PHOTO BY: DANIEL TREVINO
FROM THE
Welcome to our new issue, we’re so happy to have you here! In this issue, MyAustin is congratulating some incredible businesses in Austin. I hope you enjoy our specially featured companies, including the ladies of True Productions, an amazing group of women who inspire others to be their best selves. We’re also proud to feature local Power Couple, Shannon and Don Spradling of Spradling Engineering. In this issue, you’ll also find some amazing local stories, a roundup of the best steakhouses in the city, and small business articles you’ll love to read.
If you know someone who you think should be featured in the next issue, let us know!! Please email us at info@myaustinmagazine.com or visit us online at www.myaustinmagazine.com and vote for someone you know! In our next issue, look out for the Top Women in Austin. We are accepting nominations now from YOU, our lovely readers. We look forward to bringing you the Best of Austin in every issue!
PUBLISHER MARK ALAN SHAFFER
ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES
LESLIE LAGUARDIA
STEVEN CAMPBELL
WRITERS
DARYL K. JONES
C. REGI RODGERS
JAQUELIN ANTHONY
PHOTOGRAPHERS
DANIEL TREVINO
HEATHER BECKHAM
MICHAEL FRANCO
SVETLANA FROLOVA
MyAustin Magazine does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, political views or military status. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all our clients, staff, volunteers, subcontractors and vendors. The views expressed or held by those featured in MyAustin Magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of MyAustin Magazine, it’s publishers or its employees. MYAUSTINMAGAZINE.COM
In the event of any errors or omissions on any ads or articles in this issue, will be cured in a future issue at publisher’s discretion. Any materials submitted after publishing deadline are not guaranteed to make the current issue. Next Issue: MyAustin Issue 125 deadline is January 31, 2025. For advertising inquiries, call 1-855-274-3375 or email: info@myaustinmagazine.com *All ads and content must be submitted by this date in order to be included in the next issue.
STEAKHOUSES top ten in Austin
BOA STEAKHOUSE
300 W. 6TH St.
Austin, TX 78701
512-651-0700
CASA DO BRASIL
10515 N. Mopac Expy NB
Austin, TX 78759
512-351-8086
DEAN’S ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE
110 E. 2ND St.
Austin, TX 78701
512-608-4490
EDDIE V’S PRIME SEAFOOD
301 E. 5TH St.
Austin, TX 78701
512-472-1860
ENSTANCIA BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE
10000 Research Blvd. Suite B
Austin, TX 78759
512-345-5600
FRESH HEIM
13776 N. Highway 183 Suite 142
Austin, TX 78750
512-258-1833
J CARVERS
509 Rio Grande St. Austin, TX 78701
512-782-0650
J PRIME STEAKHOUSE
301 Brazos St. Suite 150 Austin, TX 78701 737-309-3301
THE CAPITAL GRILLE
117 W. 4TH St. Austin, TX 78701 512-322-2005
TRULUCK’S OCEAN’S FINEST SEAFOOD & CRAB
300 Colorado St. Suite 100
Austin, TX 78701
512-482-9000
COME BREAK BOURBON WITH US.
AWARD-WINNING, HAND-CRAFTED BOURBON WHISKEY.
Every bottle of Garrison Brothers is overflowing with the finest, gourmet-grade ingredients on the planet. The nectar inside is made from a sweet mash bill and heat-forged in the scorching sun, extracting all the flavor possible from our new American white oak barrels, yielding a darker, richer and fuller bourbon than any out there. We’d love to have you down to our distillery in Hye, Texas or simply share a drink with you next time we cross paths. Salud!
©2022 Garrison Brothers Distillery. Garrison Brothers Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey. 47% Alc./Vol. (94 Proof). Cooked, distilled, barreled, and bottled by Garrison Brothers Distillery, Hye, Texas 78635.
UPCOMING
EVENTS
SXSW
DATES: March 7-15th 2025
LOCATION: Austin Convention Center & Downtown Austin
WHAT TO EXPECT: Known for launching films, TV, and XR projects- film and TV buffs from around the world gather to attend. The conference allows guests to watch the world premieres of Hollywood’s biggest projects, network with industry experts, and attend workshops.
RODEO AUSTIN
DATES: March 14th-29th 2025
LOCATION: Travis County Expo Center
WHAT TO EXPECT: This ProRodeo features action-packed competitions, a huge carnival and fair, shopping, food, live music and more! The carnival offers 80+ rides that are fun for the whole family. Exciting rodeo competitions include bull riding, mutton bustin’, and more!
MOTOGP RED BULL GRAND PRIX OF THE AMERICAS
DATES: March 28th-30th 2025
LOCATION: Circuit of The Americas
WHAT TO EXPECT: The fastest motorcycle riders in the world return to COTA! In addition to the race, guests will get to enjoy live music, food and drinks, and unique entertainment.
MOONTOWER
COMEDY FESTIVAL
DATES: April 9th-19th 2025
LOCATION: Various Locations
WHAT TO EXPECT: This two-week festival hosts over 150 of the top and comedians in the world. Guests can get single tickets or purchase a badge for the club binge. This years’ comedians include Tiffany Haddish, Pete Holmes, Aziz Ansari, and many more! You can find the full schedule and buy tickets online.
AUSTIN REGGAE FESTIVAL
DATES: April 18th-20th 2025
L
OCATION: Auditorium Shores
WHAT TO EXPECT: This three-day festival is the perfect event for reggae lovers! Along with the music, there will be over 50 food and arts/crafts vendors. Every ticket supports the Central Texas Food Bank, and over the last 30 years this festival has raised over $1 million for the food bank.
PECAN STREET FESTIVAL
DATES: May 3rd & 4th 2025
LOCATION: East 6th Street
WHAT TO EXPECT: This free familyfriendly event is the largest arts/crafts and music festival in Central Texas. There will be food vendors, musicians, and artists for guest enjoyment. Kidfriendly activities include rides and a petting zoo.
HOT LUCK
DATES: May 22nd-25th 2025
LOCATION: Various Locations
WHAT TO EXPECT: Hot Luck is a live food and music festival that celebrates the diversity of the food and music world. The festival will include a wide variety of events and surprises or guests throughout the city.
STARTING A BUSINESS IN AUSTIN, TX, IS AN EXCITING ENDEAVOR,
ESSENTIAL STEPS
TO GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE PROCESS:
1CONDUCT MARKET RESEARCH
Research local market trends, target demographics, and competitors. Gather feedback from potential customers and industry experts to refine your business concept.
2 WRITE A BUSINESS PLAN
Include your business goals, target market, revenue model, marketing plan, and financial projections. Use your business plan to attract investors or secure loans if needed.
3CHOOSE A BUSINESS STRUCTURE
Consider options such as Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Limited Liability
Company (LLC), or Corporation. Each structure has different implications for liability, taxes, and paperwork.
4REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS NAME
Ensure it reflects your brand and isn’t already in use. Search the Texas Secretary of State’s database and register your business name if necessary.
5OBTAIN REQUIRED LICENSES AND PERMITS
Depending on your business type, you may need a general business license, health permit, or other local permits. Register with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts for state-level licenses and permits.
6 REGISTER FOR TAXES
Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for tax purposes. Register with the Texas Comptroller for state sales tax and other relevant taxes.
7OPEN A BUSINESS BANK ACCOUNT
Keep your business and personal finances separate for better management and legal protection. Find a bank that offers services suited to your business needs.
8SET UP ACCOUNTING AND RECORD-KEEPING
Decide whether to use software or hire an accountant. Keep accurate records of all financial transactions, expenses, and income.
9 DEVELOP A MARKETING STRATEGY
Design a logo, develop a website, and establish a social media presence. Use online and offline marketing strategies to attract and retain customers.
10UNDERSTAND EMPLOYMENT LAWS
If hiring, comply with federal and state employment laws, including worker’s compensation insurance and unemployment insurance. Understand requirements for benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.
Starting a business in Austin involves careful planning, but the city’s dynamic business landscape provides ample opportunities for success. MA
means business austin
THE EXISTENTIAL COACH
Transformative Healing with Abi Mallick, LMSW, CLC
By: Daryl K. Jones
Abi Mallick, LMSW, CLC (they/ she) is a therapist, a life coach, a mental health educator, and a self-proclaimed nerd when it comes to the brain science of healing and recovery. Abi’s background is in social work and mental health research.
For Abi, it’s fascinating to look at what actually makes people happier and how different that is from what we think will make us happier. Most of Abi’s clients are dealing with anxiety in some form, whether that shows up as people-pleasing, low self-worth, procrastination, overwhelm, catastrophizing, or sabotaging relationships. Difficulty managing anger and difficulty communicating
needs in a healthy way are also common issues that Abi’s clients experience. One of the factors that informs Abi’s work is the fact that many of us didn’t have good role models for what a healthy relationship looks like growing up, so as adults, we’re trying to figure it out as we go, with very little guidance.
Abi’s methodology is centered around healing the root of anxiety or self-sabotaging habits, not just managing the symptoms forever. To accomplish this, clients are encouraged to go deep into their childhood, explore their core beliefs about themselves and the world, and are taught exercises that heal the conscious and unconscious parts of the brain. Using highly focused, short term coaching, Abi teaches clients self-coaching tools so that they can continue to do the work on their own after they finish working together. Abi is of the mindset that clients do not need to be seen for months or years in order to make big changes. This is partly what separates Abi from others who operate in their field. The methods that she employs are a mixture between talk therapy (which taps into the prefrontal cortex; the logical, problem-solving part of your brain from where thoughts come) and exploration of the unconscious mind (where emotions and core beliefs are stored). That includes anxiety, low self-worth, and beliefs such as ‘I’m only loveable if I don’t express my needs’ or ‘people aren’t trustworthy.’
In order to heal those habits and beliefs, she uses talk therapy strategies, but also somatic practices, meditation tools, and inner child work to heal both the conscious and unconscious parts of
Clients usually see Abi for only five to eight 90-minute sessions. That’s enough time to start seeing major changes and learn how to use the self-coaching tools to keep healing on
your own. “I love seeing clients make big changes so quickly. It’s so exciting, every damn time,” Abi professes. “Once they start doing the work and seeing major changes, there’s a shift from thinking about what you don’t want (in your life) to thinking about what you do want. How DO you want to show up in the world? What DO you want your relationships to look like?”
As a rule, Abi only works with individuals, but there have been several instances when she saw both members of a couple separately. She helps them with healthy communication and emotional regulation so that they can heal their relationship together. Abi mostly sees clients one-on-one, but also teaches workshops on anxiety management, self-confidence, and healthy parenting. As far as expansion goes, Abi says this: “I love exactly what I’m doing. I don’t want to become a franchise or an empire. I just want to keep seeing one-on-one clients go through incredible transformations and keep doing occasional workshops as well. I’m a small-town girl living her best life.”
Abi Mallick feels that there are many paths to healing, and that there is everything to gain from deviating from traditional ways and means. This innovative approach is checked and balanced by her respect for research, and her yearning to disseminate the healing truth to those she treats. We applaud Abi for the magic that she performs every day in her client’s lives and congratulate her for being one of the Top Women of Austin. MA
Rising Star of the Legal Industry: MEET ATTORNEY KARA L. O’SHAUGHNESSY
Kara L. O’Shaughnessy, a highly respected attorney based in Austin, Texas and the Co-Chair of the Austin Bar Association Pro Bono Committee, is a force to be reckoned with in the legal industry. Her passion for the law and her dedication to her clients have earned her a reputation as a fierce advocate and trial attorney. With a focus on civil litigation, oil and gas, landlord-tenant, and real property law, Kara consistently exceeds expectations, even when the stakes are high, and time is short.
Kara’s passion for law is evident in her dedication. Working as a paralegal before attending law school gave her a unique perspective and the drive to do more for her clients. For Kara, litigation involves lifelong learning, as she needs to understand the details of a specific contract, how a particular process works, or a sequence of events, in order to explain it later to a judge or jury. In particular, she finds litigation rewarding because it requires her to delve into the details of a case and use her knowledge to advocate for her client.
Of course, being a lawyer is not without its challenges. For Kara, the biggest challenge is balancing the personalities involved in a case to achieve a settlement. But her ability to multitask and empathize with her clients makes her well-equipped to handle this challenge. Kara sees these—and the fact that she is often underestimated—as some of her greatest strengths as a female lawyer. And when it comes to winning cases, she assisted with several notable wins, including the resolution of the Saucedo v. Kerlin case, where she helped Hispanic families reacquire their mineral estate under Padre Island, which was featured in the Texas Monthly article “Return to Padre” by Cecilia Ballí.
Despite the demands of her career, Kara is also a loving single mother of three. She’s found ways to balance work and family life, like going on road trips and having family movie nights. And for new attorneys just starting out, Kara’s advice is simple but effective: stay humble, work hard, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Whether she’s volunteering as a pro bono attorney or taking her kids on outdoor safaris, Kara brings her all to everything she does. Kara’s clients know they can count on her to take great care of their case. As part of an amazing law firm, she has been working with the same four attorneys in her litigation section for 20 years. They are a well-oiled machine and “work-family” with 100+ years of combined legal experience. For any individual or business in need of legal representation, Kara L O’Shaughnessy of Duggins Wren Mann & Romero is a name you can trust for the utmost care and attention to your case. MA
Kara L. O’Shaughnessy
Duggins Wren Mann & Romero, LLP 600 Congress Avenue, Suite 2700 Austin, Texas 78701
Determine Your Own Income
Build Your Wealth Be Your Own Boss Control Your Own Time
BY ACQUIRING PROPERTY WITH WAYNE AND LYNN MORGAN
by Daryl K. Jones
CONGRATULATIONS! YOU’VE GOT YOUR REAL ESTATE LICENSE. NOW WHAT?
If you’ve ever had the notion to buy real estate, sell real estate, or invest in real estate, Wayne and Lynn Morgan are unquestionably the ones you should consult. Aside from having invaluable wisdom and experience to impart on a conversational level, this duo has made it their mission to assist as many as they can in this regard. By establishing and facilitating Texas Real Estate Commission-approved courses through their Real Estate Business School, (a business school for Realtors®), they teach people not only how to obtain a license, but also how to use it to create the income to have the life about which they have always dreamed. “Real estate is about making your dreams come true,” submitted Wayne and Lynn. “That’s why it’s the best business in the world. We make other people’s dreams come true while achieving our own.”
What differentiates Wayne and Lynn Morgan from others is that they understand one crucial factor of licensing. That is to say, that licensing courses only teach you the information needed to obtain a license, but do not teach you anything about what it actually takes to be a great real estate professional. Your license guarantees you nothing; it is merely the entry fee you pay to get into the business. The licensing courses do not prepare you to be successful in the business. They are a good foundation, but obtaining the license is just a start. How will you find people who are thinking about buying or selling a home today? What will you say to them when you find them to convince them to hire you?
There are three types of education required to become successful and get to the financial top of the heap in real estate. One is the technical education required to pass the licensing exam. Two is the business education that your clients expect you to have, and three is the financial education required to maximize returns and mitigate risk in the process of acquiring wealth by way of prudent real estate acquisitions. Wayne and Lynn Morgan teach all three. This is what sets The Real Estate Business School apart from other schools that simply offer licensing classes. The Real Estate Business Blueprint® shows the six components of a business, the definition and goal of each, and how all of these components fit together. “We get new licensees up and running in 10 days,” boasts Wayne and Lynn. “You don’t need 6 months of savings to get into real estate. You just need to be committed and coachable and follow our proven formula.”
The Real Estate Business School is the only school in the state of Texas that offers over 30 hours of mentoring at no extra charge in all pre-licensing courses. This means as soon as the license arrives in the mail, the licensee can start to access their own personal mentor, start learning how to generate leads, and help people buy or sell their property and get to the closing table quickly. It’s an accelerated learning program available online 24/7/365 with bi-weekly follow up calls to keep them on track. Simply put, they not only help you get into the industry, they also help you stay in the industry.
They have authored over 25 books and created the Texas Real Estate Commissionapproved courses to go with them. They have taken their experience from thousands of transactions (representing buyers, sellers, investors, developers and builders), and used all of that experience to attack the greatest enemy of realtors: attrition. Wayne Morgan states, “If you want to get to the top of the best business in the world, go here; www.buildmyrebusiness.com and ask them how.”
The Real Estate Business School; where you get your license AND learn to use it! MA
For more information, you can contact Wayne and Lynn Morgan at: www.buildmyrebusiness.com info@buildmyrebusiness.com 512-453-0900
Spradling Engineering is a veteran-owned firm with Don and Shannon Renee Spradling at the helm. This husband and wife super-team has been operating for 5 years, and has a unique approach to the way they position themselves in their field.
Forensic engineering requires investigations to prove what went wrong (or when the damage was caused) structurally regarding a building or home. This is of great benefit when you consider public safety, and particularly when you’re helping a homeowner maintain their peace of mind.
“Helping homeowners who are struggling to make repairs following major storm damage or their house falling in around them due to a dishonest contractor is the most satisfying part of being an engineer,” explains Don. “Sometimes an investigation that takes several months to complete is resolved from a single finding.” He’s solving these problems by finding critical components that are typically overlooked; the hallmark of a firm that values attention to detail.
Don Spradling’s interest in engineering took shape in his youth. As a child, he was fascinated by the areas of buildings which exposed what made them work. The damp attics, dark basements, and creepy crawl spaces of homes induced no fear in his young mind, only curiosity. “I took apart things to discover what was inside: radios, engines, electrical components,” Don recalls. “You could imagine the nightmare it was for my parents to wake up and find out that I had disassembled the coffee maker during the night.” Don also lived where there were a number of abandoned factories and train yards. He was interested in seeing how the buildings were put together and how they decayed. These experiences inspired him to be an engineer long before he knew what engineering was.
It wasn’t only his innate sense of curiosity, but another driving force in his life was integral to his becoming an engineer. As a full-time student after the military, he
intended on focusing on mathematics. It was actually Shannon Renee who identified that it wasn’t just mathematics Don was interested in, but the applied mathematics and physics that are the foundation for engineering. She helped him to identify that he liked to solve problems and his experience working in construction environments made him an engineer, in his own right. Thus, Spradling Engineering was born.
Spradling is involved in a number of large projects and investigations, including high-rises and historical properties in several cities. “We provide structural engineering services with forensic and special projects,” explains Shannon. “We’re not the type of firm that plans out whole subdivisions with cookie-cutter houses. We take on special projects where people are trying to figure out what went wrong, or where a larger firm would have a hard time with flexibility for special situations.”
GETTING TO KNOW
THE SPRADLINGS: Q&A
Q:Don, what should someone know before they choose a provider like yourself? What are some of the red flags potential clients should be aware of, as well?
A:You want an engineer that is willing to tell you when the project area isn’t really in their specialty area, not the engineer that will drop their rates and has nothing scheduled out. A good engineer will be willing to give you a CV or resume, with references, without hesitation and should have a clear rate sheet. A good engineer is a specific breed that is brutally honest with you and is willing to tell you what you don’t want to hear.
Q:Shannon Renee, which sectors does your company service?
A:Our company provides services primarily to the construction industry
but also, to the legal community where those sectors overlap. We have a pretty broad client base including attorneys, contractors, public adjusters, insurance companies, and homeowners.
Q:Don, has your time with the U.S. military informed the way you do business? If so, how?
A:Being in the military for any length of time changes a person in far too many ways to explain. One of my best professional qualities is “military bearing”. Military bearing is the ability to stand tall in the face of a stressful situation and to maintain your composure while reacting thoughtfully. In business you have to be able to truthfully assess the situation, make the hard decisions, and move forward.
Q:Renee, what can we expect to see from Spradling Engineering in the future?
A:At some point expansion might be in order but at this point we’d like to hone our process and continue to improve our core strengths. Now that we have been through some projects and challenges the best move is to learn from our history.
For more information contact (512) 843-4192 or visit spradlingengineering.com
When three accomplished women – Amy Edwards, Keisha Watkins, and Dr. Joanne Sotelo – walked into Loren Lahav’s True Legacy Collective Mastermind as strangers, they couldn’t have imagined how their paths would intertwine to create something extraordinary.
Amy Edwards arrived with an impressive resume as the host of The Amy Edwards Show, which inspires thousands to step into their potential, and as co-founder of Fight For Her, a nonprofit empowering Batwa Pygmy women and girls. Yet, she sensed there was more to discover. Through this group, she launched Overflow Bottle Co., a one-for-one water bottle company that is expanding her impact and legacy.
Keisha Watkins, after 23 years as a nurse, turned her passion for hospitality into a dream venture with her husband, Chad: Wrenwood Ranch. Located in Johnson City, Texas, Wrenwood Ranch is a serene destination offering the beauty of the Texas Hill Country combined with modern comforts. Designed as both a retreat and an event space, it offers thoughtfully crafted accommodations and a soon-to-be stunning venue for weddings and celebrations. Built with love and care, it’s a place where guests can escape, unwind, and create lasting memories. Wrenwood Ranch isn’t just a getaway—it’s an experience of connection, nature, and hospitality.
Dr. Joanne Sotelo is a psychiatrist and mindset coach passionate about helping women in medicine redefine success, reclaim their time, and create lives of
POWER OF WOMEN THE COMING TOGETHER
harmony and fulfillment. Grounded in mental health and personal development, her coaching empowers women to release stress, guilt, and limitations, guiding them to step into their power. Influenced by her Puerto Rican roots, she values cultural diversity and community. Fluent in English and Spanish, Dr. Sotelo connects deeply with women, helping them align their personal and professional lives.
What began as casual conversations during workshop breaks evolved into deep discussions about purpose, impact, and feminine leadership. Despite their diverse backgrounds—entrepreneurship, nursing, and medicine—they found their missions were beautifully aligned.
“We each approached transformation from different angles,” Amy reflects. “But together, we realized we could create something much more powerful than any of us could achieve alone.”
Today, the trio collaborates on initiatives that blend their unique strengths. Keisha’s ranch will host programs and retreats with Dr. Sotelo’s personal development and coaching expertise, while Amy’s global platform amplifies their collective message of empowerment and self-care. They’ve launched ventures combining Amy’s advocacy work, Keisha’s hospitality expertise, and Dr. Sotelo’s medical insights.
“What started as chance meetings has become a true sisterhood,” Keisha shares. “We’re showing women it’s never too late to say yes to your dreams, and you don’t have to do it alone.”
Their unexpected friendship, forged through True Legacy Collective, continues to inspire others. They’re now spreading this message of transformation through Loren Lahav’s upcoming Badass and Beautiful Own Your Worth Experience, happening March 7-9 in Las Vegas.
“Through this experience,” Dr. Sotelo explains, “I’ve witnessed the strength of women lifting one another up and inspiring meaningful change.”
This transformative event, available in-person and virtually, invites participants to forge their own unexpected alliances and step into their power. Just as Amy, Keisha, and Joanne discovered their shared purpose, attendees will have the chance to connect, grow, and create their own legacy.
Register at lorenlahav.com and join a community of powerful women ready to own their worth and create lasting impact. MA
Joanne Sotelo, M.D. Theharmonizedhealer.com @joannesotelomd Create Meaning in Medicine Podcast Amy Edwards amyedwards.com @realamyedwards The Amy Edwards Show
Keisha Watkins www.wrenwoodranch.com @wrenwoodranch Creating Wrenwood podcast on Youtube
SHE MEANS BUSINESS!
Laura Hartnett and GlowGal Enterprises by
Daryl K. Jones
We know Laura Hartnett as the driving force behind, and owner/operator of GlowGal Salon; a full-service hair salon and extension bar located in Cedar Park. Additionally, this year she launched GlowGal Enterprises: an online business that teaches mothers, (or anyone wanting to earn an income online), how to earn money while staying home and raising their kids. “We as women have an abundance of choices,” states Hartnett, “I’ve talked with many women that are still desiring to earn money without sacrificing time with their kids, and GlowGal Enterprises shows you how.”
For those who wish to participate, Laura has set up a dedicated Instagram for GlowGal Enterprises. There, you will be able to find remote jobs for mothers (including information on how much they can get paid), as well as a link to access her free ebook. In this ebook, you will be educated on what affiliate marketing looks like, programs that Laura herself has used, and the steps to get you started. It is important to note here that Laura is not just pursuing this venture as a way to promote and enrich herself, as she has already laid a great foundation for her own life and would remain successful whether or not anyone decides to participate. This is truly a labor of love for Laura Hartnett. She genuinely wants to be a resource to help those who are struggling to find their purpose, with a special focus on what is (or in my opinion, should be) the true backbone of any civilized society: women, and particularly mothers. Also, there are no machinations that would confuse anyone in this process. Simply visit the Insta, and right there, you will see
step-by-step instructions to start earning today!
Laura Hartnett has been a working mom, mom boss, business owner, as well as a stay-at-home mom. It is more than fair to say that she sees the value of all these choices. Laura’s hope is to inspire women to feel comfortable with whatever path they choose, and assist in any way she can to help them succeed.
As for what’s new with GlowGal Salon, it is growing into a tiered salon which will allow Laura and her team to service many different clients, (regardless of budget), so clients receive a “quality, and fun experience.” This is evidenced by the reviews many have posted regarding GlowGal’s acumen, as well as their superior service. The overall message received is that they
work with heart, alongside their talent. Laura is proud of this reputation for customer service, and feels that this needs to become a focus again in business. To inspire this sentiment in a new generation of stylists, Laura has also added to the team, and now offers an apprenticeship program. Concerning GlowGal Salon’s newest services, they are most proud of being one of the only salons in Texas that offer Mesh Integration Systems, which are the most advanced methods of hair extensions in the hair care industry. It helps those suffering from alopecia.
Additionally, throughout 2023, Laura opened her salon up to several industry educators so her staff is always ahead of the latest trends and techniques, also ensuring that her staff is provided with the support they need to give the best service. This year, they had Cole Thompson pay them a visit to expand their cutting techniques, and Jessica Powers to grow their talent in vivid coloring. Anyone who decides to visit GlowGal Salon will definitely be satisfied with their work. MA
For more information on GlowGal Enterprises: @glowgalenterprises, or search the web at www.glowgalaffiliate. com/256f494b
For more information on GlowGal Salon: @glowgalsalon, or search the web at www.glowgalsalon.com
GET TO KNOW AUSTIN’S SWEETHEART CINTHYA ROMRIELL OF
Q:How did you get started in creating Cinful Sweets?
A:
Having left my hometown of Houston Texas, I came to Austin with an academic scholarship to the University of Texas, to pursue Secondary Education. During my first semester of teaching, I brought a huge container of animal crackers as snacks for my students. After they quickly emptied the container, I decided to take it up a notch and bake them some homemade cookies. The joy that I saw in my students’ faces while eating my creation encouraged me to keep baking. Cookies led to cakes and other desserts over the next several months. Even though I had just earned my bachelor’s degree, I felt inspired to follow my newfound passion for baking and attend culinary school to become a pastry chef. I felt an even bigger connection with chocolate after learning the history behind it, and its ties to my parent’s birth country, Honduras. The Mayans believed that the cacao bean had magical, or even divine properties, suitable for use in the most sacred rituals including birth and marriage. So, let’s do as the ancient Mayans did. Let’s celebrate those special moments with chocolate (and other delicious desserts.)
Q:Where do you get your inspiration for the amazing designs you come up with?
A:My inspiration for my designs come from everyday life. I love to create chocolate designs that inspire myself and others around me. My clients also give me an incredible amount of inspiration with their ideas.
Q:
What is your favorite type of sweets you work with? Cakes, Candy, etc?
A:My passion is chocolate- it is my happy obsession! I believe chocolate to be a form of art: it’s science, it’s a moment in time, it’s a passion and a pleasure. There is so much you can do with chocolate. The artist ry of it is endless.
Q:What is your busiest time of the year?
A:The holidays are a lot of fun, and it is an extremely busy time for us. Valentine’s Day, Halloween, and Mother’s Day are amazing. We love to create new treats for every different season and showcase those to our clients.
Q:You are often involved with big corporate orders for special events. What do you make for these galas and parties?
A:That is up to our client, they bring us their ideas and what they are looking for, and we make them happen. Some want chocolate centerpieces, other clients like our bonbons. We have created bonbons using client’s products, for example our Texas Whiskey. We use Garrison Brothers Bourbon Whiskey, which is a fantastic Texas made product, and the results were amazing. We can infuse almost anything with our chocolate, and we are always looking for the next amazing product to showcase using our chocolate.
Chocolatier Vincent Vallee, Master Sugar Artist Chef Peter Gyorgyicsek, Pastry Chef Antonio Bachour, Chocolatier and Pastry Chef Norman Love, Pastry Chef Susan Notter, and the US Pastry Team.
Do you have a chef that you are inspired by?
Many Chefs have inspired me, and I just took a class with Chef Amaury Guichon. I learned a lot from him about technique, and just watching him create is an amazing inspiration.
Q:What are the future plans for Cinful sweets?
A:My mission is to be the premier spot for all types of desserts and chocolate. I really want to be a positive part of our clients’ celebrated events. I want to give my customers an authentic feel and take their taste buds on an exciting path. I am driven to always provide the best service, and the most visually stunning, and delectable product possible.
Q:What advice would you give to someone who loves to create sweets and is just starting out?
A:Don’t take no for an answer, and never give up on your dreams. I have gotten so many no’s in my career, that the more no’s I got, made me more determined to figure out ways to get a ‘yes.’ I just don’t give up!
Q:Have you received any special training?
A:As the Certified Chocolatier and owner of Cinful Sweets, I have studied under world renowned Chocolatier Amaury Guichon, award winning
Cinful Sweets
9415 Burnet Rd #106 Austin, TX 78758
Cinfulsweets.com @CinfulSweetsAtx
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