Wrapped in Confidence: a silk accessory made to empower p.16
THE INSPIRATIONAL
Women in Business p.33
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BUILD STRONG COMMUNITIES EASTON LPARK ife Austin
EASTside Magazine's 1st Annual Inspirational Women's Event
Located just 12 miles from downtown, Easton Park is a vibrant community with more than 350 acres of planned trails, parks, and green space. It’s everything you love about Austin, with a welcoming lifestyle, state-of-the-art amenities and leading homebuilders. Our newest neighborhoods, Union Park and Skyline Park, are coming soon—keep an eye on our website, newsletter and social media for more information. Or come out for yourself and see what all the excitement is about.
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Meet the Team
People make the world go round.
EAST THE INSPIRATIONAL
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1801 East 51st Street, Suite 365-501 Austin, Texas 78723 eastsideatx.com
Publisher Nillo Studios, LLC Ashley Haguewood has been with EASTside from the very beginning when it was only an idea. With her talented eye for detail, playing with shadows and light she is able to tell a story through a lens without using any words. When she's not behind the camera, she's loving on her two beautiful twin girls.
Creative Director Will Bowling Publishing Editor Ashley Bowling Business Development Jessi Devenyns, Brenna Parthemore Photo Editors Eric Morales, Ashley Haguewood Copy Editor Pam Bowen Contributing Photographers Shelby Bella, Leah Muse, Leonid Fermansky, Sidney Wilder, Rachel Benevides
Jess Hagemann is on OG EASTside team member. She's so much more than just ink on paper. Jess really dives into the soul of a person, portraying their true personality. When she is not writing for EASTside, she’s editing, ghost writing books, and hosting workshops: ciderspoonstories.com.
Contributing Writers Jess Hagemann, Jessi Devenyns, Taylor Dutch, Sommer Brugal, Sam Lauron, Katy Chadwell, Alex Villalba, Jinky Romero, Justin & Kayla Butts Distribution Brian Phillips, Will Bowling, Todd Meador Submissions info@eastsideatx.com Advertising advertise@eastsideatx.com Copyright Š 2016 Nillo Studios, LLC. EASTside Magazine is published by Nillo Studios, LLC. No portion may be reproduced without express written consent. Editorial or advertising does not constitute advice, but is rather considered informative. Expressed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ownership.
Shelby Bella always wears a smile on her face and is not afraid to take on any challenge we throw her way. Understanding the process and getting the job done with joy is her forte. She consistently leaves photoshoots with everyone feeling great about who they are. 4 EASTside | Fall/Winter 2018
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CONNECT WITH US www.eastsideatx.com eastsideatx eastsideatxmag
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3317 Manor Road/Dharma-Yoga.net
eastside | publisher's letter
3317 Manor Road/Dharma-Yoga.net
3317 Manor Road/Dharma-Yoga.net
Your Story
o here we are with our second Annual Inspirational Women's Issue. This issue was a doozy; not only because we’ve set out to do a better job with the creative this year than we did last year but also having so many inspirational stories to choose from and needing to narrow it down to only a handful. For the women who gave us the opportunity to tell their story, we are grateful and honored to be entrusted with their life song. I believe the five leading ladies in the feature all have the same grit, but each have their own voice. The most important take aways we can learn from each woman: they are active in the community, they create the drive, they write their own stories, they put their hearts out there in order to make the world a better place, and they are not done yet.
/subscription We would also like to give a special thanks to all the women who took part in our Women in Business special section. This is women supporting women, and without this special section, this issue would not be here — stories would remain untold. These women are creating a legacy, investing in this community, and making waves on this side of town. Page 33 is where you get to meet these business women. Now you not only have an opportunity to visit their store, connect with them, and ask them questions, but you can also let them know you appreciate what they do. Lastly, EASTside Magazine is hosting our 2nd Annual Women's Networking Event in release of this special issue. Last year was an overwhelming success; we sold out and learned a lot. This year, we will have some special speakers, some wonderful food and drinks, and offer space to laugh and build relationships with women in the community who are thinking outside of the box and inspiring others. As you flip through the pages of this issue, remember this is you; this is your home; this is your voice, only you write your own story. Thank you so much for reading. Cheers,
telling your story
Will Bowling Wrapped in Confidence: a silk accessory made to empower p.16
THE INSPIRATIONAL
On the Cover The cover and all the leading ladies in the feature story were photographed at the beautiful Native Hostel, which was co-founded by Andi Scull Cheatham (p.30). Eric Morales did it again. He makes it look so simple. This cover image was captured as Raasin McIntosh arrived for the shoot and had just stepped out of her car.
Women in Business p.33
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5
contents
22 features
Publisher’s Note 05
22 Inspirational Women
Local 08 Art+Entertainment 11 Style+Beauty 16
56
Go+Do 51
16 Wrapped in Confidence
Home+Away 55 Sip+Taste 59 6 EASTside | Fall/Winter 2018
Whether they're running companies, pursuing entrepreneurship, or seeking to change lives, there is no shortage of women who are bringing positivity and inspiration to their communities. Meet five women who are impacting East Austin's community through their commitments to doing good and making a change.
60 find more at eastsideatx.com
A good accessory can make an outfit, but a great accessory can make a memorable statement. Silk Diaries is on a mission to empower women through naturally dyed silk accessories.
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eastside | local
Breathing in New Life AUSTIN’S HISTORIC SPRINGDALE STATION WORDS BY ALEX VILLALBA & ASHLEY BOWLING PHOTOS BY LEAH MUSE, CHRISTINA HASTINGS, SIDNEY WILDER
Springdale Station, Austin’s iconic train station formerly known as Boone Station, rests on an open plot of land at 979 Springdale Road, where it remained all but forgotten by the city for decades. That is until 2015, when it was spotted and resurrected by Austin local and art evangelist Moya McIntyre. 8 EASTside | Fall/Winter 2018
find more at eastsideatx.com
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urrounded by beautiful trees, the station is a little piece of Austin history that Moya decided deserves a second chance at life. Instead of tearing down the city’s cherished and diverse history to make room for even more homogenization, Moya is proving that there’s still a place for these historic structures. With her love of history and keen eye for art, she’s participating in the renaissance of Austin’s gems.
Originally built by Arthur Upshaw Boone, a descendant of Daniel Boone and owner of Frostex Foods, the former Boone Station served as a local train museum for years. Boone aimed to make the station as authentic as possible and fashioned the building with a ticket counter and money drawer from a 1917 train station and brass lamps from a 1939 Indiana station. He even parked his personal steam locomotive on the then functional rail line outside.
Moya’s love for art began in her 20s, when she channeled her creative energy into painting and teaching. Through the years, her artistic focus started with education and historic building rejuvenation and moved to grant writing, cultivating an artistic community, and curating art exhibitions at Dimension Gallery, which is located near the station. She and her husband, Colin McIntyre, founded and operate this contemporary sculpture gallery.
The exterior of the station looks as if it were plucked straight out of the 1920s, dressed with freshly painted wood siding and perched alongside the property’s original train tracks. An old crossing sign stands proudly beside the decommissioned tracks, as if frozen in time.
Her ability to see beauty in decaying buildings and find potential in disrepaired relics is what has turned Springdale Station into a romantic, rustic peek into a bygone era. In this new event space, guests can celebrate nuptials, birthdays, quinceaneras and more. “In my 17-year career as an artist and entrepreneur, I have found a new way to breathe new life into old historic structures. I feel like the story of the Springdale Station is a beautiful example of honoring the past, while also keeping up with the pace of Austin’s future,” she smiles. Thanks to Moya’s creativity and commitment to preservation, East Austin can now enjoy Springdale Station in all its former glory and fall in love with this magnificent time capsule once again.
Next to the station, connected by a new glass enclosure, sits the old Pine Street Station, having been moved from 5th and Waller and restored by Moya and her team as an addition to the newly imagined event space. The dreamy interior of the old Pine Street building boasts 15’ ceilings, exposed trusses made of rich pine, rustic wood floors and large windows that usher in an abundance of natural light. “We decided to take Boone Station, a building that sat vacant for 31 years, and open it to the public and also move Pine Street Station, a historic building that was slated to be demolished. We gave both structures a fresh look and a new life,” says Moya.
Contact: (512) 947-8772 979 Springdale Road info@springdalestation.com springdalestation.com
Did you know?
Springdale Station is the site of EASTside Magazine’s Second Annual Inspirational Women’s Issue release party and networking event, which takes place October 4, 2018. {the inspirational side of austin}
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Arts+ entertainment Fall+
Winter 2018
12 art of
sound
TWELVE-YEAR-OLD, ALEXIA FINNEY, IS MAKING WAVES IN AUSTIN'S MUSIC
"I love the rush before I get on stage." -Alexia Finney p.12
SCENE.
14 enter-
tainment GLIMPSE INSIDE
THE ADVENTUROUS WORLD OF THE TEXAS ROLLERGIRLS
eastside | art
In typical SaulPaul style, she was invited onto the stage to perform with him impromptu. Of course the rest is history, and now the track is recorded with her voice accompanying SaulPaul’s sultry vocals. Despite the unconventional nature of her debut, Alexia describes the experience of performing as calming. “I love the rush before I get on stage. I’m all nervous, but then [I] go on stage and it’s all good,” she quips. Even with four years of performing under her belt, Alexia admits that she still prefers to be on stage in the company of others. However, this year “I think I can start lifting myself up on stage,” she says. “I’m trying to compose my own music. That’s one of my big goals this year.” It is also a goal she is likely to achieve.
Little Body, Big Sound SINGING WITH AUSTIN LEGENDS WORDS BY JESSI DEVENYNS PHOTOS BY ERIC MORALES
Although she didn’t know it at the time, when Alexia Finney first began singing into her toy microphones, she was practicing for a career that would take off before she would become a teenager. As soon as she could talk, she was singing, and already at 12, she has performed and recorded with Austin notables like SaulPaul, Candy Coburn, Mark Eric, and Memphis Train Band.
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he hasn’t yet told anyone at her school what she does. “It’s weird for me because I’m curious why they don’t know because it’s pretty obvious,” Alexia muses. Still, she confesses that she is content to be out of the spotlight with her peers. “Nobody at my school knows what I do because I don’t want to be treated differently because of it.”
12 EASTside | Fall/Winter 2018
It all began with a serendipitous meeting at an Austin Music Foundation event. Alexia’s father Rich Finney, who has been in the music business for decades, had just introduced her to SaulPaul’s music, and she had fallen in love with his song Rise. Coincidentally, SaulPaul happened to be performing at the event when she bumped into him ten minutes prior to his set and gushed her admiration for the tune.
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Although she is still a middle schooler with homework and responsibilities, Alexia finds time to work toward her goal with Kris Bergsnes, a songwriting coach from Nashville who is guiding her through her development as a lyricist. “She’s very, very, very talented. Very enthusiastic. A natural poet,” Kris effuses. Alexia’s natural talent is hard to miss. In person as on stage, her beaming smile peeks from underneath the bill of her trademark fedora as she clearly articulates her thoughts. With wisdom beyond her age, she has already understood that building her career is a marathon, not a sprint, and she has years to arrive at the finish line. She smiles as she explains her philosophy, “I don’t know what the future holds, but I think it’s going to be good.”
Contact:
Rich Finney (512) 560-9091 rfinney@dotcommand.net
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eastside | entertainment
Down&Derby THE THRILL OF COMPETITION WORDS BY TAYLOR DUTCH PHOTOS BY ERIC MORALES
The Texas Rollergirls have been credited with starting the modern flat track derby movement that now consists of 300 leagues worldwide. As the first league of its kind, the Texas Rollergirls provides a unique opportunity for women who love the thrill of competition.
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rom the turn of the track, she flies into the wall at full speed. Skates, elbow pads, and helmets collide as she attempts to muscle her way past three women whose responsibility is to block her, the jammer. Every push and shove is a battle for ground until she breaks free with a jump through the gap between the blockers and the perimeter of the track.
14 EASTside | Fall/Winter 2018
Somehow, she maneuvers her way past a human wall while on roller skates. It is an escape that seems impossible, and yet just as quickly, she is skating at full speed around the turn once again. That battle on the Pan Am Park track on Tuesday night is just one drill during practices for the Texas Rollergirls, a roller derby league that started in 2003. The Austin-based league is skater-owned and managed as a nonprofit organization. It’s made up of four home teams: Hell Marys, Hot Rod Honeys, Honky Tonk Heartbreakers, and Hustlers. All-star members from each home team make up the travel squad. “It’s hard to come here and not be starstruck. Even now, I can’t believe I get to skate with these girls. I get to say that I skate for Texas!” raves Caitlin Klammer, known as Thugs Bunny on the track. “I never would’ve imagined that I’d be here after starting out in a very small town in North Carolina.” Thugs Bunny is a jammer for Honky Tonk Heartbreakers and the All-Star team. She has been skating for six years and joined the Texas Rollergirls when she moved to Austin in 2014. By day, she works as an employee referral coordinator at Indeed, and by night, she skates at full speed into and around human walls. Her name is aptly based on her unique skating style that involves a run and skip motion to get out of a pack. The skaters all have a variety of occupations: nurses, lawyers, teachers. However, during practice, they are only referred to by their derby names.
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Did you know? When the skates are laced and the pads are on, it’s the identity they assume as fierce competitors representing a game-changing league. “It doesn’t matter what you do during the day; we all come here because we all love it,” says Thugs Bunny. The final regular season game took place on August 25, and now they’re on to the championship portion of the season. The playoff brackets were just announced, and as of August, the Texas Rollergirls were ranked No. 6 in the world behind No. 1 Victorian Roller Derby League, No. 2 Rose City Rollers, No. 3 Gotham Girls Roller Derby, No. 4 Denver Roller Derby, and No. 5 Arch Rival Roller Derby. The ultimate goal is to win the 2018 International Championship on November 9-11 in New Orleans. “We are Texas; we put everything we have into it,” Thugs Bunny grins. “Going into playoffs, we’ll leave everything we have at playoffs to make it to the championship, and we’ll do it all over again at champs.” After two grueling hours of practice with countless hits, the park lights begin to dim, and skaters finally take a moment to rest. In a few minutes, they will pack up and return home to their families and resume their everyday routines. But before they disperse, the teammates form a huddle in the middle of the track for one final collective chant, “Texas! Texas! Texas! Kill! Kill! Kill!”
Roller derby begins with four blockers and a jammer from each team starting behind their points. The blockers begin 30 feet ahead of the jammers. When the first whistle blows, the pack begins to skate. Once the pack moves past the front line, the jammers take off after the double whistle. Teams earn points when the jammers lap members of the opposing team. The jammers earn one point apiece starting on their second pass through the blockers. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.
Contact:
tickets@texasrollergirls.org texasrollergirls.org @texasrollergirls
Downtown Location: (512) 981-MoDS 1601 E cESar chavEz St, StE. 106 north Location: (512) 953-SKin 9112 anDErSon MiLL rD, StE. a500 SHAMANMODIFICATIONS.COM
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15
Wrapped in Confidence FEELING EMPOWERED WITH SILK WORDS BY SAM LAURON PHOTOS BY ERIC MORALES STYLED BY MEGGIE COPELAND MODELED BY HANNAH LASURE
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good accessory can make an outfit, but a great accessory will make a statement. Kylee Barnard, founder of Silk Diaries, is on a mission to define that statement with her naturally dyed silk accessories that are made to empower women, specifically in the workplace. With an artistic background and a degree from Savannah College of Art and Design, Barnard found herself working as a Visual Designer after college. As she embarked on her newfound career, she began to struggle with confidence in the workplace and started dealing with anxiety and stress brought on by her environment. Upon remembering a silk blanket she used to soothe herself as a child, Barnard set out to create silk scarves for herself to imitate the same calming effect. From there, the idea for Silk Diaries began to blossom. Barnard uses natural items such as plants, flowers, and even fruits to botanically dye her silks, producing one-of-a-kind designs that are each as unique as the individual who wears them. But whether it’s through a scarf or one of the other silk items she produces, like bralettes and pillow cases, her mission is the same: to build a community for women to feel capable, empowered, and open to vulnerability no matter what stage of life they’re in. 16 EASTside | Fall/Winter 2018
She exudes her mission confidently, “I want [women] to feel like they’re not alone,” she says. “That they deserve whatever they want in life whether it’s a full-time career, or to be a mom, or to have a side hustle, or to go after the creative side of themselves.” As a member of Broad Studies, the female art collective based out of Springdale General, Barnard also hosts workshops where inquiring minds can learn about the process of botanically dyeing silks and create a one-of-a-kind piece of their own. Through her processes and products, she also hopes to inspire sustainability. She thoughtfully asks consumers to “ask questions about where they’re buying their clothing from, who sews it, what it’s dyed with, and beyond that too.” Whether she’s teaching a workshop, participating in a pop-up event around town, or experimenting with new designs, Barnard always has her message for the community of women in mind. “I just hope that people see themselves in the silks that I create and feel the community and camaraderie, and don’t feel alone,” says Barnard. “[I hope] they feel supported and empowered.”
Contact:
silkdiaries.co @silkdiaries.co
Style+ beauty Fall+
Winter 2018
Barnard always has her message for the community of women in mind. p.16
16 silky
style
A SILK SCARF CAN BE MORE THAN JUST AN ACCESSORY
20 beauty
full skin
AN ESTHETICIAN'S GUIDE TO ACHIEVING YOUR BEST SKIN YET
eastside | style
18 EASTside | Fall/Winter 2018
Contact: Model: @happyhannahkkuh Stylist: m.c._styles Photographer: ericmphoto
eastside | beauty
Christine's Daily Skin Care Regimen Morning Routine: • Morning organic gentle cleanser • Gentle toner • Vitamin C serum (antioxidant)
• SPF throughout the day! Night Routine: • Gentle cleanser • Gentle exfoliant
• Gentle toner • Serum (retinol alternative) or peptide serum • Appropriate moisturizer for time of the year
What type of facial would you recommend to someone who has never had one before?
Facials are incredible for your skin and should be a regular part of your routine. Start with a basic signature organic facial: cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate, and extract. In the days leading up to your appointment, identify a goal for your facial. Do you want to target your acne? Get rid of stubborn dark spots? Eliminate all those pesky blackheads? Feel like your skin is softer and more hydrated? Have a goal (two or three is fine too!) so when we meet, it will help me to target the products that I will use.
What should we look for when it comes to skincare products?
Organic! When I say organic skincare, what I mean is using skincare products made of plant derived ingredients along with some naturally occurring ingredients. These ingredients are grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides, synthetic fertilizers, GMO and so on, and often come with an organic certification.
Other than facials, what other services do you provide?
I do waxing and sugaring, dermaplaning, hydrafacial, facial massage, cryotherapy, and lash and brow tinting. There are an array of different facials from which to choose.
Q&A
Ask an Expert
with Esthetician Christine Schultz
WORDS BY SAM LAURON PHOTO BY ERIC MORALES
Christine Schultz firmly believes that good skin begins with good nutrition. She uses a holistic approach to skincare, which is why she offers her services at the Neighborhood Acupuncture Project, a lowcost wellness clinic that provides acupuncture and Chinese herbs at an affordable price to the community. How do you think facials fit into a self-care routine?
As an esthetician, the parts of the body we primarily work on are the face, neck, scalp, shoulders and upper back. Our face holds a
20 EASTside | Fall/Winter 2018
lot of tension, especially around the jaw and eyebrow area. Through massage techniques, knots in the jaw can be released along with the tension in the brows. This alone can make you feel less tense and more open to communication and expression. find more at eastsideatx.com
Why do you offer facials on a sliding scale at the Neighborhood Acupuncture Project?
I believe that everybody should be able to afford a facial. I love the community and giving back feels so good. I have been with NAP since the start as a practitioner and a patient. [Co-owner] Laura Matthews is a gem. Getting a facial after having an acupuncture treatment just feels so good.
What are your best tips for healthy skin?
NO SUGAR! Good clean products. Good clean water. Probiotics. SPF! Hats! Regular facials. Meditation! Eating a clean diet with lots and lots of organic produce. Positive affirmations like ‘love the skin that you are in.’
Contact:
(773) 531-4141 teenyschultz@gmail.com 1909 E 38 ½ Street napaustin.org
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
A NETWORKING EVENT IN CELEBRATION OF WOMEN
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INSPIRATIONAL
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A TEACHER, AN ARTIST, A COACH, A FORMER ATHLETE, AND A SALES WOMAN WITH DESIGNER TASTES These five inspirational ladies are each, in their own way, transforming East Austin’s schools, streets, and job, art, and clothing markets respectively. Chosen for their commitment to making others’ lives better, they are variously intelligent, driven, articulate, passionate, and funny. Most of all, they know their "Whys"— why they get up in the morning; why they keep fighting against sometimes ridiculous odds; and why they think you should care, too. Meet Raasin, Kate, Andi, Candace, and Tanya. WORDS BY JESS HAGEMANN PHOTOS BY ERIC MORALES
5
LEADING LADIES
EXPLAIN THE HEART BEHIND WHAT THEY DO.
22 EASTside | Fall/Winter 2018
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RAASIN MCINTOSH RAASIN IN THE SUN
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@raasininthesun | raasininthesun.org
his Houston-born Olympic athlete first moved to Austin in 2000 to run track at the University of Texas. After officially retiring from her career as a hurdler, Raasin McIntosh founded Raasin in the Sun, a nonprofit “urban beautification� initiative serving the greater Austin area and beyond.
FOLLOW RAASIN IN THE SUN on Instagram and Facebook to get involved in the upcoming Rosewood community cleanup and a new high school mural contest.
Raasin in the Sun’s mission is to “support communities, unite residents, and erase deterioration” through neighborhood cleanups, vacant lot restorations, and mural projects that employ local artists. Variously referred to as “Project Clean” and “Project Green,” so far this year Raasin in the Sun has mobilized more than 75 adult volunteers and as many as 300 kids to beautify their immediate environments. A Project Clean neighborhood cleanup in June removed an entire dump truck’s worth of visible trash from 12th and Chicon Streets. Volunteers rallied to the tune of “Be the Solution, Not the Pollution.” In conjunction with ATX Kids Club, children between the ages of 4-15 assisted March’s Project Green undertaking: a seven-foot vertical herb garden benefitting Cafe Cultivo (2512 E. 12th St). Over three days, wood, mulch, concrete, and soil were transformed into a “masterpiece.” For their help, the kids enjoyed a hands-on educational experience and lunches catered by Cultivo. Other Raasin in the Sun events have included tree planting days, a school supply drive, and a Hurricane Harvey relief concert for McIntosh’s hometown of Houston, because as she says, “There’s a need everywhere—not just in East Austin. I live on East 12th,” she continues, “so naturally I started here, but future projects will serve the whole city, or be national—even international—in scope, because we want to transcend the idea of community as being bigger than your own backyard.” McIntosh got the idea for Raasin in the Sun when she traveled to Africa for a track competition. There, she says, she reveled in “the energy of the fans, especially the kids,” who “pushed me to be the best that I could be.” Recognizing that she could inspire and lead others by example, and that “If I want to see the change, I have to be it,” McIntosh started Raasin in the Sun to let her light shine. “I had no control over my name,” she laughs, “but the sun represents the light, and light catches.”
24 EASTside | Fall/Winter 2018
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IN 2019, COLLECTIVE HUMANITY will open a training facility in Phnom Penh to teach even more Cambodian women skills like stitching and seamstress work, while offering evening classes in English, mathematics, and literacy. Donate to the campaign at collectivehu.org/ job-training
KATE DAVIS COLLECTIVE HUMANITY @CollectiveHumanity_
| collectivehu.org
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rom 1975-1979, the country of Cambodia suffered the third most deadly genocide in human history. Taking advantage of the political instability left in the wake of the Vietnam War, the brutal Khmer Rouge regime began methodically slaughtering doctors, lawyers, and intellects of all stripes, “including,” says Kate Davis, founder of Collective Humanity, “anyone who wore glasses or spoke French”—ultimately decimating more than one-fourth of the population. Those who survived struggled to rebuild Cambodia’s basic infrastructure (schools, hospitals) and economy. Many jobless parents were coerced into selling their children to human traffickers for small amounts of profit, naively hoping that the kids stood a chance at a better life. Today, that generation of poverty-stricken, uneducated, and, in some cases, enslaved children are in their mid-40s with children of their own, and are still seeking meaningful work. Davis, 29, learned about Cambodia’s violent history on a backpacking trip through Southeast Asia in 2015. Committed to exploring places “off the beaten path,” she and her nowfiancé toured the mostly rural villages of 8 or 9 countries before Cambodia literally stopped Davis in her tracks. “It was the first time I felt overwhelmed by the poverty of a country as a whole,” she recalls. “Kids as young as five approached me begging for money in a really desperate way. One girl came up to us carrying her baby brother and asking for milk.” These stark images contrasted sharply with “the grace, the kindness, and the joy” that Davis says “everyone in Cambodia embodies despite their situation.” It made her wonder what she could do to help. Just before leaving on the four-month trip, Davis had quit her job in Austin. Post-Cambodia, she knew there was “no way” she could go back into sales. “[Cambodia] totally changed my perception of my place in the world and how privileged I am,” she admits. “I can’t believe that of all the places to be born, I was born in America.” She remembers the “reverse culture shock” she experienced upon returning home, and seeing “so many well-off people spending their hard-earned cash” at stores. “All of a sudden,” Davis says, “the world felt smaller. That little girl [with her brother] could have been my next-door neighbor. She could have been me.” At that moment, Davis felt inspired to find a way to leverage American consumption to help Cambodians in need of jobs. Enter Collective Humanity: a fair trade nonprofit that sells Cambodian jewelry, bags, crocheted stuffed animals, and handwoven textiles—like caftans and blankets—made of 100% ethically-sourced, botanically-dyed cotton. Davis handpicked each Collective Humanity artisan herself, building relationships with and supporting the fair wages of more than 45 women on her quarterly visits back to the country. The women there tell her, “We don’t need handouts; we need jobs. Buy more blankets.” So Davis does.
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“I'm committed to teaching negotiation skills because I know they are essential to closing the pay gap as well as the leadership gap for women and people of color.�
26 EASTside | Fall/Winter 2018
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TANYA TARR NEGOTIATION COACH
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@nerdette | youredgecoaching.com anya Tarr wears many crowns. A regular contributor to Forbes, over the past two years her reader-friendly articles on equal pay and negotiation have amassed her a huge Twitter following, which Tarr used to launch her executive coaching business, Your Edge Coaching, in 2017. The pivot came after almost two decades spent managing political and labor movement campaigns in Washington, D.C. and Texas. Through Your Edge Coaching, Tarr primarily helps women and people of color practice the art of negotiation at work, at home, and at the Capitol (think salary increases, family relationships, and bids for political candidacies). According to the seasoned strategist, negotiation can be defined as “trying to understand what a person needs, what their problems are, and how to solve them.” “If you can do this,” she asserts, “you can close any deal.” “Good” negotiators articulate their value in a given situation, explicitly outlining how their actions have, for example, generated revenue for their company, or persuaded a diverse group of people to “hold a common vision and execute toward an outcome.” They also take “social assets”—more intangible resources like reputation, respect, and integrity—into account, remembering that “more than just a competition, negotiation is a form of leadership useful at any stage, whether you’re just starting out, or a founder, or C-suite.” Tarr’s concurrent position as VP of North America for advantageSPRING simultaneously allows her to serve whole companies in need of negotiation training, helping them to build “more energized, higher-performing” sales teams by teaching employers and employees alike to appreciate team dynamics, spot stress responses, and “hold space” for one another in corporate settings. Although she works with clients all over the world, Tarr admits, “It’s an exciting time to be in Austin because every major company on the map has an office here now.” While “a city of entrepreneurs and expanding opportunities,” she says, she’s equally cognizant of the threat that “change” can pose to the original inhabitants of a community. “Historically, there haven’t been a lot of resources to help people advance. [Minority] representation in higher positions of leadership is staggeringly low,” Tarr explains of Your Edge Coaching’s commitment to seeing underrepresented populations succeed. “Women still make, on average, about $0.80 for every $1 that a white male counterpart makes. … Change doesn’t happen overnight, but diversity and inclusion are here to stay.”
BECAUSE “THE ONLY WAY TO GET BETTER [at negotiation] is to practice,” Tarr taught interactive classes on negotiation skills in Austin, L.A., and London in 2018. She plans to launch an online “negotiation school” later this year to reach even more people at “a more accessible price point than private coaching,” wherein students will feel “thoroughly encouraged” to be “brave enough to try and fail and try again in a low stakes situation.”
CANDACE HUNTER EDUCATOR & COACH WORDS BY JESSI DEVENYNS
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teacherbootcamp0@gmail.com | tbced.com ometimes a solution begins with a small conversation. For Candace Hunter, a former teacher and the founder of Teacher Boot Camp, her individual conversations with her colleagues quickly became a flood of questions asking for her guidance and mentorship. Recognizing that there was an unfilled need for ongoing support for new teachers within AISD, with passion and persistence she persuaded AISD that the glaring need she saw for supplemental teacher support was worth their investment. Her drive to create individual solutions for each unique situation has now not only saved schools time and money, but she has also improved teacher confidence and the students’ quality of education. Unsurprisingly, she receives last-minute calls from administrators asking her to assist in reversing classroom situations that have been months in the making. Often, she laments that her services are a last ditch effort. “I’ve only had one campus say, ‘We’ve noticed some problems; let’s get you in early,’” she sighs. Still, Candace is glad when they call because what she teaches can’t be learned in a book. She specializes in educating teachers about what they don’t know they need to know. Especially for teachers who are coming in mid-semester and filling in gaps or who are new to the profession, teaching “real knowledge” and “cultural competency” are two of the most important things that Candace can offer.
“Educators are often still learning, and they too sometimes need a guide.”
According to Candace, many problems arise from differences in perspective. Over the years, she has observed that the majority of teachers are young, female, and white. When teaching at Title 1 schools in East Austin, she explains that their contrasting frames of mind can sometimes present a problem. “It’s just small things you just don’t know,” shrugs Candace. Implicit biases, ability or inability to code switch, and the strength of a teacher’s Spanish can all play into the success of interpersonal interactions in the classroom and extend a teacher’s educational outcomes. Those skills are often not inherent, and without guardrails to navigate these unfamiliar environments, teachers can flounder.
AISD is facing pressure to keep seasoned teachers in the classroom, and the large turnover has resulted in those who are teaching in public schools not having adequate experience to handle day-to-day interaction when faced with children who are “good observers, but very poor interpreters,” explains Candace. Although she says that students need and respond to very detailed structure, it takes time to understand how to provide that structure. However, that is where Candace comes in to speed up the process. By providing tricks and tips, she turns the learning curve from years into months so that educators have a chance to succeed in the classroom. For Candace, the solution to a better education is simple. Once you give a teacher the tools and the support that they need, even the most unfamiliar and difficult situations can be turned around. After all, she adds, “educators are often still learning, and they too sometimes need a guide.”
CANDACE HUNTER NOT ONLY ADVOCATES FOR TEACHERS but also for the residents of East Austin. She is especially connected to those who live in affordable housing and strives to create an environment free of the negative stereotypes associated with affordable housing. With City Council outlining plans to put a $250M affordable housing bond on the ballot this November, she is working to ensure our city creates spaces where families can thrive and where property management companies have the tools they need to successfully provide resources to their residents.
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Today, the HOPE Farmers Market (est. 2009) and the HOPE Outdoor Gallery (est. 2010) support Austin creatives while tackling issues of social justice.
30 EASTside | Fall/Winter 2018
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ANDI SCULL CHEATHAM THE HOPE CAMPAIGN
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@hopecampaign | hopecampaign.org t 17, Andi Scull Cheatham shared the exciting news with her immigrant mother that she wanted to become an art director. “In Chinese culture, you don’t go to college unless you’re planning on going to grad school, and only then to be a doctor or a lawyer,” Cheatham explains. It was “a big deal,” she says, to embrace her creative calling, especially in 1994, when post-graduation employment opportunities for artists were more limited than they are today. At 22, Cheatham landed the job of her dreams, straight out of UT's Creative Sequence by EnviroMedia (the nation’s first 100% ‘green’ ad agency, located in Austin). As the in-house graphic designer, she created logos for Don’t Mess with Texas, Hill Country Conservancy, and Keep Texas Beautiful, among other notable brands. A founding member of the agency, Cheatham was growing with the company when she decided to visit her aunt in Nairobi, Kenya. Even at 24, the disparities between Austin and Nairobi, two capitol cities on opposite sides of the world, were evident to Cheatham, who spent a few weeks helping out at the children’s book publishing company where her aunt had started to employ African artists and writers and promote unity among Kenya’s 40+ tribes.Trying to build story layouts on old computers with outdated software, amid frequent power outages, inspired Cheatham to start focusing on “more global social issues,” though she wasn’t quite sure yet what that looked like. Back in the States, Cheatham quit her job (“an even bigger deal” than pursu-
ing an art director degree) and worked several temp jobs while she gained new skills and networked her way toward the next right thing: a position that could combine a charitable cause with her passion for art. She moved to Santa Monica in 2006, where she met Shepard Fairey, a contemporary street artist and founder of OBEY Clothing. Together, they launched the HOPE (Helping Other People Everywhere) Campaign, an awareness project designed to spotlight, through the creative contributions of artists and musicians, the genocide then happening in Darfur, Sudan. At age 31 Cheatham’s driving thought was: How can we use the power of marketing, creative talent, and consumer buying to bring attention to humanitarian issues that need support? Cheatham and Fairey invited all of their artist-friends to participate in the first-ever curated art show at L.A.’s City Hall. In conjunction with a documentary screening about Darfur, the duo hoped to raise funds for Global Grassroots, a social venture incubator for undereducated African women. Support poured in from corporate partners and celebs alike; HOPE had hit the ground running. Now 43 (and once again calling Texas home!), Cheatham still asks herself every day: “Are we making a difference? Is there an impact?” Case studies on the local level suggest that hundreds of Austin creatives have used HOPE’s platforms to develop their careers as full-time artists, while at the same time contributing to something bigger than themselves. Cheatham says: “I’ve finally found what I quit my job for when I got back from Kenya.”
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EAST - 2129 E. 7th ST. | NORTH - 6539 BURNET RD. | CATERINGAUSTIN@FLYRITECHICKEN.COM | FLYRITECHICKEN.COM
BRANDI WHITAKER
*SMILE DESIGN BY MARK SWEENEY, DDS Austinite Since 1999 | Cancer Survivor | LGBTQ Ally Related to UT’s first football coach LOVES: Austin BBQ ♥ East Side ♥ Football season ♥ Live Music ♥ Hill Country drives
(512) 452-9296
32 EASTside | Fall/Winter 2018
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SPECIAL PROMOTION SECTION
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
2018 WOMEN IN BUSINESS Get to know the women who are leaving their mark on East Austin and beyond through successful, business-minded and community-driven careers. PHOTOS BY SHELBY BELLA, ERIC MORALES, & ASHLEY HAGUEWOOD
PROMOTION
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
SHOP THE ELI HALPIN GALLERY | GIFT & STUDIO The Eli Halpin Gallery is one of East Austin’s most creative new art destinations opening in the heart of the Springdale General: a community of creatives, cafes, and restaurants. Local Austin artist, Eli Halpin, will be showcasing her art studio year round and exhibiting a rotation of her newest oil paintings. The space includes a gift shop offering her line of stationary, home décor, and fine art giclée canvas prints.
Eli’s paintings tell stories of living together, working together, eating together, the sacredness of food, friendship, family, sharing, and the cycle of life and death. Her art focuses on the face expressions of animals while celebrating their paws, cheeks, whiskers, claws, hooves, antlers, horns, tusks, and their wild ways. Raise your vibration, have fun, and enjoy local art! Current open hours and events are posted at elihalpin.com
CONTACT 1023 SPRINGDALE ROAD, SUITE 10A ELI@ELIHALPIN.COM ELIHALPIN.COM
34 EASTside | Fall/Winter 2018
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PROMOTION
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
NICHOLE RIOS, TROO DESIGNS | PATRICE CO-OWNER & DESIGNER Patrice Rios from Troo Designs is more than just a designer, she’s an entrepreneur, and her latest project is bringing a brand new concept to Austin: The Colton House Hotel. “It’s not quite an Airbnb, and it’s not quite as stiff as a hotel,” she explains. Whatever category this luxury boutique hotel on South Congress will occupy, the interior will be designed from top to bottom by Patrice. From guest rooms to common areas and
doors to linens, Patrice is overseeing every little detail, and nothing is too small. “We even talk about what the room keys are going to look like,” she laughs. However, details are what make Patrice Rios stand out as a local designer with her Mueller-based Troo Designs studio where she continues to work independently. However, she says that her newest collaboration is filling her with new inspiration for her own designs.
CONTACT (512) 596-2927 4646 MUELLER BLVD., SUITE 1050 INFO@TROODESIGNSKBI.COM TROODESIGNSKBI.COM
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PROMOTION
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
TRACEE, PURE APARTMENT LOCATING | DALTON CO-OWNER Despite being 21 with no money, my heart was set
dream lead us to be down to our last $5.67, but as fate
on a 1930s Eastside teardown. Everyone I knew told
would have it, it was the risk that led me to launch our
me not to buy it, but I was unable to deny my heart,
own agency, Pure Apartment Locating, which will have its
so my partner and I bought it anyways. Pursuing my
2nd anniversary on Halloween.
CONTACT (512) 576-7368 5323 LEVANDER LOOP, SUITE 102 PUREAPARTMENTLOCATING.COM @PUREAPTLOCATING_ATX
36 EASTside | Fall/Winter 2018
Whenever someone contacts PURE, our mission is to help them secure the surroundings that'll lead them to create their best life through saving money and selfempowerment. I can't wait to show you how it works! find more at eastsideatx.com
PROMOTION
ALTATUDES
ALTA Y. ALEXANDER, OWNER
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Opened in the heart of historic East Austin in September 2017, Altatudes features locally and globally-sourced, high-end women’s apparel/accessories. Owner Alta Y. Alexander curates a singular selection of unique and often exclusive items at Altatudes in order to ensure that customers will be adding something exceptional to their wardrobe. As the first and only African-American upscale boutique owner in Austin, Alta hopes to continue positively contributing to and helping forge emerging commerce to East Austin, all while helping others find and embrace their “tude”. CONTACT (512) 761-4292 1717 E 12TH STREET ALTA@ALTATUDES.COM ALTATUDES.COM
CHERRYWOOD COFFEEHOUSE
WOMEN
JEN MARKS, CO-OWNER
IN BUSINESS
If someone had told me 15 years ago that I would own a coffeeshop, I would have been skeptical. However, serendipity finds me working behind the counter at Cherrywood Coffeehouse most days of the week. I believe that serving customers is a privilege, and I want to take care of them. So whether it’s your first time in, or you come just about every day, stop in for a drink, stay for the food, and make yourself at home.
CONTACT
(512) 538-1991 1400 E 38TH 1/2 STREET INFO@CHERRYWOODCOFFEEHOUSE.COM CHERRYWOODCOFFEEHOUSE.COM
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PROMOTION
PROMOTION
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
VAZZO SPACES | RUBY CLOUTIER, DESIGNER A well-staged house immediately conveys the potential
Vazzo Spaces has become highly sought after in just
of a property to become a home. Vazzo Spaces founder
a short time because of Ruby’s passion for all facets
and designer Ruby Cloutier combines sophisticated
of the staging business. Her approach is to convey the
style with a laid-back approach to her designs, staging
“Austin lifestyle” through high quality designs and excep-
projects, and client relationships. An Austin native, Ruby
tional customer service. Ruby wants to help homes sell
loves the balance of living on the Eastside, where she
quickly and for a premium price, while helping buyers
seamlessly runs her business and raises her family.
imagine the possibilities of any kind of space. Put your best house forward with Vazzo!
CONTACT (737) 781-5428 R@VAZZO.SPACE VAZZO.SPACE @RUBYCLOUTIER
38 EASTside | Fall/Winter 2018
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PROMOTION
DANIEL J. LEEMAN, M.D. OFFICE
LEXI COOK, MEDICAL ESTHETICIAN
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Lexi strives to ensure all of her clients exude confidence and beauty. She prides herself on the ability to analyze all skin types and formulate a personalized plan of care that enables true beauty to shine through. She is a highly trained medical esthetician whose certified skill set includes Laser Hair Removal, Microneedling, Laser Vein Therapy, Coolsculpting, Dermaplanning, Chemical Peel, Hydrafacial, IPL, Sculpsure, Microdermabrasion. However, not everyone needs everything, so she consults with each individual to create a plan that will work with their skin type and their lifestyle to bring out their inherent beauty.
CONTACT
(512) 872-4747 3607 MANOR ROAD, SUITE 101 INFO@DRLEEMAN.COM DRLEEMAN.COM
HYPE GROUP
AMANDA GAST, MANAGING DIRECTOR
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Hype Group has operated for nearly a decade on the belief that every business deserves a strong brand – not just the big players with deep pockets. The startups, the food trucks, the pop-ups and festivals, they all deserve a powerful vehicle to drive their message. “We marry our resources with your vision to communicate your brand creatively and effectively,” said Amanda Gast, managing director of Hype’s Austin office. “Our work extends beyond the immediate ROI and is an investment in the larger vision for your brand."
CONTACT
612 BRAZOS STREET AMANDA@HYPEGROUP.NET HYPEGROUP.NET @HYPEGROUP
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PROMOTION
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
TIFFANY HENTRUP | MORTGAGE LOAN OFFICER UFCU Believe it or not, there is such a thing as an Easy Button, and Tiffany brings it along for each borrower. Time and time again her borrowers are amazed at how easy the process was, but for her the secret is simple. She is genuinely interested in the borrower’s needs and the future of the families she works with. For her, being a loan officer is an avenue to care for people as
CONTACT M (512) 789-8778 8303 N MOPAC, AUSTIN, TX 78759 MORTGAGE LOAN OFFICER NMLS# 509718 UFCU MORTGAGE SERVICES NMLS# 441215
they make one of life's most monumental decisions. As such, Tiffany enjoys significant repeat business and referrals, and the Realtors she partners with remark on how well she works with borrowers. As one of her many personal touches, Tiffany goes above and beyond and consistently attends closings, a practice they rarely see anymore.
PROMOTION
CAFÉ NENA’I
WOMEN
ELENA SANGUINETTI & GLADYS BENITEZ
IN BUSINESS
Raised on a farm in Paraguay, filled with fresh food and hand-formed pastries, Elena rolled her memories into every meal she made. Born into this culinary passion, Gladys knew that she would one day share her love of her mother’s Paraguayan cooking with others. In 2017, both realized their dream of introducing the South American flavors of their childhood to East Austin when Café Nena’í was born. With their hallmark flair for good flavor and engaging conversation, Gladys and Elena fill their café with the flavor and creativity of South America as well as the love that flows between mother and daughter. CONTACT (512) 840-9066 1700 MONTOPOLIS DRIVE, SUITE A @CAFENENAI CAFENENAI.COM
WOMEN
MICHELLE REJUVAWELL | DR. PARIS & TEAM
IN BUSINESS
She always considered naming the practice "Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes." Instead, the name Whole Family Chiropractors better describes the objective: adjusting all those bones plus 100 others since 2009 and taking a wholistic approach to caring for the body. With the goal of caring for the whole body, RejuvaWell opened this August: a boutique regenerative medical clinic addressing aging and integrative medicine. Promoting the nexus between internal health and external aesthetics, solutions are offered by the city's top MDs, PAs, therapists and aestheticians. Founder & chiropractor Michelle Paris fills all the gaps, both figuratively and literally! She's created a healthcare mecca in Mueller, where she walks from home to work each day. CONTACT (512) 640-8090 4818 BERKMAN DR. SUITE 100 RECEPTION@REJUVAWELL.COM REJUVAWELL.COM
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PROMOTION
AG RUEDA BOOKKEEPING
WOMEN
ALITCA GARCIA RUEDA, OWNER
IN BUSINESS
PHOTO BY JOHANNA MARTINEZ PHOTOGRAPHY
After spending years in corporate and small business finance I decided to pursue bookkeeping to offer the personalized services that I believed to be irreplaceable when it comes to handling someone’s finances. Although I’m often behind the scenes, I like to keep it that way because as a bookkeeper I believe in helping business owners focus on their day to day operations without having to worry about their books. My hands-on personal commitment to each and every business is, however, what brings me so much joy in this profession. CONTACT (512) 963-9387 ALITCA@AGRUEDABOOKKEEPING.COM AGRUEDABOOKKEEPING.COM @AGRUEDABOOKKEEPING101
WAX THAT |
WOMEN
LORIE YOUNG, FOUNDER
IN BUSINESS
Inspired to bring women a new perspective on beauty rituals, Lorie re-established Wax That to encourage acts of self-love and celebration for one’s body through personal beautification. Wax That’s self-care goes beyond the skin by offering a holistic approach including crystal therapy, aromatherapy, acupressure, and personal affirmations with every service. The award-winning boutique waxing studio opened in 2010 on South Congress and its second location in 2018 on Manor Road. Visit waxthat.com or call 512-425-0070 to book an appointment. CONTACT (512) 425-0070 2406 MANOR ROAD @WAXTHATAUSTIN WAXTHAT.COM
42 EASTside | Fall/Winter 2018
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PROMOTION
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
EDEN EAST RESTAURANT & FARM SONYA COTÉ, EXECUTIVE CHEF & CO-OWNER KAYCEE BRADEN, PROJECTS MANAGER & CO-OWNER At Eden East Restaurant & Farm we cook up big dreams and even bigger flavor in our 30-foot trailer that is parked under a canopy of trees. Although many people ask if seasonal cooking is a limitation to our chefs’ creativity, we find that it is actually a well spring of inspiration. For five years we have worked within the community and partnered with farmers, ranchers, cheese makers, and bee keepers to create Eden CONTACT (512) 428-6500 755 SPRINGDALE ROAD KAYCEE@EDENEASTAUSTIN.COM EDNEASTAUSTIN.COM
East’s menu. We also cultivate relationships with our customers in an effort to stimulate a conversation about urban farming culinary education. Now that the farm is operated by us, we will be spreading out a bit, growing food, and focusing on running the farm, building community events, and acting as a creative hub for chefs to work and be inspired! Farmer’s Market + Breakfast: Wednesday & Saturday 9am-1pm A la Carte Night + Live Music: Thursday 7pm-10pm Pre-fixe Dinner + A la Carte Menu: Friday & Saturday 7pm-10pm
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PROMOTION
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
BUDGET BLINDS A wide open window is an opportunity waiting to happen. After years of driving around and seeing uncovered windows with no one taking advantage of their potential, Kristin Schumann, the owner of Budget Blinds, decided to do something about it. Although window coverings are essential in Texas to keep your
CONTACT (512) 900-8299 KSCHUMANN@BUDGETBLINDS.COM BUDGETBLINDS.COM/EASTAUSTIN INSPIREDDRAPES.COM
44 EASTside | Fall/Winter 2018
KRISTIN SCHUMANN, CO-OWNER OF BUDGET BLINDS EAST AUSTIN home energy efficient, Kristin discovered that this pragmatic home accent was also an opportunity to share your personality and make a space feel like home. However, doing so requires her to continually push her creativity. “I try to continually make choices that take me out of my comfort zone. If I am uncomfortable, I am growing and learning, which is the key to moving forward in life,” she says. With hundreds of product offerings at her fingertips, Kristin has made it her mission to find each and every client the right product for his/her style and budget!
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PROMOTION
ATELIER DOJO
DENISE FULTON, KAREN OFFUTT, KAREN MANESS, & JENNIFER BALKAN
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Atelier Dojo is the dream of four female artists determined to cultivate a community of representational painting in Austin. Nationally recognized founders Jennifer Balkan, Denise Fulton, Karen Maness, and Karen Offutt have created a vital home for emerging and established artists to develop their drawing and painting skills. Atelier Dojo celebrates its opening at Canopy on the East Austin Studio Tour, November 17, 2018, from 6-9pm with an exhibition of faculty and student work. Visit www. atelierdojo.com for events, workshops, classes, and open studio schedules. The training you've been seeking awaits.
CONTACT
916 SPRINGDALE RD, BLDG 2, STE 106B INFO@ATELIERDOJO.COM ATELIERDOJO.COM @ATELIERDOJO
INO SCARF BOUTIQUE
WOMEN
HATICE OLEARY, OWNER
IN BUSINESS
The name, Ino, is inspired by Homer's poem, "The Odyssey." Ino, the sea goddess named Leucothea, saves Odysseus from drowning at sea by offering him her enchanted scarf that keeps him afloat. The Ino scarf flows from the past using ancient lace work to form her silk fabric ready for you to enjoy in the future and wears like soft jewelry. With her Ino boutique, Hatice has channeled her lifelong passion into her own collection of scarves that are unique, simple and elegant. Hatice warmly invites you to Ino and is ready for you to delight yourself with a timeless gift of silky soft elegance and affordable luxury. CONTACT (512) 937-3466 4541 RUIZ STREET INFO@INOCOLLECTION.COM INOCOLLECTION.COM
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PROMOTION
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
AUSTIN CODE DEPARTMENT Austin Code Department strives to keep the neighborhood safe. When you think of public safety, the code department may not be your first thought. Rather, sirens, first responders, and smoky scenes may come to mind. But once the smoke has cleared and the first responders have gone home, the Austin Code Department begins their work rebuilding and protecting the community. Code inspectors work to uphold building, city and property codes to ensure 46 EASTside | Fall/Winter 2018
THE WOMEN OF CODE
that where you live and work are safe and sound. In a traditionally male-dominated field, women are breaking the mold and making code their career. The women of code are out on the front lines in our neighborhoods, working to make sure that safety is a reality for all. Currently, the Austin Code Department boasts 18 full-time female code inspectors as well as a women-driven
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DIRECTOR CORA D. WRIGHT “I am humbled and proud to serve with such courageous and committed women in Code Enforcement. Their quest for professional excellence is inspired by a high level of integrity and a true concern for protecting the safety of all who live, work and play in our great city! In partnership with the community and other members of our public safety teams, together we serve to make Austin a better community!”
leadership team dedicated to safety. For one female inspector, her job means being able to have a positive impact on the community. “There’s no feeling like adding a personal touch to a neighborhood negatively blighted by code violations and seeing it transform into a positive,” says Irma Ybarra. Another code inspector, Heather Berryman adds, “I am here to help, educate and put safety first and foremost. I honestly care about the people and community in which we live.” With safety as their focus, the Code Department invites
Austinites to remember that together, we make the community better. If you see a dangerous structure, damaged buildings or substandard and hazardous conditions, please call 3-1-1. If you are interested in protecting your community and empowering your neighbors, contact Code at codeconnect@austintexas.gov.
CONTACT (512) 974-CODE (2633) CODECONNECT@AUSTINTEXAS.GOV AUSTINTEXAS.GOV/CODE
PROMOTION
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
BUENOS AIRES CAFÉ Growth in the Austin food industry can be scary, but taking on the challenge only makes you stronger. Plus, there is never a dull day at work. I took great risks when I re-directed the course of Buenos Aires Café, but doing so allowed me to create an environment where I serve my team and the 30 families who depend on me. I do not take that lightly. I am incredibly grateful for the team I work with and the guests I feed because building them up allows me to grow personally.
PAOLA GUERRERO-SMITH, CO-OWNER & SANDRA EAGLES, EVENTS/GM
Earlier this year, I traveled to Argentina to earn my Masters of Grill. Although I burned every hair on my arms and face while learning fire techniques, the experience was rewarding; even more so because I had Sandra with me whose partnership has allowed me to grow Buenos Aires Café to what it is today. This latest journey brought us even closer, and I admire her for coming up against her own life hurdles and discovering her strengths.
CONTACT (512) 344-9198 1201 EAST 6TH STREET SANDRA@BUENOSAIRESCAFE.COM BUENOSAIRESCAFE.COM
48 EASTside | Fall/Winter 2018
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US TIN
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E A L T Y
Austin Craft Realty would like to welcome our newest additions.
C raft Your Lifest yle
Kat Glancy
Taylor James
Elena Zifkin
Go-to ice cream flavor: Rainbow sherbert!! Wait. That’s not ice cream... cookies and cream! Fav Band in HS: I have to pick one? Well, I’ll go with Beastie Boys. This is going to age me, but we did a senior float and the song we played was Intergalactic. Recent ATX obsession: My pool!
Go-to ice cream flavor: Chocolate ice cream, chocolate chunks, and chocolate syrup! The more chocolate, the better. Fav Band in HS: Oh man, my taste in music back then was terrible. I jammed out pretty hard to Lil’ Wayne LOL, and also secretly listened to Creed far too many times. Recent ATX obsession: Granny’s Taco food truck on East 7th Street.... their food is amazing!!
Go-to ice cream flavor: Ben & Jerry’s Dairy-free Chocolate Fudge Brownie... no competition in the vegan world! Fav Band in HS: Dashboard Confessional, which I feel is embarrassing, but honestly I still love them. Recent ATX obsession: Deep Eddy Pool-- It’s a more laid-back Barton Springs with french fries right next door!
Admin Assistant
REALTOR + Apartment Locator
512.649.1010 howdy@austincraftrealty.com
REALTOR + Apartment Locator
2124 E. 6TH ST. #101 AUSTIN, TX 78702
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$5 OFF OIL CHANGES
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Texas state vehicle inspection station Auto, Motorcycle, and Trailers
Oil Changes For your convenience please call us first and make an appointment.
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QUALITY + NATURAL + HEALTHY 2505 E. 6th St. Unit D (512) 482-8219 TUESDAYS - SATURDAYS 10AM - 7PM SUNDAYS 12PM - 6PM primepetaustin.com | primepetaustin
50 EASTside | Fall/Winter 2018
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Go+ do "Getting introduced to weightlifting and seeing my strength brought about a level of selfconfidence and body acceptance.” –Dylan Polk p.52
Fall+
Winter 2018
52 go
lift
INSIDE A FEMALE-FOCUSED WEIGHTLIFTING CLASS AT AUSTIN BOULDERING PROJECT
54 go&do
drinks
BEAT THE HEAT WITH THESE FROZEN TREATS
eastside | go&do
Stronger Than They Think LIFTIN’ LADIES WORDS BY TAYLOR DUTCH PHOTOS BY ERIC MORALES
The female-only class is an introduction to weightlifting with the goal of teaching safe techniques, exercises, and movements for women to feel empowered in the weight room.
W
hile sitting in a circle in the middle of the fitness room at Austin Bouldering Project, each student shares their reasons for attending Liftin' Ladies class. Some are hoping to take control of their fitness, some desire to make the transition from personal trainer to independent workouts, and some just want to feel more confident in the weight room. In every answer, the primary goal is the same: to become stronger together. "I want women to realize that they're stronger than they think," says Dylan Polk, a personal trainer who instructs the four-week Liftin’ Ladies program every Sunday afternoon at Austin Bouldering Project. Emily Ammon, a former instructor at Austin Bouldering Project, developed the class, and Polk, who joined the program as an instructor about a year ago, credits Ammon with creating a community of women who lift with confidence. "There's plenty of women who are comfortable lifting weights, but the vast majority are insecure in that respect so [Ammon] wanted to build a community of women who, after learning the basics of lifting, would become friends after class and lift together,” Polk explains. Coming from a soccer and long-distance running background, Polk also found empowerment in her own body through weightlifting. "Getting introduced to weightlifting and seeing my strength brought a level of self-confidence and body acceptance," Polk enthuses. "That's ultimately what I want to stress to the women in the room; I don't care where you're starting. Whether you've been lifting all your life or you've never picked up a dumbbell before, there's a place for all of us to start, and I need you to not judge yourself or your progress."
Did You Know? Austin Bouldering Project is a rock climbing gym that offers bouldering, yoga, and fitness classes for its members. Additional fitness classes include several levels of circuit training, core and abs, and recovery.
The first class focuses on learning deadlifts, a training lift that is known as the basis for building total body strength. The second class teaches skills for squatting. The third session is spent learning accessory lifts such as overhead press, bicep curls, and rows, while the fourth class helps students develop their own workout program. The final session connects the students’ new skills with their personal fitness goals. Ultimately, the goal of the class is for women to gain confidence and feel empowered in a space that is typically dominated by men. Polk hopes that students "feel like they've seen themselves progress and that they've been able to gain a level of confidence not cockiness, just knowing that there's still more to learn and be taught but feeling comfortable coming in and working out on their own." Additionally, Liftin' Ladies aims to provide the tools while building friendships along the way. After 90 minutes of learning new techniques together, the class concludes similar to how it began: celebrating each other’s strength with a group fist bump.
Contact:
(512) 645-4633 979 Springdale Road austinboulderingproject.com
imagineart.net
Imagine Art’s Founder Debbie Kizer eastsideatx.com/ imagine-art-austin or atxwoman.com/ outreach-of-hope
COMING EVENTS
Touch This Art
Opening Reception at 7 p.m Friday, Sept. 21
works created by Yamandu Ploskonka with visually ART SHOW impaired artists from Imagine Art Studios
ART SHOW
ROAD TRIP
ROAD TRIP EXHIBITS THROUGH
OCTOBER 19 ART BY:
DANIEL DAVIS LARIN HARP RICHMOND FREEMAN
A
R T
MUSIC BY:
ALSOART VISIT DURING EAST,CHRIS NOV. BY: H 11-12 & 17-18 HAMMOND LOVETONE
DANIEL DAVIS LIGHT REFRESHMENTS eastsideatx.com 53 LARIN HARP RICHMOND FREEMAN FRIDAY
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eastside | go&do
best
Frozen Drinks When the days continue to bring the heat A frozen beverage makes this heated seasonal transition that much sweeter. These adult slushies are a refreshing way to kick off the weekend, enjoy happy hour with friends, or just relax after a long day. WORDS BY SAM LAURON PHOTO BY SHELBY BELLA
beer, wine, mixed drinks, and even New Orleans-style frozen drinks like a Hurricane and a Frozen Irish Coffee. The creamy slush-like drink is made with Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey, coffee liqueur, and cream.
HANK'S PALOMA
1
Frosé Eastside Café
Everyone’s favorite frozen pink drink, Frosé, has a fresh twist at Eastside Café. The homemade version at this Manor Road establishment is blended with fresh strawberries and lemon juice: the perfect refresher on a sunny afternoon. Patrons can enjoy this frozen sip at either Eastside Café or its sister restaurant, Elaine’s which sits right next door in front of their very own garden.
2113 Manor Road | eastsidecafeaustin.com
2
Paloma Hank’s
A welcome addition to the Windsor Park neighborhood, Hank’s is an excellent spot to grab after-work bites and sips. The Frozen Paloma, which is a tequila-grapefruit mix, delivers a flavorful punch to their traditional American fare menu. If a lighter frozen cocktail is preferred, Hank’s also serves Frosé. Din54 EASTside | Fall/Winter 2018
ers can visit during happy hour every day from 3-6:30pm to enjoy either one of these frozen drinks for just $5.
5811 Berkman Dr. | hanksaustin.com
3
Blanche Salty Sow
One of Salty Sow’s five signature margaritas, Blanche, is a favorite among the community. The house frozen blood-orange concoction pairs well with their happy hour menu which includes pork tacos, duck fat fries, and crispy brussels among many other tasty bites.
1917 Manor Road | saltysow.com
4
Irish Coffee Nickel City
The historic building that sits on the corner of East 11th Street has seen many bars over the years, most recently the Longbranch Saloon. But now, Nickel City has made its mark in this iconic spot. The casual neighborhood bar offers find more at eastsideatx.com
1133 E. 11th St. | nickelcitybar.com
5
Bee’s Knees King Bee Lounge
King Bee Lounge features a frozen take on a Bee’s Knees cocktail which is a combination of honey, lemon and gin. The Frozen Bee’s Knees even comes adorned with flowers and even a whimsical twist on a simple, yet classic, cocktail. If you’re at the bar on a Monday night, you can catch live music from Little Elmore Reed Blues Band who has been playing at the bar for years, including when it was formerly the Legendary White Swan. 1906 E. 12th St.
6
Painkiller Contigo
Enjoy the patio season in Contigo’s open space with a frozen Painkiller in hand. The beloved tropical treat made up of rum, orange, coconut, pineapple and nutmeg tastes like an island in a glass. While not necessarily a beach getaway enjoying this sip, the flavors of this cocktail combined with the airy outdoor space feels pretty close.
2027 Anchor Ln. | contigotexas.com
Home+ away
Fall+
Winter 2018
“We both had a need to save it…there’s so many beautiful pieces.” -Sara Ewing p.56
56 home VENTURE DOWN THE ROAD AND BOOK A STAY AT LOCKHART'S HISTORIC BOARDING HOUSE.
58 away EMBARK ON
A SELF-CARE JOURNEY WITH THESE AMAZING ESCAPE DESTINATIONS.
eastside | home
Eclectic Escape RETREAT TO THE NEW ARTIST HAVEN WORDS BY TAYLOR DUTCH PHOTOS BY ERIC MORALES
An Austin couple restores a vintage farmhouse to create a unique boarding house retreat in Lockhart.
B
uilt by Colonel James F. Ellison in the 1860s, the Ellison House served as a home to several prominent Lockhart families over the years. Today, the rich history continues while the building functions as a boutique boarding house aimed to provide a luxurious, yet comfortable, retreat for guests. With decor that artfully combines modern design with antique treasures collected throughout the Lockhart area, travelers can embrace those peaceful moments away, while appreciating hand-crafted amenities. Nestled in the middle of the Blanco Street neighborhood, a short walk from historic downtown Lockhart, lies a vintage farmhouse where travelers can escape big city life and embrace small town community in style.
56 EASTside | Fall/Winter 2018
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Handled with Care Custom furnishings like the kitchen island was made from wood remnants from the original structure. Great care went into conserving the history of the Ellison House while renovating an old house with modern style.
Austinites J. and Sara Ewing found the Ellison House online where it was being advertised as a hotel for sale. The advertisement piqued their interest as the couple had been dreaming of starting a communal hotel together. They arrived with anticipation only to find a run-down structure from the outside, but the interior was what ultimately inspired the couple to restore the house. Within minutes of leaving the property, they called and made an offer. Sara smiles, "We both had a need to save it. There's so many beautiful pieces," and J. adds that "it had a strong foundation and a great form. It had all of the potential.” The Ellison House is an extension of the Ewings’ passion for home renovation and design. Even in the early stages of their relationship, the couple connected on a shared desire to collect interesting decor elements. On their third date, they went to a flea market where they purchased antiques together, and that date was the moment Sara says she fell in love with J. Their collaborative passion has translated into a desire to create a beautiful communal space for travelers. Over the course of a year, the couple restored, renovated, and filled the vintage farmhouse with art and furnishings from estate sales, Craigslist, and vintage shops. Opened in 2017, the house has four bedrooms with spacious private bathrooms filled with Moroccan tile. Each room possesses an intriguing name like “Colonel’s Retreat” and "Proprietor’s Quarter,” and all suites feature an eclectic vibe that mixes rustic charm with modern design.
“We champion eclecticism….juxtaposing different things against each other, the old house with the exposed brick, the woodwork and all of the little imperfections that we’ve showcased and highlighted. It’s nice to see those set against modern furniture, colors, and layouts,” Sara enthuses.
“Barbecue Capital of Texas,” but new vintage shops, restaurants, art galleries, and coffee shops in the historic downtown square are giving visitors more reasons to extend their stay. It’s Lockhart’s spirit of community that inspired the Ewings to provide a relaxed, calm escape for guests to discover the joys of small town Texas.
Guests can enjoy their own private bedroom space while fostering community in the shared living room, kitchen, and outdoor patio areas. Board games, a stereo, and a curated vinyl collection are just some of the activities that are thoughtfully placed throughout the common areas.
“People are here to help each other out. We’re all trying to build each other up,” Sara says. “We want this place to provide people with that sense of community."
For years, Lockhart has been known as the
{the inspirational side of austin}
Contact:
(512) 230-2366 434 North Blanco, Lockhart, Texas ellison-house.com
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eastside | away
Wellness is Worth the Trip WORDS BY KATY CHADWELL
NO MATTER HOW INDULGENT IT MAY SEEM, SELF-CARE IS ESSENTIAL TO MAINTAINING BALANCE. WHILE IT CAN BE A CHALLENGE TO CARVE OUT TIME ON A DAILY BASIS, TRAVEL OFFERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEEK OUT EXPERIENCES AND HIT RESET.
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t can be hard to prioritize self-care, especially for ones who often find themselves juggling multiple responsibilities. When overwhelmed and overcommitted, self-care is often the first thing to go. Even when squeezing in regular meditation, the body craves a change of scenery and pace. When given the chance to experience something out of the ordinary, take advantage of it. Wellness offerings are on the rise as hotels focus on helping guests reconnect with themselves, others and the world around them.
Unplug Many people are so connected that it can be difficult, even anxiety laden, to unplug. Making a point to do just that can help the brain to mentally recharge. Enjoy a digital detox by leaving the iPad at home and the cell phone in the hotel room to fully experience solitude while exploring the views. Seek out a location where nature takes center stage and enjoy the benefits of being outdoors. This time the suggested destination is Treebones Resort in Big Sur, California. Good luck finding a
58 EASTside | Fall/Winter 2018
cell signal amongst the redwoods. Relax with hiking and yoga overlooking the Pacific instead.
Focus on Fitness Making time to stay in shape while traveling is a great way to feel happier and healthier. Knowing that many travelers seek opportunities to be active on vacation, hotels are offering increased wellness options. Suggested destination to do just that is Chileno Bay Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Not
only do they have a full gym and trainers, but a menu of small group classes such as Pilates and cycling are also available. Don’t miss the water spin class in the pool! It’s also located on a pristine swimmable beach, a rarity in Baja, so there are plenty of water sports available as well.
Get Creative There’s nothing like getting those creative juices flowing to help ease the mind. Making art can be a relaxing way to escape the ordinary
find more at eastsideatx.com
and focus on the task at hand, similar to meditation. Ojai Valley Inn in Ojai, California (85 miles northwest of Los Angeles) has long been a haven for those seeking relaxation. They have an Artist’s Cottage where guests may drop in for Open Studio or attend a class with a local artist. Anyone can try their hand at paper marbling, ceramics painting, or candle making. (Bonus: Book through Century Travel and receive $100 resort credit and daily breakfast for two.)
When choosing to prioritize self and health, a ripple effect of feeling focused can be realized. Many have coveted vacation days each year, so elect to spend that precious time intentionally investing in self-care and come back refreshed, ready to take on new challenges.
Contact:
Katy Chadwell is a member of the team at Austin-based Century Travel and would welcome the opportunity to help you plan your next vacation! Contact her at katy@century-tvl. com, and let her take the stress out of planning your next vacation!
"At different points in your life, your body is going to need and crave all the different types of nourishment.” p.60
Sip+ taste
Fall+
Winter 2018
60 taste
feature
WHY CHEF VALENTI BASES HER DISHES OFF ANCIENT JAPANESE TRADITIONS
62 taste
expert
HOMEMADE ICE CREAM & FRESH FRUIT POPSICLES STRAIGHT FROM THE FARM STAND
64 dining
guide
A CURATED GUIDE TO OUR FAVORITE EAST AUSTIN RESTAURANTS
66 sip
feature
SIP SAKÉ AT AN UNASSUMING NEIGHBORHOOD JOINT.
eastside | taste
Five a Day BENTO PICNIC CRAFTS MODERN, BALANCED MEALS IN AN ANCIENT TRADITION. WORDS BY JESSI DEVENYNS PHOTOS BY ASHLEY HAGUEWOOD
Much like its cultural facets, Japanese cuisine is traditionally governed by five elements: tree, water, fire, metal, and earth. All five are necessary to craft a tasteful meal.
L
ong before there were nutritional facts and myplate. gov became the framework of how to compose a meal, Japanese tradition dictated a balanced approach to feeding oneself. The tree element translated to raw food, water stood in for steaming or boiling, fire indicated grilling or stovetop cooking, metal meant oven or deep fried, and earth transformed into fermented or pickled ingredients. It was a resourceful response to the necessity of nutrition in a world where living off the land was meant not as a lifestyle choice but merely survival.
60 EASTside | Fall/Winter 2018
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“I realize when I check off each of those boxes it’s impossible to make a meal that doesn’t taste good and isn’t good for you. And that’s my ultimate goal,” shares Leanne Valenti, the owner and chef at Bento Picnic. Although she trained as a plant-based chef in the United States, she found her calling when she began volunteering at Johnson’s Backyard Garden and forged a friendship with a girl from Japan. “We would get all these vegetables, and growing up in rural Japan, she knew everything to do with them,” remembers Leanne. It wasn’t long before her friend was unable to further Leanne’s education in Japanese cuisine and suggested she do
a homestay at her parents’ home south of Tokyo. Taking her suggestion to heart, for six months Leanne lived with Japanese bakers and learned to integrate her Western training into Japanese cooking techniques as she composed three square meals a day. Beyond kitchen tricks, she says that the most important thing she learned was the virtue of balance. From sugar to pickles and carrots to sea greens, each ingredient earned its place in a dish. Even the way food was portioned and served was firmly rooted in the belief that equilibrium between all things results in less excess and better health. Although intricate and ancient, the washoku technique she employs in her bento boxes is the epitome of balance because it incorporates five colors, five tastes, and five cooking techniques. “There’s that metaphysical way of looking at composing a plate as well as a super practical one; in that, if you’re using all the different cooking techniques, then you’re not sitting down to a plate of fried food,” she says. Indeed, one need not fear a plate of fried food when they walk into
Bento Picnic. True to her apprenticeship, Leanne creates edible tableaus that leave guests nourished and light. Stop in for breakfast and enjoy a smoothie bowl with a base of sweet potato puree whose mauve hue is complemented by the toasty brown of Leanne’s homemade granola and is speckled with freeze-dried raspberries, shredded coconut, and rimmed with sliced banana. Lunch and dinner are no less spectacular with options like Japanese curry which includes cauliflower, carrots, potatoes, and Fuku pickles on a bed of quinoa rice with a tomato salad or a soba noodle bento box with teriyaki glazed roasted chicken tossed with roasted vegetables, drizzled with ginger chimichurri and a tamagoyaki egg. “The idea behind it all,” Leanne explains, “is not just to nourish the body but also the soul by offering an opportunity to sit down, pause, and enjoy the elements of life one bite at a time.”
Contact:
(512) 987-8767 2600 E. Cesar Chavez St. hello@bentopicnic.com bentopicnic.com
Native Knowledge: Bento Picnic is also available at the Grab & Go kiosk at Austin Bouldering Project.
{the inspirational side of austin}
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eastside | taste expert
Cool Down with Sweet Treats Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream & Fresh Fruit Popsicles WORDS BY KAYLA & JUSTIN BUTTS PHOTOS BY RACHEL BENAVIDES
Have you ever stood in the ice cream section struggling to decide which flavor will be your next? What if you could design your own ingenious ice cream flavor?
I
ce cream, as we know it, was invented in Italy hundreds of years ago. The Italians built huge underground ice cellars lined with stone. During winter, they filled these cellars with ice and snow hauled on wagons down from the mountains. They were able to make their ice cream from this ice, while it lasted, during the hot Italian summers. Fortunately, we don’t have to go through such trouble to enjoy homemade ice cream and fresh fruit popsicles anymore. With the right ingredients and tools, it only takes about 20 minutes to make homemade ice cream. After making this vanilla ice cream, let creativity guide you to add strawberries, bananas, blueberries, mango, or any seasonal fruit. Throw in some nuts, dark chocolate, dried coconut, crystallized ginger, or even chopped cookies. The possibilities are endless. Homemade popsicles will transform savory fruit into a frozen delight. Experiment with different juices, fresh fruit, and herbs for flavors to satisfy the most discriminating palate. Grab popsicle molds that can be found at any grocery store, and use freshly squeezed lemonade or limeade (or concentrate if preferred) for the popsicle's base. Pour the juice or fruit puree into the molds, and this is where the fun begins. Drop a thin slice of cucumber and a sprig of mint into a mold of lemonade for a wild, refreshing flavor combination. Or, drop in a slice of lemon and a sprig of rosemary or thyme. These give the popsicles that extraordinary touch making them refreshing and beautiful!
"A perfectly adequate ice cream maker can be found for about $20 these days." -Justin Butts
Remember, next time you’re aching for a sweet treat, you can make your own homemade ice cream or popsicles faster and for a fraction of the cost than buying them from the store. Not to mention, these treats are healthier with less than half the sugar of store brands. Let your creativity and taste buds or your guest's pallets guide the combinations of flavors.
Lemonade Popsicles Serves 8 Prep time: 5 minutes Inactive prep time: 4 hours Ingredients: 3 c. freshly squeezed lemonade or limeade 1 lemon, thinly sliced 4 sprigs rosemary (about 3" long) 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced 4 sprigs mint (about 3" long) Special equipment: Two popsicle molds (set of four) Directions: Fill each individual popsicle mold half full with lemonade or limeade. Add one sprig of rosemary, mint, or other fresh herbs to the center of each mold. Place a slice of lemon, lime, cucumber, or other fresh fruit on either side of each herb. There should be two slices of fresh fruit for each mold. Top off each mold with remaining lemonade/limeade. Freeze for about 4 hours, or until completely set. Place molds under warm running water for about 10 seconds to help release popsicles.
Fresh Fruit Pops Serves 8 Prep time: about 5 minutes Inactive prep time: 4 hours Tropical Pop Ingredients: 2 c. fresh pineapple, peeled 1 can of coconut milk 1/3 c. shredded coconut
Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream Serves 6 Prep time: 5 minutes Inactive prep time: about 30 minutes Ingredients: 2 pasteurized eggs 3/4 c. sugar 2 c. heavy cream 1 c. half and half 2 t. vanilla or 2 vanilla beans
Directions: With a handheld or standing mixer, beat eggs for two minutes, or until fluffy. Slowly add in sugar, a little at a time, while mixing on medium speed. Pour in remaining ingredients and mix until fully incorporated. Add ice cream batter to your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions. Cook's note: This recipe includes raw eggs. Adding sugar slows the growth of salmonella but does not eliminate the risk. Children, elderly, and persons who are immunosuppressed should not consume raw eggs. You may cook the ice cream mixture over low heat until it reaches about 160F to kill any salmonella bacteria.
{the inspirational side of austin}
Strawberry Banana Pop Ingredients: 4 bananas, peeled 2 c. strawberries, washed with tops removed Plus 3 strawberries, sliced lengthwise Directions: Blend fresh fruit (and coconut milk if using) in a blender on high until completely smooth. Stir in shredded coconut for tropical pops or add sliced strawberry slices to strawberry banana pops. Freeze for at least 4 hours. Place molds under warm running water for about 10 seconds to help release popsicles.
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O U R FAV E R E S TA U R A N T S
Pick 20
FOR THE EASTSIDE
eastside dining guide Hummus Amongus
Eden East
Under the wizened oak trees of a 4-acare farm is an unmarked trailer whose plain façade belies hyper-seasonal, farm-totable dishes. Whether it’s a farm-fresh breakfast on market days or a sit-down prix fixe dinner under the stars, Eden East reinvents the idea of eating local. Be sure to visit for their a-la-carte nights every Thursday evening. 755 Springdale Rd. | edeneastaustin.com
Arriving via a twisted trajectory through Israel, Spain, and NYC, Berty Richter landed with an inkling that Austinites needed real hummus in their lives. He wasn’t wrong. With Turkish and Israeli roots, his fresh-to-order hummus is bold and daring with just the right amount of spice to make it a welcome addition to East Austin. 1906 E Cesar Chavez St.
The fresh tropical fruit juice and the arepas are why you need to visit Artessano. As a food trailer specializing in Colombian food, expect dance music and lots of friendly conversation when you visit. 1211 E 6th St.
A happy place where breakfast is served all day. Of course, you can also get lunch, but why would you when you can have chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, and authentic breakfast tacos at 8PM? 3124 Manor Rd.
64 EASTside | Fall/Winter 2018
S-H Donuts
This unassuming store-front houses an outstanding array of donuts, kolaches, and breakfast croissants. Even if the food wasn’t enough, owners Socea and Sarorn make the trip to S-H worth it every time. 5313 Manor Rd.
Hillside Farmacy
Something about Hillside Farmacy’s happy hour oysters, weekend brunches, and dinner cocktails just make you feel better. Perhaps that's due to its historical location in the lovingly renovated 1950s Hillside Drugstore. Or perhaps it’s because the fresh, carefully selected seasonal food that comes from local farms and onto your plate is just good medicine. 1209 E 11th St. | hillsidefarmacy.com
La Fruta Feliz
If the idea of a strong cup of coffee and smallbatch pastries make you smile, then try Café Nena’í. This mother-daughter duo have deep South American roots that can be savored via pastafrola, empanadas, and arepas. 1700 Montopolis Dr. Ste. A | cafenenai.com
Artessano
Flyrite Chicken
Disrupting the fast food industry one sandwich at a time, Flyrite is a drive-thru with all-natural, antibiotic-free chicken as well as gluten-free and vegetarian options. 2129 E 7th St. | flyritechicken.com
Café Nena’í
El Sunzal
El Sunzal is a quintessential hole-in-thewall that makes up for its bare-bones appearance with its exceptional El Salvadorian fare. Make sure to sample the fried yucca, seafood soup, and the pupusas. 642 Calles St. find more at eastsideatx.com
Buenos Aires Café
American cocktails and Argentinian fare make their home side by side at Buenos Aires Café. The locally inspired menu offers Argentinian mainstays like empanadas as well as seasonal favorites. Don’t be surprised to find yourself falling in love with the live Latin music and flavors that come out of this restaurant. 1201 E 6th St. | buenosairescafe.com
eastside | dining guide
Dee Dee
Raised in Thailand, Lakana brings the region’s flavors to East Austin. With a name that means “good good,” no one can argue that this food truck has set itself up for success. 1906 E Cesar Chavez St. | deedeeatx.com
Austin Daily Press
Austin Daily Press has spent the last five years honing their craft, and it shows! The ADP team, led by Chef Reed Faitak and co-owners Dustin Knef and Chase Rushing, have found their voice through creating incredibly flavorful experiences sandwiched between locally baked telera. 1900 E MLK Jr. Blvd. | 4620 E Cesar Chavez St. | austindailypress.com
Artessano
The fresh tropical fruit juice and the arepas are why you need to visit Artessano. As a food trailer specializing in Colombian food, expect dance music and lots of friendly conversation when you visit. 1211 E 6th St.
J. Leonardi's
This little barbecue truck produces a mountain of smoky flavor. With large portions and an affordable menu, you’ll be tempted into ordering the ribs and the turkey just because. 1149 1/2 Airport Blvd. | jleonardibbq.com
Unlike most eateries around, Tso is carryout and delivery only, but that doesn’t mean that the cuisine suffers. Each meal is made fresh to order, delivery is free, and tipping is discouraged. (512) 774-4876 | tsodelivery.com
Yellow Jacket Social Club
Come for brunch, come for happy hour, come for a good time. Whether you’re on the shaded patio or inside at the bar, the food is always good, and the drinks are always cold at Yellow Jacket Social Club. Plus, this is a pet-friendly establishment. 1704 E 5th St. | yellowjacketsocialclub.com
Roland’s Soul Food & Fish
The soul food cooked within this bright orange building is made with such heart that it is overflowing with flavor. Ask any soul food lover and they will tell you each piece of battered fish and every bite of your smothered pork chop is a mouthful of comfort. Come hungry; Roland’s doesn’t skimp on portions. 1311 Chestnut Ave.
Tso Chinese Delivery
Cherrywood Coffeehouse
With an expansive patio and a continual rotation of events, you’ll find yourself frequenting for the community as often as food, which is an inviting array of tacos, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and smoothies. 1400 E 38th 1/2 St. | cherrywoodcoffeehouse.com
Rockstar Bagels
Go for breakfast or go for lunch. Joe’s ingenuity has produced some of the best bagels on the block. Made in an authentic New York fashion, you won’t be disappointed as you consider the texture of every chewy bite. 1900 Rosewood Ave. | rockstarbagels.com
Justine's Brasserie
Known for late-night dining and artistic flare, Justine’s should be on the radar of anyone who is craving French cuisine. Sit on the patio, enjoy a cocktail, and revel in the experience of flavors straight from France. 4710 E 5th St. | justines1937.com
WORDS BY JESSICA DEVENYNS
{the inspirational side of austin}
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eastside / sip eastside | sip
For the Sake of Saké
A HARD DAY’S WORK
WORDS BY SOMMER BRUGAL PHOTOS BY SHELBY BELLA
At Kinda Tropical, guests can not only find common pantry items like fruit and eggs to grab on the run, but they can also watch an old western at the bar, sipping on colorful drinks and munching on fresh cabana food served on brightly colored dishes.
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t’s a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Most of all, though, it perfectly embodies that bodega-like convenience with classic Austin ease, complete with a large, casual patio lit by stringed lights hanging overhead. Sharable bites feature fried sweet plantains, yucca fries, and spicy green beans. Heartier options include dishes like their jerk chicken plate or the rainbow bowl with rice, kale, cucumber, radish, beets, and other vegetables. The beer taps feature local brews, while the wine list can satisfy just about any palate. However, one menu item does stand out from the rest: the saké list. With more than ten vari-
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eties to choose from, Kinda Tropical co-owners, Kevin Trahan and Ana Klausmann, say choosing to offer such a varied saké list was rooted in their mutual appreciation for the beverage. “Ana and I really enjoy saké. So we thought it would be a cool idea to offer that [since] no one else was really doing it,” Trahan says. One of the more popular options is the KikuMasamune Dry Saké. It’s versatile and easy-todrink. Trahan says that “while it’s not the highest quality saké the menu has to offer, it’s a good mid-level drink at a great price point.” For those looking for a sweet saké choice, Trahan suggests the Kiku-Masamune Junmai
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Nigroni, which features aromas of coconut and steamed rice. Trahan recommends Nigroni as a good introduction for beginner saké drinkers. Kinda Tropical first opened its doors in May 2017. More than one year later, the restaurantbodega has become known for more than just its welcoming environment and quality food. In recent months, the space has garnered attention as a pseudo hub for Austin’s growing electronic music scene. According to Trahan, he and Klausmann consider it a special label since they aren’t a traditional music space. “We’ve turned into a good place for all sorts of events,” Trahan admits. “As long as it’s something within
Beyond Saké Kinda Tropical recently received its liquor license. While saké will remain a central focus of the restaurant’s drink offerings, Trahan and Klausmann hope to expand the menu to include other favorites of theirs, like mescal. “We definitely won’t be a cocktail bar,” Trahan reassures, “but we will have more options.” our values, we’re usually keen on helping out.” In addition to small concerts, Kinda Tropical has hosted pop-ups and fundraisers for causes like RAICES Texas and Casa Marianella, a homeless shelter in East Austin dedicated to serving immigrants. When Trahan and Klausmann set out to open Kinda Tropical, they had a few requirements in mind. They wanted to create a community-driven environment where neighbors could pop in for a morn-
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ing coffee, again for a nourishing midday meal, and once more for a drink with friends after a hard day’s work.
i ng Groom t S e P & Day pa (512) 502-5112
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2801 E 5th Street
Walking into Kinda Tropical, it’s clear they accomplished that goal. Proudly, Trahan says he sees some guests two to three times a day. And just like they dreamed, Kinda Tropical has become a staple in the neighborhood.
Contact:
3501 E 7th Street kindatropical.com
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a la carte menu + live music Thursday Nights 7-10pm
Brunch + Farmstand Wednesday & Saturday 9am-1pm
Dinner Service Friday & Saturday 7-10pm
755 Springdale Road, 3 miles east of downtown
Dinner | Breakfast | Catering | Events
Events + Catering: kaycee@edeneastaustin.com • Reservations: sara@edeneastaustin.com 512.428.6500 • edeneastaustin.com