Texas Strong Woman: Lauren Flake

LOVE OF DIXIE FOUNDER

Buda, Texas

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE TITLES FOR YOURSELF AND WHY?

I love being called Momma bymy girls. Being a writer and anAlzheimer's advocate isrewarding and a whole lot offun, but motherhood is, by far,my most fulfilling role.

WHO ARE YOUR ROLE MODELS OR MENTORS?

My current role models are First Lady Laura Bush, Ree Drummond, and Jenny Hayes, the director of my grandmother's care facility. All three have taught me so much about hospitality and showing up for the people they love.

LAUREN'S FAVORITES

I adore reading Kate Morton novels, collecting all things turquoise, dancing in comfortable cowboy boots with my handsome husband, eating sushi and green tea ice cream, sipping skinny Margaritas and dark roast coffee with almond milk, gardening with my gorgeous girls, lounging in my backyard hammock, and using Rachel's Plan Bee body oil after a hot shower.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST FEAR OR CHALLENGE?

My greatest challenge is perfectionism. My fear of failure has held me back from accomplishing my goals and pursuing my wildest dreams, like launching this magazine, far too many times. Sally Lloyd-Jones, one of my favorite Christian children's authors, once said to pursue excellence instead of perfection, and ever since, I've been using that as my mantra. I do the best I can every day and trust God to do the rest.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT?

My Texas Strong shirts raised nearly $150,000 for central Texas disaster relief after the 2015 Memorial Day floods, in memory of my late mother, Dixie, who died after a decade-long battle with early onset Alzheimer's disease in 2013. It was really an incredible feeling to be able to help so many people while honoring my mom's legacy. My children's books, Where Did My Sweet Grandma Go? and Where Did My Sweet Grandpa Go?, were icing on the cake after a difficult season of grief and dementia caregiving.

HOW ARE YOU BUILDING COMMUNITY RIGHT NOW?

I facilitate an online community called Daughters of Dementia to unite and support women who are current or surviving caregivers, and I host quarterly gatherings of Motherless Daughters at the Turquoise Table in my front yard. We drink mimosas, talk about life, and do a nature-inspired craft while our kids play inside.

I also write frequently for a diverse community of Christian women called The Glorious Table.

WHAT IS A FAVORITE QUOTE OR VERSE YOU LIVE BY?

I have a few Bible verses and quotes that I try to remember and live by each day. Here are two favorites:

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." - John 8:32 NIV"Do what you can with what you have where you are.

- Theodore Roosevelt

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CENTRAL TEXAS IN THE FALL?

I love having a break from the summer heat, quite honestly. I really enjoy decorating my house andpretending that we actually have fall colors here when the leaves turn different shades of yellow.

I also love visiting local wineries and celebrating Oktoberfest with my husband in tiny German towns likeBertram or Fredericksburg.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE TEXAS-BASED NONPROFITS TO SUPPORT?

My heart belongs to two amazing nonprofit organizations, Alzheimer's Texas and Austin Angels. I serve on the Hays County Alzheimer's Texas Walk committee each year and recently joined their Lone Star Monthly Contributors Club to support central Texas dementia patients and their families. I'm also an Angel Ambassador for Austin Angels, which is based in Buda and supports central Texas foster families.