Austin Woman MAGAZINE | june 2016
“If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.” – Katharine Hepburn
Introducing the driver’s SUV WITH SEATING FOR SEVEN
ARRIVING THIS SUMMER
The all-new 2016 Mazda CX-9 With more legroom in both the second and third rows than a Toyota Highlander, seats that move easy enough for a child to operate – even with a child seat in place- the Mazda CX-9 delivers on the needs of today’s active family. The All New Signature Trim delivers the indulgences of real Rosewood and genuine aluminum accents along with Nappa
leather and LED interior accent lighting. This balance, combined with the enhanced performance of the Dynamic Pressure Turbo engine, available i-ACTIV-AWD® and a suite of i-ACTIVSENSE® safety features, makes the all-new Mazda CX-9 the perfect choice for today’s sophisticated family.
CENTRAL • SOUTH • GEORGETOWN • KILLEEN
rogerbeasleymazda.com | 866-779-8409 Monday - Friday 8:30AM - 9:00PM, Saturday 8:30AM - 8:00PM
16
Austin Thyroid & Endocrinology 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 disease, 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. We provide a comprehensive assessment of your hormone balance, in-house hormone testing, thryoid ultrasound, and bone density testing.
THYROID DISEASE affects thirty million Americans, half of which do not know they have the disease. Examples: hypo and hyperthyroidism, Graves and Hashimoto disease, goiter, thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer. Each person has a different genetic set point for TSH. Thyroid problems require lifelong attention. We are the premiere thryoid clinic in Austin, and offer the latest treatment for thyroid disease, aggressive management of thyroid cancer with radioactive iodine and second opinion consults for thyroid surgery.
DO YOU KNOW YOUR TSH?
HAVE YOU SEEN AN ENDOCRINOLOGIST?
OPTIMAL HEALTH BIOLOGICAL AGE
deals with your health before disease prevention or treatment.
OSTEOPOROSIS
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 50 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 options.
DO YOU KNOW YOUR BONE DENSITY?
Optimal health is the ideal, yet achievable, health of your body as you reach middle age and beyond. Your biological age is a measure of how well your body functions, compared to your actual calendar age. Our specialized equipment allows us to measure and evaluate your biological age, a composite of your brain age, bone age, heart age, and vessel age. We help you achieve your optimal health, a major factor in the quality of your life as you age.
TEST YOUR BIOLOGICAL AGE TO ACHIEVE OPTIMAL HEALTH.
DR. SIMONE SCUMPIA, FACE, FRCP BOARD CERTIFIED IN ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM Fellow American College of Endocrinology Fellow Royal College of Physicians Assciate Clinical Professor of Medicine
2200 Park Bend Drive • Building 3, Suite 300 Austin, TX 78758 • behind North Austin Medical Ctr. Mon-Fri, 7 am to 4 pm • www.austinthyroid.com
512.467.2727
IN-HOUSE
Hormone Testing Thyroid Ultrasound Bone Densitometry Total Body Fat Analysis Radioactive Iodine Treatment
Accepting New Patients
stunning is an understatement
inspired design from italy
Skorpio Keramik table designed by Paolo Cattelan, features a sculptural metal base with clear lacquer finish and modern porcelain ceramic top with a unique oval shape. The man-made top mimics Calacatta marble but is extremely hard and nonporous making it much more durable and user friendly than the natural product. Go ahead, spill your wine. Various sizes. From stock at 94.5” X 47”. Made in Italy and directly imported by Copenhagen.
San Antonio 18603 Blanco Road 210.545.4366
(just north of 1604 in The Vineyard next to Whole Foods Market)
Austin 2236 West Braker 512.451.1233
(just east of The Domain and Burnet Road next to Culver’s)
www.CopenhagenLiving.com
contemporary furniture & accessories
S TART T HE N EW Y EAR W ITH C LEAR V ISION
T HE FUTU RE IS BRIG H TER With 3 locations in 2016 Round Rock, Austin, and Kyle
Laser Cataract Surgery | Glaucoma | Cornea | LASIK Neuro-opthalmology | Orbital and Eyelid Disease
CALL US FOR A CONSULTATION
5 12-47 2-4011 | w e stla ke ey e s. com
Baylor Scott & White Health Primary Care Clinics. Sometimes you need primary care. And sometimes you need more care. For either, come to the nearest Baylor Scott & White clinic. It’s part of our large network of physicians, specialists and advanced medicine. So rest assured that we can care for all your everyday health needs. Or anything else that pops up.
Find a location near you. bswdocs.com 512.509.0200
Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers or Baylor Scott & White Health. ©2016 Baylor Scott & White Health BSWClinic_163_2015 CE 04.16
Christopher Brennig, MD
Austin Vein Institute State-of-the-art Varicose Vein Treatment
C h r i s t op h e r W. Brennig, M.D. CERTIFIED: The American Board of General Surgery SUB-SPECIALTY CERTIFIED: The American Board of Vascular Surgery
Va r i c o se V e i n s Spider Veins L a se r t h e r a p y Sclerotherapy
512.346.2727
7000 N. Mopac Ste. 320 Austin, TX 78731
Dr. Brennig is Board Certified in Vascular Surgery and in General Surgery. He is recognized for his expertise in the minimally invasive treatment of varicose veins, spider veins, recurrent varicose veins, and complex venous disorders including DVT. Please call the Austin Vein Institute to schedule a comprehensive consultation.
V e i n A u s t i n . c o m
SPLASH INTO SUMMER AT SONESTA Whether you’re feeling haute or hot this summer, Sonesta Bee Cave’s “Splash ‘n Shop” offer is just what you need to stay cool. The package is inclusive of accommodations, a $50 gift card for use at the Hill Country Galleria and exclusive discounts at Just for Fun Watercraft Rentals located at Lake Travis. Highlights of Sonesta Bee Cave Austin include: • Contemporary 195 guest room hotel • “15/15” - Located just 15 minutes from the exciting water sports at Lake Travis and 15 seconds from the shopping, dining and nightlife at the Hill Country Galleria • Meridian 98, Bee Cave’s hottest rooftop terrace bar and lounge overlookingTexas Hill Country • Outdoor pool and sun deck • Free self-parking • Complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel • And much more!
RATES FROM $159! RATES VALID FROM MAY 1 - SEPT 5, 2016. Book your room rates from $159. Use PROMO CODE SHOP to receive this great offer.
12525 B E E CAVE P KW Y B E E CAVE, TX | 512.483.5 9 00 S O N E STA .C O M / B E E CAVE
SHARE YOUR FAMILY’S JOURNEY, CHANGE WITH EACH NEW MEMORY
CANVAS ART Starting at $19.99
ACRYLIC ART Starting at $59.99
EASY-CHANGE PHOTO DISPLAYS ORDER IN-STORE OR ONLINE
METAL ART Starting at $19.99
ORDER IN-STORE OR ONLINE NEW & USED GEAR | RENTALS & REPAIRS | PHOTO CLASSES | PRO VIDEO & AUDIO
In West Anderson Plaza 2438 W. Anderson Ln & Burnet Rd
Austin, Tx 78757 | 512.467.7676 | 800.677.1023 M-F: 10-7 | Sat: 10-6 | Sun: 1-5
AUSTIN GASTRO IS MAKING THE FIGHT
AGAINST COLON CANCER
EASIER We provide treatments focused on your health, comfort and convenience
HyGIeaCare® Same Day Prep™ A SIMPLER AND EASIER BOWEL PREP FOR COLONOSCOPY EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE AT AUSTIN GASTROENTEROLOGY AND ENDOSCOPY CENTERS
SAFE • EASY • CONVENIENT • HYGENIC Appointment Line: North Office (512) 244-2273
Central Office (512) 454-4588
South Office (512) 448-4588
austingastro.com • hygieacare.com
3D - The best mammogram for all women
3D MAMMOGRAPHY
*
DETECTS 41 % MORE INVASIVE CANCER Request an appointment at ausrad.com or call 512.453.6100. *Also known as breast tomosynthesis.
I AM A TEXAS MBA “The McCombs community continues to shape and humble me. From the outstanding faculty and program administration to my classmates and the alumni base. My MBA shapes the way I approach opportunities, measure impact, and continue learning in my professional career in the fast-moving tech space as well as with volunteer nonprofit advisory work.”
SOFIE LEON POMPA Integrations Product Manager, Spredfast Inc. Husband is also a Texas MBA Alumnus, Class of 2011 First generation American with Mexican dual citizenship Member of Development Committee for St. Louise House MBA 2013
TexasMBA.info
EXPAND YOUR NETWORK
Photo by Korey Howell.
Evening & Executive Programs
ON STANDS
NOW!
Austin Woman’s most trusted reference for women in business is here! BE SURE TO GRAB YOUR COPY TODAY!
11T H AN NU AL
R DIRECTORY FO 2016 BUSINESS
WOMEN austin WOMAN
FOR MORE INFORMATION, EMAIL SALES@AWMEDIAINC.COM OR CALL 512.328.2421
THE AUSTIN DIAGNOSTIC CLINIC
YOUR WOMEN’S
HEALTH EXPERTS
ng o L e n u J l l A
iquors L n i w T t a y l on
For all ages and throughout all stages, there is an ADC doctor to care for you. After all, we’ve been caring for generations of Central Texans since 1952. Led by board-certified doctors, our teams are linked by an electronic medical record which allow them to provide you with comprehensive care at all ADC locations. Menopause and Osteoporosis Obstetrics and Gynecology Pediatrics Women’s Imaging: including Bone Densitometry, Body Composition/Body Fat Analysis and 3D Mammography
With so much to love about Whiskey, we’re dedicating an entire month to this sensational spirit
DON’T MISS: big whiskey event on june 15th at Hancock Center MarketplacE
whiskey sale whiskey 101 classes
Call 512-901-1111 or visit ADClinic.com
For more information visit
THE AUSTIN DIAGNOSTIC CLINIC
OB/GYN offices in North Austin, Round Rock and Steiner Ranch
TwinLiquors.com
Authentically Austintm since 1937 Must be 21+ to participate. Please drink responsibly.
Your Premier SURGICAL, MEDICAL AND COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY EXPERTS
8 Convenient locations • Now Open in Bee Cave! Skin Cancer and Mohs Surgery Specialists. Visit our website to learn about our anti-aging specials and skin care products.
Look good, feel good, do good. A portion of every service, patient visit and product purchase at Tru-Skin Dermatology is donated to The Shade Project to help skin cancer prevention efforts. Where healthy skin is always in.
TRU-SKIN.COM | 888.451.0139
56
On the cover
MISSING LINK
Photo by Dustin Meyer.
By april cumming
64
feature
Smart, Strong, Independent By Taylor Prewitt
Contents
Photo by Hudson Gardner.
JUNE
41 on the scene
GOURMET
27 KRISTY’S TOP 10
71 A W Test kitchen
June’s To-do List
savvy women 30 c ount us in Women in Numbers 32 Profile Mikaila Ulmer 34 e xpert advice Insights for the Next Generation
38 let’s taco ’bout it
Fast, Healthy, Easy
and Cheap
Wendy Davis
76 GIRL WALKS INTO A BAR Summer Skylines 78 Food News St. Genevieve
wellness 80 h ealth Birth-control Options 84 f itness Slide Over
MUST LIST
POINT OF VIEW
41 Must travel Lavender Fields Forever 44 M ust Hear Can’t Stop the Feeling 46 M ust GIVE Bank of America
86 m emo from JB
style 48 TRENDS 54 Beauty
Floral Frenzy Crowning Glory
16 | Austin Woman | june 2016
New Generation,
Same Story
88 i am austin woman Isabella Rose Taylor
on the cover Ark & Co metallic rose dress, $96.50, available at Posh Boutique, 4211 S. Lamar Blvd., 512.387.0602, poshatx.com. Funboy pegasus pool float, $99, available at funboy.com.
Photo by Dustin Meyer, dustinmeyerphotography.com Styled by Ashley Hargrove, dtkaustinstyling.com Hair and makeup by Laura Martinez, bylauramartinez.com
Escape the Ordinary with a one on one floral class
... because flowers are always a good idea
FLORAL CLASSES | SPECIAL DELIVERIES | WEDDINGS
margotblairfloral.com
What’s precious to you is precious to us.SM Auto. Home. Life. Business. They all matter, so wrap them all in a blanket of Nationwide® protection. We put members first.SM
Join the Nation® that knows what’s important.
Contact a Nationwide agent in Austin today. 512-387-2305 | NationwideAustin.com Products underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies. Home Office: Columbus, OH 43215. Nationwide Lloyds and Nationwide Property & Casualty Companies (in TX).Subject to underwriting guidelines, review, and approval. Products and discounts not available to all persons in all states. Not all Nationwide affiliated companies are mutual companies and not all Nationwide members are insured by a mutual company. Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle Join the Nation, What’s precious to you is precious to us, Nationwide is on your side and We put members first are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2015 Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. NPR-0718AO.2 (8/14)
Volume 14, issue 10
Co-Founder and Publisher Melinda Maine Garvey vice president and Co-Publisher Christopher Garvey associate publisher Cynthia Guajardo Shafer
EDITORIAL Editor Emily C. Laskowski associate Editor April Cumming copy editor Chantal Rice contributing writers
Sarah E. Ashlock, Jill Case, Daniela Covian, JB Hager, Jane Ko, Lauren Modery, Kristy Owen, Natalie Paramore, Taylor Prewitt, Missy Sharpe, Isabella Rose Taylor
ART CREATIVE Director Niki Jones ART DIRECTOR Lucy Froemmling CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS
Rudy Arocha, Rebekah Campbell, Jenna De Stefano, Brian Fitzsimmons, Hudson Gardner, Kevin Garner, Willard Gibbons, Nick Guise-Smith, Ashley Hargrove, Korey Howell, Sarah Klein, Kate Lesueur, Laura Martinez, Dustin Meyer, Natalie Paramore, Courtney Pierce, Ambie Stein, Kim Welch, Jessica Wetterer
ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Katie Paschall, Jessica Price
operations and marketing Operations and Marketing manager
Maggie Rester Interns
Chelsea Bucklew, Savanna Fields, Emily Henry, Trinity King, Brianna Peters, Danielle Ransom, Hannah Shih, Kylie Smith, Victoria Stowe
Emeritae Co-Founder Samantha Stevens Editors
Deborah Hamilton-Lynne, Mary Anne Connolly, Elizabeth Eckstein Austin Woman is a free monthly publication of AW Media Inc., and is available at more than 1,250 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
From the Editor
The making of this issue prompted many questions about generations among our staff, and specifically about millennials. Each year, Austin Woman features a Young Woman to Watch on the June cover, and this year, with the help of a pool, a magical Pegasus float we nicknamed Gustavo and our unflinching crew-turned-lifeguards (a big thank you to Dustin Meyer, Niki Jones, Ashley Hargrove, Laura Martinez and April Cumming), we bring you our cover woman, 25-year-old Katie Fang, the millennial founder of SchooLinks. Lacking the revelatory answer about millennials I wanted the minute I typed the word into the search bar (Maybe I am a millennial!), I instead pondered my resistance to this generational label. Surely, my grandparents, who endured heartbreaking tragedies, on top of surviving the Depression and World War II, wouldn’t deny their place in their own generation, the one we all know was the greatest. Actually, given their propensity for humbleness, they probably would have politely deflected such a compliment. However, nobody compliments millennials or seems to revere them. The word itself comes with an eye roll and precedes phrases like, “on their
Join the conversation @eclaskowski @austinwoman #IAmAustinWoman
20 | Austin Woman | june 2016
phones all the time,” “all the rewards with none of the hard work,” and “entitled brats.” It’s no wonder I haven’t cast myself in this role; millennials are one proverbial tomato away from getting booed off stage. The recurring, rhetorical scolding of my socalled generation convinced me to stand up for these kids. After all, millennials grasp at their phones nonstop because they are expected to be connected to work 24/7 (Just read about Katie Fang’s work schedule in our cover story, starting on page 56.); they demand immediate results because they want desperately to build a generation as great as their grandparents’; and if they are spoiled, it’s because they were raised by people who wanted the best for them. Remember, millennials are the reason you’ve reconnected with your high-school class of 1973. They’re the reason your kids or grandkids can tap the Uber or Lyft app and, within five minutes, get a safe, easy, inexpensive ride home after a night out in downtown Austin (correction: used to). They’re the reason for a lot of good, so, maybe we should stop shaking our heads and emitting long sighs about this generation as if it’s all bad. Yes, those darn millennials take too many selfies. But they—OK, we—are also trying to make a difference and make the world a better place the best way we know how. Millennials are just darn kids, after all. Kind of like you used to be, right? Sincerely,
EMILY C. LASKOWSKI Editor Photo by Dustin Meyer.
I
don’t consider myself a millennial. After all, how can I be in the same generation as, say, my younger sister, who just graduated from the University of Texas and hardly comprehends life without computers or cellphones? That doesn’t seem right. Searching for validation, I consulted the dictionary. Unfortunately, Merriam-Webster’s lukewarm definition, “a person born in the 1980s or 1990s,” left something to be desired in my quest for comfort.
contributors
Austin Symphony Orchestra
This month, we asked our contributors: As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
DUStiN MEYER
photographer, “missing link,” Page 56 and “Smart, Strong, Independent,” page 64 Dustin Meyer is an internationally recognized wedding, portrait and commercial photographer based in Austin, with more than 10 years of experience in the photography industry. His work has been displayed by Kodak in Times Square, featured in USA Today and on CBS. Published in numerous magazines, including Southern Weddings, Style Me Pretty, The Knot, Rangefinder Magazine and more, Dustin’s work has earned him acclaim from clients throughout the country. “When I was young, I decided I was going to become an astronaut and a comic-book illustrator. My favorite Marvel superhero was the Silver Surfer, so it made sense to me.”
tayloR prewitt
writer, “Smart, Strong, Independent,” page 64 Taylor Prewitt is a freelance writer and journalist who is happy to call Austin her home. In addition to covering topics spanning women and culture, she enjoys cooking, fitness and reading. She’s not a fan, however, of writing personal bios.
Perfect date nights start here.
“Growing up, I always wanted to be a psychotherapist, ostensibly to help people solve their problems. When I realized that I really just wanted to talk to people for a living, I decided on the next best thing: writing.”
Ashley Hargrove
stylist, “Floral Frenzy,” page 48 and “missing link,” Page 56 DTK Austin Styling Owner Ashley Hargrove is a renowned wardrobe stylist and model who specializes in styling commercial and print advertising. She has recently worked with People Magazine, ESPN, Holiday Inn and many others. Follow her journey on Instagram @dtkaustin.
Upcoming events: JUNE 3 & 4, 8:00 p.m. Masterworks Series at Long Center’s Dell Hall Ingrid Fliter, piano Music of Alfvén, Ravel, Mendelssohn JUNE 10 & 11, 8:00 p.m. Butler Pops Series at Palmer Events Center “The music of John Williams”
“An architect! And I actually followed through and got my degree in architecture.” ingRiD FLitER
JunE PoPS
SPECiAL EvEnt
jane ko
writer, “Summer Skylines,” Page 76
JUNE 18, 7:30 p.m. Long Center’s Dell Hall Butler Texas Young Composers Concert
S E ASon SP onSoR
Tickets/Info (512) 476-6064 or austinsymphony.org
ME Di A SPonS oR S
Jane Ko, more commonly known as Koko, is the editor-in-chief of A Taste of Koko, her visually stunning and much-followed food-and-lifestyle blog designed to inspire your inner foodie. Follow Jane’s mouthwatering quest for the city’s most delicious finds, the hottest restaurants and perfect weekend getaways at atasteofkoko.com and on Instagram @atasteofkoko. “Believe it or not, I wanted to be a librarian when I grew up. This was all before social media was born, of course.”
All artists, programs, and dates subject to change.
THIS
A VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESS
FATHER’S DAY
THE SKY IS THE LIMIT!
1 OR 2 PASSENGERS | SCENIC TOURS OF THE AUSTIN AREA EXCITING AEROBATIC FLIGHTS | ROMANTIC SUNSET FLIGHTS
PACKAGES STARTING AT $229 512.981.6016
|
austinbiplane.com
Summer
BUYING?
IS HERE!
Selling? INVESTING?
REDUCE FAT, CELLULITE AND TIGHTEN SKIN.
ENDY MED PRO
SM
Facial Tightening and Body Contouring
NO PAIN, NO DOWN TIME, AWESOME RESULTS! Purchase a treatment package and receive 50% off
Laurie McGary is a native Austinite and is committed to helping people meet their real estate goals whether buying, selling or investing in the Austin area. Laurie brings to the table 16+ years experience as a REALTOR® and believes in first class service with professionalism, expertise, efficiency, trustworthiness and loyalty ensuring her client’s goals are met in every need.
DNA WELLNESS TESTING AVAILABLE CRYO THERAPY COMING SOON! $10 off your first session • Call for details Visit our website for more fabulous services and specials
Laurie McGary 512-336-7546 • GloMedSpaAustin.com
REALTOR®, GRI, ABR, CLHMS (512) 695-7461 LaurieMcGary@realtyaustin.com
Connect with us! Can’t get enough of this issue? Check us out at austinwomanmagazine.com.
➥More shifting gears. The Texas 4000 cycling team will toe the line June 3. In the name of cancer research, the team will ride 4,000 miles during the course of 70 days—from Austin to Alaska. We speak with the youngest female member of the team.
➥ More teamwork. The innovative duo behind Austin-based creative branding studio Dos Mundos Creative, Margaret Heidrick and Kana LiVolsi, sheds some much-earned insight into how, in just one year’s time, their business has seen such rapid growth.
➥ More debunking. If you think the term “millennials” has always been associated with
a negative stigma, you’re not alone. What should we really be thinking when we hear that term?
➥ More youthful energy. Leigh Christie, the new executive director of Entrepreneurs Foundation, is on a mission to encourage more young girls (and boys) to pursue their entrepreneurial passions.
➥ More bonus points with Dad. Need some ideas for what to gift your dad this Father’s Day, June 19? We rounded up some of our favorite finds, guaranteed to keep you on his good side.
➥ More no-frills garb. Not all girls want to wear pink or frilly clothes sparkling with glitter. That’s what led Austinite Sharon Choksi, a mother to two girls, to create her clothing line, Girls Will Be. Join us as we scope out what’s in store for the future of her brand.
➥ More graceful aging. Meet Carol Cofer, an internationally competitive tennis player
who practices at Westwood Country Club and is ranked fourth in her age division by the United States Tennis Association. Oh, did we mention she’s only 86?
Win This!
Naava Total Wellness Package
Pampering yourself to the nines never goes out of style. Indulge in this luxury head-to-toe spa treatment at Naava, the toprated full-service salon and spa on West Sixth Street. As part of the Total Wellness package, you’ll experience a soothing 60-minute Swedish massage and luxurious 60-minute facial. Then, close your eyes and savor a glass of wine as you soak in a scalp massage and sheabutter-enriched manicure and pedicure. Zents mini massage oil and perfume in hand, you’ll walk out feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to take on the world. #AWPamper To enter to win this four-hour, $305-valued spa package from Naava, show @AustinWoman how you relax and destress on Instagram using the hashtag #AWPamper during the month of June. A winner will be chosen at the end of the month.
Follow us
@austinwoman
24 | Austin Woman | june 2016
like us
Woman’s Way Business Awards June 9, 6 p.m. One World Theatre, 7701 Bee Cave Road austinwomanmagazine.com/womansway2016 Austin Women in Technology and City of Austin Networking Lunch June 15, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Road awtaustin.org/events Polish Austin Luncheon: Strategies for the Successful Professional June 15, noon to 1 p.m. Uncle Julio’s, 301 Brazos St., suite 150 polishonline.org/austin Texas Women in Business Luncheon June 17, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Austin Country Club, 4408 Long Champ Road texaswomeninbusiness.org/events Austin Young Chamber Poker Tournament June 23, 6 to 11 p.m. Brazos Hall, 204 E. Fourth St. austinyc.org/signature-events/poker-tournament
facebook.com/austinwoman
FOLLOW us
@ austinwoman
Photos courtesy of Dos Mundos Creative, Leigh Christie, Carol Cofer and Laura Craddick PR.
Don’t miss
Studio Bella is a full service spa & boutique Permanent Eyeliner, Eyebrow, Lips and much more. Areola and Scar Camouflage
Look fabulous after swimming, exercising, waking up and ALWAYS!
Microdermabrasion DaVinci Teeth Whitening Natural Spray Tan Medi System Ear Piercing Eyelash extensions, waxing and event makeup by Mary Munzer (512) 720-8841 glamoureyesstudio@gmail.com
Teeth Whitening
Special!
Deep Tissue Swedish Hot Stone Massage by Whisper (512) 944-0754
1 session: $89
(regualr price $99)
2 sessions: $130
Call for details and to schedule your FREE consultation today!
(regualr price $149)
3 sessions: $170 (regualr price $199)
512.502.0002
Photography by MonikaKelley.com 512-560-2020
www.StudioBellaSpa.com
6507 Jester Blvd Suite 108 Austin TX 78750
Abba Wig’s
PERMANENT MAKEUP & SKIN REJUVENATION
“YOUR SATISFACTION IS OUR SUCCESS.”
Massages and Facials by Rebecca Swaine, LMT (971) 404-4448
CHECK US OUT FOR YOUR GIFT SHOPPING NEEDS. JOIN OUR TEAM, BOOTH SPACE AVAILABLE
With MonaLisa Touch , love doesn’t have to hurt. ®
• Treats painful intercourse and vaginal dryness due to menopause or low estrogen levels • Painless, in-office procedure • Quick! Takes 5 minutes • Perfect for breast cancer survivors who can’t take estrogen • Effective for lichen sclerosus
• Abba Wigs is an upscale wig salon with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. • We are licensed Cosmetologists with over 20 yrs of experience, specially trained in wigs and hair pieces. • We specialize in chemotherapy, alopecia, trichotillomania, and clients with medically induced hair loss. • Highly recommended by Oncologists, nurses, & social workers. •Private, individual rooms. 1105 KRAMER LANE, AUSTIN TX 78758 • ABBAWIGS.COM • 512-371-3701
Now available at j
Dr. Sherry Neyman (512) 425-3875 www.rwgdocs.com/monalisa
corporate events • weddings • parties
TRAILERBOOTH.COM ALLISON@TRAILERBOOTH.COM
MedicalSpa SINCE 1998
TOCMEDICALSPA.COM (512) 533-7317 • Austin Medical Plaza
ON THE SCENE kristy’s top 10
June’s to-do list from 365 Things To Do In Austin, Texas. By kristy owen
1
Art Bra Austin
Photo courtesy of Art Bra Austin.
June 4, 6 to 10 p.m. Palmer Events Center 900 Barton Springs Road artbraaustin.org Art Bra Austin is a mix of art, fashion and masquerade. An event that honors the courage and strength of breast-cancer survivors, Art Bra Austin features these survivors modeling designer duds down a 30-foot runway. Prior to the runway show, local designers submit an eclectic and colorful array of costumes, and judges select the top 70. The event benefits the Breast Cancer Research Center. General admission is $200, and food is provided from a variety of Austin restaurants at no extra cost. austinwomanmagazine.com | 27
O 2
n the scene
Father’s Day Concert in the Park
kristy’s top 10
Blues on the Green June 22, 8 p.m. Zilker Park 2100 Barton Springs Road kgsr.com/promotions/blues-on-the-green Grab a blanket and a picnic basket and enjoy lounging on the grass at Austin’s favorite summertime tradition: Blues on the Green. If you can’t make it this month, mark your calendar so you can treat the family to at least one of the upcoming shows of this Austin music staple. Wild Child will perform June 22, followed by Hayes Carll July 13 and Sweet Spirit and The Suffers Aug. 3. Admission is free.
Pints & Poses Yoga June 13, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Hyatt Regency Austin 208 Barton Springs Road austin.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/activities/hotel-activities/pintsandposes.html
June 19, 7:30 to 9 p.m. Zilker Hillside Theater 2201 Barton Springs Road austinsymphonicband.org
3
Take Dad on a musical excursion this Father’s Day at the Austin Symphonic Band’s annual concert in the park. The group performs at Zilker Hillside Theater in honor of fathers and all they do. Grab your dad and a cooler of cold ones for a shaded evening under the pecan trees with music that’s sure to get the whole family dancing. The band plays a variety of tunes, ranging from marches and patriotic songs to more familiar melodies. Bond with Dad as live music fills the atmosphere and the sun sets in the background.
4
Admission is free.
Tuesdays at The Infinite Monkey Theorem Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. The Infinite Monkey Theorem Urban Winery 121 Pickle Road austin.theinfinitemonkeytheorem.com Spice up your Tuesday nights with an evening at The Infinite Monkey Theorem. This urban winery in Central Austin hosts a smorgasbord of events each week, and to top it off, serves wine slushies. The festivities start at 6:30 p.m. with Yoga and Wine With Courtney, during which visitors take part in a one-hour $15 yoga session, then get a free glass of wine. At 7:30 p.m., trivia games get going with Cat the Mad Catter. Teams of six challenge others to a battle of wits while sipping pear cider that’s offered for 38 percent off the usual price. In addition to these scheduled events, Tuesdays are Tinder Tuesdays, meaning those who bring their Tinder match to the winery get a free glass of Texas rosé from the tap.
6
X Games Austin
June 2 through 5 Circuit of The Americas 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd. circuitoftheamericas.com/xgamesaustin
5 28 | Austin Woman | june 2016
For the past two years, X Games has brought racing and big-name musicians to Austin. Join the festivities during its third and final year in Austin. Watch skateboarders and BMX riders show off their skills on gravity-defying ramps and Moto X racers find their need for speed (and agility) at the Harley-Davidson Flat-Track Racing and Moto X Step Up. Paging all kids of the ’90s: This year, the X Games music lineup includes Blink-182, G-Eazy and Logic. Admission prices range depending on the day and experience.
2. Photo by Jenna De Stefano. 5. Photo by Courtney Pierce. 6. Photo by Nick Guise-Smith.
Hyatt Regency Austin is starting a new tradition. The second Monday of each month, it’s featuring Pints & Poses Yoga, a one-hour yoga class on the 17th floor of the hotel. Perfect your eagle pose and headstand while peering out at beautiful views of Lady Bird Lake and downtown Austin. Stay cool throughout the session with freshly squeezed juice and citrusinfused water. After class, participants get a coupon for a complimentary draft beer at the hotel’s Marker 10 bar. Admission is free and guests receive a validation ticket for parking in the hotel garage.
8
7
Keep Austin Weird Festival & 5K
7. Photo by Brian Fitzsimmons. 8. Photo by Kate Lesueur. 9. Photo by Willard Gibbons. 10. Photo courtesy of Second Street Soundcheck.
June 25, 3 p.m., race starts at 6 p.m. Veterans Pocket Park, 2200 Veterans Dr., and the American Legion grounds, 404 Atlanta St. keepaustinweird5k.com
Are you searching for the perfect way to experience Austin in one day? This festival brings together everything Austinites love about this city: live music, family fun and a whole lot of weird. If you want to fit in, try your best to stand out. The festival is hosting a costume contest, and when it comes to outfits, the weirder, the better. The day is filled with “the slowest 5K on the planet” and strange sideshows, including armadillo races, big-toe wrestling, gummy-bat spitting and a dunking booth. Proceeds from the dunking booth and $1 of every Fest Pass sold go to Capital Area Food Bank. Admission ranges from $17.50 for an adult Fest Pass to $75 for a VIP ticket.
10
Café No Sé All-day Rosé All day, every day Café No Sé 1603 Congress Ave. cafenoseaustin.com
It’s officially rosé season, and Café No Sé is joining the festivities. The stylish café inside the fabulous South Congress Hotel is offering wine lovers 25 percent off bottles of rosé all day, every day, with no end date in sight. Pink-wine lovers, grab a date or a group of friends and treat yourself to ricotta hotcakes or a ham-and-cheese croissant while sipping the most refined refreshment of the summer. Top off the meal with one of the café’s colorful desserts, like the toasted marshmallow ice-cream bar or a raspberry mint tart.
9
Blanco Lavender Festival June 10 through 12 Blanco, Texas blancochamber.com
During the Blanco Lavender Festival, the town of Blanco and its surrounding countryside are covered with lavender. Visitors can check out lavender-related gifts and treasures from various vendors and artists, or head over to the courthouse to hear lavender educational programs and see cooking demonstrations. After getting your fill of lavender, check out some live music at Bindseil Park and try some craft beer at the Texas Craft Beer Tent. Admission to the lavender farms is free, with activities including aromatherapy and lavender-oildistillation classes.
Looking for more lavender? Discover the West Coast’s own purple paradise on Page 41.
Second Street Soundcheck June 18, 1 to 8 p.m. Second Street District, spanning from San Antonio to Colorado streets 2ndstreetdistrict.com/soundcheck2016 At the fifth annual Second Street Soundcheck, Austin music, food and art combine in an exquisite music-and-street festival that stretches three blocks. The lineup this year features numerous artists, including Löwin, The Warplanes, Moving Panoramas, Eastern Cameron Folkcore and Otis the Destroyer. Bring the kids and check out the Kids’ Dance Zone. Admission is free, but a $5 donation is encouraged and benefits the Austin Music Foundation and radio station KUTX.
Kristy Owen is the event mastermind and blogger behind 365 Things To Do In Austin, Texas. To stay up to date on the best Austin has to offer, visit her blog, 365thingsaustin.com.
austinwomanmagazine.com | 29
S
avvy Women
count us in
women in numbers
Facts and figures on females from throughout the world. By Daniela Covian, illustrations by jessica wetterer
58 That’s the percentage of college graduates that are women. While two-thirds of women graduate in the humanities and the arts, men continue to dominate in science-related fields, comprising 60 percent of graduates. According to UN Women, this increased percentage of educated women has been directly tied to faster economic growth worldwide—proof that when more women are working, economies expand. It is estimated that, globally, women could increase their income by as much as 76 percent if the employmentparticipation gap and the wage gap between women and men were closed. This is calculated to have a global value of $17 trillion. Globally, however, most women still earn, on average, only 60 to 75 percent of men’s wages.
20,000 Sorry to interrupt, dear, but women really do talk more than men. Women say about 20,000 words a day. That’s 13,000 more words than the average man. Now, with the release of a new study, a team of researchers at the University of Maryland might have discovered the reason why. The team found women have higher levels of Foxp2, known as the “language protein,” in their brains. To be exact, females have 30 percent more of the Foxp2 protein than males. Previous studies showed female chitchatting starts at a young age since girls are proven to grasp language and expand their vocabularies earlier and quicker than most boys of the same age.
62 Million
17 Years The age of Syrian refugee Muzoon Almellehan, who is quickly gaining recognition as the Malala of Syria, a moniker referring to the Pakistani activist and youngest ever Nobel Prize laureate, Malala Yousafzai. Almellehan recently addressed world leaders at a U.N. conference, alongside Yousafzai, and has risen to prominence in Syria for her work campaigning against child marriage and fighting for girls’ education. Before accepting asylum in the U.K., Almellehan spent three years in a refugee camp in Jordan. On a daily basis, she would go from tent to tent convincing families to educate their daughters rather than marry them off. She told The Guardian her message to young girls is that it’s fine to get married and have kids, but the most important thing in life is to get an education.
According to Michelle Obama’s White House initiative Let Girls Learn, that’s the number of girls worldwide who are not attending school. Started in March 2015, Let Girls Learn aims to help adolescent girls attain a quality education and empower young women throughout the world to reach their full potential and create a brighter future for themselves. Inadequate education has notoriously been linked to higher mother-fatality rates, higher infant-mortality rates, higher cases of HIV and poor nutrition. A study by the World Bank found that for every year of secondary-school education a girl receives, there’s an 18 percent increase in her future success.
30 | Austin Woman | JUNE 2016
287 Days We’ve all been there before: standing in front of a closet full of clothes and realizing that, somehow, there’s nothing to wear. When it comes to choosing outfits for work, nights out or dinner parties, it’s estimated the average female will spend about 287 days rummaging through her wardrobe. Clothes giant Matalan compiled the results after polling 2,491 women. The data found, on average, women spend 16 minutes every weekday morning and about 14 minutes on the weekend mornings trying to decide what to wear. The most time women take deciding what to wear? Twenty minutes before going out for a weekend evening.
CELEBRATING
GOOD IS
a unique approach to wealth management services.
What is good? Good is having a wealth advisor on your course. It’s knowing decisions will be made with the greatest care and precision. At Broadway Bank, good is wealth management services on par to reach your goals. INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT I TRUST & ESTATE SERVICES REAL ESTATE I OIL & GAS
Contact Carey S. Leva – SVP, Wealth Advisor/Trust Officer 512.465.6594 I cleva@broadwaybank.com
Austin Regional Headquarters | 911 W. 38th Street, Suite 100 512.465.6550 | 800.531.7650 | broadwaybank.com | fghfg
FOMO? noun informal anxiety that an exciting or interesting event may currently be happening elsewhere, often aroused by posts seen on a social media website.
INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED NOT GUARANTEED BY THE BANK • NOT A DEPOSIT NOT INSURED BY A FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY • MAY LOSE VALUE
CALEESI DESIGNS AUSTIN’S NEWEST JEWELER Wants to design your next piece of jewelry!
austinwoman Never miss out on a networking opportunity again. Follow @austinwoman on social media to stay in the loop on all things Austin.
• FINE JEWELRY • CUSTOM DESIGNS • JEWELRY & WATCH REPAIR • GOLD BUYERS
@austinwoman
2620A S. LAMAR Directly across the street from Matt’s El Rancho 512.916.9253 • CALEESIDESIGNS.COM
S
avvy Women
profile
Turning Lemons into Lemonade
How one young girl turned bee stings into an empire. by Sarah E. Ashlock
Me & the Bees’ devotion to bee conservation and downright “yummy” lemonade was a recipe for success. Ulmer made an impression on the founder and CEO of FUBU, Daymond John, who invested in the company after Ulmer pitched her lemonade on an episode of Shark Tank. A variety of Ulmer’s lemonade can now be found at Whole Foods Market and a growing number of restaurants. She offers four additional flavors: prickly pear, mint, iced tea and ginger. “When you’re really groggy and don’t want to wake up, all you have to do is take a sip [of the ginger lemonade], and it gets you up and running,” Ulmer says.
Eleven-year-old Mikaila Ulmer is the bee’s knees. She’s made lemonade sweetened with local honey for the past seven years and is the founder of her own company, Me & the Bees Lemonade. Although she is young, her story has motivated and inspired girls and women everywhere. Ulmer took a break from her lemonade stand to tell Austin Woman about her success, and how others can follow their dreams too. Face Your Fears Me & the Bees Lemonade began serendipitously. When Ulmer was only 4 years old, she was thinking about what kind of product she would make for the Acton Children’s Business Fair and Austin Lemonade Day. One of Ulmer’s heroes, her 94-year-old great-granny, Helen, sent Ulmer a 1940s family cookbook all the way from South Carolina. It included a tasty recipe for flaxseed lemonade. About the same time, Ulmer was stung by bees twice in one week. Naturally, she was frightened of the fuzzy insects. Her parents urged her to learn more about bees in order to overcome her fear. It worked, and it also gave her an idea. With Great-granny Helen’s recipe and her newfound interest in bees, Ulmer decided to sweeten her lemonade with local honey. Not only was it scrumptious, but it would also help save the bees.
32 | Austin Woman | JUNE 2016
When Life Hands You Lemons … This confident queen bee’s mantra is: “Don’t be discouraged by life’s little stings. Get back up and spread your wings.” Entrepreneurs are bound to encounter challenges. One of the challenges Ulmer faced was renaming her company from Bee Sweet Lemonade to Me & the Bees Lemonade. “At the time, I wanted to give up on the company because I had gone so hard with the previous name,” Ulmer says. “I did not want to start all over again.” But she looked at the future and decided to embrace the new name. She changed it because the business had started as a hobby and a way for her to make a little extra cash to purchase an art kit she wanted. But wise beyond her years, Ulmer saw more potential in the company’s new name. “This new name provided more opportunities for us to grow,” she says. Just Bee Yourself When Ulmer isn’t wearing her CEO hat or reading up on bee life, she likes to live life like every other girl and just have plain old fun—after she gets her homework done, that is. Ulmer enjoys taking care of her six pet chickens and loves to dance, hang out with friends and rollerblade (because it makes her feel “like lightning”). She’s also addicted to making her favorite summer treat, Me & the Bees Lemonade popsicles. How sweet is that?
Photo courtesy of Me & the Bees.
Be a Worker Bee At the core of Me & the Bees, and perhaps the reason for its achievements, is Ulmer’s dedication. “Before you start coming up with a name or a website, make sure it’s a business you have a passion for,” she says. Being the CEO of a company is a tough gig, no matter one’s age. One of Ulmer’s tips for girls interested in creating their own business is to always ask for help. Ulmer’s help comes from quite the worker beehive. She credits her parents for helping her throughout her entrepreneurial journey. Ulmer’s mother handles marketing, while Ulmer’s father handles the business side. Even her two siblings help her business buzz; her younger brother created the Me & the Bees ginger lemonade and acts as her No. 1 sales rep, and her older brother is her savvy tech guy. Ulmer makes sure to know the ins and outs of her company. “I have to wear a lot of hats, like a marketing hat, finance hat or a demo hat,” she says. “My favorite hat is the speakingengagement hat. My least favorite hat is probably the practicing hat, but once I get it done and know it by heart, I get to do the fun stuff.”
VISIT OUR SHOWROOM!
FIND YOUR ELEMENT Located in Lakeshore District, our community has custom finishes with a hip south Austin touch. We created a unique combination of custom finishes resort-style amenities, and a very green approach to living. Experience Austin in a whole different way and find your element.
• Apartments • Private backyards • Energy efficient with new windows/insulation • Five minutes to downtown • Granite countertops theelementaustin.com •1500 Royal Crest Drive, Austin, TX 78741• 512.444.6676
S
avvy Women
expert advice
Who Runs the World? Girls today want equality, respect and a future filled with purpose. Here, the local boss ladies of six young women’s organizations share their insight for the next generation. compiled by Taylor Prewitt
Girl Up “I frequently tell the young women I meet to always speak up, particularly when they face adversity. They are now part of the largest generation in the world, and their voices are more important than ever.”
GENAustin
— Melissa Hillebrenner Kilby, director
“I believe in the power of female mentorship. I think we don’t cultivate a culture of mentorship often enough. The impact role models have on our lives is astronomical. I encourage millennial women to seek mentorship from women whom they admire, both formally and informally. And be prepared to pass it on.”
Mission: As the United Nations Foundation’s adolescentgirl campaign, Girl Up engages girls to take action to stand up for other girls in need and to empower each other to transform the world. girlup.org
— Julia Cuba Lewis, executive director Mission: GENAustin aims to support and guide girls to make wise choices as they navigate the unique pressures of girlhood.
Girlstart “Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s not a sign of weakness. There is always something new to learn every day and it’s OK if you don’t know everything. Approach each day with the attitude ‘What can I learn today from my peers, my boss and my clients?’ ”
genaustin.org
— Julie Shannan, deputy director
Mission: Girlstart works to increase girls’ interest and engagement in science, technology, engineering and math through innovative, nationally recognized, informal STEM-education programs.
Deeds Not Words “[Millennials] are more in tune with and aware of political and socialmovement impacts on their lives than most. Their challenge, as many have articulated to me, is finding a path to connect their passion to make a difference, to [find] a tangible way of doing that.”
girlstart.org
— Wendy Davis, founder Mission: Deeds Not Words helps young, passionate women get involved by connecting them to resources, policy-making tools and each other. (Read AW ’s conversation with Wendy Davis on Page 38.)
#IAmThatGirl “My most important advice would be to be who you are instead of who you think you’re supposed to be.” — Emily Greener, co-founder and CEO
deedsnotwords.com
Mission: #IAmThatGirl raises the standards for how girls treat themselves, each other and the world by building a community for girls to be seen and to be heard. iamthatgirl.com
Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls
“At Smart Girls, we always say that you change the world by being yourself. We believe that. But we also know that you can be yourself only if you take the time to know yourself.” — Meredith Walker, executive director Mission: Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls is an organization dedicated to helping young people cultivate their authentic selves, and is a place where people can truly be their weird and wonderful selves. amysmartgirls.com
34 | Austin Woman | JUNE 2016
Smile again CALL 512.872.3612 AND LET OUR AUSTIN IMPLANT DENTISTS TRANSFORM YOUR SMILE TODAY!
8118 Shoal Creek Blvd. Austin, TX 78757 • 8118dental.com DR. TANA BUSCH • DR. JASON CARLYON • DR. KEVIN DEUTSCH
HAND WASH & DETAIL 512-567-WASH SERVING AUSTIN FOR OVER 20 YEARS
5 4.9 3 $
INCLUDES: • HAND WASH • VACUUM • WHEELS • TIRES • SPRAY WAX • WINDOWS • INTERIOR WIPEDOWN
COME GET CARDSforFOR FATHER’S DAY! Come getYOUR your GIFT gift cards Mother’ s Day! NEW LOCATION: 1516 W. 5th St. Air-conditioned waiting area & wifi Monday - Saturday 8am-6pm and Sunday 10am-4pm
TARRYTOWN LOCATION: Details & membership Monday-Saturday 8am-4pm SIGN UP FOR OUR MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM
ceasarshandwash.com • 1516 W. 5th Street 512.567.9274 • 2414 Exposition Blvd.
CONGRATULATIONS
2016 WOMAN'S WAY
AWARDS FINALISTS THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 6PM
ONE WORLD THEATER PRESENTED BY
WOMAN'S WAY Business Awards
2016
I AM AUSTIN WOMAN
MARKETING/PR/MEDIA
CAROL DOCHEN, REALTORS LEXICON MEDICAL THE LUCKY PAWS VERB
ALT CREATIVE
WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (Under $1M) MAGGIE LOUISE CONFECTIONS TRIBE & GLORY VENTURE LAB
ELIZABETH CHRISTIAN PR LOOKTHINKMAKE BLOG/PODCAST/ NEWSLETTER/WEBINARS
HEALTH & WELLNESS
WOMEN IN TECHNOLOGY
A TASTE OF KOKO N2 PUBLISHING SHESPARK, LLC
HEAL IN COMFORT OLIVE + M VITA WELLNESS MASSAGE VIVA DAY SPA
MIRACULUM, INC. VENTURE LAB VERB
WOMAN-LED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
RISING STAR
ATCHLEY & ASSOCIATES, LLP FREEBIRDS WORLD BURRITO SWEETCHEEKS PRODUCTS UNALIWEAR
PRODUCT INNOVATION HEAL IN COMFORT MACROMOLTEK MAGGIE LOUISE CONFECTIONS MIRACULUM, INC.
AUSTIN BREAST IMAGING MAGGIE LOUISE CONFECTIONS TRIBE & GLORY
WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (Over $1M)
SERVICE PROVIDER
PHILANTHROPIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
BRAVELETS, LLC FASHION FORMS KELLER WILLIAMS AUSTIN SW & NW
AME'S CLEANING ART + ARTISANS CONSULTING URBAN BETTY SALON
AUSTIN FREE-NET BRAVELETS, LLC WEVIVA
THANK YOU TO OUR WONDERFUL SELECTION COMMITTEE
EMILY REAGAN VICE PRESIDENT, LIFECYCLE MARKETING, BAZAARVOICE
» Empowering keynote PATRICIA G. GREENE NIKKI GRAHAM JAN RYAN SHAUNA» MARTIN Prestigious awards ceremony AUSTIN MARKET PRESIDENT, PAUL T. BABSON CHAIR IN ENTREPRENEUR AND TECH CEO & FOUNDER, DAILY GREENS BANK OF AMERICA ENTREPRENEURIAL STUDIES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE, CEO OF 3HILLS GROUP, » Concert by The Mrs. ACADEMIC DIRECTOR, 10,000 SMALL AND CEO/FOUNDER OF WOMEN@AUSTIN BUSINESS AND 10,000 WOMEN
PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS TODAY! AUSTINWOMANMAGAZINE.COM INGRID VANDERVELDT
MELLIE PRICE
LYNN ATCHISON
KEREN KANG
FOUNDER, EBW2020
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION DELL MEDICAL SCHOOL
FORMER CFO, HOMEAWAY
CEO, NATIVE COMMERCE
BAZAAR VOICE
CIRRUS LOGIC
SERENA LISSY
TEXAS MBA/ TEXAS MSTC
WP ENGINE
S
avvy Women
Let’s Taco ’Bout It
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Wendy Davis dishes to Austin Woman about millennial women, why feminism is for everyone and how her new organization, Deeds Not Words, wants to move the needle for change. photos by kevin garner When Wendy Davis stepped back from the spotlight following that bruising gubernatorial race in November 2014, many wondered where her famous pink filibustering sneakers would take her next. In a candid conversation with Austin Woman Publisher Melinda Garvey, Davis explains her new project, which officially launched May 18, her goals for the future and why passion plays an important role for younger generations. Melinda Garvey: I signed up for the newsletter for your new organization, Deeds Not Words. What can we expect? What are we going to see from it?
MG: I love the name because Deeds Not Words is about actions speaking louder than words. Do you think millennials and younger generations need to be more action oriented? WD: It’s important for young women to really see role models, but I think it’s especially empowering for them to see people in their own generation who are doing things that they can be inspired by, right? ... We want to encourage young women to understand the power that they have to make change, and sometimes, that change can come in small forms, sometimes large. I think it’s important to understand that it doesn’t have to be monumental, and so, we want to give them examples of young women who are using their time and their talent in ways that are making a difference, even though it might not feel like they’re big, monumental things, so that we all understand we have a role to play.
Wendy Davis: First of all, it was really important to create a single place for young women to come to, regardless of their particular interest in advancing gender equality, and find partners and resources to get involved. I started the organization, MG: You have really, prompted two millennial by a question that daughters. What I got so often by are some of the young women who key things you’ve feel very passionate taught them? about trying to get involved but don’t WD: I do feel that really know how to I gave them an do that, how to be avenue, if they effective, how to were interested in use their time and taking it, to being talent to make a a part of a bigger difference. I wanted conversation to put together an around gender organization that equality. … Each would help guide of them has grown their talent and Davis and Garvey get candid over breakfast. up to embrace their passion and, and believe very hopefully, help them strongly in the put it to some constructive use. idea that they are feminist, that they deserve and are part of making sure they are treated equally. I also tried to teach them from lessons MG: Talk about what kind of organizations you are partnering I learned along the way: Don’t get married too young. It takes a long with, like, for example, Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls. time to really figure out who you are. Do something they really care WD: Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls is absolutely one of our partners! ... about and not work too hard for the dollar if it’s going to lead them What you’ll see on the website is a list of our partners in advancing to a place that makes them feel hollow. We’ll see. Time will tell gender equality, and, of course, that takes a variety of forms. It’s whether they navigate their way. But I know they are thoughtful restoring reproductive autonomy. It’s making sure that women have of that. adequate protection and avenues to complain if they are the victims of sexual assault. It is making sure that women are paid equally in MG: What about young men? I have an 8-year-old boy. the workplace, that the wages in this country are lifted, because twoWD: I think it’s very important that young men are raised sensitive thirds of minimum-wage workers in this country are women. They’re to why women ought to be treated equally, just as we tend to raise disproportionately affected by that. It’s making sure that if women are our girls to think about it. … I love it when young men tell me that thinking about running for office, they have the support and the skills they are feminist. It’s not something that belongs to women only. that they need to be able to position themselves to do that. It’s women … Just as it is the case that all of us ought to be working on racial in the media, and making sure that women are connected to those injustices, whether we are white, black, brown, it’s equally as outlets that can really help position them to put their voice out into the important regarding our gender. public conversation.
38 | Austin Woman | JUNE 2016
MG: At the end of the day, it feels like there’s this shift happening now so that women are actually making buying decisions, holding wealth, taking on more powerful roles. So, our issues aren’t just women’s issues; they are our country’s issues. How can young women be a part of that? WD: For each action that we take, we are creating the collective energy that’s really going to move change. I would love to see, five years from now, when we’ve reached the 100-year anniversary of women gaining the right to vote, that we’ve moved the ball on so much of what’s left to be done. It’s really rather surprising that we’re 95 years later, and we still have not attained the full equality that we ought to be assured of in a country like the United States of America. It’s really not going to happen unless we, as women, make it happen, so, my hope is that something to empower the generation is going to be not only an important part, but it’s really going to be the tipping point that’s going to get us to that place. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Snapshot Who: Wendy Davis, founder, Deeds Not Words Number of times she hits snooze in the morning: “Once.” How she takes her coffee: “I have a Nespresso machine and a milk foamer. Two cups with non-fat milk every morning. Even better: a latte at Jo’s!” Her #socialmedia scene: “I am on Twitter more than anywhere else. In addition to reading The New York Times every day, I find it a great place to keep up with what’s going on in the political and social-movement world. Follow me @deedsnotwords and @wendydavis.” On her nightstand: “Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik personally gave me an advanced copy a few months ago. Excited to finally be reading it!” Alternate profession she would like to attempt: “Deep within me, perhaps a result of my English degree, is a writer dying to come out! I loved working on my memoir for this very reason. And I’m pretty sure I’ve got another book in me.” Words to live by: “Actions speak louder than words.”
Breakfast tacos and coffee Jo’s Coffee, 242 W. Second St., joscoffee.com
Specializing in Quality of Life & Healthcare for Women Whatever phase in life you may be in, we’re here to help.
• IN-OFFICE PROCEDURES
• ABLATION/ESSURE
• PERMANENT STERILIZATION
• DA VINCI ROBOTIC SURGERY
• ACESSA PROCEDURE
• IDEAL PROTEIN DIET
Lisa M. Jukes MD Wellness Center 5656 Bee Caves Road, Suite B101, Austin, TX 78746
lisamjukesmd.com
• FIRST IN CENTRAL TEXAS TO OFFER MONALISA TOUCH® • BIOTE® BIO-IDENTICAL HORMORE PELLET THERAPY
To find out more about any of the offered services above please visit our website or call our office at: (512) 301-6767 • lisamjukesmd.com
Austin’s newest gem is bringing the Glo to your doorstep!
GLO BY GLORY ROCKS OUT THE AUSTIN MAKEUP SCENE
WE ARE MOBILE!
WE PROVIDE A FULL RANGE OF MAKEUP SERVICES: • Makeup application for weddings, proms, dinners, galas, and special events • Makeup lessons • Makeup parties • Personal shopping • Beauty mixers Call or email to book Glo by Glory for your next big event!
globyglory.com • business@globyglory.com 512.676.5801 All Services are on-location
MUST LIST Lavender Fields Forever
A short ferry ride from the Seattle coast lies a paradise cloaked in purple. by april cumming
Photo courtesy of April Cumming.
Rivulets of deep-violet and faint-purple plants billow their way down the terraced hillside, their underbellies green like those of caterpillars crawling in formation. A breeze wafts up from the shoreline of Puget Sound and rustles its way through the fields, tickling the tall, tangling stems of outstretched lavender. One simple act of nature, and the air is instantly perfumed with an herbaceous, sweet and intoxicating scent.
austinwomanmagazine.com |  41
ust List
must travel
There is no rush here in the fields. There is no hurry. There is no wondering what hour it is or what comes next. The pace here is one of patience and pleasure. Unbeknownst to weekend visitors who walk through the gates of Lavender Hill Farm, they enter into an unspoken agreement with the plants, an amicable acknowledgement that beauty deserves appreciation. After all, beauty stems from growth and perseverance, from surviving in the sun and thriving in the rain; it is something that takes time. To arrive at Lavender Hill Farm is to say you have successfully found Vashon Island, a Secret Garden-like place very few have heard of and many want to keep that way. A scenic 20-minute ferry ride west from the hub of Seattle, Vashon Island lies wedged between mainland Washington and the chubby thumb of the Olympic Peninsula. It’s size—13 miles long by 8 miles wide—is equivalent to that of the island of Manhattan, give or take 1.61 million people. The lowest, geographically speaking, in a chain of islands studding the waters of Puget Sound, Vashon Island has a shape that bears a striking resemblance to that of a lobster claw. The island is just as much home to sustainable farmers, nomadic free spirits and beach frolickers as it is to families of four who spend the school year here. Like many small towns in the U.S., Vashon can become a bit of a bubble. Once you’ve grown accustomed to ambling the pastoral, blackberry-bush-lined streets in search of an afternoon snack and are now a regular patron at the quaint Burton Coffee Stand, it might not make much sense to leave. Add those reasons to the fact that jaw-dropping views of snow-capped Mount Rainier and the shimmering waters and sailboat-docked shoreline of Puget Sound await your gaze at every turn, and you can easily convince yourself that your boss and co-workers can carry on just fine without you.
The regal homestead at Lavender Hill Farm
A wreath woven with royal purple lavender
Sailboats docked on the shore of Puget Sound
42 | Austin Woman | JUNE 2016
The YogaPhotos Havencourtesy photo byofEllie Cherryhomes. April Cumming. San Luis Resort photo courtesy of Galveston Island CVB.
M
Know Before You Go > Opening day of the farm and farm store this year is June 23. lavenderhillvashon.com > There are two access points to get to the island. If approaching just south of Seattle, the Fauntleroy Ferry will take you to the northern terminus of the island. If approaching from Tacoma, Wash., the Point Defiance ferry will take you to the southern terminus of the island. > Car, bike and the King County bus system (Washington’s version of Capital Metro) are the preferred methods of travel on the island.
Worth the
Photo by Hudson Gardner.
Detour
Acting like a local is almost effortless on the island, thanks to the plethora of home rentals listed on Airbnb and HomeAway from which you can play pretend. When European explorers set foot on Vashon in the late 18th century, thoughts of planting or growing anything—let alone growing lavender—were, well, not of high priority. Logging activity pilfered many of the island’s notable tall-growth pine, fir and orange-barked madrone trees. Fast-forward to pre-World War II, and Japanese-American immigrants—the majority of the island’s population at the time—started to farm the island, transforming the barren landscape into ripe fields of strawberries. These farmers were some of the first to make the connection that, because of the island’s glacial soil, only crops that could handle good drainage, like berries and lavender, would thrive. Catherine MacNeal and her husband, Tom Dalzell, have owned and operated Lavender Hill Farm on Vashon Island for the past 10 years. They flex their green thumbs and finesse their lavender expertise during the summer months, when, along with their two daughters, they live on-property in a white three-story house flawlessly flanked by budding rose and hydrangea bushes. Impressively regal in its stance, the home was transported to the island by ocean barge in 1977. Nevertheless, the transplanted structure implies permanence on the farm, acting as though it has been surveying the fields unfurling below for centuries. An afternoon spent navigating the rows and strategically arranging a U-cut bouquet is code for a crash course in lavender education. More than 20 varietals of the herb, from Provence, grosso and royal purple to Melissa, munstead and maillette, call this place home. If you’re fortunate, a stop into the cherry-treeshaded farm store might translate into a heavier suitcase on your trip home: a few lavender sachets and an eye mask here, a couple jars of homemade lavender honey there. Word to the wise: It might be in your best interest to go ahead and grab a couple extra gifts to send your boss and co-workers. You know, just in case you decide to stay.
Collecting more lavender bouquets is never frowned upon. In fact, it’s celebrated in Sequim, Wash. A two-hour drive north of Vashon Island, Sequim (pronounced skwim) is the designated Lavender Capital of North America. The Sequim Lavender Festival, now in its 20th year, entices flocks of floralenthused tourists to indulge their olfactory senses with free tours of the town’s seven lavender farms from July 15 through 17. lavenderfestival.com If you’re looking for a local lavender option, read more about the Blanco Lavender Festival on Page 29.
austinwomanmagazine.com | 43
M
ust List
must hear
Can’t Stop the Feeling
Text your friends. Mark your calendar. Now, dance the hot summer nights away at the best live-music shows in town. Sunflower Bean June 16, 8 p.m. Stubb’s, 801 Red River St. All ages, $10 in advance, $12 day of the show stubbsaustin.com
This Brooklyn-based trio is new to the scene, but if their first album, the breezy Human Ceremony, is any indicator, they have a booming career to look forward to. This neo-psychedelic band counts Pink Floyd, Brian Wilson, T. Rex and the Velvet Underground as influences, and it’s evident in their catchy yet ethereal songs. Though the band’s three members—Julia Cumming (singer and bassist), Nick Kivlen (singer and guitarist) and Jacob Faber (drummer)—are barely of drinking age, it’s apparent that their spirits come straight from the time when Warhol was king of New York City. What makes the band particularly stand out is Cumming’s haunting and innocent voice. Solstice Fest June 18, noon Pan Am Park, 2100 E. Third St. All ages, $27.37 for a wristband, $48.47 for a VIP wristband solsticeatx.com
Mama K and the Shades
Celebrating its third year, this colorful fest, hosted by Austin Green Art, features an array of Austin’s most beloved musical acts, including The Octopus Project, Mother Falcon, Ume, Riders Against the Storm, Black and White Years, and Ruby Jane and The Reckless. Check out sets from the Afrobeat-inspired Hard Proof and the funkalicious Mama K and the Shades. These horn-heavy bands feature more members than you can count on your fingers, which breeds the sort of music you can feel pumping through your chest. We dare you to try and sit still through either band’s set; we’re confident you’ll be dancing like nobody’s watching. León Larregui with Costera and Andrea Franz June 10, 8 p.m. Emo’s, 2015 E. Riverside Drive All ages, $30 in advance, $35 day of the show emosaustin.com/leon-larregui
The Chris Robinson Brotherhood June 11, 7 p.m. Scoot Inn, 1308 E. Fourth St. All ages, $20 scootinnaustin.com/calendar
You may not be familiar with the name León Larregui, but this Mexican model-turned-musician boasts a Twitter following of 629,000 people and a Facebook following of nearly 900,000. Larregui first appeared on the scene with the Mexico City-based psychedelic band Zoé, but since parting ways in 2011, he has made his name as a solo artist and released two studio albums. It’s hard to categorize the Spanish-singing musician, as his songs range from indie pop to ’80s synth and acoustic ballads to ’60s romance, but that’s what makes his music all the more unique and refreshing.
Chris Robinson has long flown past his Black Crowes days, and for the past five years has been touring with his psychedelic rock band, The Chris Robinson Brotherhood. Fans of early Fleetwood Mac, Cream and Grateful Dead will enjoy their bluesy wa-wa guitar, honky-tonk piano, thumping bass and 10-minute-plus jams. CRB, as they’re colloquially known, is touring in anticipation of their fourth studio album, Anyway You Love, We Know How You Feel, which will be released July 29. Check out their tunes at chrisrobinsonbrotherhood.com.
Cha Wa June 25, 9 p.m. Antone’s, 305 E. Fifth St. 21 and older, $12 antonesnightclub.com/page/2/ Cha Wa, a venerable Crescent City “Mardi Gras Indian funk band,” is stopping in Austin on their Southern tour to support their debut album, Funk ’n’ Feathers. Their set at Antone’s is sure to be a party starter. The seven-piece band brings spirited New Orleans street music, in conjunction with Mardi Gras Indian chants and colorful beaded headdresses and garb, to each of their shows. Cha Wa’s set will get you on your feet and have you daydreaming about your next trip to NOLA. 44 | Austin Woman | JUNE 2016
Sunflower Bean photo by Rebekah Campbell. Mama K and the Shades photo courtesy of Mountain Trout Photography. Cha Wa photo by Kim Welch.
by Lauren Modery
Special Promotion
Holistic Women’s Health and Wellness Annual Gynecological Exams Treatment of Menopause Breast Cancer Screening and Risk Evaluation Treatment of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Family Planning Treatment of Abnormal Pap Smears Teen Health Evaluation and Treatment of Osteoporosis
www.lotusobgyn.com 1305 W. 34th St., Ste. 407 Austin, TX 78705
12221 Renfert Way Ste. 220 Austin, TX 78758
Evaluation of Pelvic Prolapse and Incontinence Bioidentical Hormone treatment
(512) 716-0971
Dr. Saima Jehangir, M.D./M.P.H., F.A.C.O.G
BE A WIND FAN Wind can make kites soar and chimes sing. Wind can take care of your energy needs, too. Be a wind fan the Austin Energy way.
Start today! Visit austinenergy.com/go/windfan Call 512-494-9400 Email GreenChoice@austinenergy.com
A City of Austin program
© 2016 Austin Energy
`
SETTING THE STANDARD THE LEADING PIONEERS IN 3D MAMMOGRAPHY
Our physicians are breast imaging specialists. Because we believe it matters who reads your mammogram. We also believe women deserve to be treated respectfully, which is why our guests wear plush white robes and sip on fruit infused water while relaxing in a spa-like environment. Our mammogram exam is a positive and nurturing experience with accurate results you can trust.
Call or visit our website to schedule your appointment. 12319 N. MoPac Expy., Bldg. C, Ste. 320 Austin, TX 78758
512.776.1000 • austinbreastimaging.com facebook • yelp • youtube • google+
M
ust List
must give
Austin Gives With Bank of America
Nikki Graham takes the lead on volunteerism, community engagement and empowering women. By Missy Sharpe
{
Bank of America Austin is a member of Austin Gives, an organization dedicated to highlighting businesses for doing good. In its four-year existence, Austin Gives has aggregated almost 400 Austin-area companies that have made the commitment to donate at least 1 percent of their annual earnings to charity. To learn more about Austin Gives, visit austin.gives.
46 | Austin Woman | JUNE 2016
{
Moreau says. “When we started a program to provide oneon-one financial coaching, Nikki was there to volunteer. Nikki is really the heart and spirit of their work. I’ve seen her jump in as a volunteer to prepare taxes, chaperone student-leadership programs and chair the board of other nonprofit agencies.” Graham serves on the board for Communities in Schools, Barton Springs Conservancy and Capital Idea. While she has served as Bank of America’s Austin market president for three years, she has devoted her time throughout her life and career to being hands-on in the community. “I learn so much from every volunteer experience about the challenges many people face in our community,” Graham says. “That helps me to keep things in perspective.” Bank of America gives employees two hours a week to step away from their desks to serve in the community. Employees did so by devoting 5,877 hours in the Austin community last year. The Austin market’s employees also pledged $140,677 to local nonprofits, which was matched by Bank of America’s charitable foundation. Part of Bank of America’s giving is strictly women-focused. Since 2014, Bank of America, in partnership with the Tory Burch Foundation Capital Program, has provided capital for more than $10 million in affordable loans to nearly 450 women business owners. This includes $1.5 million that was distributed to 28 Austinarea women-owned businesses. During the next two years, that will expand to $20 million nationally. Bank of America also believes in empowering women leaders. More than half of the workforce at Bank of America nationally is women. The Leadership, Education, Advocacy and Development for Women program, with 22,000 members, is the bank’s employee network. LEAD Women promotes professional interactions that help attract, develop, advance and retain female professionals at all levels in the company. “Bank of America is fortunate to have a number of successful women leaders in Austin,” Graham says. “At some point in our careers, we’ve all had mentors or mentored others. The LEAD network really helps us facilitate a culture of formal and informal mentoring and growing talent.”
TUNE IN
Austin Woman Publisher Melinda Garvey and Bank of America Austin Market President Nikki Graham talk about the importance of women in business and Austin businesses giving back. When: June 7, 9 a.m. Station: KEYE-TV Segment: We Are Austin Website: keyetv.com/features/we-are-austin
Photo by Korey Howell.
As the president of Bank of America’s Austin market, Nikki Graham bears two big responsibilities: She leads the banking activities and policies for Austin, and she also leads the company’s work in local volunteerism and community engagement. During the past year, Bank of America Austin donated $986,000 in philanthropic giving to the Austin community. As a whole, Bank of America gave $200 million to nonprofits throughout the country. “Bank of America’s focus is on making financial lives better, and we know that staying connected to the community is how you do business,” Graham says. The three main components of Bank of America’s giving in Austin are developing affordable housing, advancing job skills and fighting hunger. The company works with Austin nonprofits such as Communities in Schools, College Forward, Breakthrough Austin, the Junior League of Austin’s Food in Tummies program, Capital Area Food Bank, the Sustainable Food Center, Habitat for Humanity and Foundation Communities. Another organization that was on the receiving end of Bank of America’s giving was E3, or Education Equals Economics, Alliance. Bank of America Austin recognized E3 Alliance in November as its 2015 Neighborhood Builders recipient for its work in the community. The Neighborhood Builders program combines leadershipdevelopment resources with $200,000 of flexible funding intended to help increase capacity and impact in the Austin community. “It’s unrestricted flexible funding that organizations can use for operational needs,” Graham says. “That is definitely rare and much needed additional funding.” As part of the bank’s focus to advance job skills, it also has a national program targeted to high-school juniors and seniors, called Bank of America Student Leaders. Within that program, five Austin students were awarded paid internships at Communities in Schools this year. They will head to Washington, D.C., in July, along with 220 other students nationwide to take part in the annual Student Leadership Summit. “Since I’ve been here since the beginning of the program, I’ve seen student leaders now 10 years out with real success stories,” Graham says. “Students have gone on to law school, graduate school, internships at large corporations and several have started their own business.” Bank of America’s involvement with Foundation Communities throughout the years has left a lasting impact for Walter Moreau, the organization’s executive director. Bank of America invested in building new affordable housing, which included environmentally friendly apartments, and built onsite learning centers. “Nikki is not just our corporate contact; she really cares about helping others,”
BEAUTY LIFTS: Face І Eyes І Neck І Lips І Breasts І Arms І Legs І Tummy LIPO: Neck І Face І Trunk І Arms І Legs І Fat Transfer
SKIN REJUV: FX (fractional) Laser І IPL І Fillers/Fat Transfer Botox/Dysport І Moles І Scars І Earlobe Repair
❦ Rhoad to Beauty ❦ Deirdre Rhoad, M.D. • Longest practicing female Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in Austin, Texas • Focusing on Quality of Care
Plastic Surgery & Medspa
Patient’s Choice Award 2013, 2014 & 2015 All major credit cards accepted and 6 months zero interest with CareCredit For questions or to schedule, please call:
(512) 476-9149 • RhoadtoBeauty.com
E LET’S RAIS ALS ME N O I L L I M 1 ER M M U S S I TH Summer break and soaring utility costs can push an at-risk family to the edge. You can help.
DONATE TODAY
centraltexasfoodbank.org formerly Capital Area Food Bank
S
tyle
trends
FLORAL FRENZY
Organized chaos is in full bloom when you pair unlikely prints. photos by rudy arocha Styled by Ashley Hargrove Hair and makeup by laura martinez Modeled by Grace Paulter
Coach Tea Rose red crossbody bag, $595; Eliza J floral maxi skirt, $188, available at Nordstrom, 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., 512.691.3500, nordstrom.com; green and gold earrings, $7.99, available at Target stores; top, model’s own.
48 | Austin Woman | june 2016
Loeffler Randall floral clutch, $375; Bobeau floral tank top, $48, available at Nordstrom, 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., 512.691.3500, nordstrom.com; floral fit-and-flare dress, $29.99; white floral stretchy bracelet, $2.90, available at Forever 21, 3409 Esperanza Crossing, 512.719.3988; coral earrings, $7.99, available at Target stores.
austinwomanmagazine.com |  49
Eliza J pink floral crop top, $108; Eliza J floral-print skirt, $148, available at Nordstrom, 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., 512.691.3500, nordstrom.com; Cherokee Rose Coco glasses, $54, available at gasolineglamour.com.
50 |  Austin Woman |  june 2016
trends
Hue floral skimmer leggings, $48; Bobeau floral top, $48, available at Nordstrom, 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., 512.691.3500, nordstrom.com; Gianni Bini Glam Out floral platform sandals, $79.99, available at Dillard’s, 3211 Feathergrass Court, 512.833.9556, dillards.com.
austinwomanmagazine.com |  51
trends
Sunny Centerpiece floral-print skater dress, $64, available at lulus.com.
austinwomanmagazine.com |  53
S
tyle
Beauty
crowning Glory
Radiant earth tones and brilliant shimmer pair perfectly for summer. photos by rudy arocha Styled by Ashley Hargrove Hair and makeup by laura martinez Modeled by Grace Paulter Face Face Atelier Ultra Foundation, $52, available at faceatelier.com; Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in pearl, $38, available at beccacosmetics.com. Cheeks and Lips Nars Dual-Intensity Blush in craving, $45, available at narscosmetics.com; Dior Addict Fluid Stick in whisper beige, $35, available at dior.com. Eyes Natasha Denona metallic eye shadow in bottle green and quicksilver, available at natashadenona.com; Kevyn Aucoin eye shadow in cool tan and brighten, $42, available at barneys.com; MAC Liquidlast liner, $21, available at maccosmetics.com; L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara, 7.99, available at ulta.com. Clothing and Accessories Collection XIIX floral crown, $20; Alice and Olivia floral lace top, $255, available at Nordstrom, 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., 512.691.3500, nordstrom.com.
54 | Austin Woman | june 2016
JO HYMAN ART
Venetian Plaster on wood panel, 48” x 72”
512-801-8503 • WWW.JOHYMANART.COM
G N I S S I M
L
os hot p |
by ry o t S
56 56
il Apr
Cumming
by
K N
r eye m tin du s
yle | st
h y as db
ley
e rov g r ha
ai | h
r
mak and
eu
ur a y la b p
Katie Fang, founder and CEO of Austin-based education technology startup SchooLinks doesn’t like to talk about age, but she’s 25. She doesn’t like it when people applaud her for being a woman working in a predominately male industry, but they do. She doesn’t like to think she’s a success story, but she is.
ma
e rtin
z
G
K
// the foundation //
// the drawing board //
Who knows if any of this would have transpired without a dose of inspiration from the Disney Channel. As a young girl growing up in Shanghai, China, Katie Fang loved nothing more than to come home from school, plant herself in front of the TV and soak in the loud, ebullient English programming. “I always admired people who could speak fluent English,” Fang says. It was a skill she was eager to learn. Through the glaring screen scrolling with Chinese subtitles, she became fascinated with the American culture. At the age of 12, she decided she had to see it for herself. Fang petitioned her parents for an education visa, making them read, sign and date her handwritten request—a note speckled with placating promises—so all matters were official. Her parents, a successful pair of serial entrepreneurs, acquiesced. They bet their daughter would apply and never hear back. But she did. After securing her education visa, she was off to an aerospace engineering camp in Houston. Her fluency in English was next to nonexistent. Outside of what she had absorbed from the Disney Channel, this was Fang’s first immersion into American culture. “That was fun,” Fang says, reflecting on her time at the camp. Now 25, she’s comfortable standing in a room where she knows no one. “I love going to places where I don’t know anybody,” she says. She’s been doing exactly that for the past 13 years. When the aerospace camp ended, she wasn’t ready to go back home. Education visa secured, she held the world in the palm of her hand. So she jetted off to Australia—first Sydney, then Melbourne—to attend an English language school. From there, she traveled to London and Toronto for high school before making her way to Vancouver, British Columbia, to attend business school at the University of British Columbia. Unlike many of her peers, Fang always seemed to know what she wanted and where she was headed next, so much so that family friends started calling on her for advice. Their high-school-aged sons and daughters were on the search for the perfect college fit and needed guidance. If anyone had the right answers, they thought, it had to be her. “They would ask me, ‘Katie, where do you recommend?’ I would be on the phone calling parents, sending instant messages, preparing application documents, consulting [with a student], trying to understand their background, what they like and what they don’t like, what their strengths were,” she says. “I helped them determine which schools they would be suitable for. Then I would gather all the necessary materials and send in their applications. Imagine, it was very redundant.” She knew there had to be a better way, a more efficient educational search and application process. During her time at UBC, she studied finance and completed many prestigious internships. Considering a career in web design, she took a number of classes in computer science and learned how to code—an imperative skill, unbeknownst to her then, she would need to rely on sooner rather than later. “I wanted to be on Wall Street for the longest time,” Fang says, adding sarcastically that because of her innately aggressive nature she “wanted to yell at people in a training room.” It wasn’t until the end of college that she realized a career in financial trading and wealth management wasn’t going to make her happy. “Your job is to make wealthy people wealthier. You buy and you sell,” Fang says of the industry. “I had the wrong concept of what that was going to be about. I wanted to create something.” Similar to many of the high-school seniors she was advising, Fang approached graduation with a sense of uncertainty. “I felt what everyone else felt,” she says, “the sense of being lost.”
Fang packed up her bags and made the move from Vancouver to her parents’ house in LA. It was a house her mom and dad had bought not for themselves to live in, but because, if history was any track record for the future, they didn’t expect their daughter to return to China anytime soon. It was June 2014. Then 23, Fang started settling into the rhythm of life out of college, buying a new car, getting an electricity account, all the while continuing to advise high-school students in their college quests. “That was a continuous, ongoing thing,” Fang says of her serendipitous side business. “Whenever I had a request, I’d do it. And then, [one day,] I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is the thing that I should do! I have the experience. Why not just start doing it?’ So I started coding the website. At the beginning, I wanted to build the Yelp for schools. Then I felt that wasn’t the right way to do it—that [information] is not really useful. You just read reviews, but what can you get out of it?” She told her parents about her business concept and, with $5,000 in savings, Fang kick-started the education technology startup known today as SchooLinks. As web traffic started to pick up for the site, she realized one thing was missing: a team. As luck would have it, her family house abutted the University of California, Los Angeles campus. She started posting internship fliers on the university grounds. “Imagine my recruiting method. I was like, ‘Do you want to come live with me in this really nice house? I’m an amazing cook,’” Fang says. She managed to build up a staff of 12 interns, seven of whom lived in the house, all coming and going, balancing class assignments while building SchooLinks. “Those were fun times,” Fang remembers, hesitating. “I was sleepdeprived.” Months of back-end website work later and the site had transitioned from a Yelp business model into what Fang now touts as “LinkedIn meets match.com for students and schools.” In June 2015, after receiving an invite to take part in the accelerator program at Capital Factory, which works to connect entrepreneurs with investors, talent and customers, Fang hastily and without hesitation moved her company to Austin.
58 | Austin Woman | JUNE 2016
Photo by Bill Ledbetter.
. ing r. h t ca y e an nic . l.” eed ve a t d n l u t I ha tha r ’ f n t o ac y w do me. p I e , im all e h o be st e ho r e t n l is o b e h orta drive nt in oal: t b “To a comf e, the a de ’s my g t m e e a v r h a v o F Ih ea tion. T l o duca t t ee an I wto chang ant w I
Page 57: Milly multi-striped flare dress, $350, available at Nordstrom, 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., 512.691.3500, nordstrom.com. This page: Depri Romance in the City dress, $129.50, available at Posh Boutique, 4211 S. Lamar Blvd., 512.387.0602, poshatx.com; black laser-cut heels, model’s own.
austinwomanmagazine.com | 59
// the vision //
// the support //
“Imagine you are a lost high-school junior. A counselor is sitting right in front of you, asking you, ‘So, what would you like to study in college?’ It would be cool to say something that sounds good, like, ‘Oh, I want to study engineering.’ But how are you so sure if you want to study that subject?” Fang prods. Her point: High-school students are being pressured into planning their lives in a 30-minute or hour-long counseling session. “In education now, there are two important topics that are being mentioned over and over. One is college readiness and the other is college success,” Fang says. “If we’re talking about college success, then how do we prepare students to not drop out? A lot of students drop out for mainly two reasons. One is they don’t have the money to pay and the other is that they’re failing. Well, why are they failing? We are supplying so many technologies to facilitate their learning process. Maybe it’s the motivation we should be looking for. Because they don’t like what they’re doing, they’re not motivated. It’s all about the motivation. With that, they’ll have the intrinsic drive to thrive and succeed.” When a student logs onto the subscription-free SchooLinks site, his or her search behavior—which colleges and careers they’re looking at—is automatically tracked and analyzed to determine which university would be a proper fit. “Imagine a student says they’re looking for schools with computer-science degrees,” Fang offers as an example. “That’s what they put on their profile, but they’re actually looking [around our site] for liberal-arts schools. So what does that suggest? It’s not going to be a very good match if we are trying to suggest them engineering schools. There’s a lot involved in selecting a college, not only the factual data like financials, GPA and location, but also intrinsic interest. What do you really like? … I like to think of it as a marriage. If two people are not compatible to begin with, then how much counseling will you need to make a marriage work?” Fang’s overarching mission and goal with SchooLinks is to make the student-college connection process more streamlined and hassle-free. “Imagine if we could tell the student to apply to the right school and tell the school to recruit the right students. Immediately, there’s a lot of cost and a lot of time being saved. And guess what? Now we can reinvest into education, spend less on marketing and spend more on teaching,” she says. So far, the SchooLinks website has partnered with more than 2,400 schools from throughout the world. In the U.S., the site has aggregated more than 650 undergrad campus listings, giving students a snapshot of both what they can expect and what will be expected from them at universities like Rice and the University of California, Berkeley. A simple search on the SchooLinks website for the University of Texas pulls up run-of-the-mill information (average student-to-teacher ratio, application deadline dates, etc.), as well as some unique campus perspectives, such as an Instagram component through which users can view recent photos taken from around the 40 Acres.
Growing up, Fang watched her parents start a semiconductor selling-and-trading business, a company that’s been in operation in China for 26 years now. Juggling multiple projects and ever-shifting tasks was a constant mode of operation for her mom and dad. Their entrepreneurial spirit struck a chord with Fang. This, she thought, was what work-life balance, what normalcy, looked like. Without her parents, Fang says, SchooLinks would not be where it is today. “A lot of times, I see young entrepreneurs whose family pressured them to do things. If I didn’t have my parents’ full support, just to let me do what I do without bothering me, then I would have failed,” she says. “As an entrepreneur, you are already under so much pressure. Family needs to be stable and supportive.” Although she only sees her mom, dad and 13-yearold brother a few times a year, Fang confidently asserts her family remains as close knit as always. “The sense of love in my family is very different from other families,” Fang explains. “A lot of people say, ‘Oh, your parents must not love you. They don’t sit down with you and eat dinner.’ But I think my family and I have the perfect relationship. We text and call each other every day. We share articles. The sense of care is always there. It’s not like you have to be together all the time. What’s that saying? ‘Distance makes the heart grow fonder.’”
60 | Austin Woman | JUNE 2016
// the stigma // When Fang enters a room of new people, she doesn’t flock to surround herself with other women or try to find someone her own age. “I see people, that’s what I see. I don’t see gender,” she says. “I have a very different perspective of feminism. I don’t really like to talk about it. I feel like the more we acknowledge it and make a big fuss about it, that’s going to be an issue. People will say to me, ‘Oh my god, you’re a girl! How does it feel to be in a field where predominately there are men?’ I’m like, ‘I see no difference. I can do whatever [a man] is doing.’ I don’t really like to think about it. I like to use my work, my product to speak.” She takes a similar blind-eye approach when considering a person’s age. “I process all the HR documents [for SchooLinks], and I never look at a person’s date of birth. I look at potential only, not age,” she says, abashedly confessing she never knows how many candles to buy when it’s time to celebrate an employee’s birthday in the office. It’s easy for her to forget how old her team members are. Blake Garrett, founder and CEO of Austin-based app Aceable and a friend of Fang’s, admits it’s easy for him to forget she’s only 25. “She’s super smart and very mature,” the 32-year-old Garrett says, adding that the more willingness a person like Fang has to put themselves in uncomfortable situations—like, say, navigating a room full of new faces—directly correlates to how successful he or she will be as an entrepreneur.
This page: Topshop floral romper, $60, available at Nordstrom, 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., 512.691.3500, nordstrom.com; Vita Fede gold Mini Titan bracelet, $240, available at Neiman Marcus, 3400 Palm Way, 512.719.1200, neimanmarcus.com; gold and peach stone bracelet, $35, available at myntbox.com; lace-up shoes, model’s own. Page 63: Free People Twilight cold-shoulder top, $98, available at Nordstrom, 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., 512.691.3500, nordstrom.com; Raffia gold drop earrings, $290, available at Bailey Banks & Biddle, 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., 512.691.3500, baileybanksandbiddle.com.
austinwomanmagazine.com |  61
// the motivation //
// the execution //
“When I look back, if I knew how hard it was going to be today, I wouldn’t have had the courage to start [SchooLinks],” Fang admits. “Back then, I was this ruthless kid. I thought, ‘OK, two years down the road, I’m going to be a millionaire.’ You build a product, you attract venture funding, you sell more, you scale and then you get acquired or you go public. And that’s it. Now, I understand it’s way more than that.” More than financial riches, she values positive user feedback. “When people say the platform is useful, that’s the most rewarding part [of my job]. That means we really helped someone,” she says. In the early days of a startup, Garrett confides, when you don’t have a lot of money, you have to be resourceful and people have to make sacrifices. “What I’ve seen,” he says, “is that people are willing to make sacrifices in order to follow Katie. She’s a hustler. She’ll do whatever it takes to get something done.” There are two types of motivation, according to Fang. “One is intrinsic and the other is external. The majority of people are powered by external factors; you have to listen to a TED Talk, for example, to get inspired and motivated,” Fang says. “For me, it’s this intrinsic drive. To be honest, I don’t need anything. I have a comfortable home. I have a nice car. For me, the drive is really that I want to leave a dent in the world. I want to change education. That’s my goal: to be impactful.” As founder and CEO, Fang wears many hats. Key among them is serving as the company’s self-designated cheerleader. “When you are a very small team, one person’s emotions can easily affect another’s,” she says with an air of aged wisdom. “I’ll go the extra mile to make sure a person is motivated and happy. They can come to me with their family problems, boyfriend problems, girlfriend problems, everything. So I’ve become this janitor/ cheerleader,” she says.
A recent Kauffman Index report on startup activity found that between the years 1997 and 2015, the percentage of young entrepreneurs—those ages 20 to 34— has declined from 34.3 percent to 24.7 percent. In that same time frame, the share of new entrepreneurs who were female has also fallen, from 43.7 percent to 36.8 percent. “The number of startups that don’t make it past one year is an astounding percentage,” Garrett says. “So, just that alone means Katie is doing something right.” Most mornings, Fang heads to the SchooLinks office, located in the heart of downtown at Sixth Street and Congress Avenue, at 8 a.m. to join her eight-person team, all ranging in age from 22 to 29. At 8:45 a.m., they gather for their daily stand-up, or scrum, meeting. “[It’s a time when] everyone, the entire company, is standing up and they tell the team what they accomplished yesterday and what they are going to do for today,” Fang says. “It’s a great way to engage and put everyone on the same page as to what you are doing and achieving.” For her crew, the workday normally wraps up by 6:30 p.m. For her, the final work hour can easily extend to 1 or 2 a.m. “Sometimes, I go home, run on Congress for 30 minutes, go back home, eat cereal for dinner and continue working. That’s very typical, even now,” Fang says. Truman Boyles, the product designer for SchooLinks, has witnessed this onewoman show firsthand. “It’s amazing how far she can go with such little amount of sleep,” Boyles says. “When I first visited Austin, before deciding to take the job [at SchooLinks], I stayed in Katie’s guest room. We would go to work, come back home and she would still be working. She’d set up her laptop and just be going. It’s a part of who she is. She has a ceiling, I’m sure. I just haven’t seen her reach it yet.”
62 | Austin Woman | JUNE 2016
“We want SchooLinks to be this de-facto standard of education, so, when you want to search [for education], you go to SchooLinks.” Some weeks, Fang’s feet barely touch the ground. Take the week of her 25th birthday, for instance, which started off with a road trip to the Circular Summit Women’s Entrepreneur Conference in Houston. Shortly after the conference ended, she was on a plane to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to meet with the president of ACT, a standardized-testing company, before heading to Washington, D.C., for a meeting with the U.S. Digital Service, the president’s digital team at the White House. Then she was off to a meeting with McGraw-Hill in New York City before catching her return flight to Austin. Added up, that’s four cities in one week. “Sometimes, people think, ‘Oh my god, your job is so fun. You’re just traveling.’ But you have no idea how lonely it is,” Fang says with a deadpan stare. “It’s not like I’m going to a new city and having drinks with people. It’s more like: fly into the city, prepare for the meeting, go to all your meetings and then fly to the second city that evening. It just repeats and repeats and you’re always alone, having these conversations where you have to be super energetic even though you’re so tired. It doesn’t end. And I still have to correspond with my team while I’m on the go. It’s not like I’m only negotiating for partnerships. It doesn’t work like that.” If there’s one thing Fang has down pat though, it’s the ability to meet with people and convince them to integrate with and invest in SchooLinks. “When Katie told me about this idea, I was kind of dumbstruck,” Boyles says, referring to the concept of SchooLinks. “I was like, ‘Why isn’t this a thing yet?’ I felt like she was sitting on a goldmine. “Through one conversation talking to her, I knew this was a person I needed to work for,” he says of Fang. “This is a person who could be selling socks online. It could be some terrible business idea, but Katie is somebody who is going to make it happen. I was sold on her, more so than anything else.”
// the road ahead // Since moving to Austin from LA, Fang likes to joke that, if anything has changed about her, it’s her tolerance for alcohol. “I didn’t know day drinking was a thing until moving to Austin,” she says. “I also didn’t know people could be this nice. I didn’t know a city like this existed. It’s walkable, affordable and there’s [a focus on] tech.” She strives for SchooLinks to grow in the same direction she sees the skyscrapers reaching on her morning walk into work: up and only up. “I don’t think we are successful yet. We have a long way to go,” Fang says humbly. “I feel like once you’ve raised the money, people say, ‘Oh my god, you’re done. Congratulations!’ But I feel like there’s nothing you can congratulate me about. After fundraising, once you’ve got the money and you’ve got the check, now you’ve made a promise to investors. Now the death clock starts ticking. It’s no joke. It’s just the beginning.” Still, Boyles justifies, the amount he’s seen the company grow in the past three months is staggering. “The amount that we’ve accomplished and how much I know we’re going to accomplish in another three months is insane,” he says. “Everything is moving so fast, but it’s in the best direction.” SchooLinks’ latest web feature, a student planner, made its debut May 4. “It’s where we generate a customized planner for [the student] to follow every step of the way. It’s really easy to digest and we tell you exactly the steps you need to take,” Fang says of the new addition. The vision, in the long run, is for SchooLinks to be the goto place for anything education-related. The company’s end goal, she emphasizes, is not to create its own test-prep content. Rather, it’s to integrate and serve as a frictionless tool for students, counselors and educators to plug into. “When you want to search for something, you go to Google. When you want to post pictures, you go to Instagram. But when you think about education, you don’t have anywhere to go,” Fang says. “We want SchooLinks to be this de-facto standard of education, so, when you want to search [for education], you go to SchooLinks.” As a young girl, the same one who hurried home from school to watch the Disney Channel, Fang flirted with dreams of being an architect, a surgeon and an astronaut. “I had a lot of dreams,” she admits, her cheeks dimpling. “The thing about me is I have a lot of interests. I never get bored because I see everything as interesting.” She pauses, just long enough to clasp her hands together and transition her train of thought. “I see myself being a serial entrepreneur,” Fang says matter-offactly. “I’m not going to stop at one venture. [SchooLinks] is the first, but it’s not the last.”
// K atie Fang’s Top Five Tips for Success // 1. Keep an online, searchable journal to help ward off doubt.
“Sometimes, I need to force myself to stop thinking and just do things. I learned to keep an online journal on Evernote to keep track of my thoughts, because doubts will not just come once; they will hit you time and time again. You want to be able to go back and trace what thoughts you had before and compare it to now. You want to see what made you realize you shouldn’t doubt yourself.”
2. Focus.
“I know the single challenge I face is to focus. Being an entrepreneur, you are tempted with so many things, so many opportunities. You can chase after a lot of things, but you don’t want to half-ass something that’s already on your plate. You have to be able to focus and go after one thing.”
3. Do more faster.
“I love that saying. Once you’ve decided you want to do something, just chase after it. Why have that period of hesitation? Just do it.”
4. Use advisors.
“They’re your best friends. Don’t be ashamed of any stupid ideas you might have in your head. Talk it out.”
5. Clear your head.
“Go for a run. Go to yoga. Take time for yourself. It’s important.” austinwomanmagazine.com | 63
Smart,
Strong, Independent BY TAYLOR PREWITT PHOTOS BY DUSTIN MEYER
Three millennial women wanted to form a community for their fellow creatives. One year later, #bossbabesATX has amassed a new-age networking organization that isn’t typical or stuffy. There’s no judgment within this growing group of females, only dedication to supporting developing and established women-owned businesses through real connections, real money and real change.
Shot on location at Searsucker, 415 Colorado St., searsucker.com
65
66 | Austin Woman | JUNE 2016
Left to right: Jane Claire Hervey, Ashlee Jordan Pryor, Leslie Lozano
I
t’s been one year since #bossbabesATX, a women’s networking group for female creatives and business owners, launched with its first-ever “meet,” held in the backyard of East Austin boutique Friends & Neighbors. The passage of time has done little to dissipate an ongoing atmosphere of anticipation, evident at a group gathering in April at the Spiderhouse Ballroom. A year ago, the feeling was one of potential, a hopeful vibe about what the newly minted organization could become. Even the founders weren’t sure at the time. At the April gathering, Wendy Davis, who one attendee likened to the Beyoncé of politics, waited in the wings of the venue to participate in the “babe announcements” that take place at every meet. Before she was up, a Riot Grrrl-identifying, intersectional-feminist women’s therapist and a pair of lesbian travel bloggers made announcements of their own. This is just a brief smattering of the eclecticism of the assembled crowd. When it was her turn at the mic, Davis spoke about her own initiative, Deeds Not Words, an organization launched with the goal of connecting women with one another and to resources that help them make real change in the world. “I have so many young women who ask the same question over and over and over again, passionate young women just like everyone in this room tonight who ask, ‘What do we do?’” Davis said to the crowd. “What do we do with all of this passion, with our desire to make a change with all of the things that we’re upset about or hopeful about, the changes that we want to see happen. What do we do?”
“What do we do?” is a good question, and one that’s relevant for the three co-founders of #bossbabesATX. When Jane Claire Hervey, Leslie Lozano and Ashlee Jordan Pryor recognized the frustrating lack of a creative female community in the Austin area, it was that line of questioning that propelled them to create their organization, through which hundreds of women have since come to talk about business, life or whatever they want. “I know there are all these women that are doing really successful things, and I read about them and I see what they’re doing and I really admire them, but I don’t feel like I ever have the opportunity to openly talk to them about what they’re doing, why they’re doing it, how they’re doing it. And I have yet to find a safe space to ask those questions,” Hervey says about her motivation to launch #bossbabesATX with her two best friends in the spring of 2015. All three women are multi-titled creatives. Hervey, the founder and head of operations, is a musician, creative consultant, writer and editor; Lozano, a co-founding member and manager of artist communication and workshops, is a stylist and improv artist; and Pryor, the other cofounding member and manager of vendor and community communications, is a seamstress and an improv artist as well. Each of them craved a community through which they could meet women along similar career paths. “Initially, a lot of what I wanted out of #bossbabesATX was selfish,” Hervey says. “I wanted a group of women that I could turn to, and that’s what I tried to create, the space that I would want to do that.” Hervey and her co-founders had already experienced the power of a strong support structure, or a family, as they call it, when they envisioned the larger plans for the organization. Late 2014, when Hervey first came up with the idea for #bossbabesATX, was a tough one for all three co-founders, in both personal and professional spheres, as they navigated life outside college. It was in that chaotic period that Lozano and Hervey, roommates and close friends since Hervey’s senior year of high school, met Pryor, a fellow transplant from the Rio Grande Valley. The friendship proved fortuitous. When the floods that fall left Hervey and Lozano homeless, Pryor was there to take them in. Pryor was also there, with Lozano, to continue pushing Hervey to realize her idea of carving out a space for creative women. “We had that support system within each other and realized how difficult it was for all women, and not just us, and so, when Jane came to us with this idea, I was completely on board,” Lozano says. Their friendship, which has continued throughout a year of external pressures, as well as the stressors of running a business, was the first testament to how impactful a tight-knit community of women can be. “I do think it speaks to just having good friends around you that propel you forward and believe in your dreams and what you say, because if they hadn’t believed in me and the things that I wanted to do, it wouldn’t have happened,” Hervey says. “[#bossbabesATX] really started just because I had good friends.” austinwomanmagazine.com | 67
A
fter launching a website and building the #bossbabesATX brand, the trio announced their first meet, expecting maybe 20 women would show up to network over coffee and beer. Instead, more than 200 did, a number whittled down from the 900 who RSVP’d. Now, the community numbers in the thousands and spans programming from meets like the one with Wendy Davis in April, to retreats and free workshops about business basics like branding and handling finances. During South By Southwest this March, #bossbabesATX expanded its networking platform to launch Babes Fest, a one-day, all-woman-produced festival featuring female musicians, artists, filmmakers and comedians. This year, the women plan to take that show and their brand on the road, with stops in San Antonio, Houston, New York and Dallas. That #bossbabesATX was so immediately successful spoke to the real need of spaces like theirs in the Austin community. Austin has any number of networking events exclusively for women, to be sure. But try to find another at which women of all colors and ages line-dance to Beyoncé’s “Formation,” or one that features those women’s bodies in an online photo series celebrating all sizes and condemning fat- and skinny-shaming. #bossbabesATX is a new, different breed of women’s group, shaped by the tastes, interests and business acumen of its young founders (22, 23 and 24 years old for Hervey, Lozano and Pryor, respectively), and not by the tired template of what Wendy Davis calls “the typical stuffy event that networking functions tend to be.” The co-founders are very aware that their use of slang, or even curse words, doesn’t really fit into the mold of what a professional business association “should” like look; they’ve heard the feedback and read through the emails that roll in from critics. Even the reappropriated phrase “babe” can be a turnoff for previous generations that find it sexist. But their unapologetic commitment to doing things in their own authentic way is part of their appeal to their own age bracket, the millennial generation, which is often overgeneralized, overlooked or criticized for its nontraditional approaches to careers and business. “You know what they say about millennials?” Hervey asked the crowd at the April meet. “They don’t like to meet face to face. Helloooooooooo,” she said as she gestured to a majority millennial crowd that was there, in fact, to meet face to face and, more than that, to make real change, like Davis had suggested. What “they” also say about millennials is that they’re really into work-life balance, that they eschew conventional career paths for winding ones and that they’re all about pursuing passion without sacrificing profit. Though millennials are also resistant to characterization, you probably won’t find any dissenters to those generalizations in a #bossbabesATX room full of female musicians, actresses, dancers, illustrators, photographers, marketers, comedians,
68 | Austin Woman | JUNE 2016
seamstresses, artisans and businesswomen. “A lot of us are entrepreneurs. A lot of us are creatives,” Pryor says. “We’re selling our art, but our art is us. There’s no separation.” The co-founders themselves can attest to that fact. To keep #bossbabesATX running, each of them works a part-time job on the side, with multiple other creative projects and gigs, including, for Pryor, being a mom to her daughter, Olivia. “At the end of the day, a 45-hour work week, if it’s not going to make us happy, we’re not going to do it,” Lozano says. “I’d rather just hustle on the things that I love and the things I enjoy instead of just wasting it on something I’m not passionate about “ Not all the women in #bossbabesATX fit into the millennial box, in part, because the organization is against putting any woman into any box, but also because the group is simply too diverse to be boxed in, with members spanning ages, ethnicities, backgrounds and more.
“A lot of us are entrepreneurs. A lot of us are creatives. We’re selling our art, but our art is us. There’s no separation.” — Ashlee Jordan Pryor When #bossbabesATX first launched, part of the negative feedback received involved people questioning the group’s commitment to inclusivity. Diversity is something fiercely important to the co-founders, not in the least because they have experienced exclusion in their lives. It’s also why they opened up their organization to females and self-identifying females, or people who identify as women even if their birth certificates list a different gender, believing that no one should be excluded because they’re not “woman” enough. Including an expansive set of viewpoints also furthers the mission “the babes” set out to accomplish in the first place. “Just meeting different people that think differently than you and have had different upbringings and identify more strongly with factors of their personality other than womanness, I think that’s important for any womanfronted business,” Hervey says. What’s equally important for any business, including those fronted by women, is money. While community and female-power anthems are all well and good, the co-founders aren’t just about girl power, which they feel has become commoditized in many ways, for girl power’s sake. As creatives and as women, they understand the value of the dollar and what it means in making measurable change for women. As Davis reminded the crowd at the April meet, many women are still paid less than their male counterparts. “We definitely believe that commerce and e-commerce and money equals power, and we want to make sure that women have
that,” Lozano says. Networking is part of that equation. Gathering women in a room with other potential partners and collaborators is an opportunity for creatives to mingle in a way that might deliver real monetary gains in the business world. “We’re trying to counterbalance the fact that this communication, in some cases, has not existed for people in the same way that it has in [the] other [gender],” Hervey says. “Men have had hundreds and hundreds of years to develop a cultured gender that speaks to successful business and communication about business.” #bossbabesATX’s own culture makes it easier and more comfortable for women to meet other women. Attendees are encouraged to be awkward, to approach other women, to ask questions, to be open and talk about themselves and to listen as others talk about their own ventures. It’s another facet of the organization that makes it amenable to young women (i.e., not stuffy) and that distinguishes it from other networking groups that feel intimidating. “[When I went to other events or collectives,] I was nervous and I was scared and I would end up going home and not talking to anybody, and I felt like a complete failure,” Lozano says. “So, with #bossbabesATX, we encourage people to be awkward and we encourage people to talk to each other, and it feels like a safe place because it is a safe place.” For women, especially, that safe space is necessary to have real discussions that result in real change. “I do think that having communication and the ability to talk to other people who are experiencing the same wage gaps and discrimination…is important to have,” Hervey says. “You have to find a community of people who understand it or you will feel alone and you won’t speak up or speak out.” Speaking up and speaking out, especially in the context of the wage gap, requires that women ask for what they’re worth, something that’s historically been difficult for a gender that tends to undervalue itself. In the creative sphere, that undervaluing can mean the difference between a side job that isn’t financially sustainable and a passion that becomes a full-blown, profitable career and business. “Women have the tendency to doubt themselves more than men do, statistically, and so, with that doubt comes an undervaluing of your service because you’re like, ‘I’m not sure it’s worth this much,’ or, ‘I’m not sure if this is actually what I need to be doing,’ ” Hervey says. Even the co-founders are guilty of selfdoubt from time to time. #bossbabesATX has helped them, as well as its other members, to see their own worth. After launching the organization, Pryor started charging more for her designs, and Lozano revisited her passion for styling and her interest in improv after previously putting both on the back burner. “We want women to know their worth and know what they’re doing,” Pryor says.
Hervey, Lozano and Pryor are nothing if not committed to practicing
what they preach. And what they preach, above all, is making sure women get paid for their work, through networking and collaborative opportunities, but also just within the #bossbabesATX community. “One of the things that we really try to push as an organization is that part of having a community is that you understand what your community needs to survive,” Hervey says. “That obviously means taking care of yourself, but it does mean supporting others. It does mean paying for things that people do for you. It does mean being conscious with your dollar.” #bossbabesATX encourages that consciousness by hosting vendors at each of its meets, giving Austin makers and creatives an avenue to sell their goods and expand their brands’ reach within the community. “I’ve seen so many businesses grow within #bossbabesATX,” Lozano says. “From the very beginning, we’ve had different women come in who already had their businesses or are just starting off. Seeing how it’s progressed because the women in the community help one another and they support one another and they funnel their
money within one another is absolutely amazing.” That philosophy is one that extends to the #bossbabesATX business model itself. Everyone in the organization gets paid, from the interns, to the women who work the door, to the photographers who shoot the meet, to the DJ who spins ambient tunes, to the co-founders who hustle to make it all happen. Hervey pays herself little and last, not to martyr herself, but to ensure #bossbabesATX can continue its mission. In three to five years, she sees the organization having its own space and a staff of full-time employees. But that’s a way off. For now, success is more measurable. While filing taxes this year, #bossbabesATX was able to calculate that $20,000 of the money the group brought in was given to Austin female creatives. “We intended to set out and hire women photographers and freelancers and work with woman-owned venues and hire yoga teachers, pay musicians, all of that,” Hervey says. “The fact that I personally could say my business has paid this much to women and women alone was a very big moment for me.”
Get Involved Visit bossbabes.org if you want to come to the next meet, donate space for an event, feature or sell your art (music, writing, illustrations, paintings, etc.), serve as a vendor, contribute to the blog or have your work featured on the blog, post job opportunities or calendar events, submit a question, send an idea, advertise or contact the team.
austinwomanmagazine.com | 69
For the special man in your life! Fresh, Dry- Roasted Nuts & Seeds. Large selection of Spicy Nuts.
Come Experience
At any of our four convenient locations: Northwest Austin 11615 Angus Rd., #110 Austin, TX 78759 512.795.9643
North Austin 1450 W. Parmer Ln. Austin, TX 78727 512.251.6125
Southwest Austin 6211 W. William Cannon Dr. Austin, TX 78749 512.288.4447
Round Rock 893 N. IH 35, #200 Round Rock, TX 78664 512.310.9374
A smile can change the day!
GOURMET AW Test Kitchen
Fast, Healthy, Easy and Cheap story and photos by natalie paramore
Whether you’re trying to save a little more money or waste a little less food, planning meals for the week saves a lot of time and hassle. Cooking at home by using the same ingredients in different ways not only prevents taste-bud boredom, it also spares you several hundred calories per week to spend instead on the extra little treats we all love, like chocolate or wine. For less than $20, you can make six meals for the week with three different recipes that each take less than 30 minutes to prepare and total less than 330 calories. Shopping List 1/2 pound baby bella mushrooms $2.35 Did You Know? 1 bunch cilantro $0.38 Tax is only charged on prepared food items, such as rotisserie chicken. All non1 bunch green onions $0.38 prepared food items, like cilantro and 1 bunch lemongrass $0.98 chicken broth, are not taxed and offer a 1/2 pound sweet potatoes $0.45 great way to save a little extra money. 2 limes $0.30 1 lemon $0.25 Save While You Shop 1 small shallot $0.18 In order to save money on shopping trips, Rotisserie chicken $6.99 only get what you need. Write down 1/4 pound bulgur wheat $0.54 about how much you plan to eat each 1 6-ounce container fish sauce $2.43 week, including the meals you’ll actually 1 14-ounce can light coconut milk $1.50 be home for. Utilize the bulk aisle of your grocery store. If an item is not a staple 1 14-ounce can low-sodium chicken broth $0.58 or something you use regularly, take 1 8-ounce jar garlic chili sauce $2.00 Total: $19.31 plus 0.58 tax =
$19.89
advantage of this cost-effective option for everything from spices and nuts to flour and rice. The bulk aisle allows you to measure exactly how much you need instead of buying an ingredient in a 12-ounce jar when you only need a teaspoon of it. Kitchen Staples
Keep these key ingredients stored in your kitchen pantry at all times. They are necessary for these recipes and will come in handy for many more. They include: • olive oil • salt • pepper • brown sugar austinwomanmagazine.com | 71
G
OURMET
AW TEST KITCHEN
Tom Kha Gai Serves two | Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Nutrition (per serving): 314 calories; 22 grams of protein
Ingredients
Directions
1 rotisserie chicken breast, skin removed and shredded
1. Toss shredded chicken with fish sauce and set aside.
2 tablespoons fish sauce
2. In a pot, combine the chicken broth, brown sugar, lemongrass, lime zest and chili sauce, then cook over medium heat for about three minutes.
1 14-ounce can low-sodium chicken broth 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 stalk lemongrass, minced 1 lime, zested and juiced 2 tablespoons garlic chili sauce 1 14-ounce can light coconut milk 1/4 pound baby bella mushrooms, thinly sliced Cilantro for garnish
72 |  Austin Woman |  june 2016
3. Add the coconut milk and simmer for another five minutes. 4. Add the chicken and mushrooms, and stir until the mushrooms are tender, about five more minutes. 5. Stir in the lime juice and serve garnished with cilantro.
Baby Bella and Bulgur Salad Serves two | Prep time: five minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Nutrition (per serving): 164 calories; 7 grams of fat
Ingredients
Directions
1/2 cup bulgur wheat
1. In a small pot, boil the bulgur wheat with 1 1/2 cups water on medium-high heat, stirring frequently, for about 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed.
1/2 cup baby bella mushrooms, thinly sliced 2 tablespoons shallots, minced 2 tablespoons lemon juice
2. In a separate pan, saute the mushrooms and shallots with the olive oil for about five minutes or until tender.
1 green onion, chopped
3. Plate the bulgur wheat with the mushrooms and lemon juice.
Salt and pepper, to taste
4. Top with the green onion and salt and pepper, to taste.
1 tablespoon olive oil
austinwomanmagazine.com |  73
KEEP AUSTIN PROGRESSIVE. Committed to making Austin the cleanest community in America. With your help, we can achieve that goal!
Solid Waste Collection and Recycling Services: Residential, Commercial, Government
progressivewaste.com 512.282.3508
AW TEST KITCHEN
Roasted Sweet Potato Bowl Serves two | Prep time: five minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes | Nutrition (per serving): 327 calories; 21 grams of protein
Ingredients 1 sweet potato 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 rotisserie chicken breast, shredded 1 tablespoon garlic chili sauce Leftover bulgur wheat (see the recipe for Baby Bella and Bulgur Salad) Lime wedges, green onion and cilantro for garnish Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions 1. Dice the sweet potato and saute it in a pan with the olive oil, turning frequently so it doesn’t burn, for about 10 minutes or until tender. 2. Add the sweet potato to a bowl with the shredded chicken, chili sauce and any leftover bulgur wheat. 3. Garnish with the lime wedges, green onion and cilantro. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
austinwomanmagazine.com |  75
G
OURMET
Girl Walks into a Bar
Summer Skylines
Raise the bar—and the roof—to new heights. BY JANE KO
Azul Bar
Perched atop the Westin Hotel, with breathtaking views of downtown, Azul Bar towers above its peers as the tallest of all hotel-rooftop pool bars in Austin. Dip in the pool and sip on a blood orange and anchiote margarita, or, if you’re craving something festive, nosh on one of the specialty hot dogs, like the jalapeño cheddar Nueske’s brat, which comes smothered in barbecue mayo and topped with candied jalapeños. The pool is open to the public Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Monday through Thursday from 3 to 9 p.m.
76 | Austin Woman | june 2016
Westin Austin Downtown 310 E. Fifth St. westinaustindowntown.com/austin-rooftop-pool
Photo courtesy of the Westin Austin Downtown.
The mercury is rising and so are the rooftops. Ascend above Austin’s growing concrete jungle and savor the summertime from a new perspective at the prettiest, poshest and sometimes poolside rooftop bars.
77 Degrees North Austinites, look no higher. 77 Degrees, located in the much talked about Rock Rose development at The Domain, is the rooftop cocktail-bar destination for Austin’s non-downtown dwellers. Transport yourself to the powder-sand beaches and glistening blue waters of the Caribbean via an assortment of rum-based cocktails like Norman’s Cay, infused with coconut, mango and pineapple, or a tempting selection of mouthwatering tapas like pinchos a la parilla!, served with a devilishly good honey-habanero aioli.
Photos courtesy of 77 Degrees and Hotel Van Zandt.
Opening Summer 2016 11500 E. Rock Rose Ave. 77-degrees.com
Hotel Van Zandt
Drift off to Tiki paradise by way of the fourth-floor pool deck at Hotel Van Zandt. The newest place to see and be seen in Austin, the hip hotel has a new monthly event, On Deck, which is the ultimate Sunday-night hangout, complete with a spinning DJ, crafty cocktails and killer views. Soak up the sun then watch it set over Lady Bird Lake, but not before ordering the Bang! Bang! Cocktail (served in a squirt gun), ceviche with fried chicken skin or the ice cream treat of the day. Then, try your best to make it back to work Monday. The fourth-floor pool deck is open Sunday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Hotel Van Zandt 605 Davis St., fourth floor hotelvanzandt.com/austin-restaurants/the-deck
austinwomanmagazine.com | 77
G
OURMET
food news
Divine Darling
St. Genevieve brings an elegant and refined dining atmosphere to Rock Rose. By April Cumming Take a quick peek into The Domain’s newest hot spot and it’s apparent where your focal point should be: the dimly lit yet glowing granite-rimmed bar. St. Genevieve, the latest establishment to open in the dazzling Rock Rose development, is an upscale Mediterranean-style lounge pairing an extensive wine list with a curated selection of creative cocktails and savory, tapas-style cuisine.
Diners at St. Genevieve sample the restaurant’s modern cocktails and cuisine.
78 | Austin Woman | june 2016
Photos by Sarah Klein and Ambie Stein.
The elevated dining and imbibing locale, whose tagline is “Divine dishes for the devout drinker,” opened March 9. On the food menu, you’ll find plates incorporating international flavors, with offerings ranging from Mumbai fried chicken with tamarind chutney and watermelon pickles, to pear and prosciutto flatbread with blue cheese, arugula and truffle oil. Turn your attention to the cocktail menu and you’ll spot libations as uniquely crafted as they are humorously named. Try the Namaste, a refreshing vodka, prosecco, green tea and mint-based drink, or brace yourself for the Quiet Slap in the Face, a coffee, espresso and vanilla-infused tequila concoction. Sunday brunch brings out this 21-and-older establishment’s in-house DJ, along with English toffee pancakes, frittatas and a DIY bloody mary bar. Designed by architect Jeff Krolicki, with interior designs by Darren Van Delden, the cobalt blue-hued space features lattice-patterned, Mediterraneanstyle ceilings, dark hardwood floors, industrial modern lighting and al fresco lounge-area seating—all of which coalesces to create the perfect ambiance for guests to gather in lively or gregarious conversation.
EXPERTS IN BETTER DIVORCES DIVORCE DOESN’T HAVE TO BE DESTRUCTIVE 5 PRIVATE 5 A CIVILIZED APPROACH 5 FOCUSED ON CREATIVE SOLUTIONS 5 SPECIALISTS IN REDEFINING FAMILIES 5 COMMITTED TO PROTECTING YOUR CHILDREN 5 EXPERT REPRESENTATION IN COURT WHEN REQUIRED
CRISTI TRUSLER
truslerlegal.com 512.481.0330
FAMILY LAW
Independent Law Offices
MELISSA WILLIAMS
melissamwilliams.com 512.477.5448
W
ellness
health
Take Control
Whether it’s the pill, the patch or something else, finding the right birth control means asking a lot of questions. So, we asked. By Jill Case In the 1950s, some women thought the carbonic acid in colas would kill sperm, so it became a popular feminine-hygiene product. In ancient Egypt, some women believed in a mixture of crocodile dung and honey and, well, you really don’t want to know anymore. Today, there is access to a wide variety of birth control that is scientifically proven to be effective, and women can choose the option that is right for them. Home remedies and old wives’ tales are a thing of the past. In 1993, The Economist named the birth-control pill one of the seven wonders of the modern world. While “the pill” is still the most popular reversible form of birth control in use today, additional hormonal methods include the birth-control patch and the vaginal ring. There are two types of hormonal birth-control methods: progestin only and combined (a combination of progestin and estrogen). Combined hormonal methods prevent pregnancy by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg, thereby stopping ovulation. These methods, including the pill, the patch and the ring, also thin the uterine lining, making it difficult for the egg to attach, and thicken cervical mucus, which makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. Progestin-only methods work similarly to combined methods, except they do not always stop ovulation. However, they are still equally as effective. Progestin-only methods include the birth-control implant, hormonal intrauterine devices and the birth-control shot, which is administered every 13 weeks. There are also progestinonly pills, sometimes known as the “mini pill.”
80 | Austin Woman | june 2016
Pros and Cons of Combined Hormonal Birth Control Pros: Combined hormonal birth control may help reduce cramps during menstruation and may make women’s periods lighter, shorter and/or more regular. It can improve acne and may be used to treat fibroids, endometriosis or other disorders that cause menstrual pain or heavy bleeding. Cons: There is a slight risk for complications with combined hormonal birth control, including heart attack, stroke and deep vein thrombosis, or DVT. Risk increases in women with certain health factors, such as being 35 or older, being a heavy smoker (more than 15 cigarettes a day) or having high blood pressure, high cholesterol or other risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Potential unwanted side effects include breast tenderness and nausea. r The Pill Refresher: It’s available as a 21-, 28-, 90- or 365-day pill, each with specific usage guidelines. You need to know: • It’s not recommended for women who are breastfeeding. • Women should wait at least three weeks after giving birth to begin taking these pills again, and four to six weeks if they have other risk factors for DVT. • Antibiotics may reduce the effectiveness of the pill. r The Patch Refresher: The small, adhesive patch releases hormones that are absorbed into the blood stream through the skin. The patch is worn for three weeks, and then removed for one week for menstruation. After seven days, a new patch is applied. The patch can be worn on the upper arm, back, abdomen or buttocks. You need to know: • It may not be as effective for women weighing more than 198 pounds. • It may cause skin irritation. r The Ring Refresher: So named for its shape, the ring is a flexible device inserted into the vagina and worn continuously for three weeks, then removed for one week for menstruation. After seven days, a new ring is inserted. You need to know: • It can cause irritation or swelling of the vagina and may cause vaginal discharge.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has deemed long-acting reversible contraception, such as IUDs and implants, to be 20 times more effective than birth-control pills, the patch or the ring in the long term.
c If you leak a little bit when you laugh, cough, or sneeze, you are among the millions of women who suffer daily from incontinence. It is more common than you think and should not be treated as taboo anymore. Consortia Medical partners with your physician to diagnosis and provide an innovative therapy that restores the
DREAD COUGHING? (Or sneezing, laughing, running, standing up or even playing sports?)
muscles that may have been weakened in childbirth, during a sports injury or by weight gain. Don’t let this condition wear you down. Incontinence can be managed or even reversed, and is covered by most insurance carriers. Regain your independence by visiting consortiamedical.com.
consortiamedical.com | (888) 375-0219
OFFICIAL EVENT PRODUCTION COMPANY OF AWMEDIA INC.
BRIDGING THE DIVIDE BETWEEN
people / neighborhoods / health care
As Central Health begins the redevelopment of our Brackenridge Campus, we’re seeking new ways to bring together Travis County residents and the exceptional health care we all need.
CentralHealthCampus.net Redevelopment begins in 2017
Is there something in your soul that is yet to be fulfilled?
SHEILA MORATAYA
| Life Coach | Psychotherapist | Author | Speaker | Trainer | Bilingual |
Make an appointment for you, your family, your partner or your business today. changehoy.com | 512-6951137 sheilamoratayainternational@gmail.com 2508 Donner Path, Round Rock, TX 78681 603 West 18th St. Austin, Texas 78701
MORE
TREASURE. . . WITH LESS HUNTING Austin’s finest consignment furniture, now available online 24/7. Register on our site (it’s FREE) and we’ll email you when your special treasure arrives. DESIGN WITH CONSIGNMENT • DWCONSIGNMENT.COM • 512.301.9800 • 3301 STECK AVE. (AT MOPAC)
It’s your career.
*NEW ONLINE FEATURES FOR CONSIGNORS TOO! SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS.
Explore careers at Schwabjobs.com
Own it. Austin, TX
health
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has deemed long-acting reversible contraception, such as IUDs and implants, to be 20 times more effective than birth-control pills, the patch or the ring in the long term. Pros and Cons of Long-acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) Pros: LARC methods are entirely reversible. They cause no interference or interruptions during sex. They can be used while breastfeeding and immediately after giving birth, a miscarriage or an abortion. These methods also decrease heavy menstrual flow and help lessen menstrual pain. Cons: While side effects are rare, menstrual pain and bleeding might increase, and both these effects are generally more common in the first months of use.
r Birth-control Implant Refresher: About the size of a matchstick, the birth-control implant is a flexible little rod inserted under the skin of the upper arm (and under local anesthesia). You need to know: Almost any woman can use an implant, and insertion does not require an incision. While the implant can cause depression and changes in mood, headaches and acne, less than 2 percent of women have problems when the implant is removed or inserted. Women should talk to their doctors about the risks of using the implant if they suffer from depression or other mental-health issues.
r Hormonal or Copper IUDs Refresher: IUDs, or intrauterine devices, prevent pregnancy by stopping the sperm from fertilizing the egg. Hormonal IUDs release the hormone progestin, with one brand approved for use for as many as three years and the other for as many as five years. Copper IUDs contain no hormones and can be effective for as many as 10 years. You need to know: While very few serious complications occur, in some women, the device can come out of the uterus or perforate the uterine wall during insertion. (This occurs in only about one of every 1,000 procedures.) There is a slight increase during the first 20 days after the IUD is inserted for pelvic inflammatory disease, and it may cause irregular bleeding and/or spotting during the first three to six months after the device is inserted. Overall, while women may feel some discomfort when their healthcare provider inserts the IUD, serious IUD-related health problems of the past that received much media attention were caused by the Dalkon Shield, which is no longer on the market.
The Truth About Emergency Contraception
The Best Method for …
Even when a woman is careful, sometimes, a couple may have unprotected sex. Emergency contraception can provide a solution. Many people think that it causes abortions, but that is patently untrue. Emergency contraception prevents pregnancy from occurring at all when used five days after the incident or earlier.
•p rotecting against sexually transmitted infections is: a polyurethane or latex condom. There is also a female condom women can use should a man refuse to wear one or not have a condom that protects against sexually transmitted infections, although it’s not as effective as the male condom.
Refresher: Some emergency-contraception pills are available over the counter at the pharmacy, such as Plan B One-Step, Next Choice One Dose and Aftera. Other pills require a prescription, including Ulipristal and combined birth-control pills. You need to know: The copper IUD, which is prescribed and placed by a doctor, is the most effective method of emergency contraception. A woman needs to have this device inserted by a physician no later than five days after she has had unprotected sexual intercourse.
• providing long-term prevention is: the copper IUD. It can last for as long as 10 years. • women who are breastfeeding is: the IUD or birth-control implant, followed by progestin-only birthcontrol pills. Women should always discuss this with a doctor.
The most effective forms of birth control based on pregnancy rates out of 100 women within one year of use, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: • Less than 1 percent: IUD and implant
• 6 percent: injection/shot • 9 percent: pill, patch and ring • 12 percent: diaphragm • 1 8 percent: male condom • 2 1 percent: female condom • Others: 17 to 23 percent: the cervical cap; and 12 to 24 percent: the sponge
Birth control has come a long way, and there are many options available to suit every woman’s needs. Other birth-control methods worth discussing in more detail with a health-care provider include progestin-only pills; birth-control shots; barrier methods, like the male and female condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, sponge and spermicide; and natural family planning. It’s important to discuss the risks and benefits of each method to decide what is best for you. For more information, visit the contraception section at acog.org/patients or visit womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/birth-control-methods.html. austinwomanmagazine.com | 83
W
ellness
Fitness
Slide Over
All you need to maximize the low-impact, calorie-burning, full-body workout of indoor rowing is to take a seat. By Emily C. Laskowski
Step 1: The Catch
CATCH CATCH CATCH CATCH DRIVE DRIVE DRIVE DRIVE
Your shoulders should be in front of your hips. Your arms are out, reaching with your triceps and engaging your lats. Your core should be tight, but your shoulders should remain relaxed. The seat of the rowing machine should be at least 4 inches away from the back of your ankles.
Step 2: The Drive From the catch, push through, first using your legs, then your body and then your arms. The secret to a smooth, powerful stroke that engages all the major muscle groups is following this sequence in order. Achieving suspension on the drive, which means suspending some or all of your body weight off the handle by using your legs, body and arms to propel your movement, is the key to making this a great workout.
Step 3: The Finish
FINISH FINISH FINISH FINISH RECOVERY RECOVERY RECOVERY RECOVERY Step 5: The Stroke
Your shoulders are behind your hips (shoulders at 11 o’clock, hips at 12) and your abs are fully engaged. Your legs are fully extended and the handle is pulled in mid-abdomen. This is the end of the drive and the beginning of the recovery.
Step 4: The Recovery Reverse the drive sequence by releasing your arms first, then your body and lastly, your legs. A common mistake is to let everything slide forward at the same time. First, let your arms out straight, then use the lower abs to swing your shoulders in front of your hips. Then draw your knees up to your chest, using your hamstrings and core to arrive steadily at the catch.
Put it all together. Sitting at the catch position, suspend and accelerate quickly through the drive sequence to the finish position. Fluidly let your arms out first to begin the recovery sequence, much slower than the drive sequence, at a ratio of about 2-to-1. Repeat.
Ro Fitness owner Chelsea Moore instructs students at the Waller Creek Boathouse studio location overlooking Lady Bird Lake.
84 | Austin Woman | june 2016
Photos and diagrams courtesy of Ro Fitness.
Chelsea Moore is the 28-year-old owner of Austinbased indoorrowing studio Ro Fitness. Four years ago, Moore saved her money to start her first Ro Fitness studio, located in the Waller Creek boathouse right off the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. Recently, she expanded her business, adding a second studio, located in Central Austin’s Tarrytown neighborhood. Moore, who perfected her rowing prowess at the University of Oklahoma, graciously broke down the basics of proper rowing technique for Austin Woman in five easy steps.
PRESENTED BY: ST. DAVID'S HEALTHCARE ST. JUDE MEDICAL, INC.
Thank You to our Sponsors! PRESENTED BY:
SPONSORED BY:
Bill & Pat Munday
Jill & Dale Hurd
ACCENTURE FACILITY SOLUTIONS GROUP GJERSET & LORENZ, LLP JEANNE & MICHAEL KLEINMABRY PUBLIC AFFAIRS SETON DELL MEDICAL SCHOOL STROKE INSTITUTE WESTERN STATES FIRE PROTECTION
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR HONORARY CHAIRMAN:
AustinHeartBall.heart.org
Bill Powers #ATXHeartBall
P
oint of view
memo from JB
New Generation, Same Story
Kids these days dismiss older generations because they just don’t ‘get it.’ Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? By JB Hager, photo by rudy arocha Every generation since the beginning of time has completely misunderstood their children. It’s a rite of passage that has frustrated both parents and children worldwide. I’m sure at some moment, the Blessed Virgin Mary yelled, “Gosh darn it, Jesus! Would you quit showing off, walking on water and finish your cabinetry work? Where are you going with your life?” I grew up a Gen Xer (the MTV generation), and my parents couldn’t believe our generation would sit around all day waiting for the Take on Me or Rio videos. They were convinced we were going nowhere, and we would shake our heads and ignore them because they just didn’t “get it.” Now, as the father of a millennial, or Gen Zer, whatever she is, I find myself in an awkward position. She’s only 14, and for the time, falls into one of those generation’s labels. I’m sure in another decade or so, we will have partitioned teens today into another group called “The Vine Generation” or perhaps just “The Thumb Talkers.” It’s awkward for me because I never envisioned myself as an outof-touch parent. I’ve gone above and beyond to stay relevant with pop culture, music and technology. At times, I can’t stand what my daughter is into, but I make a conscious effort not to be critical. In fact, I sat in the very back of the amphitheater while my daughter and her friend rushed the stage at a Kanye concert. As much as I truly hated it, at least I could look around and see so many young people were having the best time of their lives. I figured there must be something that I just don’t get. Admittedly, Crown Royal was my trusted accomplice that evening, keeping me calm enough to not scrunch my face and plug my bleeding ears. I’m sure my parents felt the same same way when I was blaring The Clash or the Sex Pistols. Raising a teen today presents challenges I could have never anticipated. That how-to manual that I had in my head got tossed out the window the second she came into this world. Every generation strives to do things better than their parents. I have to constantly bite my tongue so I don’t start a sentence with, “Well, when I was your age …” My 14-year-old wants total freedom from us, yet she is in no way ready to handle it. Or is she? Am I a total overprotective parent? When I was her age, more often than not, no one knew our whereabouts. My sisters and I would leave for the day and not come back until dark, sometimes using our Kansas City bus passes, with no destination, just to see where the bus would take us. I can’t believe I’m still alive. I want my daughter to be a free thinker, to have her own thoughts and opinions. This was always a high priority. She is far from perfect. I’ve never made that claim. But I’m not a fan of what I call the “perfect little robot.” You know the type: the kid whose parents have hammered her into submission. She might make perfect grades or zip through classics on the piano, but she doesn’t have any thoughts of her own. Wait a minute. Now, I kind of like this kid. For my generation, it was very straightforward: go to college, get a stable job at a good company, stay focused and you’ll likely work there forever. Well, that plan didn’t work out so well for me, but it seemed possible at one time. A lot of kids today see college as a waste of time and wonder why they should go work for someone else when there
86 | Austin Woman | june 2016
are so many other options. Why would they want to work somewhere forever when they see startups take off or someone making a decent living from a YouTube page where all they do is make videos slathering their friends with butter? Sometimes, the younger generations have it so much better than us, sometimes, much worse. The more you tell them you are listening and that you understand them, the less likely they are to believe you. I learned this from growing up on John Hughes movies like The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Weird Science. Hughes was a baby boomer who understood Gen Xers, which is what made him a hero of mine. I want to be the Gen Xer who understands my daughter and her friends, but, alas, judging by my daughter’s eye roll when I proposed a night of “Netflix and chill,” I am no John Hughes.
ON THE DOT GET READY
WITH US
[ YOUR DAILY DOSE OF INSPIRATION AND INFORMATION. ] FREE DAILY NEWSLETTER
AUDIBLE
A VOICE FOR WOMEN
Delivered to your inbox each morning, designed to be absorbed in 5 minutes or less. The only newsletter of its kind that, with the click of a button, lets you listen to the latest news, stories and commentary about women in business while focusing on your morning routine.
Sign Up Today! OnTheDotWoman.com
@onthedotwoman
P
oint of view
I Am Austin Woman
Wise Beyond Her Years
Now, at the age of 15, Austin Woman’s 2015 Young Woman to Watch, Isabella Rose Taylor, reflects on the past year, still dreaming big and why the lotus is her latest inspiration. – The New School in New York, My lifelong love for art led and I am just about to finish my me to discover fashion and first year. This past year, I’ve ultimately, my own fashion taken classes in production, line when I was 11 years old. design, marketing, merchanI’ve been extremely honored dising and entrepreneurship, to have received so much and the insight I’ve gained has acceptance and recognition. My clothing has been become invaluable. While I’ve carried at Nordstrom, and continued to produce my line, I’ve presented during New I’ve also slowed down to betYork Fashion Week. By many ter evaluate what my business measures, I have achieved needs to be. I still believe that a lot of success, and I have passion, dreaming and goal setbeen speaking about entreting are essential in starting a preneurship, dreaming big business, but this past year, I’ve and achieving your dreams learned that without a detailed for a few years. I believe that understanding of the industry, it’s very important to encourproper research, strategy and age my generation to make planning, the odds of success significant contributions to are much lower. our society and that the best I have learned that my fashway to do that is through ion line cannot be everything entrepreneurship. However, to everyone. Strategy is decidduring the last year, my pering what not to be and what spective has changed in some important ways. not to do, and as a brand, that meant defining my customer base I started selling my own paintings when I was 5 years old, and and my brand positioning. While I still believe that selling to my in some ways, that was an easy business that garnered me a nice peers gives me an edge in understanding my customers’ needs, I profit. For me, fashion was a natural extension of that art, and I still know now that there is no substitute for extensive market research. create graphics and designs inspired by my art. When I have been Traditional teenage fashion brands have been struggling for years interviewed, I have talked about following your passion, dreaming because the generations of today, like millennials and my own big and setting goals. However, when a Generation Z, are very different custommajor retailer wanted to carry my line “I still believe that passion, dreaming and goal ers from generations past; Generation and I had to scale very quickly, I realized Z and the youngest millennials are the setting are essential in starting a business, that fashion is not an easy business. My first truly mobile, digital natives. We have but this past year, I’ve learned that without parents and I found ourselves learning as lived through wars and economic recesmuch as possible, but we fell into a cycle sions, and the concept of environmental a detailed understanding of the industry, of always trying to catch up, and several sustainability is engrained in our psyche. proper research, strategy and planning, times, falling behind. Last year, I spoke at We are unique and we care about experithe odds of success are much lower.” a TEDx event in New Delhi, India, and I ences more than accumulating things. used the analogy of how the lotus plant We don’t like to be sold to, but we are OK can be a guide to achieving your dreams. One of my takeaways was with content marketing or feeling like we are getting something in how the lotus can autoregulate its temperature. This idea of “taking return for our attention. your own temperature” to assess where you are and compare it to This and many other things I’ve learned during this past year are where you need to go became an important concept to me. helping me reshape the direction of my company and the future of After spending two years studying fine arts at Austin Commumy brand. The power of dreaming big should not be diminished by nity College, I decided I needed to learn much more about the a lack of preparation. Now armed with more knowledge, I’m more fashion industry. Last year, I enrolled at Parsons School of Design confident and excited about the future. Austin Woman features a reader-submitted essay every month in the I Am Austin Woman column. To be considered for August’s I Am Austin Woman, email a 500-word submission on a topic of your choice by July 1 to submissions@awmediainc.com with the subject line “I Am Austin Woman.”
88 | Austin Woman | june 2016
Photo courtesy of Isabella Rose Taylor.
by Isabella Rose Taylor
Here’s to the life we love. And the lives we care for. At St. David’s, our goal is simple. To be the best. Which means delivering care based on your needs. Your life is our passion. And that passion drives our purpose. Because you deserve the best.
stdavids.com The Best Is Here.
16-SDM-0229 Austin Woman Ad_V2.indd 1
2/17/16 3:17 PM
Austin Woman MAGAZINE | june 2016
INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW VOLVO S90 THE LUXURY SEDAN, DESIGNED FOR A NEW WORLD.
Volvo Cars of Austin
Volvo Cars of Georgetown
6375 Hwy. 290 East
7501 S. IH-35 (Exit 257)
512-452-0266 • 1-800-278-6586 volvoaustin.com
512-930-2111 volvogeorgetown.com
©2016 Volvo Cars of North America, LLC. The Iron Mark is a registered trademark of Volvo.
“If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.” – Katharine Hepburn
ARRIVING THIS SUMMER • TAKING ORDERS NOW