure there are those of you thinking there is no substitute for words possible. It can be a simple check-in like “Thinking about you,” the closeness, the intimacy of a husband. I’m no dummy. Between “Hope you are having a great day” or “How are you doing?” In person, I Fifty Shades of Grey and double A batteries, I’m sure my wife would tend to muck things up, display excessive grunting, fail to pay attention be fine with the virtual me. or get caught doing faux pregnancy poses with my gut in the mirror. Virtually, I could monitor this behavior. Studies show that verbal communication far exceeds that of text. They say up to 70 percent of communication comes through facial cues and tone. Those things, apparently, do not work in my favor. It’s been pointed out to me that my eyes tend to roll into the back of my head while my wife is speaking. Or sometimes, upon the simplest request, like “Could you zip up your zipper?” I let out an exhausting sigh as if I’ve been asked to turn off my Xbox. Online, there are no eye rolls or sighs. A majority of my daily conversation via text (and back in the day via phone) revolves around the simple phrase “Where are you?” I’ve never understood this because that question always suggested to me that there was a desire for me to be in the same place as her. I later came to realize that if I was home, I was a nuisance.
I’m starting to believe that I might be far better at a virtual relationship than actually interacting with my wife. I’ve never been great in public settings, and the last decade has reinforced that living, breathing relationships might not be necessary. Therefore, I’m starting to wonder if it might be that the wave of the future is marriages that are more virtual, less real. It’s very much a reality we might face. Online relationships seem to work very well for people. It’s when they get in the same room for an extended period that things fall apart.
76 | Austin Woman | june 2015
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mother of the bride
Settling into the Calm Before the Storm
The joys of offering advice via text messaging and connecting through shared experiences and modern technology. By cheryl bemis
“We will work on your mate while you work on I was her sounding board for color and style, but there was one area in which I did yourself,” during the four-day program. have some motherly input. Since her father While the non-televised Marriage Boot and I are divorced, how do you properly Camp is not exactly what you see on TV (I word the invitations without taking up the guess they need a little more drama for televientire invitation with our names? Again, sion.), the drills, tears and experience are real. my daughter worked it out and created a It is something I personally will never forget. perfectly designed invitation crafted with an Jim Carroll and his wife, Elizabeth, alongside opening announcement stating, “Together a host of volunteers and counselors, guide It’s time to turn the fashion focus on BritWith Their Parents.” Perfect! couples out of the gravest of marriage situaten’s fiance, Dylan, to finalize the looks for In the next few weeks, the final decitions, and many leave with the hope of making the groom and the groomsmen. I received sions about floral arrangements (which I am their marriage stronger. photos from Britten while shopping at Men’s slated to do), venue décor and the timeline When Britten and Dylan returned from Wearhouse, showing me a smiling Dylan in for the wedding will be determined. This is Marriage Boot Camp, they both several suit and tux options. probably the calm before the storm, and bepraised the program and said The shopping trip was a suc- They learned amazing fore I know it, I will be a very busy mother it was a good way to start their cess, with the couple decidcommunication skills, of the bride, a job I embrace and will enjoy marriage, and many attendees ing on the entire weddinghow to compromise and told them they wished they reflecting on forever. party wardrobe for the handhow to be better mates. had gone through the some men who will stand program years before. with Britten and Dylan. Cyberspace Tips for Your They learned amazing communicaOne of the things most couples are reTech-Savvy Daughter tion skills, how to compromise and quired to do before they get married is to Technology has certainly changed the dynamic when it how to be better mates. meet with their officiant, and in most cases, comes to planning a wedding. I have mentioned in sevThe creative side of Britten came eral of my Mother of the Bride columns that my daughter, go through a few sessions of pre-marital Britten, and I have used texting, Pinterest and email to into play because next up was decounseling. My husband and I attended check off many of the items on our to-do list. Trust me, signing the invitations. Again, thank Marriage Boot Camp and Life Enrichment I have learned the hard way that while some platforms goodness for Pinterest and texting Boot Camp last summer, and we both had a can certainly speed along the planning process, others so Britten and I could bounce very positive experience. I felt so strongly can create a downward spiral of craziness and heartache. around some ideas. I did wonder about the program, I told Britten it would be Here are a few tips to keep up with your tech-savvy what style Britten would take for daughter and help keep meltdowns to a minimum. a prerequisite before she tied the knot. her invitations. Would she like 3 First and foremost, talk to each other and set some The Marriage Boot Camp name might be ground rules on how each of the items on the checkclean and simple or formal and orfamiliar to you because it is the program that list will be handled. Britten and I decided that all ideas nate? When we attended the Bridal inspired the television show on WE TV. The sewould be thrown on the table either verbally or via Extravaganza back in January, ries, now in its third season, helps reality stars text or Pinterest, and all ideas would be considered Britten gathered some ideas, but find their faults and learn how to become better options until the final decision had to be made. they needed to be affordable, which spouses. The real-life Marriage Boot Camp, 3T exting. This is the one thing that brides can do at meant she would more than likely started by Jim Carroll back in 1994, has an lightening speed. Keep the texting short and to a design them herself. minimum, and when you feel like the conversation is amazing success rate, and attendees often hear,
It’s so hard to believe how time has flown by since my daughter announced her engagement back in November. Since then, it has been full steam ahead with all the wedding plans for her to walk down the aisle to become Mrs. Dylan Rogers on July 4, 2015.
Britten and Dylan with Jim and Elizabeth Carroll at Marriage Boot Camp.
getting heated, it is time to pick up the phone or take a time-out. I learned a hard lesson texting for more than an hour one night. It was exhausting.
3 Pinterest has been so much fun. Britten created a private board for both of us to post ideas. Now that I am trying to get a feel for her flower arrangements, I can easily see what she likes. FaceTime and Skype can also be a big help to get the “almost being there” moment. 3 Enjoy some actual time together unplugged. Technology is helpful and can speed up the planning process, but you can never replace a hug, a look in your daughter’s eyes, being able to tell her to her face that she will get through all of this when she is freaking out, and be able to give her a kiss on the forehead and tell her she will always be your baby.
78 | Austin Woman | june 2015
Photo courtesy of Cheryl Bemis.
3 Brides to be don’t seem to like to pick up the phone. I can text my daughter and receive a response, but when I call, it rolls to voicemail. When you do get her on the phone, have several items to chat about with your daughter instead of just one or two.
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Austin Community College
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avvy Women
Austin Entrepreneur
Magatte Wade
Founder of Austin-based Tiossan on her unique approach to well-being and starting a revolution. By Molly McManus
80 | Austin Woman | june 2015
something that no one else has. Everyone is a traditional path for her was not going to unique. Never forget. I never want you to copy be an option. somebody,’ ” she reflects. “I started cultivating “I spent my early life going on adventures a love for myself and for my culture, my people, with my friends. I had a pack of boys that I’ve therefore for others.” been leading forever,” Wade says. “While other From Germany, the family moved to France, little girls were at home being groomed to later where Wade completed business school. The be good housewives or just to be a good girl, I was left out to be a tomboy and crazy. I loved it.” soon-to-be entrepreneur then moved to San Francisco to co-found her first business, Adina However, once her parents found out she World Beverages, which would go on to be a was not attending school, they beckoned her multi-million dollar business. She eventually to Germany to be with them, a culture shock, stepped down as CEO, starting Tiossan in 2012. to say the least. Before she departed Senegal, The first luxury skincare her grandmother warned her “[My grandmother] told me line from Senegal, Tiossan about what she was going to utilizes traditional Senegalese experience, that the people in from very young that I was recipes from natural ingredients Germany would look different unique and I believed her.” indigenous to Africa that and sound different, and that Wade learned from studying with her village’s shouldn’t stop her from doing her best, saying to the young Wade, “Whatever they can do, you traditional healer. In addition, part of her upbringing included daily moisturizing with can do better.” formulations made from these healers, who So, moving to Germany at the age of 7, Wade she calls “the guardians of the knowledge began to learn the language and within a year around plants, botanicals and minerals,” and was at the top of her class. who served as inspiration for the Tiossan line, “[My grandmother] told me from very young which uses black seed oil, unrefined shea, aloe that I was unique and I believed her. ‘You have
Photo courtesy of Tiossan.
Magatte Wade dreams big, and always has. Born in Senegal, she’s the creator of the organic skincare line Tiossan, which uses traditional Senegalese plants and oils to achieve some of the best beauty products available in the world today. In addition to adopting ingredients that have been used in her culture for hundreds of years, Wade is looking to make an impact by changing how the world views Africa through the power of consumer brands. Creating an international buzz, Wade was included in Forbes magazine’s 20 Youngest Power Women in Africa, named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum at Davos in 2011 and is a TED Global Africa Fellow. She’s contributed to The Huffington Post, The Guardian and Barron’s, and has been featured on BBC, CNN, FoxBusiness and in Men’s Health, Refinery29, Lucky magazine and The New York Times. She travels the globe to speak on issues surrounding social responsibility, economics and consumerism, education and, most important to her, issues facing the people of Africa. “I am someone who very much cares about community,” Wade says. “[In Senegal,] the community is everything. South Africa has a saying— ‘Ubuntu’—which means ‘I am because we are.’ ” Also defined as “humanity to others,” Ubuntu embodies what Wade is hoping to achieve through Tiossan: a greater level of understanding, appreciation and visibility for the African and Senegalese cultures. “I’m going to take you all the way back to my grandma,” Wade says with a smile as she begins to explain the origins of Tiossan. Born in a village outside of Dakar, Senegal, Wade’s parents moved to Europe when she was a young girl. Unsure they would stay, they left Wade in Senegal in the care of her grandmother. Wade did not want to attend school and her grandmother allowed it, knowing that
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vera and essential oils. By working with the Senegalese traditional healer for two years and bringing the ingredients to a renowned chemist and biologist, she created a beauty powerhouse that is now being recognized by the modern world. Most recently, black seed oil is being researched as an anti-cancer drug because of its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Furthermore, the oils in Tiossan are traditionally used to fight depression. “I wanted to bring people back to the original ways of caring for one’s skin,” Wade says. But Tiossan is more than just a skincare line; it’s a holistic approach to wellbeing, a way of life. “You cannot use my scrub and our wash and then use some cheap lotion from who knows where, full of crap,” Wade asserts frankly. “You might as well eat everything organic, vegetables and fruit, and then eat a gallon of ice cream every night. You’ll never see the result.” And while Wade emphasizes that, “well-being for us is as much about good skin as it is about feeling good in your own skin,” she has a vision for how Tiossan can change the world. “I want to change the perception that Africans and non-Africans have of Africans, and I believe we can do that through consumer brands,” she says. Wade explains that, in Senegal, if you’ve “made it,” you don’t support local products. A common thought is that anything that comes from the local community is only for poor villagers who have no choice. Instead, you support American or European brands to show your status. “Back home, everything we grew up with, everything that’s part of us, we put aside. I call it the cultural complex of inferiority,” she says. And it’s not just in Africa. Wade explains that when you ask a child where they’d like to go—anywhere in the world—the answer is hardly ever Africa. With negative news coming out of the continent every day, images of starving children and warfare, Africa is hardly known for its positive contributions to the world, which is a skewed perception, mainly because of how the media portrays life in Africa, only focusing on the bad. The goal of Tiossan is to create a product that is used, respected and trusted in America and consequently, throughout the world, with these users knowing it’s made by an African with African ingredients. Then, Wade wants to bring the model to Africa to shift the mindset of people abroad and at home. “I’m sharing with people my culture, which means that it’s going to stay alive and it’s going to expand,” Wade says. “What happens back home, it’s a newfound respect and love for who they are and what they have. … At the same time, as the company progresses, we’re able to create jobs back home.” The next thread in the Tiossan web is the Bottle of Ambition Project, which is working to create a Montessori school in Senegal where children will receive a world-class education, the goal being to create entrepreneurs and the next generation of global leaders. Their parents will work for Tiossan in an adjoining space, creating jobs and opportunity back home. Ten percent of Tiossan proceeds go toward this project. The school is based on the model that already exists in Austin, co-founded by Khotso Khabele and Wade’s husband, Michael Strong. The Khabele + Strong Incubator is a middle and high school housed at Casa de Luz that teaches students about entrepreneurship. The program, in which Wade serves as the entrepreneur-in-residence, is in its second year, and some students have already started their own businesses. In just a year, they’ve outgrown the space and are getting requests from throughout the world to implement the model. Khabele and Strong “believe the next arena of disruption is in education,” and the Montessori Wade is building in Senegal will be based on this model, aimed at younger children. Other plans for expansion include an African-inspired salon in Austin. In the meantime, Wade stays true to the Tiossan brand by making conscious decisions about the direction of the company. “When you are dealing with these products, skin tone doesn’t matter,” she says, noting that on the Tiossan website, there intentionally aren’t any skin colors or faces. “[The beauty industry] is a very segregated industry. We had to fight very hard not to be pigeonholed into being an ethnic brand.” No matter your skin color or skin type, Tiossan is truly for every woman. And while the vision of Tiossan is colossal, Wade’s passion for the product and mission make the difference she is trying to make in the world seem possible: to change the perceptions of Africa and to achieve well-being for the mind, body and soul, no matter who you are or where you live.
Advice From an Entrepreneur:
Magatte Wade’s Top Six Tips
1) W hatever you do, center it around your passion. It has to be something that you love because it’s going to be a long, hard journey. The problem with entrepreneurs is that by the time they talk about us, it’s about our successes; no one talks about the dark days. It’s a very lonely path. The only thing that keeps you going is that you can’t do anything else. 2) Identify the one person in your network that believes in you. The road is going to be more than likely a hard one and you can’t afford to have naysayers around you. Most of the time, you’ll be hanging by your fingernails on the side of a cliff. The last thing you need is one more negative voice. That’s when the voice of the person who really believes in you matters. 3) H ave a very rich literature, series of stories of entrepreneurs or people who have triumphed through adversity: people like Paulo Coelho of The Alchemist, Steve Jobs of Apple and the like. Create that list of stories, movies. Find inspiration, anything that can keep you in the game. 4) S leep. In our culture, we don’t respect sleep. It’s so crucial. When you don’t sleep, you get more stuck, more lost and more depressed. Sleep takes care of so many things: Your ideas go back in place, you’re regenerated, your body’s better. You see things that otherwise you wouldn’t see. 5) G ratitude. You need to feel gratitude. I can find gratitude even when I miss a flight because in moments like that, I say thank you because I don’t know what I missed. Appreciate the little wins because the little wins together are going to be the big wins. 6) T here is no secret sauce, no matter what people say. Even people described as geniuses, if you asked them in the beginning if they knew what they were doing, they didn’t know; they were just going and trying new things. Let go of what doesn’t work. There’s no secret sauce. There’s no magic that happens overnight. It’s a matter of showing up every day. However little, you accomplished something every day.
Tiossan products are available at Nordstrom Barton Creek Square, online at shop. nordstrom.com and at tiossan.com. austinwomanmagazine.com | 83
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Expert Advice
Guiding your Reputation
Advice from communications and crisis-management expert Bonnie Caver. By Rachel Merriman, photo by aisha seay If you’re a business owner or in any kind of leadership position, you’re probably concerned about your company’s reputation. But what drives a reputation and makes it good or bad? And is reputation really something businesses have any kind of control of? Bonnie Caver, president and founder of Reputation Lighthouse, says the key to guiding a business’ reputation to excellence is good communication and branding. Caver has 20 years of experience in communications and is a Certified Crisis Manager from the Institute of Crisis Management. She is also one of the few individuals worldwide to hold an advanced certification in reputation management through the Reputation Institute. Caver shares her expert advice on building a strong brand and utilizing enterprise-wide communications to craft an excellent reputation. Austin Woman: How does a company’s branding and communications affect its reputation? Bonnie Caver: The key to reputation is properly activating your brand around seven elements: products and services, performance, citizenship, innovation, workplace, governance and leadership. For example, if your product or service isn’t good, you can’t even begin to think about your reputation. In a commoditized world, brand loyalty takes us past the product,
Tips for Guiding Your Reputation 3 Know who is talking about you and what they are saying. 3 Build off your culture. 3 Activate your brand and your brand ambassadors. 3 Communicate across all seven dimensions. 3 Communicate from the inside out. 3 Focus on all stakeholders and touch points where they interact with your company. 3 Build relationships with your stakeholders. 3 Break down silos and collaborate across all departments and divisions. 3 Align communications with operations. 3 Remain focused. Reputation is a journey.
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which is no longer the sole reason we buy something. Consumers make buying decisions 60 percent around the enterprise and 40 percent around the product. Communication is what really ties those seven elements together. On the consumer side, people sit in neutral in all of those areas. It’s generally communication that makes them move. If you’re controlling your communications, you can take action and convert those neutral consumers. If you don’t take control of your communication, somebody else can convert those neutral consumers. AW: How do you create a strong brand? BC: Most people think of branding as marketing and advertising, so that’s where it sits. It never becomes the heartbeat of a company and drives their reputation. Most companies say branding is the look and feel of their website, their messaging or the way their stores look. Those things are what I call implementation of a brand. You really begin to move a brand forward when you move a company towards your brand vision operationally, internally and culturally. You’re not talking about things that don’t exist today or making promises that you can’t deliver on, but constantly moving forward by making decisions that drive the brand. I call it a brand journey. AW: When should companies seek out help with branding, communications or reputation guidance? BC: There are a lot of situations, depending on the company. It could be a merger and acquisition, or they’re growing rapidly.
Sometimes they just got Best Place to Work for the seventh time in a row and their company is great, but they aren’t seeing the results of that. We see companies that have a great culture, but they’re not necessarily seeing how that great culture is activating their brand or equating to a good online reputation. If they want to grow and they’re not really sure how, and they understand that reputation, brand and culture have a lot to do with it. Or if they’ve had a crisis or a reputation challenge and they don’t know how to fix it. AW: What are some common mistakes businesses make when trying to guide their reputation? BC: I talk about companies being in four reputation phases. They may be in reputation oblivion, meaning they have their hands over their ears and they don’t want to know. Then
you have the reputation firefighter whose day is blown up because there’s a bad review on Facebook and they have to fix it. They’re paying attention but not doing much about the problem. Reputation defenders are a little more proactive; they’re listening, they know the reputational risks and they’ve got statements prepared for every time those risks bite them. The reality is they’re still on that hamster wheel until they become a reputation guide and really start looking at their brand and their culture as a way to move their reputation forward. AW: What’s your advice for managing your online reputation? BC: It needs to be more than just you talking. If the only people talking about you are you—meaning your website, blog, Facebook, Twitter and press releases are all on the front page of your search results—when someone who is not you starts talking about you, it immediately jumps to the front page of search results. If you’re not paying attention to all the influencers out there, your online reputation can become tainted. Good companies get burned all the time because they’re not paying attention to influencers, or doing some good basic PR things like creating thought leadership and doing their own press. However, if there’s something wrong operationally, it doesn’t matter how many times you clean it up. If people have a bad experience, they’re going to talk about it. You’ve got to fix that operational issue. AW: What are some common communication mistakes businesses make? BC: Not collaborating and communicating across all divisions. Companies should be looking outside of the silo of marketing and collaborating with operations, HR and leadership, and communicating across all of those realms and actually looking at the stakeholder experience. The bigger you get, the harder that gets. Another big mistake is communicating externally before communicating internally. Companies sometimes forget that their best brand ambassadors are their employees. That’s where the reputation breaks sometimes, when we go telling a story externally that we’re not ready to deliver on internally.
AW: Why is it beneficial to have an excellent reputation versus a good or even average reputation? BC: We are in a reputation economy, and there is definitely a return on reputation in the Austin environment where you’re in competition for the best talent and employees don’t necessarily stay for a long time. If you have an excellent reputation, you have a better opportunity to attract talent and higher employee engagement. You also receive more recommendations, more referrals and increased purchases. There’s more opportunity to acquire or be acquired, if that’s what you want. You also get the benefit of the doubt if there’s a crisis. Most companies aren’t doing anything about their average reputations, which means, at any point in time, they could go south quickly. For more information, visit replighthouse.com.
Did You Know? People are more likely to recommend, work with, invest in and purchase from a company with an excellent reputation. According to the Reputation Institute 2015 U.S. RepTrak 100 Report, people are: r 166 percent more likely to make a purchase from a company with an excellent reputation than an average reputation. r 215 percent more likely to recommend a company with an excellent reputation than an average reputation. r 229 percent more likely to work for a company with an excellent reputation than an average reputation. r 263 percent more likely to invest in a company with an excellent reputation than an average reputation.
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Insider Information
Meet the WBENC Co-chairs
CEO advice on how to make the most of the conference.
Keeli Jernigan
Cathi Coan
Nina Vaca
Keeli Jernigan is the president and CEO of Trans-Expedite Inc., a full-service global logistics company with a core competency of servicing the time-sensitive shipments of critical cargo throughout North America and the world. Founded in 2001, Trans-Expedite represents a single-source logistics solution that helps companies of every description protect their assets, reduce operational costs and solve strategic supply-chain problems with a comprehensive range of customized services. Trans-Expedite’s culture of personalized, responsive service, together with its ISO 28000 certification, has fueled its reputation and customer list, as well as its annual revenue, which reached $60 million in 2014.
Cathi Coan is the president and CEO of Techway Services Inc., a nationally recognized provider of managed services and IT asset recovery for corporations, government entities and universities. Her vision is to redesign the world into a circular economy. Established in 2004, Techway has made a dynamic impact on end-of-life IT services. Through a customized approach, it harvests parts for resell while maintaining customer privacy by eradicating stored data on hard drives and electronic devices. Techway has saved companies hundreds of thousands of dollars, reduced toxic e-waste with 100 percent landfill diversion and has a far-reaching impact protecting the environment.
Nina Vaca is the chairman and CEO of the Pinnacle Group of companies, including Pinnacle Technical Resources Inc., an awardwinning information-technology services provider to the Fortune 500, and Provade Inc., a global provider of vendor management software. Under Vaca’s leadership, Pinnacle has become one of the largest firms in its industry, with several thousand consultants throughout the Unites States and Canada, and more than $650 million in annual revenues. Provade provides services in more than 60 countries and manages billions of transactions annually.
Austin Woman: What will women business owners learn at the WBENC conference?
Austin Woman: What are the best aspects of the WBENC conference?
Keeli Jernigan: How to build new and stronger relationships with your customers, prospects and other women in business. I am in awe of the knowledge and expertise within the WBENC community, including its corporate and government members and women’s business enterprises. This conference is an amazing opportunity to learn from them and build your network.
Cathi Coan: Business introductions and opportunities. Women can access a world of corporate decision makers and other women’s business enterprises, all under one roof. It’s a hugely attended event where you make face-to-face contact and can engage or renew relationships. Establishing just one new client or partnership pays for it.
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Austin Woman: What can attendees expect to take away from the WBENC conference? Nina Vaca: Education and inspiration. The conference hosts a series of educational panels and workshops designed to help women grow and scale their businesses. Women can also expect to connect and have meaningful conversations with corporations that are looking to do business with women-owned businesses and advocates who want to see them succeed. The real inspiration comes from hearing the success stories from some of the largest women’s business enterprises in the U.S. I have always found that you can’t be what you can’t see. Having this kind of access can be a powerful tool in their growth strategy.
Keeli Jernigan photo by Dav Anmed. Cathi Coan photo by Houston Stanley. Nina Vaca photo courtesy of Nina Vaca.
From June 23 – 25, Austin will host the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council’s annual national conference. Expected to draw more than 3,500 attendees, the National Conference & Business Fair is the largest of its kind for women business owners in the United States, providing a great opportunity for Austin’s women business owners to network and connect with women-owned businesses and Fortune 500 companies. For more information, visit conf.wbenc.org.
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last word
Age is Just a Number
Countering stereotypes and mobilizing as a millennial. By Katie McKee, illustration by jessica wetterer leave no task unfinished. Despite our old souls and mature ways, we face the stigma of “You can’t do that. You’re too young.” But yes, we can. We’re paving our own way, refusing to let a number boss us around. We strive for more—more work, more responsibilities, more accomplishments— I’m a calm, quiet person, not exactly the vivacious, adventurous and we like it that way. type. I like a low-key, predictable life with structure and order. It’s easy to lump all millennials together in a one-size-fits-all I’m also 21 years old. category, but even in our own community, younger people are doing Throughout my few years, I’ve appropriately been called an old soul, more, becoming entrepreneurs, leading thought movements, opening or more bluntly, an old lady and even boring. social doors—it’s plain and simple. My age has never reflected my personality, My age has My hope is that older generations and other millenniand although others are quick to assume that the never reflected als will recognize these outliers and present them with the number associated with my life should deteropportunities they need to thrive, turning a deaf ear to the my personality mine my actions and values, this has never been old adage “You’re too young for that.” The younger we start the case. At one point, I thought I was an oddity becoming movers and shakers in our communities, the more we can in this, but more often, as we see with this year’s Young Women to contribute. After all, age really is just a number. Watch, I meet others who share my uncharacteristic traits. Writer Katie McKee is a recent college graduate and works at a public We are hard workers with old-fashioned work ethics, determined, relations firm in Austin. patient, eager overachievers. We give everything our full effort and
On a Saturday night, I open a bottle of wine, cook a big family dinner and settle in to watch a wild marathon of History Channel documentaries with my husband. I might even stay up past 11 p.m. What a rebel.
August’s Last Word topic will be “My Most Influential Teacher.” To be considered, email a 500-word submission by July 1 to submissions@awmediainc.com.
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Austin Woman MAGAZINE | JUNE 2015
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