August 2022 by Outlook Magazine

AUGUST 2022

Inspyral: A New Way to Circus Sunny Dayz Mural Festival

Llama Guide

The Lost Art of Pinstriping

AUGUST 2022

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AUGUST 2022

Alison and I have 2 aging dogs. She has Mac, who is 13, half Havanese and half corn dog. And I have Bailey, 12. She’s mostly Australian Shepherd with some collie - I suspect. Mac stays home during the day. Bailey goes to work with us, she’s actually on the payroll as a Web Paw-ject Manager. She thinks everyone gets paid in Pup-peronis. We’re a blended canine family - with aging dogs. Mac used to do these amazing feats of athleticism - well, actually just one. When we’d take walks, he would jump up on the curb and walk it like a balance beam for blocks. Sadly, in the last year, this athleticism has been replaced with face plants as he now trips over curbs because he’s mostly blind. His hearing is going too. We have to clap to get his attention. Mac still enjoys playing fetch - but only indoors and now it’s more of a “sniff out that darn stuffed animal” challenge. Happily, he still enjoys cuddle time on the couch, that is, when he can still launch himself onto the couch. Unassisted success is not often. The quality of life meter is now engaged. Bailey has given up vigorously chasing rabbits and squirrels. To ward off these critters and re-establish our yard as her territory, she now breaks into a slight jog to protect us. Technically, this still checks the box labeled “must chase critters.” Sadly, the bright orange fur that outlines her face is fading and white whiskers are taking over. She doesn’t know. I’m not sure she’d care. She’s also become more vocal as she’s aged. She was always a quiet one - now she whines. Maybe her joints hurt. These animals are doing what is natural for them. Slowing down and enjoying life. They aren’t thinking I need to do more. I’m so lazy. I need to keep busy. I have to keep up with the Golden Doodles. Dogs are smart like that.

Dave Miller Publisher & Back40 Design President

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Features 8

Sunny Dayz Mural Festival

S&B’s Burger Joint

Backpackin’ in the Backcountry

Inspyral: A New Way to Circus

The Lost Art of Pinstriping

Business Attire Suited for Women

Coming to East Edmond: New Eats & Experiences

Business 22

Pigtails & Crew Cuts

Window Genie

Columns 7

In Other Words with Dave

Louise Tucker Jones

Cover photography by Stephanie Montelongo ADVERTISING l 405-301-3926 l sales@edmondoutlook.com MAILED MONTHLY TO OVER 50,000 HOMES IN THE EDMOND AREA 1024 W Covell, Edmond, OK 73003 l 405-341-5599 l edmondoutlook.com l info@edmondoutlook.com AUGUST 2022 Volume 18, Number 8

Edmond Outlook is a publication of Back40 Design, Inc.

PUBLISHER Dave Miller l PRODUCTION MANAGER Alison Miller l EDITOR Amber Plaksin l ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Laura Beam l GRAPHIC DESIGN Anne Richardson PHOTOGRAPHY Marshall Hawkins sundancephotographyokc.com l DISTRIBUTION Edmond Outlook is delivered FREE by direct-mail to over 50,000 Edmond area homes. Articles and advertisements in the Outlook do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Back40 Design. Back40 Design does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by the Outlook does not constitute endorsement of the products, services or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service that is fraudulent or misleading in nature. The Outlook assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials.

LOCALLOOK

Kyndall Rainey, 2021 Artist

Paseo Plant Ladies

Sunny Dayz Mural Festival By Amber Plaksin After a successful first run in the Britton District of Oklahoma City in March 2021, The Sunny Dayz Mural Festival is returning for a second year, this time to be held in Downtown Edmond. Immersing visitors in a world of color and creativity, 42 artists from Oklahoma, other states, and Europe will create 31 new murals. Throughout the week and during the festival itself, the community is welcome to come and see the artists prepare and paint their walls, with most continuing to paint during the day of the festival, August 6th. Art, Live Music & Shopping Along with the vibrant art, visitors will enjoy live music, dancers, spoken word, and other creative performances. Plenty of food truck and beverage options will add to the fun. If you’re in a shopping mood, you’ll find more than 60 local artists and vendors selling their work. For a little family fun in the sun, “Kyn n Chriff” are returning to Sunny Dayz, running the kid’s activity area with a variety of exciting festival activities that inspire young artists allowing them to take part in the action. There will also be a community wall for anyone to try their hand at painting. Although there is a lot of appreciation of public art in Oklahoma, the artists creating these pieces are often undercompensated, or not compensated at all. Sunny Dayz Mural 8

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Festival, however, is committed to paying artists equitably, with the overall goal to “uplift and support artists who have been subjected to inequity based on age, race, and gender.” Edmond Supporting the Arts When fundraising and promoting this event, Virginia Sitzes, creator of Sunny Dayz Mural Festival, and her team have emphasized engaging the community of Edmond. They have hosted events with local businesses such as the Edmond Fine Arts Institute, Blocworks Climbing Gym, and Commonplace Books of Edmond to gain support, grow community, and cultivate enthusiasm for the festival. “We are so excited for the 2022 event, but are even more excited for the ripple effect that this event will have not only on the city of Edmond, but the experience, exposure, and community that this is going to create for every artist involved,” says Paige Powell, committee member, and vendor. Whether you are new to creating public art, just getting your foot in the door as an artist, or in high-school seeking mentorship, this festival was designed to give you that chance. Sunny Dayz Mural Festival will be held from 12 - 8 PM on Saturday, August 6th. For more information, visit their website at sunnydayzmuralfest.com or follow them on Instagram at @sunnydayzmuralfest.

Photos: Stephanie Montelongo

Sunny Dayz 2021

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S&B’s Burger Joint

FOODLOOK

By Laura Beam When you discover how much flavor a burger can pack, you must be at S&B’s Burger Joint. No cookie-cutter, one-bun-fits-all burgers here! This burger boss rocks a menu of seriously creative combos with their Classic Rock, Indie Rock and Hard Rock selections. Nostalgic music videos and fun memorabilia give you a front row seat to the good ol’ days of rock ‘n’ roll while you savor all the latest and greatest comfort foods. Started in OKC in 2009, S&B’s has 10 locations in and around the metro, including their newest on 2nd Street, east of Bryant, in Edmond. Along with their 192nd Street location, they’re excited to now serve both East and West Edmond. Patty Play Building a great burger or slider starts with a top-notch protein of choice. S&B’s proudly serves fresh Creekstone Farms Black Angus Beef and bacon/beef patties, along with outstanding options for specialty diets. The turkey, veggie and impossible patties are all big hits, or guests can choose a grilled or fried chicken breast. Marketing Manager, Leah Belflower, who has been with the company for nine years, says, “It’s not like other joints where every burger gets the same type of patty, veggies or bun. We put a lot of thought into each flavor combo so it’s just right.” The kaiser, brioche, oat-topped wheat, and old-fashioned white buns are perfectly paired with each creation. “We also have a gluten-free bun and it’s a really tasty one!” Leah comments. The Keto Bowl and bunless burgers on a bed of greens are popular options too.

(l-r) Joe Kitchens, Kevin Burke, Shannon Keute, and Duaine Morgan

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Flavor is their Jam The S&B’s team truly loves creating fun flavor combos, and it is evident in every burger, slider, side, sauce and appetizer. “We send each other ideas and get back in the kitchen and play around often. A lot of our best ideas are those that come through a late night text,” Leah laughs. For those who love a good classic, the Old Fashioned Deluxe burger is always a crowd-pleaser. But why stop there when you can dive into flavors like green chilies, fried onions and chipotle ranch on The Fire burger, or cumin aioli and smashed avocado on The Avocontrol? Other burgers feature delicious accents like Sriracha ketchup, BBQ aioli, cheesy hash crisp, coffee and sea salt, fried eggs and cilantro-lime salsa. One of the new menu faves is the Sir-Bac-A-Lot. It starts with a house-made bacon/beef blend patty and is layered with homemade bacon jam made with Jim Beam bourbon, Swiss, cheddar and a smoky sauce on a brioche bun. It’s even more tasty than it sounds! Dip it, Dip it Real Good The house-made dipping sauces are an attraction all their own, and no one will judge you if you dip and dunk your burger, fries, tots, tenders–or straight up eat it with a spoon. With 16 sauces, like smoky burger sauce, Thunder sauce, garlic aioli, peanut butter and marshmallow cream (perfect with sweet potato fries), you can sauce like a rockstar. Nationally recognized handspun milkshakes, handcrafted signature cocktails, craft beer and S&B’s famous Bloody Marys made with house mix and infused vodkas, are just a few more reasons this burger joint is crushin’ it with loyal fans and newcomers. Visit S&B’s Burger Joint in Edmond at 2088 E. 2nd St. or at 1000 NW 192nd St. Enjoy Rock Hour specials Mon.-Fri. from 2-6 PM and ask about catering too! Check out their Rewards Program and FUNdraiser Nights at sandbburgers.com.

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FEATURELOOK

Backpackin’ the Backcountry By Amy Dee Stephens Backpacking in the wild can be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, but for Kinsey Winters, it’s a once-a-week adventure. She dons a 50-pound backpack and leads vacationers through wild, uninhabited territory. The Edmondite has a wandering spirit, so she guides adventurers in different places each season. This summer, she’s working for Wildland Trekking, leading people through the backcountry at Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Tetons, and the Wind River Range. “It’s fun and humbling to share these intense experiences with people who might never have seen a pristine natural environment before. Some have never spent a single night camping, or know how to set up a tent or go to the bathroom in the wild,” Kinsey said. “They can feel very vulnerable, but I’ve developed a lot of insider tips over the years, which helps me improve my ability to educate my guests.” Llama Mama Besides leading people, Kinsey and her fellow guides are also in charge of pack llamas. “Llamas are really docile and are less invasive to the environment than horses because their feet cause less erosion and they graze on a wider food variety,” Kinsey said. “Llamas also provide safety. Their long necks help them see danger, like bears, and alert us before we can see it.” Depending on the tour, Kinsey may lead a string of five to nine llamas, making sure they are fed, groomed, haltered, and carrying a balanced weight. It’s also important that Kinsey find both animals and humans a safe place to sleep at night. Sometimes extreme backcountry challenges present themselves. In June, Kinsey and her group were among 10,000 tourists evacuated from Yellowstone National Park after extreme flooding. The rain was devastating to the landscape, but Kinsey admits that as soaked as they were, it was 12

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fascinating to see Yellowstone with zero tourists as they hiked out of the park. Wandering Spirit With a wildlife ecology degree from Oklahoma State University, living the “wild life” is not a new experience for Kinsey. Her interest in animals began when she was a teen volunteer for the Oklahoma City Zoo. “The zoo was the first place I was able to experience ecosystems outside of Oklahoma,” Kinsey said. “That accessibility to animals and habitats sparked my curiosity. I also learned how to educate people about nature. Other guides have hiking skills, but few have the presentation skills that I gained at the zoo.” After graduation, Kinsey returned to the zoo as a part-time primate caretaker. In her free time, her dad helped her convert a 17-foot school bus into a travel trailer—then she headed off to wander the west coast of the United States. Kinsey traveled to see the “extreme grandeur” of Glacier National Park, which included a rafting trip. She enjoyed it so much that she returned the following summer to become a raft guide. “I’ve bounced around to different places and taken all kinds of jobs to make a little money, from farming to waitressing,” Kinsey said. “When my bus engine overheated, I started living out of my car—which I’ve been doing comfortably now for years.” Last summer, Kinsey traveled to Baja, Mexico to spend three months at the beach. “There’s a lagoon where 30-ton gray whales literally look you in the eye and let you touch them. It was insanely incredible!” Kinsey hopes that her next adventure might be as a naturalist in Alaska, interpreting about whales. “Wherever I go, I’m constantly learning,” Kinsey said. “It’s magical introducing other people to nature as well. They often tell me that I’ve changed their life—and that’s a special thing.”

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FEATURELOOK

Jeremy Philo and Morgan Smith

Chelsea “Hooplahoma” Parks

Inspyral: A New Way to Circus By Amy Dee Stephens

If you hear the word circus and think of three-ring acts with exotic animals—then you haven’t met the modern circus. Contemporary circus (nouveau cirque) focuses on interactive event entertainment without animals. Inspyral Circus, owned by Jeremy and Kelsey Philo, provides acts ranging from stilt walking to fire juggling for Oklahomans seeking family-friendly entertainment. Inspyral offers customized packages for children’s events, conferences, weddings, and even black-tie parties. “We initially struggled with the word circus and its stigmas,” said Kelsey, “but the culture has rebranded a lot since we started eight years ago. Now it’s about showmanship, costumes, choreography, and stage presence.”

“Hi, I’m Kelsey, and I’m a hooper.” They welcomed her, and before long, Kelsey and Jeremy were performing for local events and at libraries all over Oklahoma—and loving it! They also grew to love each other. They married, moved to Tulsa, and decided to grow their hobby into a business. The Philos formed Inspyral and began adding other performers, like Chelsea Parks, who lives near Edmond. “When I was 25, I taught myself to unicycle, just for fun,” said Chelsea Parks. “I didn’t know anyone else doing it, but it brought me joy. Then I started hooping, which led me to a friendship with Kelsey and Jeremy.” Chelsea watched the Philo’s circus business developing and asked herself tough life questions, like, “Why am I still waiting tables?” and “Could I perform for a living?” Before taking that Kelsey’s Hoop Story leap, she wanted to add another So how did the Philos start their Inspyral is performing at specialized skill to her slate; a Cyr circus? With play and practice. Edmond VIBES in September Wheel, a giant metal ring large “I could never hula hoop as enough to stand inside of while it a child, but in college, a woman and October. rolls and spins. handed me a big heavy hoop, “No one else in Oklahoma was doing the Cyr Wheel,” Chelsea and I could do it!” Kelsey said. “At 23, I became obsessed with said. “I ordered one online, and it took me a year to teach ‘playing’ with hoops. I wasn’t great, but I allowed myself to myself. Then, I formed Hooplahoma and started booking gigs, keep working on it. Hooping was meditative. It occupied the like street events and festivals.” anxious part of my brain struggling from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.” Kelsey became known as Hula Hoop Girl, performing for her friends and at parties. “I didn’t know any other adults who did this weird thing,” Kelsey said. “When I moved to Norman, I heard about a group doing circus stuff at a park.” Jeremy, then single, and some friends were meeting weekly to practice juggling. Their “juggle jam” grew into a public event, in which they pushed each other to add new skills. Kelsey gathered up her hoops and her courage, and she went to the park. 16

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Circus with Purpose Inspyral invited Chelsea to become a regular member of their entertainment team, while still maintaining Hooplahoma independently. The Inspyral performers, now numbering 20, learn from each other, cross-market, and share events. “We know people are trusting us with extremely important events,” Kelsey said. “We are punctual, classy, and professional. We pay our performers equitable wages. Our costumes are incredible, which my mom makes, and we dress modestly so no

Jeremy Philo

one will be distracted or offended. It’s a family business.” While audiences are awed by their acts and their costumes, the performers also have an important message to share: “Our ‘magical ability’ took long-term practice. Being bad at something in the beginning doesn’t mean it can’t be done,” Kelsey said, then smiled. “Although I recommend something slightly more practical.” Inspyral has partnered with Project Aware, an initiative from the Oklahoma Department of Education, to raise mental health awareness. “I stand on stage and capture youth audiences while talking about resources, selfregulation, and growth mindset,” Kelsey said. “I was an uncoordinated child, but if I learned to hula hoop, you can learn anything.” “The message is as important as the big tricks and the spectacle of it all,” Chelsea said. “I get so much joy from inspiring young people; showing them something they’ve never seen before and telling them it’s possible if they don’t give up.” According to Kelsey, sharing joy and wonder never grows old. They do, however, hear the same question over and over: “How do you do that?” Kelsey’s answer is simple: “With enthusiasm and lots of practice.” See Inspyral at Edmond VIBES in September and October. Hooplahoma teaches hooping at Scissortail Park each Wednesday evening. Visit inspyralcircus.com to learn more. AUGUST 2022

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Manny Siemens

The Finished Design

The Lost Art of Pinstriping The Outlook thanks Manny Siemens for taking a Q&A break during a pinstriping demo at a recent Edmond Bike Night Event (Tuesdays 6-9 PM at the Railyard). Pinstriping: the thin application of paint onto a surface to enhance that object’s lines or to create a decoration. This form of art has existed for millennia. We can see ancient examples of its popularity from the Egyptians to Native Americans, for as long as people have owned objects, they’ve felt the need to customize them.

Do you charge by the shapes you apply? I charge by the job. I like to fit the art to accommodate not only the vehicle but also the budget.

How did you get into this unique form of art? I started as an airbrush artist under Mike Robbins, a master pinstriper out of Saint Louis, Oklahoma, who eventually came to OKC in the 90s. He was a renowned, established custom motorcycle painter.

Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to try their hand at pinstriping? Yes, start off broke. Nothing is a better motivation than being broke.

How long did you apprentice with him? Two years. I did his airbrush. He taught me how to pinstripe. I had been a brush artist doing murals, but I never would have touched pinstriping if it weren’t for knowing Mike. Do you have a design in mind before you start? What’s your creative process? As a gearhead, I love the shapes, the sound, and the stance of motorcycles and cars. I try to take all that in and complement the unique spaces and shapes where the designs are placed. As a tattoo artist, that’s also how I apply my artwork. How do you keep the designs so symmetrical? Lots of practice. And they’re never really symmetrical. I’ve had an eye for symmetry ever since I can remember. I don’t want to say it comes naturally, but I don’t struggle with it. What type of brushes do you use? What type of paint? They are called touch-up brushes and are made of squirrel hair. The paint I use is sign painter’s enamel. It dries to the touch in an hour and takes 24 to cure. 20

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What is your most memorable pinstripe job? I did a street rod last year. It was a massive ‘40 Buick. It was like a big bar of soap, maybe a little too sterile, so I had a lot of fun embellishing it. I spent two days pinstriping on it - inside and out.

When did this vocation go from a side gig to full-time? It never did. I started as an airbrush artist for another motorcycle painter, 21 years ago, and I’ve been doing this ever since. Besides pinstriping hot rods and motorcycles, what do you do in your spare time? I love being a father. Being a father is the best job and my favorite thing to do. Do your boys help you with your business? Not too much. I’ve been fortunate. I put in as many hours as I need to in order to work around my children’s schedules. So pinstriping isn’t really a lost art? It’s a niche for sure. I wish it were more mainstream. Maybe someday it will be, with everything going so digital. People want and hunger for hand-done work, but it takes a measure of transition to be comfortable with artwork being applied to what they consider utilitarian. But most of us love our cars, and our bikes, so why not give them a tattoo or adorn them? Follow Manny on Instagram @MannysFineLine.

Cody Thompson Photography

FEATURELOOK

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BIZLOOK

Pigtails & Crewcuts By Maria Veres Children’s haircuts can be a challenge—or a fun adventure. Pigtails & Crewcuts focuses on creating a child-centered, positive experience for every customer, making kids eager to come back. Bringing Smiles to Kids and Parents Pigtails & Crewcuts puts children in the driver’s seat, literally. Little ones love climbing into the whimsical car-shaped salon chairs, complete with steering wheels. There are also regular chairs for older kids. Children can play with a variety of inviting toys while they wait, watch movies or play

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video games during their haircuts, and choose a prize from the treasure chest afterward. Every stylist is trained not only to give an expert cut, but to meet children right where they are and help them cope with any tears or fears that may surface. Kids aren’t the only ones who might be apprehensive—sometimes parents are too. Stylists at Pigtails & Crewcuts work closely with parents to ensure the best experience for every child, whatever that may look like. They’re equipped with quiet, no-vibration trimmers and clippers for customers with sensory processing issues, and there’s never any pressure to go beyond what a child can handle. Amazing Haircuts and More As the parents of three boys under four, owners Trevor and Megan Conklin loved going to Pigtails and Crewcuts as customers. After the previous OKC location closed, they missed it so much that they eventually decided to open a franchise of their own.

Owners Trevor & Megan Conklin with family

Besides haircuts, Pigtails & Crewcuts offers braiding, styling, ear piercing, dad haircuts, and an assortment of hair products and accessories. “We love providing the same great experience for other kids and parents that we had as customers,” says Trevor. Pigtails & Crewcuts is located at 1001 W. Memorial Rd., Suite 109. Contact them at 405-513-4590 or online at Pigtailsandcrewcuts.com/northokc.

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BIZLOOK

Window Genie By Maria Veres Nothing brightens a home or business like sparkling clean windows. Trained, trustworthy service professionals at Window Genie are ready to help with one-time or regular cleanings, along with many other services to keep your property beautiful. Brightening Oklahoma Co-owners Scott and Barb Glenn are proud to bring Window Genie’s first franchise to Oklahoma. Window Genie is the largest window-cleaning business in the US, with locations across the country. The company provides outstanding customer support

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and a comprehensive Neighborly Guarantee. All service professionals are background-checked, bonded, and insured. Along with window cleaning, Window Genie can take on other challenging tasks like gutter cleaning, pressure washing, and holiday lighting installations. They provide free estimates for all services. Window Genie also offers top-quality window film installations for every need. Oklahoma’s intense sunshine can fade furniture, damage skin, and increase cooling costs. Scott and Barb offer products that protect against UV rays without spoiling your view. They also provide darker films for privacy, as well as security films that hold glass together and prevent entry in the event of a break-in. Serving the Community Edmond residents for twelve years, Barb and Scott are the parents of two sons, one in college at Kansas State University and the other attending

Barb and Scott Glenn

Edmond Memorial High School. One factor that drew the Glenns to Window Genie is its family-friendly, community oriented culture. Through the Wishes for Windows program, the business supports local nonprofits, schools, and other organizations in a variety of ways. The Glenns also seek to make a difference by hiring local residents and offering excellent service to every customer. “We’re not just a window cleaning business,” says Scott. “We want to do whatever we can to give back to the community that has provided so much for us.” To schedule a free estimate, you can contact North OKC Window Genie at (405) 415-2534 or windowgenie.com.

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ALOOKBACK

Visiting Mr. Wilson By Louise Tucker Jones While Louise and Jay are recovering from Covid, Louise asked us to publish one of her favorite columns. The Outlook wishes Louise and Jay a speedy recovery. Today as I drove past a nursing home with beautiful crape myrtles blooming at the windows a memory came to me. Years ago, our church developed a program to “adopt” some people in nursing homes who had few friends or family to visit them.

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My children were young. Jay was a toddler in my arms and Aaron and Paula were preteen and younger. I thought it would be a good experience so we signed up. On our first visit, the supervisor at the facility let us know that Mr. Wilson was not exactly fond of people. He seldom had visitors and didn’t interact with other residents. She pointed us down a hallway and said, “Good luck!” She was absolutely right. The cranky gentleman was not pleased to see us. He wanted to know who we were and why we were there. Seemed reasonable. I explained. Made no sense to him. Why would anyone visit someone they didn’t know? Actually, I was beginning to wonder the same thing. Upon leaving, I assured him we would be back. He let me know he did not expect us to return. “No one comes back,” he said. Well, there it was. He was lonely but had learned not to trust and have no expectations. Much to his amazement, my children and I visited a second time. He was

surprised but still not happy. We visited again. He began to smile and interact with the kids. Then we found he was having a birthday so we showed up with a cake, ice cream and balloons. I still remember the surprise on his face and how much he enjoyed the small cups of ice cream and our “Happy Birthday” song. He now looked forward to our visits. Most of us enjoy holidays, parties and celebrations, but I also love memories. And today, I’m remembering Mr. Wilson, who departed this world years ago, but left behind some special memories for a young mother and her children. There are so many lonely people around us. Why don’t you give someone a call? Better yet, make a visit. You will both be blessed! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Louise Tucker Jones is an award-winning author, inspirational speaker & founder of Wives With Heavenly Husbands, a support group for widows. LouiseTJ@cox.net or LouiseTuckerJones.com.

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LOCALLOOK FEATURELOOK

Lauren Warkentine

Business Attire Suited for Women By Maggie Murdock Nichols The idea for William and Lauren Custom Clothier came from an uncomfortable suit. Lauren Warkentine sat in a meeting, distracted. She was more than prepared, but her suit took up an inordinate amount of her attention. She threw it off at the end of the day and decided she would come up with a better way to wear a suit. Lauren realized she wasn’t the only one wearing an uncomfortable suit. Suits are made from a pattern and few bodies fit that pattern. “There’s only so much alterations can do if the suit doesn’t fit to begin with,” Lauren said. Lauren researched custom suiting options and found that prices were high and quality was low. “I knew I could make suiting affordable by cutting out the massive middle man and replacing it with well, a woman.” “Women’s suiting was always the goal, but men’s suiting was easily accessible.” Lauren tested many suppliers’ fabrics and found the perfect fit. She made suits for friends and family and realized there was a market beyond her network. She brought William Gattenby to the team as she continued working in her family business. Well Fitted Men were thrilled with their suits, they became repeat customers and referred their friends. Lauren continued to work towards her goal of creating custom women’s suits. She discovered suppliers use a template that is a man’s body and make adjustments based on provided measurements. “There just wasn’t a way to order a well-fitting suit for a woman. I wondered if I’d ever figure it out.” 28

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Lauren noticed the difference between the way men walked in and the way they walked out with their suits on. Lauren persisted, “I wanted women to feel that way, too.” In the fall of 2020, Lauren ordered a custom suit for herself. “As soon as I looked in the mirror, I said, ‘There she is!’” she said with laughter. Lauren took a moment to celebrate and then reached out to the many women on a waitlist for a custom suit. “They’ve become our greatest supporters. Women love to share clothing finds with friends!” Oklahoma Inspired In addition to custom suits, William and Lauren produced a line of Oklahoma-inspired socks, ties, and a scarf. “The Soaring Scissortail is extremely popular,” she said. These ties and OU and OSU themed socks can be found online, in their retail space, and at Plenty Mercantile. “We also worked with OCU to create a collection inspired by the chapel windows, their signature colors, and star.” Businesses have used William and Lauren suits as a new employee welcoming gift, sales incentives, and milestone markers. Lauren has outfitted entire wedding parties, from grooms to ring bearers. Since 2015, William and Lauren has changed and adapted. Lauren became a one woman business and as growth demanded, recently brought new members to the team. William and Lauren recently moved to a space in downtown OKC. They are open by appointment and seek to elevate the suiting process with comfortable seating, happy hours or coffee while they help you find the perfect fit. William and Lauren can be found on social media and on their website williamandlauren.com.

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FEATURELOOK

Coming to East Edmond: New Eats & Experiences By Taylor Bollinger Something new is underway at I-35 Frontage Road, just HOA has been an integral part of decision-making in the south of 2nd Street — and no — it’s not another hospital. rapidly developing area. The three-story, multi-use facility will house Regent Bank Edmond residents can thank these collaborative efforts and Enhanced dental, along with Hatch Early Mood Food, as they enjoy an expanded culinary catalog, closer to home. Chicken Foot, and Sidecar Barley and Wine Bar, complete Together, the three restaurants will offer robust options with a rooftop feature. Set to open in late 2022, visitors for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks, offering service a are invited to experience what’s being called an “upscale, combined 20 hours of the day. urban oasis.” “Not only are we excited to bring three wildly different The new experiences Edmondites can expect from The restaurant concepts to The Regent Center,” said James Regent Center at Fox Lake North are years in the making — Takahata, Provisions Concepts area director, “but we will be the collaborative product of careful planning, headquartered there as well.” countless meetings, and cutting-edge design. For those looking to plan ahead for This project had Led by Tapp Development and Ashton Gray, business meetings, brunch dates, or date an almost six-year nights, here’s what to expect: the $20 million, 40 thousand square foot development is one of the single largest retail Hatch Early Mood Food: A popular pick approval process. investments in the city. for brunch-lovers, this scratch-style menu “This project had an almost six-year approval process,” offers traditional breakfast favorites with modern twists, said Jim Tapp, Tapp Development President, “Since the along with coffee, cocktails – and “Coffee Cocktails” – in an land is located in a floodplain, it required extensive upscale, urban environment. flood studies and support from the City of Edmond, its Chicken Foot: Open for lunch and dinner, Chicken Stormwater Advisory Board, and the homeowners of Fox Foot’s catchphrase says it all: buns, bones, and beer. Get Lake to ensure we followed the procedures and protected comfortable in their casual atmosphere, offering options the preferences of all involved.” for all tastes and spice tolerances. Diners can choose from Though plans for additional hotels and hospitality were counter service or a full-service bar. discussed for the area, Tapp says his team, local residents, Sidecar Barley and Wine Bar: Take in rooftop views of and city leaders are ultimately pleased with the product of Edmond as you sip Sidecar’s signature selection of craft what they call a “group effort”. With an eye-catching design cocktails, with by-the-bottle options unique to each location. that will be visible from I-35, Tapp predicts The Regent Expect live music on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays Center will become a showpiece for the Edmond corridor. from early spring to the late fall. As the real-estate and development side of this project While fresh ingredients and quality cuisine are standard fell into place, its success was still largely dependent upon for Provision Concepts’ restaurants, Takahata says Provision support from the homeowners of Fox Lake. Careful to Concepts prioritizes the overall guest experience, aiming to curate their neighborhood and surroundings, the Fox Lake provide excellent service in a high-energy environment. 30

EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM

AUGUST 2022

EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM

1024 W Covell Rd., Edmond, OK 73003

August 2022

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