NSIDE Austin Business January/February 2013 by NSIDE Publications

NSIDE JANUARY.FEBRUARY 2013

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS THE GROVE AT FALCONHEAD

A BETTER TOMORROW

GREATER AUSTIN BUSINESS MAGAZINE

CREAM OF THE CROP FARM TO TABLE EXPERIENCE THE ORGANIC DIFFERENCE SALON O AUSTIN DAY SPA

CLASS ACT JOSEPH VILLARREAL

SEN. KIRK WATSON NSIDE AUSTIN BUSINESS

AFFORDABLE. PERSONAL. PROFESSIONAL

PROvIDINg ExcELLENt quALIt y tO thE cIt y OF AuStIN IN gROuND tRANSPORtAtION SERvIcES. 2

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nsidethisissue january/february 2013

NSIDE Austin Business Magazine January/February 2013

PUBLISHER Angela Strickland

executive EDITOR Erin O’Brien

cover story Sen. Kirk Watson

creative director

A leading advocate of both Proposition 1 and the future of Austin and Travis County, the senator shares his thoughts on the UT medical school and the projected economic boom it will bring to Central Texas.

Elisa Giordano

graphic designers Damaris Fike Cristina Villa Hazar

account executives Stephanie Hawley Mandy McFarland

contributing writers Meredith Davis Jody Joseph Marmel Chantal Rice Erin Rodriguez Sharon Schweitzer Michael Wilt

PHOTOGRAPHY

Michael Giordano

events marketing manager Martha Morales

collegiate assistant Kat DelGrande

profiles

18 Joseph Villarreal

editorial intern Katrina Torres

This graduate gemologist lives up to his reputation as one of the most trusted jewelers in the state at Villarreal Fine Jewelers, a one-of-a-kind specialty store and a true class act.

24 The Grove at Falconhead

Matt McCormack, Zach Gelfer and Ash Creek Homes team up to provide a heavenly haven of homes within this new community for Austinites looking to enjoy both simplicity and a life of luxury.

departments 08 10 12 22 24 36 46

feature dine web legal real estate beauty etiquette

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NSIDE is a proud member of the Austin Chamber of Commerce.

www.getnside.com For advertising and/or editorial information, please call 512.506.1248 or email adminatx@getnside.com.

NSIDE Publications Austin • San Antonio • Corpus Christi Copyright © by NSIDE Media Productions. All rights reserved. Reproduction without the expressed written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

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publisher’s note

There is no better way to begin the New Year than celebrating with the amazing NSIDE staff and our extended Austin family. We are fortunate to have met so many talented and successful business owners, physicians, lawyers and nonprofit organizations. You add your creative flair to our extraordinary city – and in doing so, you add a unique style, a plethora of knowledge and a wealth of resources for the citizens of our Capitol City. Learning from each and every one of you has made NSIDE’s solid network a cohesive unit. I am most grateful and humbled to have personally been involved with your gifts that you share with the Austin community. Now it is my turn to share with you my one-year anniversary as a small business owner of NSIDE Austin. Enjoying each moment of success, I have all of you to thank for making NSIDE an integral part of our eclectic city. Looking ahead, our plans, ideas, social functions and networking events are bound to make 2013 a more prosperous year for all of us. In this edition of NSIDE, we had the privilege of meeting Sen. Kirk Watson, who is a strong advocate of Proposition 1, which passed with the majority of votes in the November election. Because of this, the University of Texas at Austin will be breaking ground in the very near future in order to start construction of a medical school and a new, state-of-the-art hospital. As Watson explains, more than 15,000 permanent jobs will be created. Austin’s growth as a medical community and ever-growing metropolitan city is a fact we can tap into as early as 2015. NSIDE is hatching brilliant plans for the months ahead, and we invite all of you to partake in our adventures. NSIDE is growing stronger by the day because of you. I personally want to thank you for making all of this happen and for becoming part of the NSIDE family. Our presence is well recognized, and the future holds many promises of expanding our network. As always, I welcome you to take the ride with us. Happy New Year! Angela Strickland angela@getnside.com

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NSIDE staff erin oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;brien

elisa giordano

damaris fike

cristina villa hazar

executive EDITOR erin@getnside.com

graphic designer damaris@getnside.com

mandy mcfarland

account executive 512.947.3043 / mandy@getnside.com

martha morales

events marketing manager 832.628.9445 / martha@getnside.com

creative director elisa@getnside.com

graphic designer cristina@getnside.com

stephanie hawley

account executive 512.773.9245 / stephanie@getnside.com

suzanne vernau feezel contributing writer 512.417.0070

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ROCK NaturalEarMusic.com Facebook

512.961.3354

michael giordano

editorial photographer 512.522.8785 / michael@stylegio.com

kat delgrande

collegiate assistant

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[ nside / feature ]

the perfect fit LocallyAustin.org advocates and provides valuable services for small businesses in the Capitol City. Special to NSIDE

Having the privilege of speaking with Preston Stewart, business information specialist for the City of Austin Small Business Development Program (SBDP), shed much-needed

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light on what is being done for small businesses in Austin. And by the way Stewart details LocallyAustin.org, you can take advantage of the services offered immedi-

ately. SBDP has been working on a small business mapping application that helps promote locally owned Austin businesses. “We also wanted to provide a resource for community members and visitors to locate and discover the many unique local businesses of Austin,” Stewart says. At first, they set about developing the website from within and were able to launch ExploreLocalAustin. org. After some time, with modest success in attracting business owner listings and users, “it became evident that the website would demand increasing amounts of development in terms of features and functionality to make it a product that would be widely adopted.” With so many maps and applications in the marketplace, there is significant competition and expectations for the features and functions of such products. “Last year we discovered a vendor who was the first to develop an entire application specifically designed for a local shopping campaign,” Stewart says. “Migrating to a new platform with better features, we took the opportunity to simplify the name to LocallyAustin.org.” Depending on the source, studies show that anywhere from one third to one half of small businesses still do not have a website. Today, this can make or break a business. “LocallyAustin.org gives each business equal standing. There are no paid ads, no premium listings, no national brands with teams of Internet experts and billion-dollar budgets to compete with.” All local businesses have the same opportunity to customize their own listing page with information, descriptions, pictures, location details, hours, menus, services, daily deals, job openings and coupons. This “microsite” integrates nicely with a business’ existing Web and social media pages through linked icons to drive more traffic to those sites also. “We will be working with the businesses listed on the site to make sure everyone knows about and feels comfortable using all the features.” Registration for the site is quick and easy. Business owners or an appropriate representative can find a link to “Add My Business” on the main menu of the homepage. A quick search for the business lets them know if they need to create a new listing or claim a listing that has al-

“We always hear from visitors that they want to experience the unique character of Austin that people talk about – the local flavor.

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ready been carried over for them. The next step is to create an account for future management of their custom micro page. At his point, businesses must verify that they meet all of the criteria listed on LocallyAustin.org. “To maintain the intention and integrity of LocallyAustin.org, each business must be registered with the county or state (as a DBA, LLC or corporation), be locally owned and operated within the Austin city limits with less than 50 employees at a single location and not be part of a national or regional franchise,” Stewart says. LocallyAustin.org may expand or contract these items in the future as the project continues to develop. Currently, there are more than 600 businesses that have created or claimed their listings on LocallyAustin.org. SBDP encourages all businesses that meet the criteria to register soon to ensure being found by the thousands of visitors during the upcoming South by Southwest event in March. This is a time when local business should really be highlighted. SBDP’s approach has been to work with businesses first to build a strong listing database that will keep users coming back. “Experience tells us that people love the idea of the project, but the content (the local business listings) and functionality are what drive continued use of the product,” Stewart says. “We are continuing to spread the word to the public to get LocallyAustin.org on the minds and in the hands of as many people as possible. “We always hear from visitors that they want to experience the unique character of Austin that people talk about – the ‘local flavor.’ People want Austin when they come here. They want Texas, and LocallyAustin.org is just that. It fits perfectly.” The plan is to keep growing and improving. “We want to get listings for as many local businesses as possible, and we want to make LocallyAustin. org the best website and mobile application possible. This means continued outreach and continued product development.” LocallyAustin.org is the perfect tool for small businesses, residents and visitors. Shifting even a fraction of spending toward local businesses can make a huge difference for the Austin economy, and that benefits all of us!

LocallyAustin.org is a service within the Small Business Development Program (SBDP). SBDP is a part of the Economic Growth and Redevelopment Services Office within the City of Austin. SBDP is a fully city-funded program serving the small business community of Austin. For more information, visit www.locallyaustin.org or contact the project manager, Preston Stewart, at preston.stewart@ austintexas.gov. NSIDE AUSTIN BUSINESS

[ nside / dine ]

Cream of the Crop Farm to Table serves up locally grown, seasonal farm products to Austin restaurants.

by Chantal Rice

t’s Friday night. You welcome a delectable dinner out at any of Austin’s premier restaurant establishments. You ponder the plentiful menu before ordering a sumptuous-sounding entrée, perhaps featuring a Wagyu beef tenderloin, pork belly or lamb, served with a side of golden beats, steamed zucchini and a refreshing spinach salad. When your meal arrives, you dig in, savoring the flavor of each component of the dish. Sure, it’s a delicious, beautifully crafted and memorable meal. But do you really know where that plate of food came from? Many diners may not grasp the full concept of the food chain as it relates to restaurant dining (or care, for that matter), but in a city like Austin, where more consumers are getting wise to the idea of eating local, seasonal and sustainable foods, one Central Texas food distributor is betting the farm that the next time you dine out, you’ll get a taste of at least one of his locally farmed products. John Lash is the owner and founder of Farm to Table, a four-year-old Austin-based business that partners with neighborhood farmers in the region who employ sustainable agriculture and ranching methods to produce the highest-quality and most flavorful seasonal products available. Farm to Table then distributes these locally grown farm products (including an abundance of fruits and vegetables, dairy products, organic eggs, herbs, pasture-raised chicken, pork, Texas Wagyu beef, grass-fed lamb, rabbit and quail) to commercial kitchens, cafeterias, independent grocery stores, school districts and yes, restaurants throughout Central Texas. In fact, Farm to Table currently serves about 90 restaurants in the Austin area and another couple dozen in San Antonio. And that’s not small potatoes. It’s a business concept that has really begun to bear fruit, so to speak. “When I started this business, I had a vision of what it might be, but never imagined that it would become what it is now,” Lash says, noting that an original business target was to top $1 million in sales – a goal Farm to Table reached several years back. Today, Farm to Table has relationships with dozens of Central Texas farmers and ranchers, boasts 3,000 square feet of cooling space at its facility in South Austin and just recently filled its 42,000th order. Even though that’s a far cry from where Farm to Table started, Lash’s locally sourced products have been a hit with area restaurateurs from the beginning. In the early days, Lash would finish his Saturday deliveries, put together sample bags of whatever produce was in season and hand deliver the samples to restaurants to get them interested in using his distribution services. On one of those afternoons, he dropped a sample bag of heirloom tomatoes at the front counter at Vespaio. Before Lash could walk the 30 feet from the restaurant to his car, the chef was out the front door after

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“With Farm to Table, we don’t have to worry. We know we’re getting top-quality seasonal food that we’re proud to serve.” him, asking where the tomatoes came from, when Lash could get more and for as many as he could get. That first restaurant encounter started a craze, and the furor for locally raised, seasonal farm products from Farm to Table hasn’t let up since. Farm to Table’s restaurant clients run the gambit and include some of the city’s most historic and classics like Tacodeli, Kerbey Lane Café, Cipollina and Enoteca, as well as some of the top-rated and most beloved restaurants in town like Parkside, Olive & June, Lamberts, Perla’s, 24 Diner, Easy Tiger and La Condesa. Farm to Table even counts among its clients everyone’s favorite little locally owned burger shack, P. Terry’s. Some clients buy products and work them into their menus and some get as much of an item as they can when it’s in season, whereas some of Farm to Table’s restaurant clients have an entire menu that’s driven around local and seasonal food they receive from Lash. “For instance, 24 Diner: If I’ve got something great, they’ll run a menu special just so they can use it,” Lash says. “I got some really beautiful oyster mushrooms the other day, and they said, ‘Great. We’ll take them and do a nice mushroom bruschetta.’ Shawn [Cirkiel] at Parkside features lots of local stuff on his menu. He’s a regular purchaser of whole lambs, which he serves in really interesting ways. If you go to his restaurant, you’re not just going to get lamb chops; he’s going to serve you local lamb in a way that really makes the product shine.” Cipollina’s spinach salads, Strube Ranch Wagyu tri-tip and fries dish and the leg of lamb sandwich are all sourced through Farm to Table, as are P. Terry’s orange juice, eggs and tomatoes. Summer peppers are used in a variety of dishes at Olive & June, as well. “One of the most popular tacos at Tacodeli is the Popeye, which they use boatloads of local spinach and eggs for. Every part of that taco includes locally sourced ingredients,” Lash says. “And they do a special every week focused on local foods we get for them. They have a great pork belly special, and it’s all from local ingredients.” From the chefs’ perspective, relying on Lash as a middleman between the local farmers and their restaurants makes it easier to serve locally grown produce and other farm prod-

ucts raised right down the road. “Everything we serve at Olive & June changes with the seasons and with what’s available locally,” Cirkiel says. “There’s no way we’d serve anything else. And with Farm to Table, we don’t have to worry. We know what we’re getting is top-quality, seasonal food that we’re proud to serve.” Roberto Espinosa, who depends on Farm to Table for a variety of produce and farm products for his restaurant’s nearly 40 types of freshly made tacos, agrees, noting that when it comes to seasonal ingredients served daily, freshness is key. “Farm to Table is able to get what we need directly from the source and get it to the restaurant when we need it, often the same day we order it,” Espinosa says. “That makes a huge difference for a restaurant like Tacodeli that prides itself on quality and freshness.” Farm to Table has become so reliable in providing fresh, seasonal, local products that undergo strict quality-control standards, in fact, that the business has garnered a reputation that reaches beyond Austin. Recently, when celebrity foodie Andrew Zimmern of “Bizarre Foods” was in town for the Austin Food & Wine Festival, Lash received a call from Zimmern’s assistant, who had a most unusual request. “I got a call that he needed a beef heart and beef blood – tomorrow!” Lash recalls. “I checked around, and luckily, a local place where I get lamb had just had a slaughter of steers and had both of those items. I drove there, picked them up and dropped them off to Zimmern’s people that same day.” While providing unique products for a celebrity chef was an exciting endeavor for Lash, he remains focused on his initial goal of making locally grown food an affordable and easily accessible prospect for everyone. “We want to work with restaurants not only because we can supply really good food, but also because we can be economically competitive, so it’s not a big sacrifice for restaurants to serve local foods,” Lash says. “That’s why I like selling to places like Kerbey Lane, Threadgill’s and Tacodeli. I want it to be more of a democratic thing – something that everyone has access to.” For more information about Farm to Table, visit www.farmtotabletx.com.

[ nside / web ]

Handling Negative Online Reviews The Better Business Bureau offers five tips for effectively addressing unfavorable customer feedback. by Erin Rodriguez

BBBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dispute resolution process allows a business to work with unsatisfied customers to reach a beneficial solution for both parties. Currently, more than eight out of every 10 complaints filed with BBB are resolved. Unfortunately, the Internet has created a place for disgruntled customers to write negative reviews about businesses, sometimes without all of the facts in place. Having a strategy for addressing negative reviews online is key to maintaining good customer service and upholding your reputation in the business community. Consider the following tips if you come across an unfavorable review online:

u Contact the review site It may be difficult to convince a review site to take down a negative comment about your business, but if the review is factually incorrect, it is worth a shot. If the review was made by a competing business, many sites will agree to remove it.

v Consider addressing the review publicly

There are two sides to every story. If you come across a negative review, it may be a good idea to respond with your own recollection of what occurred, stating only the facts. Make sure to emphasize the positives about your business when responding.

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Some customers will not be happy with anything you try to do. w Encourage the customer to take the conversation offline

y Encourage customers to leave positive

Offer to have the consumer contact you directly to work things out privately. This will help avoid too much back-and-forth in a public forum. Be polite when making the request, and try to avoid the appearance of dodging the conversation. Sometimes consumers will go back to the review later to update on how a business worked with them to resolve the issue.

Many review sites contain overwhelmingly negative information about local businesses. To balance out any negative reviews, encourage your customers to leave a positive review if they had a good experience. This will help paint a fairer picture of how you do business.

x Know when to leave the conversation

BBBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. BBB accomplishes this mission by creating a community of trustworthy businesses, setting standards for marketplace trust, encouraging and supporting best practices, celebrating marketplace role models and denouncing substandard marketplace behavior. For more information, please contact Erin Rodriguez, media/PR coordinator for BBB, at 512-4452911.

Unfortunately, some customers will not be happy with anything you try to do. Even worse, some may make threats to take their story to other websites or mediums. If it seems there is no reasoning with a consumer, leave a final polite message emphasizing your commitment to working with all current and future customers and simply leave the conversation.

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EDITORIAL / ADVERTISING CATALOG / STYLE 512.522.8785 www.stylegio.com

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Advocating

for the

Sen. Kirk Watson shares his views on the future of UT’s medical school – a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Austin and Travis County. By Jody Joseph Marmel Photography by Michael Giordano

This past November, Election Day was packed with anticipation and excitement; the focus was on who was going to be our next president. Voters in Travis County had a few other propositions to vote for or against, and Proposition 1 was an extremely important proposition for the medical and health community of Austin. For a multitude of reasons, the passing of Proposition 1 was seen as a huge success by many Austinites, businesses, health centers and hospitals, the University of Texas at Austin and a leading advocate, Sen. Kirk Watson. Having the privilege of speaking with Watson about the future of the University of Texas at Austin’s medical school enlightened my pro-Proposition 1 stance, as he shared the inner workings of how this “once in a generation” opportunity for Travis County is an integral component of Austin’s cutting-edge future. “We have a Tier 1 Research University (UT), and there is no medical school. This just does not make sense. I kept asking myself, ‘Why does it not have a medical school?’” Not being able to arrive at an acceptable answer ignited Watson to be on the forefront of Proposition 1, resulting in a promising schedule for the University of Texas medical school to open sometime in 2015. Now that Proposition 1 has passed with 55 percent of voters in favor, breaking ground is projected as soon as 2013. Watson says without any doubts whatsoever, “The medical school is great for the health and medical community, but it is just as great for the business sector. This is going to be a tremendous boom for Travis County’s economy.” According to an independent study, 15,000 permanent jobs will be created. This figure does not include any architectural or construction jobs that will be needed until

factor alone is a remarkable number in jobs created and will bring even more recognition to our wonderful metropolitan city.” The “boom” Watson refers to extends to all spectrums of our economy. He further explains, “Over 60 percent of jobs created will not require a bachelor’s degree. While there will be a surge of physicians, Ph.D.s and other health-related jobs, there will also be an increased need for surgical technicians, radiology technicians, medical assistants and other technician-related jobs. “Austin has been recognized as a major city, and now with the future medical school, a great deal of credibility has just been added to our list of accomplishments that will further add help, research and assistance to the future of medical knowledge.” Watson emphasizes his “10 Goals in 10 Years” plan that was introduced this year. The following are the 10 goals the senator would like to reach within a 10-year time frame: u Build a medical school v Build a modern teaching hospital w Establish modern, uniquely Austin health clinics in our neighborhoods x Develop laboratories and other facilities for public and private research y Launch a new commercialization incubator z Make Austin a center for comprehensive cancer care { Provide needed psychiatric care and facilities | Improve basic infrastructure and create a sense of place } Bolster the medical examiner’s office ~ Solve the funding puzzle With Central Health Proposition 1 passed, these goals are already in the works. “There is still a great deal of plan-

Watson cares deeply about health care for everyone. the site is completed. “We are looking at the permanent jobs that will enhance the economy in the long run. This

ning to do. It is going to be a community effort to get this job done and get it done the right way.” » NSIDE AUSTIN BUSINESS

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“The medical school is great for the medical community, but it is just as great for the business sector.” Teamwork has been implemented from the beginning. A project of this magnitude requires each of us to work together toward a common goal – in this case, to make those 10 goals. Watson further explains why he pushed Proposition 1 from the start. “On a general note, we need to provide a health care safety net for the region’s underserved populations. One out of five people are uninsured. These people need the resources and the help to get medical care. In order to prevent frequent emergency room visits that many of these people use as primary care medical facilities rather than a true emergency trauma center, the future UT medical school and affiliated teaching hospital are a tremendous part of the solution to this problem.” On a personal note, Watson cares deeply about health care for everyone. “I wake up every day, and I am thankful that I am alive. I enjoy my life and enjoy being in the Texas Senate. Being a cancer survivor changes your outlook on life. I was lucky; the physicians caught the cancer in the early stages and were able to prevent it from destroying me. I want others to have access to this type of health care. Everyone deserves to have this opportunity.” There are strong mandates for moving forward. Talking about a “new playbook” to guide the city through the process, progress and growth of the UT medical school and teaching hospital, Watson adds, “I am not relying on an ‘old playbook.’ We are changing that and going forward with what I call a ‘new playbook.’ This progressive movement needs a new set of guidelines to follow, and we will all work together to make sure of the success of this enormous venture.” Watson stresses two main points: “What do we have versus what do we need to finish the job is a big part of the new playbook.” And with all of the institutions and people involved, “we will uncover any missing pieces of the puzzle and make it work.” Collaborations between the University of Texas at Austin, Seton Healthcare, the Central Health district and the citizens of Travis County (the passing of Proposition 1 by the voters allows for a five-cent property tax increase to help finance this project) indicate a community that has come together to improve personal and economic health throughout Central Texas. With Watson’s dogged determination, this vision has transformed into a reality today and for the future of Austin. The benefits reaped will reach way beyond our city. There is a very strong probability that they will extend throughout the entire state. With the knowledge that is fostered and attained from a 21st-century teaching hospital and medical school, “Our growth in knowledge can be viewed as worldwide.” “I am proud of Travis County. I wanted Proposition 1 to be a part of the November election so more people would have the opportunity to vote and be a part of Travis County’s future. It’s great that the people expressed their views, and it shows that Austin and Travis County want to invest in a better tomorrow. What the voters did was a tremendous gift for Travis County. They wanted this, and now we can move forward with an emphasis on the quality of life.”

To learn more about Sen. Kirk Watson, visit the Capitol Office, located at Capitol Extension Room E1.810 in Austin, Texas. Call 512-463-0114 or visit www.kirkwatson.com. NSIDE AUSTIN BUSINESS

A Gem of a Business

At Villarreal Fine Jewelers, no request is too large or too small for owner Joseph Villarreal, who has more than earned his reputation as one of the most trusted jewelers in Texas.

By Jody Joseph Marmel Photography by Michael Giordano

dmiring the mesmerizing design displays at Villarreal Fine Jewelers, each piece shows the quality of talent and design involved in creating some of the most beautiful jewelry ever seen. Custom design jewelry is almost 100 percent of their business. Using traditional handdrawn design artwork, as well as CAD design, their creativity is a combination of both the old and the new worlds of design techniques. Included in the aforementioned percentage are loose diamonds, engagement and wedding rings and ring makeovers, as well as other special occasion items. While the jewelry makes Villarreal Fine Jewelers a class act, there is so much more that owner Joseph Villarreal shares with his following that makes this specialty store one-of-a-kind. “What makes us unique is our commitment to excellent customer service and the fact that we are by appointment,” Villarreal says. “Clients love sitting in the privacy of our office. We truly listen to their needs and pay attention to the smallest of details, and our clients know it.” “By appointment” not only is seen by Villarreal’s clientele as a top-quality service, but is another way Villarreal and his staff accommodate their customers. “We don’t want our clients to wait, and we are firm believers in taking all the time necessary in order to create beautiful jewelry while consulting and talking about the designs. We choose to educate our clients, and their appreciation is obvious. They are a part of the process, and this is a one-on-one consultation prior to the actual designing stages. “I believe what brings new clients to our door is word-ofmouth, the superb online testimonials and the promise of

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our undivided attention.” All of this ensures a superior and productive experience without the high-pressure selling tactics so many people find unpleasant. Having been in business for 25 years, Villarreal explains that the only major change has been in the company’s name. Under the prior name, Joseph & Company Diamond Brokers was founded in 1997. Over time, he developed a niche market for selling loose diamonds to the consumer, and his reputation kept growing stronger. As a graduate gemologist (Villarreal attended the Gemological Institute of America, or GIA), he takes the ethics the GIA enforces to heart. This is another important factor that clients notice. Villarreal’s reputation is one of the best, and he is noted as one of the most trusted jewelers in the state. To further hone his skills, Villarreal spent several years in Dallas, gaining exposure and experience in the industry. He was employed by a small diamond company that wanted to hire someone with gemological skills. “The company owner wanted to teach me the right way – the honest way – of conducting business. In short, from 1987 to 1997, I was employed in the wholesale jewelry industry.” The various positions Villarreal held as a graduate gemologist included diamond sorter, loose diamond buyer and colored gemstone and jewelry buyer, as well as jewelry catalog production involving sales to national retail chain stores and mom-and-pop jewelry stores across the nation. After 10 years, Villarreal decided to head out on his own. “After careful planning and direction from business mentors, I moved back to Austin and started my own business.” Villarreal is known as one of the most trusted gemologists/ jewelers in Central Texas. That is a title to be proud of, and he

“We want the Villarreal brand to be synonymous with fine custom jewelry and excellent customer service.”

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makes sure this accolade is well deserved and well preserved for the long term. “In any business, you will find that a happy client likes to take the time to pay genuine compliments, especially when treated genuinely and sincerely. Believe me: Our clients know the difference. Therefore, we are complimented all the time.” Take a few moments and look at their testimonials and reviews. Villarreal’s customers have written reports noting only the best experiences and total satisfaction with Villarreal Fine Jewelers. Villarreal enjoys all aspects of his business, but what he favors most “is when I get to see that special look on a client’s face when they see their newly designed, completed piece of jewelry for the first time. We know we have succeeded when a client says, ‘you have exceeded my expectations.’ Wow, what a compliment.” He also likes to widen his clients’ understanding of jewelry design (his favorite subject), which is often seen as a daunting subject. Jewelry and gemstones are not well understood by the majority of consumers, so consumers get frustrated when they can’t get straight answers to their questions. “So I am all about education and always take a delight in answering questions.” Taking this a step further, over the years, “we have developed a solid reputation for helping people sell their inherited or unwanted jewelry. Most of the time, consumers just don’t know what they

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have and really have no idea on how to go about selling their jewelry. This is where our expertise helps our clients discretely sell their items.” Catering to two different market segments, Villarreal describes the first segment as clients who are young, up-and-coming professionals ages 25 to 35. The second sector is the established professionals, 35 to 50 years of age – “the types that really don’t waste time shopping, but know what they want: quality, well-crafted products at a reasonable price.” Other services include expert jewelry repair and jewelry refurbishing and makeovers, appraisal services for insurance, estate and other purposes. They also offer consultation services for clients who are considering jewelry purchases from individuals, antique stores and other jewelers. Whether it is time or money, Villarreal strongly believes in giving back to the community. “I think it is only right that businesses engage in philanthropy,” he says. “A big misconception about philanthropy is that people think you have to be a millionaire to donate. On the contrary, when you put money in the collection plate at church, you are engaging in philanthropy.” One of the nonprofit organizations Villarreal Fine Jewelers supports is the Hispanic Scholarship Consortium (HSC). “We support the HSC organization because we feel strongly about what they represent.”

For instance, the HSC is about scholarships for Hispanic students who have demonstrated a passion for higher education. Approximately 62 percent of the students are the first in their families to attend a college or university. The future of this country is in our youth, and Hispanic students lag behind in higher education. In Texas, 17 percent of Latino adults (25 to 64 years old) have earned an associate’s degree or higher, compared to 34 percent of all adults. “You can see why we feel the HSC is an extremely vital organization that we believe in,” Villarreal says. When people think of creating a piece of fine jewelry, “We would like them to consider Villarreal Fine Jewelers. We want the Villarreal brand and logo to be synonymous with fine custom jewelry and excellent customer service. I don’t mean just here in Austin, but all over the state and eventually throughout the country.” With his philosophy that “no request is too small or big,” Villarreal believes all customers deserve to be treated like royalty, regardless of their budget. Villarreal Fine Jewelers has made a mark on the state’s map – and after listening to Villarreal, the country is in for a dazzling treat.

Villarreal Fine Jewelers is located at 7600 Burnet Road, Ste. 520, Austin, Texas 78757. For more information, call 512-231-8502 or visit www.villarrealjewelers.com.

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[ nside / legal ]

The Best in Texas

NSIDE Austin catches up with Novert Morales of Morales & Navarrete, Attorneys at Law, one of the most respected law firms in Central and West Texas.

by Jody Joseph Marmel photography by michael giordano

Novert Morales is the founding partner of Morales & Navarrete, Attorneys at Law. Being a wellrecognized and respected law firm in Central and West Texas, the offices are located in Austin, Midland and San Marcos. Morales practices primarily in the areas of criminal law, personal injury law and family law. Having a most impressive curriculum vitae, Morales is past chair and a board member of the Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. He is also a member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. Morales is the former director of the Texas Young Lawyer Association, and he is a former member of the Bar Leadership Committee of the State Bar of Texas. Morales is currently a member of the College of the State Bar, and he has been awarded “Business Man of the Year” by the Midland Hispanic Chamber

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of Commerce. But his awards do not stop there. He has also awarded “Business Man of the Year” by the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and he is a former ambassador for the chamber and he has been awarded “Pro-Bono Attorney of the Year” on two separate occasions. His credentials, memberships, awards, community recognition and legal expertise define Morales as one of the best lawyers in Central Texas. The following is a Q&A session with Morales. Read on to discover what an outstanding lawyer and exceptional man he truly is. NSIDE: Please provide an overview of your business, including services/products, how you got started, key staff members, milestones, etc. Morales: The Law Offices of Morales & Navarrete are located in Austin, Texas, serving Central

Texas. Our firm represents individuals in matters relating to DWI defense, personal injury, criminal law and family law. We are a full-service law firm that strives to maintain a close and personal relationship with our clients. Our goal is to meet your personal needs efficiently and professionally. I earned my bachelor’s degree from Southwest Texas State University and my law degree from Texas Southern University. I have been in private practice since 1995, and I am licensed to practice law by the State Bar of Texas. Being the founding partner of Morales & Navarrete, Attorneys at Law, I have lived in Austin since 2005. Rick A. Navarrete is a partner in the firm of Morales & Navarrete, PLLC. He has been serving the Permian Basin area for more than 13 years now. Focusing on criminal defense and family law, he has tried hundreds of cases to both juries and judges,

many of which involved high-profile issues, and he has developed an indepth understanding of the intricacies of law that only comes from seasoned professionals. Mr. Navarrete has devoted his legal career to using litigation to vindicate his clients’ needs. His hard work has made him one of the most sought-after trial attorneys in the area. Mr. Navarrete is a graduate of Angelo State University and Teach Tech University School of Law. Upon graduation from law school, he immediately began serving the needs of individual clients through private practice. He enjoys a practice that has taken him to nearly every corner of Texas, practicing almost every aspect of criminal, family and personal injury law. NSIDE: Please tell us more about your desire to expand into family law. Morales: We are not expanding “into” family law. We are just continuing to grow in the area of family law. I believe we are growing because of the personal attention that we give our clients. We make ourselves available for appointments at our office or phone conferences and even give out our personal cell phone numbers in case important issues arise. NSIDE: What makes you unique in your market or unique in Austin? Morales: I think what makes us unique is that we really make ourselves available to our clients and potential clients that have legal concerns. Our support staff is super friendly and will try to answer our clients’ questions that don’t require the attorney’s time such as court dates and directions to court, etc. We are available to our clients and service their legal needs on a continual basis. We also provide the necessary support system our clients need. This is why our superb staff is there to answer all questions that they can that are not required to be answered by one of the attorneys. The waiting time is drastically cut and helps prevent any problems that may arise at any given hour. NSIDE: What is the most challenging aspect of your business? Morales: The law always seems to be evolving, and I think the challenge is to constantly be on top of the changes. This is especially important if those changes can help your client or prevent them from being hurt by the changes. We are on the forefront of all legal knowledge to ensure the best legal advice and outcome for each one of our clients. Our legal services are well respected for a reason, and we make sure that reason grows stronger by the day. Since each client is unique but similar in regards to needing the best legal help, we truly care about every one of our clients and make sure that they know that. I believe that this makes a huge difference in our practice. NSIDE: Is there anything else you want readers to know about your business? Morales: I primarily practice in the areas of criminal, personal injury and family law. I was former chair of the Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. Adding to those positions I held, I was also a former director with the Texas Young Lawyer Association and former member of the Bar Leadership Committee of the State Bar of Texas. NSIDE: What do you enjoy doing outside of practicing law? Morales: I started to DJ in college, and to this day, I still enjoy it immensely. I DJ for many events around town. Some include NSIDE Austin’s events and Social Latino, which is a professional Hispanic networking organization. I also find the time to be the current WAYA basketball coach. NSIDE: What is the most rewarding aspect of your career? Morales: Helping people through one of the most stressful times in their lives. This is especially true in family law. People come to me with real issues, and I create real solutions that are individually crafted to meet each of my client’s needs and future well-being.

Morales & Navarrete, Attorneys at Law, is located at 1007 E. 7th St., Austin, Texas 78702. For more information, call 512-474-1499, or visit www.moralesnavarrete. com or www.texasdwidefense.com. NSIDE AUSTIN BUSINESS

[ nside / real estate ]

Austinites looking for luxury and simplicity can enjoy the best of both worlds at The Grove at Falconhead, thanks to the efforts of Matt McCormack, Zach Gelfer and Ash Creek Homes. by Jody Joseph Marmel Photography by Michael Giordano

att McCormack and his business partner, Zack Gelfer, were contacted by Ash Creek Homes in early 2012. Having previously worked for Ash Creek Homes for a number of years, they became well informed about the exciting new development Ash Creek Homes was working on and were eager to become part of the project. The Grove at Falconhead was an opportunity these two very talented men had to take advantage of because it was a unique calling. Ash Creek Homes was in the middle of construction at Spillman Ridge, and they needed some help to get The Grove at Falconhead started. Scott Morledge and Red Wencel, the owners of Ash Creek Homes, introduced McCormack and Gelfer to a site plan designed around a gorgeous 10-acre piece of land sitting next to the Falconhead golf course. “We fell in love with the project and jumped aboard immediately,” McCormack says. Putting all of their efforts into joining Ash Creek Homes to help them build this project, McCormack and Gelfer are focusing on having The Grove at Falconhead completed in both production and sales of all homes by January 2014. This diligent and determined duo is weaving their magic into the beauty of the homes and the entire community consisting of 47 Tuscan-inspired villas located in the Texas Hill Country. The community is located in the rapidly growing city of Bee Cave within a few miles of the Hill Country Galleria shopping center, a new Whole Foods and a variety of other stores and restaurants that have been built to service this highly desirable and sought-after area. “The Grove at Falconhead is everything you want and need for a simplified, yet luxurious life,” McCormack says. “A low-maintenance lifestyle is afforded, as full lawn maintenance is included in the monthly HOA. Residents will be able to enjoy the pool and the cabana without all the hassle of pool ownership. They can also walk out their back door to play a round of golf on the PGA-designed Falconhead golf course. »

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“Add in all the recreational activities at Lake Travis, retail at the Hill Country Galleria and proximity to downtown Austin, and I believe that the best of both worlds is being presented here in The Grove at Falconhead.” This is a one-of-a-kind haven to call home that has all of the amenities included and is only a short 20-minute commute from downtown Austin. Bee Cave has become a rapidly growing city, as the Austin area is simply running out of land to meet the housing demands. “There is not enough inventory to meet those demands,” McCormack says. “As it stands, inventory in Bee Cave is limited, as well, and property values are continuing to increase. Add to that low borrowing costs, and it makes now the ideal time to buy.” Having the lowest property taxes in Travis County is just another advantage of this community. Since Ash Creek Homes was Austin’s top green builder in 2011 and 2012, as rated by the Austin

home site,” McCormack says. “This really gives us a unique and custom appearance that distinguishes our project from others.” Incorporated as standard features in all homes are open floor plans, larger door sizes, and spacious kitchens and covered outdoor areas. “Various plate

thing new in the market. “Big homes were beautiful and majestic, but the space in the homes was not entirely used and lived in,” McCormack says. “All this unused square footage boiled down to a waste of money, not only in space, but in higher utility costs. Inspired by the book, ‘The Not So Big House’ by Sarah Susanka, Ash Creek Homes started with their first community, Mesa Hollow. Since then, we have built more than 600 homes in the Austin area.” The Grove at Falconhead currently has 17 homes under contract. Of the 47 homes, 26 are in some stage of production. Within the next few months, more homes will be completed. “Every square foot on each lot is considered when building these homes. We are utilizing the space in the best possible way in order to save the trees. Maintaining existing land topography with attention to each lot prior to construction also allows us to nestle the development right in with nature. We had minimal landfill haul-off during site development because we turned right around and used the material in the construction of our homes.”

Energy Green Building Program, the energy bills at The Grove at Falconhead are extremely affordable. “The affordable energy bills are a direct result of the care and quality in the construction of the homes built by Ash Creek Homes,” McCormack says. “Each home comes standard with energy-efficient features such as double-paned windows, 14.5 SEER-rated HVAC system, BIB (Blown-In-Blanket) insulation, 100-percent stone and stucco exteriors and high-performing plumbing fixtures.” All communities built by Ash Creek Homes are unique in that each home is placed around the mature trees, preserving the nature and Hill Country feel. “When building The Grove at Falconhead, Ash Creek Homes was able to preserve an astounding 83 percent of the trees.” Homes in The Grove at Falconhead reflect a Tuscan-inspired design that includes architectural elements such as barrel tile roofs, stone and stucco cladding, handcrafted front and rear porches, iron details and arched windows. “Sometimes less is more, so we avoid going overboard with design elements implemented across the board and instead spent time focusing on individual architectural elements for each and every

heights (the heights of walls and ceilings) are designed into each and every room, which really gives our homes a one-of-a-kind feel.” From the low $300s, The Grove at Falconhead features homes that range from 1,600 to 2,800 square feet. The Grove at Falconhead is giving “move down buyers” (people looking to downsize with a home requiring less maintenance) and families who want a “lock it and leave it” home spacious living space and smartly designed floor plans. McCormack explains this further: “Empty nesters and boomers often enjoy our homes, as they tend to be downsizing and prefer a low-maintenance home. However, because our homes are favorably placed within Lake Travis ISD, our community is also very appealing to families with children. Regardless, the biggest commonality between our residents is they are ready for low-maintenance living without giving up luxury finishes.” This is what the “lock it and leave it” home means, and there is an ever-growing market for this new concept in housing. After a decade of building custom homes, Ash Creek Homes began transitioning into building communities because they saw a need for some-

Spring 2013 is going to be the targeted high selling season in The Grove at Falconhead. Having more homes available to show and ready for movein makes the selling process easier. And with McCormack’s drive and enthusiasm behind this development, all goals will be met with success. “I would love to be able to achieve building this 47-home project for Ash Creek Homes through completion in 2013,” he says. “Finishing a project of this scope for Ash Creek Homes in less than 18 months is definitely what we are striving for. “We have terrific operations with fantastic people here to help make it all possible. Having a good real estate market certainly helps. Perhaps what helps the most is that The Grove at Falconhead is not just about selling a home; it is about selling a community and a lifestyle.”

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For more information, contact Diane Shouten or Bridget Ellis at 512-328-2122, or Matt McCormack at 512-289-4175. You may also visit www.groveatfalconhead.com.

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PLATINUM TOP 50 !

Platinum Top 50 Realtors of Austin hosted their annual Awards Ceremony on

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[ nside / real estate ]

Austin Building Forecast 2013: The year of the (construction) crane

by Michael Wilt

During our stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s booming periods, locals like to joke that the construction crane should be the state bird of Texas. Those birds migrated temporarily during the latest recession, but they are back and busy hoisting beams for the next round of projects that will recreate the Austin skyline. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a snap-

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shot of those projects that reflect the type of development many cities are seeking: a dense urban core and vibrant corridors.

3rd and Brazos

Starting in the downtown area, this near-com-

plete Riverside Resources 18-story apartment tower (266 units) is slated to open in the spring. Featured recently in the New York Times, the building includes 6,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space and room for a 3,650-square-foot restaurant. The project is part of the bourgeoning area

that surrounds the Civic Center, soon to include a sorely needed injection of more hotel rooms.

South Lamar Plaza

This Greystar Real Estate Partners redevelopment is the cornerstone of a completely revamped South Lamar Boulevard with accompanying projects flanking it up and down the corridor. The mixed-use project will still be home to upgraded versions of the Alamo Drafthouse and the Highball, and it will include multifamily units, retail and restaurant spaces. Engaging open spaces and bike facilities complement the project, providing a seamless connection to the surrounding neighborhood.

The 704

Heading further down South Lamar, you probably noticed that the Broken Spoke will soon have a new neighbor. Dubbed “The 704,” TRANSWESTERN’s project will add 380 multifamily units and 20,000 square feet of new retail and restaurant

space. Units will be one- and two-bedroom only, and some ground-floor units will be set aside as live-work spaces offering tenants premium signage opportunities along the boulevard.

The Corazon

No list is complete without looking to the east side of town. Representing the largest project to date in the ambitious Plaza Saltillo transit-oriented development, Corazon is a 260-unit, 17,000-squarefoot commercial, retail, vertical, mixed-use project on East 5th. The Cypress Real Estate Advisors development creatively tucks away parking and will provide a dramatic streetscape improvement with an expansive Velasquez Park along the 6th Street edge. Dedicated to Ray and Matias Velasquez, the park will be a key stop on the Tejano music legend’s trail.

2900 Manor Road

Not to be outdone by Corazon, 2900 Manor rep-

resents the largest single mixed-use project to date for the M. L. King Jr. Station transit-oriented development district. Developed by Greystar Real Estate Partners, the project will provide 252 residential units with pedestrian-friendly ground-floor uses. A special addition to the project is the creation of the next segment of the “Rails with Trails” bicycle and pedestrian route connecting all rail stops along the MetroRail transit line. The project will also feature a full pedestrian streetscape sidewalk design, including trees, benches and bike racks. This is just a snapshot of 2013 activity, and it should come as no surprise that Austin continues to be a thriving market for new development, especially when it comes to the revitalization of the urban core and corridors.

For more information, visit Big Red Dog online at www.bigreddog.com. NSIDE AUSTIN BUSINESS

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GRAND OPENING

Now Showing

Enjoy a life simplified in a comfortable Tuscan-inspired home in a serene park like setting. Embrace outdoor living in a home adjacent to the Falconhead Golf Course. Explore culinary talents with beautifully finished kitchens. Enjoy everything you want and need in a smartly designed green home by Ash Creek Homes in The Grove at Falconhead. 47 Homes Starting in the low $300’s. EXCEPTIONAL AMENITIES INCLUDE: • 1,600-2,800 Sq Ft • Tile Roofs, Stone/Stucco Exteriors • Single and Two Story Plans • Lowest Property Taxes in Travis County • Low HOA with Full Lawn Maintenance • Community Pool, Pavilion and Dog Park • Wooded Homesites, Golf Course Lots • Lake Travis Schools • Austin’s Top Green Builder 4 Star Rated Homes

14809 Falconhead Grove Loop Bee Cave, TX 78738

512.328.2122

www.GroveAtFalconhead.com

Five Floorplans to Choose From

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[ nside / beauty ]

Rework Your Workout

This New Year, give your fitness routine a facelift and try one of these fun and unique ways to get moving and stay fit. by Meredith Davis

With a new year comes a new start and a new set of resolutions for a better you. Fitness always seems to top the list of changes to make in the New Year, and since we live in one of the fittest cities in the country, why not resolve to change up your regular fitness routine and try something new? Luckily for you, fitness has gotten a facelift recently and there is a bevy of hot new workouts to tighten and tone. Give your boring routine a boost with one of these fun, unique and slightly unexpected ways to get moving and stay fit in 2013.

pole fitness zumba

Since you’re the life of the party on the weekends, why not take it to your fitness regimen? Zumba is a Colombian dance fitness program that combines the use of Latin and international music with a fun and effective workout program that includes both dance and aerobic exercises. It’s an exhilarating, calorie-burning dance fitness party that will move you toward more joy and health. With several trained Zumba instructors all over the city, it is quickly becoming a dance fitness phenomenon.

This is a new, up-and-coming fitness trend that I dare you to try. Come out of your comfort zone (just a little) and experience a new way to tone your entire body, plus build confidence and have fun. Pole fitness, which utilizes the art of pole dancing, will help develop endurance, strength, power, stamina and mobility, all while burning calories and building core muscles. More classes are being offered now from beginner and advanced to various specialty classes and private lessons. Classes also range from strictly fitness and body strengthening to actual dance techniques.

Try these: Try these: YMCA of Austin www.austinymca.org

Dance Austin Studio www.danceaustinstudio.com

Brass Ovaries Pole Dancing www.brass-ovaries.com

VAMPS Dance www.vampsdance.com

dance

If pole dancing doesn’t suit your fancy, try more traditional types of dance, including modern, salsa, jazz, hip-hop, Bollywood and ballroom. With a plethora of dance classes being offered, there is no reason to not get moving. Grab your favorite gal pals or that special someone and sign up for a class you can enjoy together. You will get not only fit, but social while learning some new moves. Even better: Take your new moves out on the town for extra practice and added benefits. Try these: Ballet Austin Butler Community School www.balletaustin.org/community

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Go Dance www.godancestudio.com

Aerial fitness

Take your fitness to a new height with aerial yoga and fitness. Aerial movement involves participants suspended in the air by silk hammocks mounted to the ceiling, and techniques include yoga, dance and other fitness methods. Aerial fitness helps train the body’s flexibility, strength, mobility and agility while allowing you to levitate in the air and have fun experiencing something new and playful. Try these: Four Elements Yoga & Fitness www.fourelementsaustin.com Blue Lapis Light www.bluelapislight.org Fit to the Core www.fittothecoreaustin.com

body-weight training

Strength training and body-weight training will be among the most popular fitness trends of 2013, according to a new survey released by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Body-weight training – which includes back-to-basics exercises like pushups, planks, pull-ups, squats and other exercises that use the body as resistance – is one of the top 10 emerging fitness trends for 2013. Bodyweight training uses minimal equipment, making it more affordable. Not just limited to pushups and pull-ups, this trend allows people to get “back to the basics” with fitness. Try these: Corefit Training www.corefitaustin.com Crossfit Central www.centralathlete.com

barre

This technique raises the bar for toning your thighs and tightening your tush. Barre fitness has gained major popularity with the female demographic because of its ability to attack the spots women struggle with most: abs, hips, seat and arms. Most barre techniques combine the use of yoga, pilates and dance movements to build strength and conditioning without bulk. The exercises include small isometric moves that are low impact, but build strength and create long, lean muscle. This is definitely a full-body workout that will give you ultimate tone. Try these: Pure Barre www.purebarre.com

The Bar Method www.thebarmethod.com

Barre3 www.barre3.com

yoga

Yoga classes are getting creative and seem to be offering more than just a little R&R. Aside from the traditional Hatha yoga and the increasingly popular Bikram yoga (also known as hot yoga), yogis can now select from more creative classes that include yoga with weights, yoga with dance moves and even paddleboard yoga on Lake Austin. If you don’t think yoga will do a body good, I challenge you to try one of these out-of-the-box classes that will not only push your body, but force your mind to withdraw from its daily thinking.

cycling

Try these: Black Swan Yoga www.blackswanyoga.com

For the ultimate tushy-toning workout, pick up an indoor cycling class. Cycling, also known as spinning, is an exercise class (usually set to heart-pumping music) that focuses on endurance, strength, intervals, high intensity and recovery. These classes will take you on a 45- to 60-minute exhilarating ride complete with winding roads, steep hills and freefalling descents that collectively resemble an actual cycling experience. Most gyms offer spinning as a group class, but I am now starting to see indoor cycling studios pop up. These studios allow you to just focus on the sport of spinning.

Corepower Yoga www.corepoweryoga.com Pure Bikram Yoga www.purebikramyoga.com

Try these:

Flywheel Fitness www.flywheelfit.com CYC www.cycfitness.com

Meredith Davis is the founder of Austin Beauty Guide. For more beauty tips, local resources and information on the must-have products and trends of the season, visit www.austinbeautyguide.com. Photo by Lucas Purvis

Pure Ryde www.pureryde.com

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[ nside / beauty ]

Beauty Resolutions vis

2013

Ph ot ob y:

Lu ca s

Pu r

Rae Cosmetics CEO and creator Rochelle Rae provides some tips for undoing the damage of the holidays and getting happy, healthy and beautiful in the New Year. We survived the holidays, but now many of us are wondering how to undo the damage we caused hopping from party to party and indulging in descendant hors d’oeuvres, sinful sweets and champagne toasts until the wee hours of the morning. Add the late-night celebrations with cold winter winds, and the last couple months have certainly taken a toll. We have dry, dehydrated skin and dark under-eye circles, and not even our favorite sweater can hide the damage done to our waistlines. Here are a few resolutions for 2013 that might help us get healthy, happy, pretty and most importantly, back into our skinny jeans by Valentine’s Day.

Special to NSIDE

Drink it in

Everything you put into or don’t put into your body shows up on the skin. All of the salty foods and alcohol consumed over the holi-

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o Ph

uc :L

r Pu

days have left dull, flaky and dehydrated skin in their wake. In 2013, make water your best friend – sip it, swig it and gulp it all day, every day to help flush out toxins. Plain water can get pretty boring, so give coconut water a try or add a few pieces of refreshing watermelon or cucumber to your glass. Cucumbers help flush sugar from the system. And because of its high potassium and mineral content, coconut water has been used for rehydration, health and beauty for centuries. I bought a Sodastream water carbonator. It turns regular tap water into sparkling water, and you can add flavors, too. It’s best gift I have ever given myself. I drink twice as much water, I save money and it is good for the environment.

Eat it up

Like I said, everything you put into your body shows up on the skin … and under it. Be prepared when the munchies hit. It is too easy to grab a bag of chips (and no, you can’t eat just a few).

vis

Photo by: Lucas Purvis

tant. Try Rae Cosmetics Climate Control Mineral Tint SPF 20, a lightweight foundation, moisturizer and sunscreen all in one.

Scrub it off

Instead of the usual snacks, opt for healthier, hydrating choices like cucumbers, celery, grapefruit and grapes. Pre-cut a wide variety of fruits and veggies and fill containers with low-fat dip. Frozen grapes make a great sweet treat. After a busy and stressful holiday season, nutrient-filled fruits and vegetables provide a much-needed boost.

Sweat it out

Salty foods and alcohol can also cause fluid retention and puffiness; the toxins must be flushed out. Exercise is the healthiest way to detox. A few minutes on the treadmill, a yoga class or even a relaxing trip to the sauna can work up a sweat, helping the body expel toxins through the pores of the skin. Go a little further and take up pilates, join a gym or hire a personal trainer. Really start sweating for a

Cold temperatures, harsh winds and blazing furnaces can cause the skin to dry out. Moisturizing is essential to glowing skin, and moisturizers are much more effective when the skin has been properly exfoliated. I prefer something non-granular so the skin doesn’t get scratched. Mix in topical vitamin C with your moisturizer and use a moisturizer containing hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate the skin, which in turn looks instantly more youthful and radiant. Seek professional help – an appointment with an esthetician or dermatologist is a perfect postholiday gift. A specialist can analyze your skin type, evaluate problem areas, give advice on what skin care products to use and get you on a healthy regime for the New Year.

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The late nights and parties have left their mark – the dark circles are undeniable. To hide the evidence, choose a concealer that is very close to your natural skin color; you may even want to blend it with a bit of foundation. A common mistake is choosing a concealer that is too light. To hide dark, bluish circles, use a yellow-based concealer. Apply your concealer after you do your eye makeup; this allows you to “make a mess” and clean it up later. Little bits of the pigment fall onto the face, and cleaning up “the mess” by attempting to

wipe off the excess or cover with more concealer can just make circles appear darker.

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trends and throw out products you have kept past their expiration dates. Most products can be kept for a fairly long time, but it is extremely important to frequently throw out items like mascara. Mascara can be a breeding ground for bacteria, and it is the most easily contaminated. Some say lipsticks can be kept for years, but since they are applied to the mouth, I don’t agree. Always get rid of a lipstick if it has a funny smell.

Cover it up

Everything you put into your body shows up on your skin.

Layer it on

Once you have achieved your detox resolution and you are a glowing version of your former self, protect your new radiant skin from all that can damage it in the New Year. Wearing a daily facial sunscreen is important year-round, so if you’re not doing that, start now. Also, wear a foundation or tinted moisturizer that contains the minerals titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which provide the purest and most effective sun protection and block both UVA and UVB rays. Don’t forget your lips – you can now find many lipsticks with SPF, as well. Rae Cosmetics Lip Shade SPF 15 is beautiful sun protection for your lips, infused with protective antioxidants Vitamins A and E. Throw on a pair of oversized sunglasses, and 2013 can be your year in the sun.

Throw it away

The start of a new year is a great time to clean out your makeup bag and start fresh. Out with the old and in with new healthy, clean products. Get rid of colors you didn’t really like, stock up on the latest

For more information, visit www. raecosmetics. com.

Photo by: Lucas Purvis

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healthier, happier and stronger you in 2013. Luckily, sweating doesn’t have to mean looking like a hot mess, which is what led me to create a line of cosmetics for active women – for those of us who aren’t afraid to sweat, but want to look good while doing it. That means developing products with the active ingredients titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which make them naturally heat- and perspiration-resis-

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[ nside / beauty ]

Keeping Austin Healthy

Owner and stylist Martha Millan goes green and invites Austinites to “experience the organic difference” at Salon O Austin Day Spa. Special to NSIDE Photography by Michael Giordano

Martha Millan, owner and stylist at Salon O Austin Day Spa, has a very unique market niche in the much sought-after beauty care world. Her philosophy is “what you put on your hair and skin is just as important as what you eat.” When we go to our hair stylist/color specialist, many of us think of only one thing: the end result. But Millan’s views hold a great deal of merit with her expanding clientele base and word-of-mouth marketing that has added to the increased awareness of going green in the beauty care world. In fact, Millan explains why working with organic products is the only way to go. “I have been in the industry for 15 years and have worked with a lot of lines. The time being around toxic chemicals takes a toll on you. I wanted to create not only a safe haven for my clients, but also for myself and the other stylists. If you can achieve the same results with products that are better for you and the environment, then why not go that route?” Since you can achieve the same results, Millan is onto something that may very well take over the beauty care world within the next few years. After listening to her educate us on the benefits of opting for organic treatments for your hair, hands, feet

and a list of other services, I am now convinced that her way of staying on the cutting edge is the only way to go. If you believe in a healthier you translating into a more beautiful you, Salon O should be on your list of places to visit in the very near future. “You can achieve the same result and still be green without having to give up the traditional beauty tools,” Millan says. “Making beauty green does not mean sacrificing results. We provide luxurious, relaxing services with wonderful results. But we do this by using organically derived ingredients that are free of parabens, sulfates, gluten, animal protein, PVP/VA plastic, DEA and TEA, phthalates and petroleum-based products.” Salon O is committed to providing a toxin-free choice for hair, nail and skin care services. Their mission is “to share new ways of incorporating healthier life choices into our clients’ lives.” The three Rs practiced at Salon O are “relax,” “rejuvenate” and “refresh.” Services include hair styling, nail services, massage therapy, body treatments, hands and feet, facials and skin care, waxing and threading, makeup services, bridal services and spa packages. “With prices lower than most and services better than the rest, Salon O offers all-natural day spa services

“Making beauty green does not mean sacrificing results.” 40

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in Austin where anyone can relax, unwind and be pampered with an all-natural day spa experience.” Millan emphasizes what makes them unique: “We are unique not only because we use organically derived products, but we go the extra mile to make sure that the manufacturers we work with use environmentally friendly and sustainable practices. We also stand behind our products because we never use anything that we have not thoroughly tried, tested and loved.” While all of the services are great, Millan is completely in love with the color line. “It gets rid of gray or completely transforms your hair while still having healthy hair with no pain involved. Beauty is not supposed to hurt.” Another service Millan loves is their waterless pedicures. Not only do you avoid having to stick your feet in tubs that are susceptible to bacteria, fungus and staff infections, but the amount of water saved is tremendous. “This is especially important

since water management and conservation are essential today and for the future.” Salon O is keeping Austin healthy by providing these green trends. And to top it off, the experienced team will work with you for all of your needs. There are timeless benefits associated with each of the services offered, and your experience is enhanced with vegan, eco-conscious products. Salon O is the place to go for all of your natural organic products and to “experience the organic difference.” I’m sold; time to make an appointment.

For more information on Salon O Austin Day Spa, visit http://salonodayspa. com.

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[ nside / etiquette ]

Bridging the Cultural Divide When hosting international visitors, ensure they enjoy the best customer experience by learning about and staying mindful of their cultural differences. By Sharon Schweitzer

It should have been a memorable experience, and it was – just not for the right reasons. Our Mexican guests had completed a tour of Mexic-Arte Museum, and we were in the central business district, finishing lunch at one of the city’s most popular restaurants. Our group had enjoyed delicious fare and savored the ambiance, and our guests were ready for more sightseeing. Before we were seated, the Texas host, Mr. Jones, asked that the check be presented to him, as he was hosting the international group. Well, the server forgot about Mr. Jones’ request. Mr. Jones and his Mexican guests were embarrassed when the server placed the check directly in the middle of the table of eight. It was one of those awkward moments when the bewildered guests were unsure of what to do with the check placed in front of them. Misunderstandings like these can happen easily when we do not prepare for visitors from different cultures. Here is the lesson from this situation:

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Unlike our U.S. culture, in Mexico, the person who requests the bill receives and pays the bill. In most cultures, it is rude to reach across another person to get anything, much less the check. In Mexico, it is also inappropriate to ask guests to pass the check since they should not handle the bill. If the server had known about this cultural nuance, he would have been sure to honor the U.S. host’s request, and this awkward situation would have been avoided. If the restaurant and server had better understood the expectations of Mexican clientele, they would have completely avoided the cultural faux pas, and the server would have been rewarded for great service. What can we do to bridge the cultural divide with international visitors to Texas? There are subtle ways in which cultural differences can impact customer experiences. Here are several aspects of hosting international customers to help ensure they enjoy a positive experience in our state:

1. Greetings: In the customer service industry, be prepared to say “good morning” or “good afternoon,” as opposed to “hi” or “hey” with greetings. It is wise to use appropriate titles and last names when conducting a transaction, returning a credit card or presenting a check. It is best to use “Mr.,”“Ms.” or “Dr.” until invited to use a first name. Avoid the familiarity of calling consumers by their first names when presenting a check or bill. Latin Americans, Europeans and Asians use titles when greeting and introducing each other and expect us to do the same. Many in the United States and Australia are bothered by class distinctions and people appearing snobbish. However, using “Mr.” or “Ms.” will generally be appreciated. 2. Personal space and distance: While serving global customers, be aware that different cultures maintain different standards of personal space. During a discussion with a global consumer, do not be

3. Dining customs: Dining customs differ around the world. Be prepared for international diners to linger over their meal, order dessert and savor coffee for lengthy periods of two or three hours. In certain Latin American countries, coffee is king and is enjoyed after every meal regardless of the temperature outside. In Mexico, the main meal is midday between 1 and 4 p.m., typically starting at 2 p.m. In Spain, the main meal is in the evening, beginning at 10 p.m. Many cultures delight in two hours or more of dining. 4. Tipping and gratuities: Tipping customs vary around the world. In some areas of Europe and in certain countries, including Australia and Japan, the gratuity is built into the cost of the meal and tips are not added. It is not the custom in all countries to leave additional tips, so do not be surprised if an additional

tip is not left. In some areas of Japan, if a tip is left for a server, it could be considered offensive. A 5 to 10 percent tip is the custom in some countries. Restaurant owners will want to consider how to handle these situations with their servers. 5. Questions about the United States: If you are fortunate enough to develop a relationship with a global visitor, be prepared for possible questions about culture, society and government in the United States. Here are a few sample questions drawn from “Citizen Ambassadors,” by Dr. Charles T. Vetter Jr.: “I have difficulty understanding the differences between your Democrat and Republican political parties. What are the basic differences?” “Please tell me about your presidential candidates and election process.” “Residents of the USA seem to know very little about world geography – names, places, locations. Why is that?” And finally, “How old are you, and

how much is your salary? Is that typical for your age range?” When bridging the divide with international customers, keep in mind that business etiquette is about ensuring that other people are comfortable in your presence. In Texas and the United States, we are known for our friendliness, openness, gregariousness, informality and humor. However, among other cultures, we are sometimes considered ethnocentric or nation focused. Let’s expand the presence of the great state of Texas, encourage understanding and show our wisdom. If we are at our best, in a Texas friendly way, aware that we may be serving a customer with a different cultural background, Texas will make a great impression on our international visitors. You never know – you may be responsible for the first impression a visitor has of this country.

Sharon Schweitzer, J.D., PHR, is an international etiquette and protocol expert with Protocol & Etiquette Worldwide, LLC, located at 111 Congress Ave., No. 400, Austin, Texas 78701. For more information, call 512-306-1845, or visit www.protocolww.com, www.linkedin. com/in/sharonschweitzer, www.twitter.com/austinprotocol or www. facebook.com/protocolww.

Korey Howell Photography

surprised or caught off guard if someone stands very close to you. If you step back or away, they may take offense and terminate the sale or relationship. In the United States, if you stand too close, you may be perceived as pushy or aggressive. If you stand too far away, you may be seen as disinterested. For reference, in “The Hidden Dimension,” by Edward T. Hall, personal territory for the United States may be broken down into several categories. Intimate distance is 0 to 18 inches, personal distance (good friends, family members) is from 18 inches to 4 feet and social distance (acquaintances) is 4 to 12 feet. One option is to allow the customer to dictate the proximity.

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