November 2020 by Austin Woman Magazine

beautiful furniture

The Ekornes Stressless line of recliners has been part of the Copenhagen collection since they were introduced in 1971. Much has changed through the years, but the Stressless commitment to quality and comfort remains as strong as ever. New designs are based on the successes of the past while always looking to incorporate new technologies in manufacturing and environmental protection. Stressless is proudly produced in Norway at their facility located on the banks of the beautiful Sykkylven fjord. Featured: Magic with Signature base by Stressless of Norway. Quality top-grain leather in a wide array of colors and grades. Prices from $3695. As shown in large size Paloma sparrow blue: $4195.

www.copenhagenliving.com phoenix tuscon tempe scottsdale san antonio austin el paso

unique accessories

The Ambienti collection of decorative sculptures is a whimsical interpretation of the female form displayed in playful poses. Accented in bright colors, these unique pieces are sure to bring life to any environment. Creativity born in Italy, each piece is hand-painted, so no two are exactly alike. Several styles and sizes available. Main image: Relaxed Girl 21” x 14” x 21” tall $565 Bottom left to right: Fashion Girl 13” x 8” x 14” tall $435, Pop Girl 17” x 10” x 21” tall $585, The Nap 14” x 11” x 18” tall $545, Yoga Girl 22” x 13” x 21” tall $619

furniture and accessories for your modern lifestyle Austin 2236 West Braker Lane 512.451.1233

San Antonio 18603 Blanco Road 210.545.4366

REDISCOVER RELAXATION Texas residents enjoy the best available staycation rate including luxurious accommodations, complimentary self-parking and a $25 hotel credit to indulge at the largest rooftop pool in Downtown Austin.

BOOK THE TEXAS STRONG OFFER TODAY Fairmont.com/Austin | 512 600 2000 | 101 Red River Street Austin, TX 78701

THE FUTURE OF MEETING SAFELY

Sponsored Content

THE FACTS ABOUT WISDOM-TOOTH REMOVAL COVID-19 Measures: All visitors, patients and staff are required to wear protective face masks upon entering our practice. Because of the nature of our practice, all equipment that involves patient contact during clinical use is heat sterilized. Facility equipment such as X-ray machines, clinical chairs and room surfaces are thoroughly disinfected with hospital-grade disinfectants following every patient contact. Cleaning and disinfection procedures using EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant will be performed in clinical and non-clinical areas between each patient. High-touch surfaces or objects through the office such as door handles, chairs, desks, elevators and bathrooms will be disinfected throughout the day.

Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?

At what age should wisdom teeth be removed?

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to develop. Eons ago, when our diets were much different and dental crowding was common, the third molars came in or “erupted” and provided another set of functional teeth. With today’s softer non-abrasive diet and the relative rarity of dental crowding, most often, there is not enough room for the wisdom teeth to erupt into place and be functional teeth that can be maintained by the patient. This is what is meant by “impacted,” simply that the tooth is not able to come into a functional position. There are patients who have the space for wisdom teeth, and in these cases, the teeth may be functional and beneficial. In cases in which the wisdom teeth came in appropriately, it is common later in life to develop decay or gum disease around these teeth first. They are difficult for some to maintain and your dentist may suggest removal rather than a filling or crown if this happens.

In general, younger patients are at a very low risk, as the teeth are typically less difficult to remove. For this reason, the recovery is commonly smoother and faster. The best approach is to image and consult a dentist or oral surgeon at a young age, typically during the teenage years, so an assessment can be made about whether the wisdom teeth will likely ever need to be removed. If it is likely removal will be necessary, earlier surgery is generally easier and more predictable. This assessment might happen with your family dentist, orthodontist or directly with an oral surgeon.

Who would remove my wisdom teeth?

What are the costs associated with wisdomtooth removal?

While your family dentist may remove erupted or exposed wisdom teeth, many regular dentists do not. Furthermore, impacted wisdom teeth, more complex teeth concerns or higher-risk teeth will likely result in a referral to an oral surgeon. A visit with your dentist or a look at your X-rays would likely answer that question best. Most patients having multiple wisdom teeth removed at the same time prefer sedation rather than being awake. Oral surgeons have extensive hospital-based training in anesthesia to make this procedure pleasant and astonishingly safe. The facility is almost as important as the surgeon, and offices that are board-certified in oral surgery are inspected and certified for anesthesia safety by both the State of Texas and a surgery certifying board. Certification ensures the monitoring and safety equipment mirrors that of a hospital environment.

Most insurance plans cover wisdom-tooth removal. At consultation, each wisdom tooth will be evaluated and coded depending on how it is positioned within the mouth and whether it is exposed or impacted. Likewise, anesthesia choices are usually discussed, and the level of sedation is agreed upon. The costs will vary depending on these factors, and your insurance coverage can generally be explored prior to the procedure. The best way to discover costs and insurance coverage, as well as discuss the procedure, is to set up a consultation visit with your provider.

Before you consider oral surgery for your family, call 512.591.9557 or visit austinoralsurgery.com.

A LEGACY OF EXCEPTIONAL CARE

*photo taken pre-pandemic

THIS YEAR, WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER The coronavirus pandemic has left many families struggling to get back on their feet. Together, we can fill holiday tables for our neighbors in need and help our community have a happy and healthy holiday season.

DONATE TODAY centraltexasfoodbank.org

FEATURE

TESTING THE LIMITS BY HANNAH J. PHILLIPS

FEATURE

THE POWER OF THE SIX CHAMBERS

Photo by Annie Ray.

BY BRIANNA CALERI

ATXWOMAN.COM |â&#x20AC;&#x201A; 13

CONTENTS | NOVEMBER

COUNT US IN Women in Numbers

STAFF PICKS Pandemic Purchases

FROM THE DESK OF Nikki Graham

GIVE BACK Austin Habitat for Humanity

SEE HER WORK Photographer Sydney Gawlik

STYLE The Trash Makeover Challenge

RECIPE REVEAL Mini Buñuelo Nachos

ON THE MONEY Finance 101

I AM AUSTIN WOMAN Heidi Carter

40 ATX WOMEN TO WATCH

64 14 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2020

TYANN OSBORN

JOSEPHINE SERRATA AND GABRIELA HURTADO

STUART VICK SMITH

THE BOUTIQUE FINANCIAL GROUP

Divorce and Child Custody Surveillance / Undercover Background Checks Computer / Cell Phone Forensics Corporate Investigations Insurance Fraud Expert Testimony ...and more! STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

“Information is power, the not knowing is devastating.”

Since 2003

Lic# A11433

Follow us on Youtube for our weekly Mackenzie & Mom series for financial tips! Let us help guide you through this time and answer all of your financial questions.

512.246.9889 shespiespi.com

RETIREMENT PLANNING

Offices in Austin, Round Rock and Dallas

COLLEGE FUNDING

AMTLIFETIMEFINANCIAL.COM

1601 W. 38th Street, Suite 201, Austin, Texas 78731 | 512.220.8299

Surgical | Medical | Cosmetic

HEALTHY SKIN IS ALWAYS IN Board-Certified Dermatologists Serving the Austin Area Specializing in: SkinPen • Kybella • Laser Treatments • Hair Restoration • Botox • Photofacials Cosmetic Filler • Chemical Peels • Laser Hair Removal • Oculoplastics ®

Featured Product Lines: ISDIN • EltaMD • Revision • SkinBetter • SkinCeuticals • Neocutis ®

SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY

tru-skin.com

•

888.451.0139

CONTRIBUTORS This month, we asked our contributors: What have you had to learn about your finances during the pandemic?

ANNIE RAY Cover photographer, “Testing the Limits,” Page 42 •L oves romance novels and is currently reading The Secret Pearl by Mary Balogh • Begins decorating for the holidays on Sept. 30 • Is an avid salsa connoisseur Financial lesson: “As a business owner, It’s so important to have at least six to 12 months of savings that you can count on. ”

AISLING AYERS Writer, “Don’t Stop Us Now,” Page 28 •H as over 13 years of tap dancing experience •H as an orange tabby cat named Thunder • Loves chips and salsa Financial lesson: “The pandemic has taught me how to differentiate between nonessential and essential spending and truly be grateful for any job opportunities that come my way.”

JESSICA WETTERER Illustrator, “Women in Numbers,” Page 22 •K new she wanted to to be an artist at the ripe age of 5 • I s originally from the bluegrass of Kentucky • Shakshuka is her signature dish Financial lesson: “Once the pandemic hit and restaurants closed, I was forced to acquire some culinary skills. Seeing the difference in my bank account each month makes it almost worth it.”

ALLIE JUSTIS Writer, “Mini Buñuelo Nachos,” Page 58 • Has a twin sister • Is a Dungeons and Dragons fanatic •H as logged 73 hours on the video game Stardew Valley in one week Financial lesson: “I’ve had to learn the hard way that there is a big difference between ‘food money’ and ‘fun money’ when it comes to my budget.”

A PUBLICATION OF AW MEDIA INC.

VOLUME 19, ISSUE 3

DAWN WESTON

Publisher NIKI JONES

Creative Director CY WHITE

Managing Editor DARBY KENDALL

Copy Editor MADILYN BISCOE

Marketing and Events Manager OLIVIA HUNTLEY, KATY MABEE

Account Executives LESLIE WILLIAMSON

Sales and Production Coordinator CONTRIBUTORS

Editorial: Aisling Ayers, Brianna Caleri, Heidi Carter, Jenny Hoff, Allie Justis, Hannah J. Phillips, Cy White Art: Carmen M. Fischer, Sydney Gawlik, Maria Oswalt, Taylor Prinsen, Annie Ray, Charles Reagan, Felicia Reed, Jessica Wetterer INTERNS

Aisling Ayers, Helena Esparza, Allie Justis, Gabi Muñiz, Mackenzie O’Connell, Molly Schrader, Anastasia Vastakis

AW MEDIA INC. MELINDA GARVEY

KIP GARVEY

Co-founder/Co-owner

CEO/Co-owner

SAMANTHA STEVENS

Co-founder

ASHLEY GOOLSBY

CFO

Austin Woman is a free monthly publication of AW Media Inc. and is available at locations throughout Austin and in Lakeway, Cedar Park, Round Rock and Pflugerville. All rights reserved. To offer feedback, email feedback@awmediainc.com. For submission information, visit atxwoman.com/jobs. No part of the magazine may be reprinted or duplicated without permission. Visit us online at atxwoman.com. Email us at info@awmediainc.com. 512.328.2421 | 7401 West Slaughter Lane, Austin, TX 78739

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Hello, November! This year has been a whirlwind of emotions, am I right? As we approach the holidays and 2021, like many of you, I’ve been taking stock of what this past year has been like. I’m confident that it’s not looked anything like you thought it was going to a year ago. There are highs and lows and everything in between, and like the saying goes, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. After 2020 we are all a lot tougher than we were before. I won’t lie. It’s not been an easy year. Like any small business we’ve tightened our belts and made choices to be sure that we can continue on our mission to educate our community and inspire our future young female leaders. In the pages of our money and finance issue, you’ll read about Julia Cheek, founder of Everlywell, who has such an impact within some of today’s most important science, research and testing to make our futures safer. You’ll read about six Austin women leaders who have the most pivotal roles in shaping our city. These are all stories of women who have had to bootstrap and hustle to make their dreams come true. And COVID-19 hasn’t slowed them a bit. It is truly inspiring. I’m grateful for my position leading the team here at Austin Woman. We’ve been working so very hard to continue to bring you amazing content and be an avenue for our partners to share information with you throughout this entire year. I thank them for their support. It’s because of them that we are able to produce our magazine each month. So please, support them these holidays. They need you now more than ever. I encourage you to check out our Holiday Survival Guide to give you some new ideas as you plan for the season. Reach out to us if you’re looking for additional local resources. We’re always happy to help. Even though this pandemic has caused us to miss many traditional celebrations, I hope you find ways to stay safe and continue to create new memories and traditions with your family, friends, neighbors or your “pods.” Reach out to those who may need words of encouragement, and remember you never know what another person may be going through, so be patient. Let’s all chip in and make this world a safer and kinder place for all to live.

AUDIO BOOKS CURRENTLY IN DAWN’S QUEUE

Be safe and stay well!

DAWN WESTON PUBLISHER

DIAMOND-LEVEL PARTNER

PLATINUM-LEVEL PARTNERS

Photo by Taylor Prinsen.

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

OFFICIAL EVENT PRODUCTION COMPANY OF AWMEDIA INC.

TREAT YOURSELF TO A CLEAN HOME THIS THANKSGIVING We offer standard and detailed cleaning services for your residential and commercial space. OUR PRODUCTS KILL COVID-19

Call for a free estimate. 33 Years Serving Austin BBB Accredited Business Locally Owned Fully Insured

Shop our site for commercialgrade cleaning products.

AmesCleaningAustin.com

512.331.9694 | 12308 Hwy 620, Austin

Taking action on our commitment to Austin We know we must do more to address the very real consequences of systemic racism that exist in society today. The impact is clear for communities across the country, including where our teammates live and serve our clients. To drive progress, Bank of America has committed to invest $1 billion over four years to advance racial equality and economic opportunity, building on work we’ve had underway for many years. We’re partnering with community and corporate leaders to create sustainable change. Our actions will help address critical issues and long-term gaps that have only been widened by the coronavirus and amplified by the most recent acts of injustice. Our efforts include: • connecting workers to new skills and enhanced job readiness • increasing medical response capacity and access to health care and nutritious food • powering small businesses owned by people of color through access to capital • helping people find a place to call home My teammates and I here in Austin are committed to doing more, and doing more now.

Nikki Graham Austin Market President

Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender AD-10-20-0164.indd 1

CONNECT WITH US

Can’t get enough of this issue? Check us out at atxwoman.com.

Leslie Martin: “It’s Bigger Than Bouldin” Leslie Martin has made it her mission to make the Bouldin Creek Cafe a safe and stable place for Austinites to rely on during hard times. In this interview, she opens up about her love of her city and its creative community.

Kendra Scott Mural for Hope, Yellow for Pink Created by Marnie Vollenhals, the mural gracing the Kendra Scott building reminds the community to not forget about Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Vollenahls opens up about her own insecurities and gives survivors the confidence to confront theirs.

@austinwoman

LIKE US

austinwoman

CORRECTION: In the print edition of our October Recipe Reveal, the owner of Joe’s Bakery’s name was incorrect. Her name is Regina Estrada. We apologize to Ms. Estrada for the error.

WIN THIS! Wondercide products Planning some outdoor holiday celebrations this season? Thanks to the team at Wondercide we’re giving away an awesome bundle of locally made plant-based products to keep everyone safe, healthy and itch-free! You’ll get their Repel soap bar with a cedarwood holder, Ready-to-Use Outdoor Pest Control (with bonus 16-ounce refill), Indoor Pest Control spray and Flea & Tick Pets + Home in lemongrass! Enter to win by following @Austinwoman on Instagram and stay on the lookout for the giveaway announcement before the end of the month!

20 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2020

@ austinwoman

Breonna Taylor photo by Maria Oswalt/Unsplash. Kendra Scott photo courtesy of Kendra Scott. Bouldin Cafe photo courtesy of Leslie Martin. Wondercide courtesy of Wondercide.

Breonna Taylor: An Open Letter from the Editor On Sept. 23, 2020 the Black community was dealt another blow as the murderers of Breonna Taylor were not brought to justice. Managing Editor Cy White shares her pain, her anger and her fear for her people in a poignant open letter.

Same Day

Delivery & pick up when you order online or on our mobile app before 5pm*

Curbside Pick Up Available at Select Locations!

WE FOLLOW CDC REGULATIONS FOR COVID 19

AUSTIN’S ORIGINAL WIG SALON. SERVING CUSTOMERS ALL OVER TEXAS FOR OVER 50 YEARS. PROFESSIONAL STYLING

CUSTOM FITTING PRIVATE ROOMS

PERSONAL APPOINTMENTS

HAIRPIECES

WE SPECIALIZE IN WIGS FOR CHEMO & RADIATION PATIENTS NORTHWOOD PLAZA 2900 W. Anderson Ln., Ste H | 512.323.9220 O P E N : M-F: 10am-5:30pm | Sa: 10am-4pm

n Ln.

Burn

c pa Mo

Anders o

twinliquors.com

www.SERENITYWIGANDSALON . com

*Some restrictions apply. You must be 21+ to shop and order online, receive delivery, or pick up in store. All deliveries require in-person veriﬁcation of a legal photo ID at point of delivery. Orders will NOT be left unattended. Limited delivery area and pick up only available at select locations. All in-store promotions and pricing do not apply to online order. Exclusions apply. Please drink responsibly.

COUNT US IN

WOMEN IN NUMBERS

The pandemic has reshaped the landscape of Austin's women-owned businesses in 2020. BY CY WHITE ILLUSTRATIONS BY JESSICA WETTERER

63% Of the most threatened industries, health care makes up 34%, and women make up 63% of the health care workforce.

8,824

$150,000Â

According to the Central Texas Economy Report, womenowned firms represent 8,824 of Austin businesses with paid employees.

An initiative through the Texas Conference for Women and the Texas Restaurant Association is giving $150K in grants to 60 women-owned restaurants, with each restaurant receiving $2,500.

47% Of the most threatened businesses during the pandemic, women are 47% of the workforce of the average non-industry specific business. 22 |â&#x20AC;&#x201A; AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2020

7th Among the 50 largest metros, Austin ranks seventh for percentages of female-owned firms, and employees working for female-owned firms.

Fresh Juices & Smoothies Artisanal Soups Eclectic Salads GF & Vegan Options

6 Austin locations takeout • curbside • delivery souppeddler.com

STAFF PICKS

A COMFORT PURCHASE

The staff talk about nonessential purchases they made during the pandemic for their own happiness.

KATY MABEE SALES ASSOCIATE

DAWN WESTON PUBLISHER

My “comfort” splurge was moving from our small condo to a house in July. With a baby and both of us working from home, it was evident that we needed more space inside for work and outside for relaxation. Luckily, we were able to find a house that met all of our needs.

For my birthday in June, I splurged at the Omni Barton Creek. My husband and I got massages, lounged by the pool, ordered tropical drinks and finished the evening with a long, cozy dinner at Bob’s Steak & Chop House. I refused to look at the bill until much later and let ourselves enjoy a much-needed escape from reality.

CY WHITE MANAGING EDITOR

All photos courtesy of respective staff members.

To be honest, my biggest splurge is food. I know most people eat out or order delivery every once in a while, but that's not my life. The past few months have forced a girl to go to food for comfort, and I'm not the least bit sorry. Solo brunch at Caroline on Congress, ready-made sandwiches from the H-E-B deli, Chinese food from China House on Burnet. Pizza... lots of pizza. Seriously, Austin’s Pizza has been my best friend.

24 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2020

OLIVIA HUNTLEY SALES ASSOCIATE

Not even a week after the stay-at-home order was put in place, my boyfriend and I ordered a keyboard to enjoy in our downtime and play together. He has a classical piano background, and I studied voice at conservatory, so you could say it was our comfort purchase/ saving grace. It kept us sane and smiling through the chaos.

ALLIE JUSTIS EDITORIAL INTERN

MELINDA GARVEY

My big comfort purchase during quarantine was adopting my sweet cat, Muriel. I know we’re only supposed to be buying essential stuff during the pandemic, but he’s definitely essential to my mental health nowadays, and I don’t regret it for a second!

FOUNDER

We decided to splurge and buy a golf cart when we chose to quarantine in Galveston. It's the perfect way to get outside and watch the incredible sunsets over the bay, a much-needed distraction from the nonstop news feed about COVID.

AISLING AYERS

All photos courtesy of respective staff members.

EDITORIAL INTERN

I splurged on a glittery hot-pink mask from The Mighty Company. It was definitely priced a little higher than the typical mask, but I couldn’t resist the bright color during such a challenging time. I’m usually not a person who loves pink and sparkles, but I always pull out my mask when I want to spice things up!

ATXWOMAN.COM | 25

FROM THE DESK OF

TIPS FOR FINANCIAL SUCCESS

Bank of America’s Austin market president, Nikki Graham, gives tips on achieving financial success even in a pandemic. BY CY WHITE

experience as the Austin market president of Bank of America proves she has the insight and intellect to steer everyday citizen and business alike in the right direction to the financial autonomy they seek. Furthermore, as the president of the Austin Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, she certainly has a finger on the pulse of Austin’s economic heartbeat. Many still feel the sting of an unprecedented pandemic that wreaked havoc on Austin’s economy. Nikki Graham not only shares advice on how to regain control over your finances, but also how to turn that into incredible financial success.

START EARLY. Not every 401(k) plan allows new employees to begin contributing right away. Some companies might make you wait two, three or even 12 months after you're hired. Make sure to check with your employer’s plan administrator if there’s a waiting period. My first job was in Washington, D.C., making less than $17,000 a year, but I still participated in the company 401(k). It’s incredible how much these dollars add up over time.

HAVE CLEAR GOALS. Whether that goal is a home of your own, starting a business or a career change, having a financial plan is critical to making it happen. It all starts with creating a budget. Identify the amount of money you have coming in. Subtract your deductions to get your net income. Track your spending and include everything. Set your goals. Short-term goals should take no longer than a year to achieve. Long-term goals, such as saving for retirement or your child’s education, may take years to reach. Make a plan and adjust for wants versus needs. Make adjustments and review your budget regularly. Leverage digital tools your bank may offer to help you stay on track, such as Bank of America’s Spending & Budgeting Tool or Life Plan to help you prioritize your financial goals and understand steps toward achieving them.

BUILD PHILANTHROPY INTO YOUR PLAN. Not only are women more likely than men to give to charity and volunteer, their high level of engagement with the organizations and causes they support is one reason women also report a higher level of personal satisfaction and fulfillment from charitable giving. It might just be $10 to the PTA, $100 a paycheck to United Way, participation in Impact Austin or a donation to a local nonprofit of choice. Regardless of how you do it, giving back to organizations that are meeting our community’s needs is essential to helping Central Texas thrive.

26 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2020

BE PREPARED. My father’s death at the age of 27 influenced my mother’s views on money, and that influenced me. I know there’s a lot of talk about borrowing from friends and family. My mom would let you borrow, but she charged interest. Twenty-three percent of Americans reported that a lack of emergency savings was their biggest financial regret. You want to have a fully funded emergency fund. If something like the pandemic happens again, you want to make sure you and your family can survive with three to six months of savings to cover expenses. Now that many of us are working from home, it’s a great time to save what you would have spent on dry cleaning, gas and going out for lunch.

CONSULT AN ADVISOR. Retirement may be decades away, but it’s never too early to start investing, even just a small amount at a time. The best advisor might not be your best friend from high school or your neighbor. Many banks, including ours, have financial advisors available to help at their locations. It’s important to interview advisors, ask questions and find someone you will be able to trust with your money.

Photo courtesy of Nikki Graham.

If there’s one thing Nikki Graham knows, it’s financial success. Her

Holistic Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health and Wellness Annual Gynecological Exams Treatment of Menopause Breast Cancer Screening and Risk Evaluation Contraceptive Counseling and Management Evaluation and treatment of Abnormal Pap Smears Treatment and Evaluation of Abnormal Bleeding Teen Health Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy Evaluation and Treatment of Reduced Libido and Sexual Dysfunction

Dr. Saima Jehangir, M.D./M.P.H., F.A.C.O.G

LAW OFFICE OF JANET MCCULLAR, P.C.

3407 Glenview Ave., Austin | lotusobgyn.com | 512.716.0971

PLASTIC SURGERY & ADVANCED MEDICAL AESTHETICS SkinRx Analysis | Bespoke Medical Skincare |

Botox & Fillers | Regenerative Stem Cell Therapy

Alina Sholar, M.D. - Certified 2008 American Board of Plastic Surgery 8305 SHOAL CREEK BLVD | 512-646-2744 SKINSCIENCESOUL.COM

Complex Divorce and Custody 512.342.9933 | jmccullarlaw.com

GIVE BACK

DON’T STOP US NOW

With the help of Austin Habitat for Humanity, Paula Tovar built a home and a future for her children and herself. BY AISLING AYERS

years, unable to afford a home in the Austin housing market. As a single mother, she worked the night shift as a custodian and part-time as a housekeeper. Then a coworker told her about Austin Habitat for Humanity and Tovar saw a path to homeownership. “I found out that my friend went through the process and was able to get a home, so I thought that I would give it a try as well,” Tovar says, as translated from Spanish by Austin Habitat’s lending supervisor, Silvio Cruz. Austin Habitat strives to end the cycle of poverty housing in Travis County because “everyone deserves a decent, affordable place to live.” The organization has built over 490 affordable homes for Austin families since their founding in 1985. “We have our challenges living in an area that is so expensive to purchase a home in or even to rent,” Cruz admits. “We are very unique because we are still able to keep the home affordable even though the prices on lots are expensive.” Austin Habitat relies on partners like Realty Austin, an independent real estate company that helps the organization acquire property lots at affordable prices. Yvette Boatwright, co-owner and broker of Realty Austin, says company realty agents give a portion of their sales commissions to building homes for Austin Habitat for Humanity recipients. “The average median price of a home in Austin keeps climbing,” Boatwright says. “Therefore, your medium family income of $30,000 in Austin cannot afford the $400,000 average [home price]. So they keep getting pushed out to San Marcos and Bastrop.” After Tovar applied for the program in April 2019, she attended information sessions and met with a housing counselor. In June 2019, she was selected as an official home recipient in the Scenic Point neighborhood in East Austin. Boatwright says the architect designed an affordable home that blended in with the neighborhood’s more expensive homes. “We [were] all very excited, especially my daughter because when she was a child she dreamed of having her own room [and] her own house,” Tovar recalls. Cruz says the program has 100-200 applicants a month, but many approach the program mistakenly expecting they will immediately receive a free home. Recipients are chosen based on median family income levels and sources. Once accepted, they must complete 300 sweat-equity hours by physically working on their home’s 28 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2020

construction or at the Austin Habitat ReStore, take a New Homeownership class and invest $3,000. They also must meet credit standards to qualify for a home mortgage. “We are very excited to have our own place, because we didn’t think that we could do it,” Tovar says. “It was hard work, but we were able to do everything that they needed us to do to be able to purchase a home.” The construction of the home typically takes 10 weeks, but the entire homepurchasing process can take up to one year. “She is probably the hardest working woman, homebuilder, I have ever seen,” Boatwright says. Every Wednesday, Tovar arrived to complete eight sweat-equity hours, even after working shifts at her other jobs. “There were times where I wouldn’t sleep because I worked all night, and then I went and worked on my house all day,” she says. It’s not all hard labor though. Boatwright says they try to bring fun to the build site every year. Their company videographer filmed a music video of Tovar and the realtors lip-syncing to Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now.” “Paula really got into it,” Boatwright recalls. “The most memorable [picture] is her being up on the roof of her house, just painting over the side of some of the trim. She was not afraid of going anywhere or doing anything on her home.” Tovar became an official homeowner this June, after over a year of dedication and diligence to purchasing a home for her and her children. “The kids know that this is a future for them,” Tovar says. “Now they actually have something that belongs to them with a front yard and a backyard.”

Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity.

Paula Tovar and her two children lived with her parents for 18

WANT TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS? AUSTIN WOMAN

AUSTIN

| MARC H 2020

AUSTIN WOMAN

com Volvo is

should

r protec

ting wha t

Our nev er-ending class con quest to tinues to ma best fam be recogn ke the safest, ily luxury most luxu SUV, the ized. Awarded rious car Recogn by Edm XC60 com in its ized for intuitive bines luxu unds as the 201 ry wit 9 world-ren technology, Sca ndinavian h functionality. owned safe design and ty innova tions.

“Pursue your passion

6 • VOL VOAUST IN.C

red tradem

all

USTIN.C • VOLVOA

-974 -609

is a registe

e Good

driver assistance Volvo’s safety and stay in full control. mind by helping you everyday peace of

| 7216 N. IH-35

• 866-974-60

is a registered

trademark of

96 • VOLVO AUSTIN.COM

Volvo.

IH-35 • 866-974AUSTIN | 7216 N.

of North America,

LLC. The Iron Mark

is a registered trademark

STIN.COM 6096 • VOLVOAU

of Volvo.

Ingalls Wilder

The Iron Mark

Giffords

America, LLC.

there is.” –Laura

OF AUSTIN

Cars of North

place.” –Gabby

nicest word

else will fall into

“Home is the

brighter and safer. Make your holiday technology is designed to provide

and everything

-6096

5 • 866

Iron Mark

make.” –Jan

ered tradem

is a regist

lou

strength.” –Maya Ange

Iron Mark

LLC. The

want to

866 -974

IH-35 •

ark of Volvo.

LLC. The

ie Pope

N. TIN | 7216

America,

ark of Volvo.

–Ros riod.”

there is

Volvo

North Cars of

of North

rence you

rhero—pe

ty and

S OF AUS

TIN | 7216 N. IH-3

Volvo Cars

of diffe

a supe

sity, there

CAR VOLVO

S OF AUS

what kind

VOLVO CAR

Before you hand over your car keys to your Key by Volvo teen, get this is a must-have key first. The safety tool that regulate audio Red lets you set volume and limits on spee customize adap designed to d, tive cruise cont keep your teen rol settings. safer behind It’s the wheel – mind. Visit us and give you today to see peace of how The Red Key works.

matters

decide

2019

, you’re re a mom

“If you’

Goes with the m even when you can’t. The Red Ke y by Volvo.

have to

| NOVEMB ER

Prized fo

rence, and you

MAGAZINE

makes a diffe

produce cars we 2025. by ent of the 50 perc will be electric and sell

DECEMBER 2019 MAGAZINE |

“What you do

2020

• Around

AUSTIN WOMAN

| FEBR UARY

• No one

“In diver

STIN.COM

uing thes to purs mitted d ed or kille usly injur by 2020. be serio Volvo car in a new lity k of qua one wee Volvo car back t to give ugh a new by 2025. • We wan per year thro time

MAGAZINE

charged.

ARY 2020 E | JANU

WOMAN

We are rechargin to our g ever

factories ything we and supp do, from reduce ly chain. our cars Our 2025 com our carbon foot print by ambition is to pared to by 2040. 2018. And to 40% per car by be climate Because we have neutral only one planet. Ever electrifie y new Volvo mod d. Today, el we are the we launch will maker to be offer only trad models. itional car And over plug-in hybrid options the next ve new on all our fully five year s, 2025, half electric cars . It is our we will launch of the cars ambition we sell that by will be more toda y at Volv electric. Learn o Cars of Austin.

MAGAZIN

yea time of our year ahead. to It’s that s goals for tinually look ns and con onal resolutio e way, Volvo fining pers way. sam l of rede much the with the goa and sustainable re in a safe the futu mobility e visions:

AUSTIN

Volvo. Re

MAGAZINE

WOMAN

ar from new ye stin. Happy rs of Au e Volvo Ca we mak r when In

Put your message in front of thousands of potential customers by advertising with Austin Woman, your best resource to reach decision makers in Austin.

Email sales@awmediainc.com today! atxwoman.com

TIN WOMAN S ’S AU

HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE

Sail through the holidays stress-free with this handy guide.

SUSTAIN

HORSEMEN CO Unique plant decor for the home. A husband and wife team that was founded on a love for art, function and creating home decor that brings sustainability and whimsy together. We have a near-zero-waste policy with all scrap materials used for mosaic art pieces, sawdust that mulches our land, and we ship our products in recycled cardboard. Prices range from $15-$150, horsemenco.com

GO LOCAL

ARTICULTURE DESIGNS These living walls are one of hundreds of unique gift options created by local “artrepreneur” Monique Capanelli and her team of seven beautifully creative women. Select from a wide range of Articulture-made creations, or gift a DIY kit with all the materials and video how-to guide. Plus distinctive home decor, jewelry, apparel and more. Great gifts for any budget, articulturedesigns.com

STYLE

ATHLETA At Athleta, our mission is to ignite a community of active, healthy, confident women and girls who empower each other to reach their limitless potential. Contact the store nearest to you (The Domain, North Lamar and Bee Caves) to schedule a personal and socially distant styling appointment. Our team will help you prepare for the holidays no matter what your plans are. All styling appointments qualify you to be eligible for a chance to win a $50 Shopcard. Prices vary, athleta.com Special Advertising Section

APPRECIATE

ONBOXING Onboxing delivers a warm welcome to the doorstep of your new hires and employees. Each box is carefully curated from seven local Austin businesses with necessities for day one or just working remotely. It is guaranteed to make your employees feel like they are appreciated and part of the team. Prices starting at $35, myonboxing.com

S TI

N WO M A

Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE

ADMIRE

WATERCOLORATX Looking for that unique gift to wow this holiday season? Artist Anna Muniz creates pieces meant to inspire and motivate others to explore the city and appreciate its beauty. Choose from one of the many beautiful prints from the gallery, a whimsical stationery item or request a custom piece personalized for your loved one. Gifts ranging from $15-$135, watercoloratx.com

DISCOVER

LBJ LIBRARY Need an easy gift? Purchase a gift membership to the LBJ Presidential Library. Members enjoy engaging programming, free admission to the permanent and special exhibits, discounts in the Store at LBJ and more. Members receive special access to the new exhibit Lady Bird Johnson: Beyond the Wildflowers opening in 2021. Memberships ranging from $30-$150 annually, lbjfriends.org

GLOW UP

JACQUIE OOH Get happy and healthy winter skin. The Jacquie ooh Collection is specifically formulated and certified organic for those with a range of sensitive skin conditions. Whether you suffer from eczema, rosacea or reactive skin, Jacquie ooh has got you covered. After just a few uses, you'll notice a boost in your skin's appearance and restore its natural balance. Produced locally, right in the big state of Texas.

CURATE

COREY CARBO STUDIO Corey Carbo is an artist and illustrator whose hand-drawn work is one-of-a-kind and from the heart. Founded in 2018, her shop is inspired by her love of all things tropical and hot. Aka those Texas summers that never end! Her curated collections offer a wide range of products from bandanas, koozies, art prints and keychains. Prices ranging from $5-$45, shop.coreycarbo.com

Prices ranging from $18-$150, jacquieooh.com

GIVE

THE ARTISAN GIFT BOXES We design our collections of luxury artisan gift boxes with small-batch, handmade, all-natural products crafted by artisans all over the world. From a Cabin Fever Survival Kit to a Gentleman's Box. All gift boxes can be customized to suit your needs and your budget. Offering domestic and worldwide shipping as well as freight services. Boxes ranging from $50-$300, theartisangiftboxes.com

SUPPORT

NOW COFFEE Now Coffee is a family-owned business in Austin that focuses on giving you the highest quality organic, fair trade coffee while impacting childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives. One bag helps two causes. Each purchase donates 50% of profits to mental health and anti-bullying education in schools. $15.95/bag, nowcoffee.com

Special Advertising Section

HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE

5 TIPS FOR A STRESS-FREE THANKSGIVING In the world of Thanksgiving feasts, there is a broad spectrum of hosts. On one end there’s the “hostess with the mostest” who produces such a flawless dinner you wonder if she secretly has a fairy godmother. On the other, there’s the hostess that scrambles at the last minute, leaving anxious guests with only bottles of wine that slowly deplete before dinner is served. No matter where you are on this spectrum, if you’ve hosted this time-honored U.S. tradition you know it requires a lot of work to pull off a memorable meal! When it comes to preparing a relaxed and timely Thanksgiving dinner, it goes without saying preparation is key for success. For a host who loves this holiday above all, there are guidelines to follow that eliminate the stress that comes from creating a cozy and thoughtful atmosphere for my guests. The ultimate goal, besides a delicious meal, is to make everyone feel at ease, have fun and linger through dessert as if they were at home. After all, this is a celebration of gratitude for the friends and family you have invited! Our Thanksgivings this year might be a little smaller and look a little different than in years past. Regardless, it’s still a grand production! Here are my favorite organizational tips for a stress-free feast.

Tip #3 - Shop for or pre-order your groceries early. Don’t wait until the last minute! There is nothing more stressful than an H-E-B parking lot the day before Thanksgiving! Start purchasing shelf-stable items weeks in advance so all that’s left are fresh foods to buy the week of. Also stock up on booze and other drinks in advance.

Tip #4 - Stretch out your cooking. Most casseroles, gravies and pies can be made 1-2 days in advance. Plan out your cooking agenda so you’re not stuck cooking past midnight the night before. A good party host needs beauty sleep!

Tip #1 - Plan your menu early.

Tip #5 - Delegate.

Are you hosting a potluck or running the whole show? Be specific with your side-dish requests from guests, and don’t be afraid to tell someone not to bring something that doesn’t complement your meal. Gather your favorite recipes and consider testing any new ones that inspire you.

Ask your significant other to sparkle clean the guest bathroom the day of. Tell your mom to bring her famous deviled eggs. And when anyone asks what to bring—always tell them beer, wine or ice!

Tip #2 - Pre-organization and kitchen decluttering make a huge difference.

Bonus Tip Start the evening with an empty dishwasher. It’s the fastest path to cleanup when the feast is over.

The week before, do a full-on fridge cleanout. Toss out expired and freezer-burned food and sanitize shelves. Organize your pantry and create an inventory checklist for essentials like flour, sugar and pumpkin pie spices. Having a clean and clutter-free kitchen before you start cooking will reduce stress. Plus, you’ll need the extra fridge space for leftovers!

Special Advertising Section

Want more tips + recipes? Checkout www.space-thyme.co

ATX

WOMEN to WATCH Our pages are full of stories of Austinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most engaging, empowering and successful women, and this section is specially designed to provide you access to even more incredible role models and success stories. Be part of this amazing group and share your story with thousands of women. Contact us at sales@awmediainc.com or call 512.328.2421 for more information. PHOTOS BY ROMINA OLSON

SPECIAL PROMOTION | ATXWOMAN.COM |

ATX

WOMAN to WATCH

T YA N N O S B O R N

FOUNDER AND PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT, OSBORN CONSULTING GROUP LLC

yAnn Osborn, founder and principal consultant of Osborn Consulting Group LLC, is a success guide and Strengths guru. Since 2012, she has helped thousands of people discover the value of their unique abilities to become more engaged, build stronger relationships and authentically show up in their daily lives. As one of the first Gallup Certified Strengths Coaches in Texas, Osborn delivers coaching and innovative solutions in the areas of Strengths-based performance, leadership development and organizational effectiveness, and she thrives when working with leaders who are ready for positive change. Pre-pandemic you could find her traveling the globe empowering people through speaking, coaching and training. Now Osborn shares her magic via virtual coaching sessions and training on topics such as discovering your strengths, navigating change using your strengths, expanding your strategic influence and more. These topics are designed to give employees, managers and leaders the tools to emerge from this historic time stronger than ever. Her mission in life is to help others “win at work and life.” tyannosborn.com

34 | SPECIAL PROMOTION

ATXWOMAN.COM

ATX

WOMEN to WATCH

J O S E P H I N E S E R R ATA A N D G A B R I E L A H U R TA D O LICENSED PSYCHOLOGISTS AND CO-OWNERS OF PRICKLY PEAR THERAPY AND TRAINING

linical psychologists Josephine Serrata and Gabriela Hurtado are two bilingual-bicultural Latina psychologists and co-owners of Prickly Pear Therapy and Training, a group clinical practice in South Austin. Their practice provides interventions that are understanding of experiences of trauma and various cultural identities. They believe in the ability of individuals to rise above their current distress, to heal and transform after having experienced distressing events. Their clinicians work to facilitate healing from painful emotions and memories through a collaborative approach centered on empowerment and hope. They strive to work with individuals in building a life that is balanced and fulfilling. Given their expertise areas, the Prickly Pear Therapy and Training practice also works in the Austin community with organizations to promote cultural humility and trauma-informed care. They also partner with various organizations to center well-being of their workforce, especially for individuals who live at the intersections of diverse identities. pricklypeartherapy.com

ATXWOMAN.COM | SPECIAL PROMOTION | |â&#x20AC;&#x201A;35 ATXWOMAN.COM 35

ATX

WOMAN to WATCH

STUART VICK SMITH

L E A D P A R T N E R O F M L & R W E A LT H M A N A G E M E N T, L L C

tuart Vick Smith is a published author who specializes in wealth planning for women. She is passionate about educating her clients and helping them achieve long-term financial security. Early on, Smith discovered women were underserved in the financial services industry and built her practice around those who had gone through a major life event. Her book Finding your Financial Path: A Guide for Women through Life’s Twists and Turns helps women navigate life’s ups and downs and determine their best financial path. Stuart believes it is important to build and maintain deep client relationships and connect on a personal level. She serves as the lead partner of ML&R Wealth Management, an RIA with $1.4B of assets under management. Stuart is passionate about mentoring women inside and outside of her profession, spending time with her family, traveling and hiking in the mountains. mlrwm.com, stuartvicksmith.com

36 | AUSTIN | NOVEMBER 2020 36 SPECIAL WOMAN PROMOTION | ATXWOMAN.COM

SEE HER WORK

THE NEW NORMAL THROUGH A LENS

Photographer Sydney Gawlik talks about how the pandemic has affected her life’s work. BY AISLING AYERS

climbs a festival tower with her camera hanging from her neck. It’s pouring rain on the Cage The Elephant outdoor concert, but it only amplifies the energy of the thousands of people below. “It was just this beautiful moment where you get the bird’seye view of all of these people, and the rain just adds a level of mysticism to it,” she reflects. “Especially now, imagining that many people together in one place feels like another lifetime.” Last year was a whirlwind for the photographer and videographer. Traveling from concerts to music festivals, Gawlik spent her nights capturing big-name musicians, like Billie Eilish and Kacey Musgraves, in their element. “I’m definitely not a super bright photographer—it’s much more the contrasts,” Gawlik says. “[I like] playing with darkness because I think that’s very reflective in humanity. We have this public persona of who we are…but we also have these elements of hurt and tragedy. But that’s part of what makes us human.” After returning from a tour with Hozier, she planned her income for 2020 around festivals like Lollapalooza and Shaky Knees. “I had gigs lined up that were going to feed me for months to come,” Gawlik says. In early March, South by Southwest was canceled because of COVID-19. That initial cancellation began a steady wave of disappointment, followed by panic. “It was really easy to just be like, ‘I don’t know how I’m going to do this. I don’t know how the year is going to work out,’” Gawlik says. When the shows halted, she had to tap into her love for visual storytelling. “It’s always been about people and...telling a story,” says Gawlik. “Music was kind of the first foot in the door of being a photographer, but that’s definitely changed during the pandemic. Right now, there isn’t music, so you have to find that inspiration from other places.” While wondering how to continue her career during COVID-19, Easy Tiger, an Austin beer garden and bakery, asked her to capture their journey adapting to the pandemic. As she created the documentary, she pivoted her own abilities to tell a different type of story. 38 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2020

Photo by Charles Reagan.

Attached to a harness 40 feet above the crowd, Sydney Gawlik

After the assignment ended, Gawlik was suddenly faced with the reality of spending time at home alone with her thoughts. “My mental health had really degraded because I put the work cap on and work was the most important thing,” Gawlik says. “Then you have a pandemic that is essentially colliding with your line of work.” In college, Gawlik began her career running camera memory cards back and forth for photographers at Austin City Limits. The ACL photo director at the time, Cambria Harkey, then plugged her into the festival photographer scene. Five years later, their shared love for capturing people’s stories has led them to start their own visual storytelling

“”

company, Amor Fati, during the pandemic. “You can’t monetize the visuals of women and not have a woman behind the lens,” Gawlik says. “We are really trying to be very intentional and very relational and really connect with who we are capturing.” The pandemic has allowed Gawlik to focus on her passion for visual storytelling and capturing human emotion through unexpected avenues. “It’s really about who's behind [the lens] and what you’re trying to say,” Gawlik says. “Because you can have the newest gear, the best lenses, all of the things, and if there isn’t substance behind that and there isn’t a story behind that, then it’s just going to be a pretty picture.”

Photos by Sydney Gawlik.

[I like] playing with darkness because I think that’s very reflective in humanity.

ATXWOMAN.COM | 39

STYLE

FROM TRASH TO FASH

Ceci Guevara, the director of the Trash Makeover Challenge, knows sustainable fashion is the wave of the future. BY CY WHITE

40 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2020

recycling their clothing. Whatever is not selling, they’re just gonna repurpose it and make new clothes from that. [In] the industry, they have to. There’s not a choice. The fashion industry is very wasteful, and we cannot continue to do this to the planet. It will not sustain.” The Trash Makeover Challenge is an opportunity, a chance to connect two things we’re all tied to—the planet and fashion—in affordable, sustainable ways. “It doesn’t just bring awareness,” Guevara says. “It gets your attention. It’s no longer, ‘Oh, I can look away.’ No, we are talking about landfills here in Austin. We are talking about the ones right here by the airport,” she says. “Think about your clothes, your donations. However it is you shop, your spending, is it going to the local economy here? Is it going to someone who is ethically and responsibly making other products? It is so worth having your eyes open. You cannot NOT be affected by it.”

Photos courtesy of Ceci Guevara

“F

ashion” and “environmentally friendly”? Not exactly a pairing many people consider. Fashion is a billion-dollar industry that has historically been both elitist and detrimental to the environment. But the Texas Campaign for the Environment is pushing the two ideas together. When the Trash Makeover Challenge began in 2010, there wasn’t much to take the concept from local event to worldwide phenomenon. Enter Ceci Guevara, an Austin School of Fashion Design alum with a deep desire to learn the industry. Quite early in her fashion career, Guevara understood her skillset was better suited for supporting the people wearing the clothes, rather than making the clothes themselves. “I broke two zippers on the first day,” she says with a laugh. “My passion was more behind the scenes and in the shows and networking and mingling with others.” Guevara was determined to find a way to translate her passion into action, and her opportunity came in 2014. Her penchant for networking culminated in a chance meeting with Diana Duran. At that time she was the events coordinator for Dress for Success, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower women to gain economic autonomy through professional support and their attire. She also worked for TCE. Where many would simply see a chance to jumpstart their career, Guevara saw a unique opportunity for fashion to make a difference. “I go to the show and I become a Project Runway judge over here,” she says. The lightness in Guevara’s voice belies her focus on making the Trash Makeover Challenge a vehicle for change. “I was like, ‘Okay, let's organize. Can we categorize and score like this? Is there a theme?’” The organizers were blown away with Guevara’s vision, and the following year they reached out to her first, giving the young fashion school graduate the chance to fulfill her purpose. “I came on in 2015 as the fashion show producer. And it just grew from this really small event. This year we had [actor] Mehcad Brooks as the host of the show,” she says. “And all of it is to benefit the Texas Campaign for the Environment.” Guevara’s devotion to TCE and the Trash Makeover Challenge manifested in some truly captivating concepts (a Florence Nightingale nursing cape created from over 900 bottle caps donated from a local Mexican restaurant, for example). It was also a means for her to firm her resolve to make fashion more environmentally and economically practical. Her growing unease with child labor practices and wanton waste in the industry forced her to reexamine her own habits. Coming on board with TCE grew the ambition in her gut to see sustainable and affordable fashion become a worldwide reality. “All of this is benefiting the environment,” Guevara says. “Because in the end, it’s trash being repurposed. Giving it another meaning. The fashion industry is already starting to nod that way,” Guevara insists. “I saw that H&M, they've been putting this commercial out that they're

“”

Think about your clothes, your donations. However it is you shop, your spending, is it going to the local economy here? Is it going to someone who is ethically and responsibly making other products?

ATXWOMAN.COM | 41

42 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2020

TESTING THE

LIMITS Julia Cheek is changing the future of home health care. BY HANNAH J. PHILLIPS PHOTOS BY ANNIE RAY

Julia Cheek is a big believer in the main premise behind Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers, namely that your circumstances unlock the dreams you pursue. While most might consider it unfortunate timing to seek a business school degree during the height of a recession, Cheek saw the significant shift in 2009 toward startup mindsets for investment banking and private equity firms one of the blessings behind her career. Likewise, where many startups have suffered in 2020, a year of unprecedented economic setbacks, her company was uniquely positioned to rise to the occasion. “I’m not who you think of making risky decisions or go[ing] off the beaten path,” she laughs. As the founder and CEO of Everlywell, a digital platform offering over 30 at-home diagnostic tests, Cheek appears to be doing both—but that’s not how she tells the story. While at Harvard, Cheek studied in close proximity with the cofounders of Gilt Groupe and Birchbox, and she was close friends with Katrina Lake, who later founded Stitch Fix. “I don’t know if I appreciated it in the moment,” she says, “but I distinctly remember focusing in my second year on entrepreneurial coursework. I realized that if all these people could do it, so could I.” This was an epiphany for Cheek, who considers herself a “by the book” high achiever. “I can tell the story in a way that sounds like ramen noodles and apartment floors, but the background to all that was much more intentional. Yes, it was risky, but it was something I planned for quite a while.”

Cheek believes that growing up as an only child to two working lawyer parents set a precedent for her career in that she never felt different for being a female in business. From an early age, her father taught her about 401(k) plans, financial management and more. Both her parents encouraged Cheek’s early independence and inherently driven personality while also promoting a sense of balance in her free time. “In high school, I was taking the max amount of AP classes possible, and my parents actually wanted me to pull back a bit— which tells me it was both my own personality and the fact that I had such a strong childhood and a great foundation.” Graduating from Vanderbilt with a double major in economics and psychology, Cheek entered the consulting world at Deloitte in 2005 before pursuing her master’s at Harvard Business School. Moving back to Dallas, she worked for a time at the George W. Bush Presidential Center, hiring leaders for their 501(c)(3), before she was recruited to work with Pam Patsley of MoneyGram in 2013. All the while, Cheek was dreaming up her own company and testing ideas for startups that would not only be successful but also have an impact. “I didn’t found a startup straight out of business school,” she says, “because I knew that I only wanted to start a company if the idea was transformative enough to make a change.” In its initial stages, Everlywell did not appear to be that idea. On paper, Cheek actually calls it the worst of her ideas, and while her parents were not discouraging, they weren’t certain it was

Clothing courtesy of Estilo, 2727 Exposition Blvd., estiloboutique.com

ATXWOMAN.COM | 43

the one she should bet on either. Undeterred, Cheek knew that percentages aren’t always what they seem, noting that while there was a 97-99% chance that her idea would fail, the margin of success—while narrow—would also be more sustainable down the road. Where the early exits of most founders is indicative of success, Cheek was looking for something that would be worth her time even if it failed. For her, that was Everlywell. “I had this view that Americans are having to be responsible for all their health care costs and only continue to be exasperated. We talk about deductibles and hospitable bills, but no one talks about lab bills. I also saw insurance being chipped away at providing coverage, which has only continued to happen since we started, so I thought people would pay out of pocket for a digital testing experience. I felt like we had an opportunity for price transparency and affordability. I felt like we could move an entire space in a way that people deserved.” That people-centered desire to innovate continues to drive both Everlywell and Cheek today, which partly accounts for how her company became one of the first to dive into at-home testing for COVID-19 earlier this year. “As a startup, we didn’t see why we would get involved in what should have been a government response,” she shares, “but that quickly changed when we saw the major distrust arising from the lack of information and underlying incentives.” But skipping straight to 2020 overlooks the uphill battles Cheek fought to position her company so remarkably for an unforeseen global pandemic. With no health care or technology experience, Cheek brings it back to that principle in Gladwell’s Outliers when she recounts those early days. “It really just takes one person who sees the vision,” she notes, outlining how an early investor who fundamentally believed in her enabled her to hire chief medical officers, developers and the product designers that made the initial stages of Everlywell possible. After raising her seed round, Cheek and her husband moved to Austin to take advantage of its talent market and innovative underculture. They drove their U-Haul to Austin on the Friday before South by Southwest in 2016, she recalls, renting a townhouse in the South Lamar area sight unseen. “Those four years were very gritty years of taking the startup from one employee to 80,” she says, reflecting on seasons of seemingly endless roadblocks and upleveling. “I went from not knowing if the product would have traction to supporting huge clients like Humana and CVS in a very short period of time.” The biggest learning curve has been shifting from founder to CEO, which many founders don’t envision (and often don’t enjoy)

“”

when they start a new company. But Cheek also considered her greatest challenge as the most rewarding, pushing her to find the right people to help bring Everywell’s vision to light. “At first, you start out doing every job,” she says. “It’s a goal of mine to put myself out of a job in many of these areas and hire above that by finding people who compliment my weaknesses.” One such hire is her chief medical officer, Dr. Frank Ong, who she credits as one reason Everlywell was tuned in to early reports of the coronavirus. Ong was studying the news from China at the end of January. So when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first indicated a major capacity problem for COVID-19 testing in early March, implementing an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for private labs across the country, Everlywell was one of the first to respond. “Reporters love to use the word ‘pivot’ because it’s the word startups use,” Cheek says, “but in my decision-making and with our board, it was the opposite. We saw it fitting in our value system.” For Cheek, delivering at-home COVID-19 tests was the complete extension of what Everlywell is already primed to do, integrating with labs all over the country to provide technology and infrastructure for at-home consumer testing. In fact, her initial hunch on the market need for transparent, accessible and affordable health care is exactly what enabled Everlywell to respond so quickly—because it was already solving the bigger problem. Their unique digital platform enables customers to receive results in record time, going the extra mile by providing telehealth support from board-certified physicians to walk through the next steps after their diagnosis. Ranging from general wellness (like food sensitivity and allergies) to energy and weight-related issues (thyroid or metabolism) or sexually transmitted diseases, Everlywell already offered over 30 tests pre-pandemic. Expanding their offerings to include COVID-19 tests was a natural next step. By the time the FDA had issued their EUA, though, it became clear that the United States was already far behind in COVID-19 testing. At Everlywell, this only served to unlock the impact they could make with their existing at-home products. “People were starting to understand the brokenness of this landscape we had seen for five years or longer,” she says, “so we viewed it as a moment in time for Everlywell to have an important voice and platform in COVID response.” Identifying the problem of geographic overrun, Cheek notes that labs quickly became overwhelmed in hotspots around the country because they lacked a central routing place to integrate manufacturers, labs and physicians. Since none of this

I realized that if all these people could do it, so could I.”

44 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2020

ATXWOMAN.COM |â&#x20AC;&#x201A; 45

46 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2020

“”

I knew that I only wanted to start a company if the idea was transformative enough to make a change. functionality was new to Everlywell, they’ve not only become the ideal solution for COVID-19, but a prototype for how health care could expand virtually across the other areas of testing they already offer. For Cheek, the pandemic has only proven the need for more accessible solutions across the board. “This idea that everything is centered around one doctor and one location is a broken philosophy,” she says, hesitating at first to steer the conversation toward politics. Noting that this article will print on election week, however, she almost can’t help commenting on what she predicts as one of the most damaging effects of this pandemic—namely, an erosion of public trust. Now that the pandemic has exposed broken systems across both the public and private sectors—uncovering everything from the complexity of the medical supply chain to the impact of foreign relations with China—Cheek hopes that 2020 will continue to be a wake-up call when we look back in the years to come. In her mind, the ongoing response to coronavirus will remain the primary challenge of the president, whoever is in office for this next phase of the virus. Until the U.S. can rebuild a foundation of trust across all sectors, it’s going to be an uphill battle. On the other hand, Cheek also views the pandemic as an impetus for positive change in the landscape of virtual care, bringing much-needed consumer attention to the value of at-home testing. From an accessibility standpoint, the benefits of virtual care offset not only the costs of our current system, but also the inconveniences of taking time off work to get a test, finding childcare for doctors appointments, scheduling follow-up appointments—the list goes on. “We’ve seen a tremendous amount of growth even without COVID,” says Cheek, noting a spike in home testing across multiple other product verticals. “Now, we’re asking how [do we] become the company that helps people manage these issues at home? How do we help Americans apply this model to the biggest killers in our country like heart health?” Rejoicing in a recent executive hire, Cheek sees the coming year as a stepping stone to the next stage for Everlywell and a milestone in its mission to become a household brand. “I’m looking forward to the next phase of not feeling like everything is on fire,” she says. “My job as CEO is to think five years down the road and steer the company in that direction.” On the home front, Cheek admits she’s barely been afforded a spare moment to think about next steps in her own life. Like so many professionals working from home this year, she’s learned to set strict boundaries around work time, family time and time to disconnect in order to give herself the space to persevere. Nurturing that balance may look different on any given week, scheduling an average of 30-40 hours a week of team calls and board meetings around the morning and evening routines with her husband and their son, Crosby. “Sure it can be exhausting,” she says, “but I’ve always worked more than the average person. And I don’t say that as a badge of honor, but because of how I’m wired. In other jobs, I still worked as much, but I wasn’t driving change.” As Everlywell continues to refine and expand its offerings, Cheek says they will likewise focus on developing the follow-up care provided on their platform. “Our mission,” she says, “is that whatever the customer needs, Everlywell can enable them to take that next step.”

ATXWOMAN.COM | 47

Mural by Kyle Steed. 48 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2020

“”

I can tell the story in a way that sounds like ramen noodles and apartment floors, but the background to all that was much more intentional. Yes, it was risky, but it was something I planned for quite a while.

ATXWOMAN.COM | 49

THE POWER OF THE SIX CHAMBERS

The six women acting as presidents of Austin’s Chambers of Commerce are working from home, overseeing a new generation of pandemic-proof business in Austin. BY BRIANNA CALERI

his fall, Austinites begin emerging from isolation, back into an economy they kept afloat from their living rooms. The Austin Chambers of Commerce have been hard at work to ensure all that hustling from home made the greatest possible impact. There are six separate chambers that represent the city’s diverse workforces: one for Greater Austin and one each for Black, Hispanic, Asian, LGBT and young demographics. For the first time in Austin’s history, the presidents of all six chambers are women. Working together, they advocate for their respective communities on legislation, coach businesses and organize events and task forces on how to invite greater diversity. Austin Woman asked the presidents for their advice on coming out the other side of the pandemic as a stronger city-wide workforce.

50 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2020

SEEING EACH OTHER’S SUPERPOWERS WHAT’S YOUR COMMUNITY’S SUPERPOWER IN COMMERCE?

Asian Austin: Diversity “In Austin alone, there are about 20 different language and ethnic groups within the Asian community. We have to overcome a lot of language and cultural barriers to be mobilized. But the diversity also brings us a rich cultural mindset and custom to flourish.” - Fang Fang

LGBT Austin: Community “When we would have our luncheons or our in-person events, it was like Thanksgiving every time. That sense of community is so important to who we are because so many in the LGBT community have family struggles. We embrace each other.” - Tina Cannon

Hispanic Austin: Work ethic

“”

We offer an incredible range of quality of life opportunities.

“The Hispanic community of Central Texas knows a strong work ethic. They are the footprint of our community and to some degree have been a quiet but definitely robust driving economic force that makes our communities and states and nation thrive well.” - Diana Maldonado

- Laura Huffman

Black Austin: Resilience

Greater Austin: Opportunity

“They amaze me consistently, time after time after time, in how they’ve been able to overcome such huge obstacles in the face of tremendous adversity. They are hopeful, and they just bounce back. The way they look at it always continues to amaze and inspire me.” - Tam Hawkins

“There’s something for everyone here. If you look at the range of Top 10 lists that Austin appears on, it’s everything from a great place to start a business, to a great place to eat barbecue, to a great place to retire. We offer an incredible range of quality of life opportunities.” - Laura Huffman

Young Austin: Refreshing perspective “I think what makes us unique is that we bring a new vision to the city, and to business, and to leadership. As we’re going through so much change, I just think that refreshing perspective will be helpful to pave the way for the future of Austin.” - Alyssia Palacios-Woods

ATXWOMAN.COM | 51

SEEING EACH OTHER’S SUPERPOWERS HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW THE OTHER LEADERS IN AUSTIN COMMERCE?

Which president would you hold accountable for your finances? “I think that would be Tam Hawkins. I definitely think she brings a high level of accountability to everybody and really wants to move our community forward in a very positive way. So when it comes to personal savings and accountability, I think she’s your girl.” -President Palacios-Woods

If you were entry level again, which president would you like as your boss?

Which president would you take shopping? “I would take Alyssia Palacios-Woods because she could probably give me some great fashion tips and make sure I’m up-to-date and modern. Whether it’s accessories or the modern fashion clothing. I lean on younger generations to keep me in place.” -President Maldonado

“It’s widely known that Laura Huffman is a genuine badass, and I enjoy working for women who not only have that sense of confidence and strength, but also exhibit that in their abilities. She’s a fantastic role model for young women.” -President Cannon

“Probably Tina Cannon. I just love Tina’s tenacity, and the way she goes about things. She’s matter-of-fact in a way that resonates with me because I, too, am super matter-of-fact.” -President Hawkins

How would you like to be known as a new president? “I want to engage more with my community so that I understand their struggles, not only reading from the paper or phone call or survey, but really talk to every one of them. Our community as a minority must have plenty of stories to tell.” -President Fang

When Tam Hawkins was 13, she had a subscription to the Wall Street Journal. Now her own 13-yearold brings up corporate sales at the dinner table. Business runs in her blood, so there’s already enough of that in the house. When Hawkins’ husband saw working from home was taking a toll on her, he suggested a job with the Black Chamber of Commerce. She loves variety and likes to say she can’t decide what she wants to be when she grows up.

Austin Chamber of Commerce President Laura Huffman Laura Huffman was born at St. David’s Medical Center, and she’s been involved in the Austin community ever since. She has represented Austin and the state of Texas through years of city planning and conservation work. Now, in 2020, Huffman brings her trademark candor to the Austin Chamber hoping to address a turbulent job market and get the community back on track. Her position, she says, allows her to fix Austin’s current problems while looking forward to the future.

52 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2020

Which president would give the best tour of Austin? “I think Diana Maldonado would be fun to go on a tour of Austin with because as a former elected official, she’s thought about Austin in a lot of different ways. She’s heard from a huge range of people in Austin about what matters to them and what Austin has to offer.” -President Huffman

Tam Hawkins photo by Whitney Martin.

With which president would you start a new business?

Greater Austin Black Chamber President Tam Hawkins

SEEING THE FUTURE HOW THE PRESIDENTS INTERPRET CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES IN THE WORKPLACE

A remote work-life balance: “What are the important things in our lives? It’s self-care, it’s having one daily routine. It is about health, it is about family, it is about nature, and I can still do that by working remotely. I don’t have to get in traffic and create pollution. I can still deliver what I have to my organization and grow in the areas in mind, body and soul.” - President Maldonado

“When it comes to higher-education students emerging into the workforce, I think they’re going to be very affected by what’s happening now. We see a work-life balance shift, and how we look at working relationships and family relationships, and how those interact. It’s so common now to see dogs in the background and children in the background. It’s really brought the fact that work is a part of life.” - President Palacios-Woods

Keeping up with the pandemic tech carousel: “Sometimes I feel like I’m aging out of the latest trends. I think it’s easy to feel like you’re behind, and I think that the rate at which information is exchanged now is so quick, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. We talk a lot about leaning into those pieces that are most important to you, cutting out noise. For those who feel like they’re not keeping up, like anything, it’s important to just find that one thing and stick with it and learn it really well.” - President Palacios-Woods Stick with your community, even when businesses close:

“Not that men aren’t affected as well, but a huge percentage of the more day-to-day aspect of children still falls on one end. I think it’s a really challenging time to be a mother who works not outside of the home, but inside the home. It’s crazy here. You’re going to hear everything. I found myself not necessarily apologizing for that anymore because my children deserve to have their space as well.” - President Hawkins

“”

I truly admire and respect the resourcefulness that young people bring to the table. - Diana Maldonado

“The gay bars have a very unique space in our community because that’s from which rights sprung. That’s where the movement began, at Stonewall. In Austin we’re blessed that we don’t have a gay district that most cities have. We’re everywhere. We’ve all done everything that we can to be together digitally. The time that we would spend having a cocktail with each other or going to a show together, I hope that people are engaging with civil discourse and doing their part to move policy in what is the most important election of our lifetime.” - President Cannon “I think everything has its life cycle, including businesses and industries. Even dynasties. I come from China, and we had 3,000 years of dozens of dynasties. So we witnessed how a new regime flourished, and then went to the peak, and started to decline until it reached to the end. While you are in that cycle, definitely enjoy every bit when that happens, and then pivot. In China, ‘danger’ and ‘opportunities’ are the same word. So when you are being challenged, there is always opportunity hidden.” - President Fang

Diana Maldonado photo by Korey Howell.

CHECKLIST FOR A SUPPORTIVE WORKPLACE Presidents Huffman and Cannon lay out what companies can do to attract and support a more diverse workforce. • Avoid pandering to communities during times of celebration • Be bold in your advertising • Set up employee resource groups (ERGs) and benefits • Start networking for resources and ideas • Pick up the phone and ask for advice from peers and mentors

Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber President: Diana Maldonado Diana Maldonado executed a successful campaign for the House of Representatives as a single mom, constantly thinking about how to be resourceful and equitable. While in the House, she started researching wealth gaps and looking for ways to bridge them using her business and finance background. She’s extending her findings to the COVID-19 crisis, by making sure the services the Hispanic community depends on are still being delivered consistently. ATXWOMAN.COM | 53

SEEING THE FUTURE BEING AN ALLY

To people of different ages “When I was in the legislature I leaned on a lot of young adults to run my office. I truly admire and respect the resourcefulness that young people bring to the table, because they’re so savvy, they’re quick and they really make business work faster.” - President Maldonado By flipping social expectations “I attended a panel of professional Black men that were telling their experience as Black men walking through America, and they talked about their feelings. Then my panel was a group of Black women talking about policy that could help with some of the issues we’re facing. It was, to me, a really cool dynamic because oftentimes men are seen as being able to speak to policy, and not emotions. To have that switch, and to talk about women who quite honestly will be very much part of the process of helping Austin recover economically, just really warms my heart.” - President Hawkins To people you haven’t met yet “People want to work with the Asian community, but they don’t know who we are, they don’t know how to reach us and they don’t know what our reaction is. I wanted to build that bridge to send the message that we are here, we are interested; let us know how we can be more involved.” - President Fang

Greater Austin Asian Chamber President: Fang Fang Fang Fang is always connecting the dots. Throughout her career, both in the US and in China, she placed dots in journalism, public relations and entrepreneurship. She learned how to gather information to tell stories, how to demystify a brand identity in order to strategize and how to spot trends to solve problems. Now she’s using all those skills to help Asian Austin better define itself in its community.

Embrace the women you work with “We have had such a ball working together over the years. I believe in women, I love working with women. That’s not to say I don’t like working with men, but it’s different for me. Especially female leaders, they get a lot of our other challenges. You get to take a breath in a different manner.” - President Hawkins “What’s really exciting about these women who are in a leadership role with me is that we are so collaborative and that we do have open-minded communication and working relationships. We recognize that there are skills that each of our chambers, each of our members and each of us bring to the table. And that by working together we can accomplish so much more.” - President Palacios-Woods “We all work really well together. We talk to each other weekly, on various calls. So when we can be a unified voice, we really try to be, and it’s pretty exciting that it’s all women leading the Austin business voice. By nature, we are great multitaskers, so I expect 2021 should look out.” - President Cannon

In a word cloud generated by these six interviews, the largest word was “community.” The presidents share a strong bond, and each one who spoke about the joy of working with the others volunteered that enthusiasm when she ran out of questions to answer. To use Tam Hawkins’ word, Austinites need “levity” while addressing the pandemic, institutional inequity and natural disasters. The chamber presidents are tackling their roles with determination and applying a staggering wealth of combined business experience with gratitude and an unbeatable sense of humor. Business in Austin doesn’t happen in a vacuum–it happens in food trucks, under centuries-old oaks; it happens at home and it happens at the Chambers of Commerce.

54 | AUSTIN WOMAN | NOVEMBER 2020

Austin LGBT Chamber President Tina Cannon Tina Cannon is catching her breath after a marathon of entrepreneurship. She generated multiple startups and worked in politics, government relations and even the Austin Chamber. The LGBT Chamber, which had been a volunteer organization for years, caught Cannon’s eye as a great candidate for elevation. She hopes the Chamber will be her last calling card.

Austin Young Chamber President Alyssia Palacios-Woods

Photo by Carmen M. Fischer, courtesy of Visit Austin.

With a compact résumé, Alyssia Palacios-Woods stands out among the presidents. She prefers to see projects through to their fullest potential, giving seven years in her prior position where she estimates most people would spend two. That’s the kind of team loyalty you’d expect from the former NCAA athlete who fell in love with Austin while playing tennis and never left. She hopes to keep the volley going between professionals and their passions.

ATXWOMAN.COM | 55

SponsoredContent Content Sponsored

A Homegrown Approach to

Real Estate THE LINDSAY NEUREN GROUP

A third-generation Austinite, Lindsay Neuren brings a unique perspective to her clients looking to buy and sell in her beloved hometown. Joining her are three seasoned agents in the Austin market. With over a decade of experience in the Austin real estate market, the Lindsay Neuren Group’s vast knowledge of the diverse neighborhoods helps their clients find the area in Austin that best fits their lifestyle. Whether you’re relocating, buying your first home, moving within the Austin metro area or investing in the Austin market, The Lindsay Neuren Group welcomes the opportunity to share their expertise and professional approach with you and looks forward to providing an outstanding relationship-focused experience that you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. lindsayneurengroup.com