March/April 2023
Building Community with Heart and Passion
COLORFUL SUMMER FASHION!
GIRL SCOUTS OF SOUTHWEST TEXAS
WOMEN IN BUSINESS: RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE
TREATING ENDOMETRIOSIS
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A passion for service and fostering strong relationships give Kristi Sutterfield a solid foundation at the Greater San Antonio Builders Association.
Meet the man who took the helm of Monarch Trophy Studio a few years ago.
Award-winning home stagers share their top staging strategies to sell your home.
Whether you’re looking to buy a house or sell your home, the outlook for San Antonio’s current real estate market is encouraging.
Suzanne Pack Photographer
David Teran Photographer
Bill Murphy, MD Writer
Linda Ratner, RN, MBA Writer
Dawn Robinette Writer
Paul J. Watkins Writer
Janis Turk Writer
Our cover story features the remarkable journey of Kristi Sutterfield, an exemplary individual who has dedicated herself to serving her community and nurturing the seeds of potential in the next generation. Kristi’s tireless efforts and unwavering commitment have touched the lives of countless individuals, fostering a sense of family and creating a ripple effect of community.
Just as the seasons change, our lives and businesses also go through transformative phases that enable growth and development. Each season brings its unique challenges and opportunities, shaping us into better versions of ourselves. I’ve definitely experienced my own challenges and changes over the past year, but I remain excited about the future and the growth that has come from these challenges.
In this issue, we encourage you to reflect upon your own life’s seasons and the transformative power they hold. May Kristi’s story inspire you to serve your community, invest in the next generation, and embrace the ever-changing cycles of life.
Wishing you a season of growth and fulfillment.
Cathleen
Cathleen Lane Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Cathleen Lane cathleen@sawoman.com
DIRECTOR OF SALES & PARTNERSHIPS
Dale Lane dale@sawoman.com
ADVERTISING SALES
Cindy Jennings cindy@sawoman.com
WRITERS
Cover: Dawn Robinette
Antonio Gutierrez, Bill Murphy, MD, Linda Ratner, RN MBA, Dawn Robinette, Janis Turk, Paul J. Watkins
PHOTOGRAPHY
Cover: Suzanne Pack Suzanne Pack, Daivd Teran
PRINTING
Shweiki Media
PUBLISHED BY Las Tres Muchachas, LLC.
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Email: info@sawoman.com
A Las Tres Muchachas Production Cathleen & Dale Lane 300 E Ramsey, Suite 2 San Antonio, Texas 78216 (210) 236-5834
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On the cover:
Photography by Susanne Pack with Celebrated Reflections
Makeup by The Look Beauty Studio @thelook.beautystudio
San Antonio Woman is published bimonthly by Las Tres Muchachas Enterprises (Publisher). Reproduction in any manner in whole or part is prohibited without the express written consent of the Publisher. Material contained herein does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher or its staff. San Antonio Woman reserves the right to edit all materials for clarity and space and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors or omissions. San Antonio Woman does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertisements or editorial, nor does the Publisher assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Articles and photographs are welcome and may be submitted to our offices to be used subject to the discretion and review of the Publisher. All real estate advertising is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Printed in the U.S.A.
By
Robinette,
If it’s possible to have home building and realty running through your veins, Kristi Sutterfield bleeds real estate. As executive vice president of the Greater San Antonio Builders Association (GSABA), it’s her job to represent and promote the home building industry, but Sutterfield’s commitment and knowledge about homebuilding trace back to her childhood. Her father was a homebuilder, and she watched her mother open her own real estate company.
“When my dad completed a home or had a home under construction, as a family, we held open houses on the weekend. We didn’t just sit – we cleaned the construction site, and each of us could broom sweep a house under construction to my dad’s high standards,” notes Sutterfield.
That sweeping and her parents’ successful careers – and a series of mentors who recognized her talent and helped her develop – put her on the path to GSABA, where she leads a staff team to serve 750 member companies representing more than 10,000 people working in the single-family construction and remodeling industry. That includes a diverse mix of businesses. “Anyone who is associated with the residential construction industry: Builders, remodelers, developers, vendors, suppliers, service providers, title companies, mortgage companies, banks, bricklayers, framers, electricians, you name it. Anything that goes into a new home.”
GSABA’s membership stretches across 22 counties, so Sutterfield works far beyond San Antonio. As executive vice president, she fills the function of CEO, serving as the trade association’s staff leader and working with an executive team and board comprised of members from the industry. “Membership is voluntary. That’s what is so critical about successful trade associations: I believe that everyone who makes their living from an industry should give a part of their time and talent to the industry.”
“When I got out of college, I worked for my parents for a brief while, and then I went to work for Ray Hunt. I was a project developer, and I was also the director of sales and marketing for certain communities. So I became a member of the Dallas Builders Association, then I became a member of the Greater Fort Worth Builders Association, and Woodbine Development hosted their parade of homes. I went on to hold several volunteer roles. I told a friend that I was going to be the first female president of the Greater Fort Worth Builders Association someday, but little did I know God had a different plan.
“It’s my passion, and it’s a gift to work in this industry. I’m passionate about homeownership and very passionate about affordable housing,” she explains. “We need to remove so many barriers. If I were up on a stage speaking to a group of people, I would cite staggering statistics like the Texas A&M Research Center study that shows for every increase of $1,000 in the price of a new home, 22,000 Texans are knocked out of the market. That’s how sensitive it is. And 25 to 26 cents on every dollar that goes into the price of a new home is in fees and regulations.
“And in San Antonio proper, finding a $200,000 new construction home is next to impossible these days, thanks to the cost of land, materials, and development.”
Part of her role at GSABA is working with local, state, and federal officials on industry regulation and government affairs. She caught the government relations bug thanks to a high school internship in Congressman Dale Milford’s district office. “I have been so lucky in life,” she notes, but there’s no doubt her commitment and dedication have helped her find success.
Her love of the industry and the members shines through everything she does. “Seeing the outcome, getting to the finish line – that inspires me. It’s the little things. Bringing last year’s budget in the black when we didn’t have our largest fundraiser [GSABA’s annual Parade of Homes]. I have the most amazing leadership team – my current president, our past presidents, and our future presidents. They give me strength, and they give me hope. When we’re in a challenge – and we’ve had quite a few of those as we’ve navigated the pandemic – I get so much satisfaction over planning the work and then working the plan,” she explains. “That’s always been my motto. Plan the work, work the plan. I’m really good at building a consensus. And laying out the work plan, then measuring that plan as we go.
“I believe if we have a challenge and you don’t have one solution, then you are part of the challenge. I’ve always told my staff, if you know we have a problem or a challenge, bring me a solution. We’ve got to think outside of the box. We can always do it together - always. I really believe you can solve anything if you put your mind to it.”
With a career that includes serving as the executive director of both the Greater Fort Worth Builders Association and the Texas Association of Builders, Sutterfield has maintained her own business, as well, working on projects throughout Texas for the
last 15 years. She also serves as the Director of the Texas Housing Conference for the Texas Affiliation of Affordable Housing Providers. She’s called San Antonio home since 2016. “I love the people here. I lived in Austin for 15 years before I moved here. San Antonio is a lot like where I was born and raised in Grand Prairie. The people are kinder; they’re more inclusive.”
Despite 10-12 hour workdays at times, Sutterfield prioritizes her relationships and family. In addition to her four children, she has five grandchildren she sees as much as possible. “I really work hard at staying in touch and spending time with them and my friends.” She has friend “posses” that go back to grade school and stays in touch with even past boyfriends and their families.
Those friend groups get together for travel and fun. “I have my grade school posse, my college posse, my sorority group,” detailing each and how they all stay connected through regular get-togethers and fun trips.
“I was president of my sorority in college. It helped me be the woman I am today. If you can make 100 girls happy, you can do almost anything,” she laughs. It also taught her a lesson. “When you’re a leader, not everybody’s going to love you. Not everybody’s going to like you. You have to get over that.”
That guidance came from her mother, who is still active in the business. “My mother is 80, and she still works five or six days a week. She was telling me about all the deals she was closing last night at dinner. She’s my hero and my best friend.”
But she is committed to finding work/life balance, and after several long-term relationships, she’s hopeful of finding the right person to add to her life.
“I’m working on better balance overall. I don’t have a balance yet. I really struggle hard with it, but it’s something I’m determined to change. I’m working out 2-3 times a week and taking more downtime. And I’m a voracious reader,” she explains. “I don’t want to wake up ten years from now and wonder, ‘Where did my life go?’”
But she still makes time to mentor others, working through the GSABA Education Foundation. “I’ve been richly, richly blessed in my life, having incredible mentors, and I feel it’s the way that I can pay it forward.
“Every few years, we build a scholarship house. Many of our members contribute to it. We take the proceeds and invest them back into young men and women who are enrolled in the construction trades. We gave 29 scholarships this last semester. The student chapter at St. Phillips College is incredibly unique because you have young kids that
dropped out of high school, got their GED, and they’re going to learn a trade. And military people that have done three tours of duty and are coming to learn a trade. You even have people that have retired and are looking at their second career. Then you have those that have been incarcerated that need a hand up,” she explains. There’s also a chapter at the University of Texas at San Antonio and a high school program at Warren High School, helping high school students understand the job opportunities available to them.
What advice does she give to those students? The same advice she would give to her younger self. “Take the chance. Don’t pass things up. If an opportunity comes along, take it.”
“I’ve been richly, richly blessed in my life, having incredible mentors, and I feel it’s the way that I can pay it forward.”
By Antonio Gutierrez | Photography by David Teran
With Fiesta set to kick off April 20-30, Charles “CJ” Drago and his intrepid team at Monarch Trophy Studio have long been prepared to make sure Fiesta revelers will have their prized possessions in hand – and on time. We’re talking about those shiny, clinking and clanging, colorful Fiesta medals dangling from sashes, guayaberas, gowns, and T-shirts we love to adorn during the Alamo City’s biggest bash of the year.
“It’s Fiesta season, so we have a ton of medals coming in now,” Drago, president of Monarch Trophy Studio, said. “It’s one of the biggest times for us. But traditionally, in the trophy world, May is the busiest time because it’s the end of the school year and for school sports. We start getting busy in December, and it doesn’t slow down until the end of June.”
But Drago isn’t sweating it. He welcomes the challenge of handling multiple major orders, whether it’s Fiesta medals, sports trophies, corporate awards, and more. He’s been groomed for this ever since high school when he first began helping out with the family business along with his two brothers, Jason and Cody, after their parents, Charlie and Kathy, purchased Monarch Trophy Studio in 2001 from company founder John Bradley.
Today, Drago, who took the helm of Monarch Trophy Studio a few years ago, oversees daily operations, although Charlie Sr. is still involved with the business, albeit part-time. Kathy recently retired.
Drago credits his father for expanding the business by introducing a wider selection of novelty products for customers to choose from. It also required relocating the company from its original 10,000-square-foot location on NW Military Highway to a 30,000-squarefoot facility in Hollywood Park to accommodate the plethora of products stored at its new home.
Drago took time recently to talk about some of the newer products customers might not be aware are available to suit their special occasions, a second business involving Yeti cups, and a bit of advice to businesses planning to order Fiesta medals next year.
What’s it like dealing with an influx of Fiesta medal orders each year? We try to get customers to start sending us Fiesta orders in July because there are a
lot of samples going back and forth, and some have early release dates to the public prior to Fiesta’s official kickoff. We want to get large orders early. With the Chinese New Year each year, it can impact orders. We always have an extra team on hand to help out.
Why do you think Fiesta medals are so popular? What we see in the community is it’s a great fundraising opportunity for a lot of good nonprofits and programs. It all goes back to good causes.
What do you enjoy about your role as company president? My favorite thing is interacting with customers. Having grown up in San Antonio, we know a lot of people from our family business and school days, and we get to see them regularly, including principals, coaches, and athletic directors. We provide a unique product, and there’s a psychological effect when you are the one receiving a trophy or award. There’s also the reward of seeing the impact it has on those receiving a trophy.
How is business at the new facility? It’s been great for our presence in San Antonio but also for storage needs because we were busting at the seams in our other facility. A year ago, we opened a second business where we do customized Yeti Tumblers. At one time, we were running three shifts, 24 hours a day, filling tons of orders for Yeti Tumblers.
Monarch offers much more than trophies. Talk about your other services, such as personalized wine and spirit bottles. We can put a name or logo on just about anything. The sky is the limit on what we can offer our customers. We also have cool gifts for Christmas or Valentine’s Day and gift sets for Father’s Day, like a customized grill or cutting board. We also have a whole candle line we can customize.
Monarch is definitely a niche business. What makes us unique is a customer can come in on Thursday and let us know they have a weekend event and need 100 pieces of something. We can provide them with a whole list of options of items we have in our facility and the staff who can fill that order quickly.
This summer will be a rainbow of colors! From bright neons and sunny candy colors to retro pastels. Wear color from head-to-toe, it’s pretty, it’s optimistic and it will make your heart sing. So our advice? Add some color for a sweet summer vibe!
Yes, we had lots of fun, and we have no intention of leaving it in Vegas and not telling you about it. Our crew of aesthetic professionals at Turquoise Springs Medical Spa joined 2000 others from around the globe last month. We arrived at the beautiful Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas for the annual American Medical Spa Association convention. Why would we not leave our secrets in Vegas? Well, because much of the fun was during the daytime with our colleagues from Europe, Asia, South America, Australia, Africa, and all over North America and the United States. We spent three full days learning from each other, sharing new ideas, and improving our skills so we can take better care of you.
Medical Aesthetics is a diverse field made up of many different medical specialists. All are represented as members in the AMSPA organization and come together once per year to learn from each other. Our field is made up of dermatologists, plastic surgeons, facial aesthetic surgeons, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, anesthesiologists, laser and regenerative specialists, and many others. Each discipline has much to share, from a variety of perspectives, to create the growing field of medical aesthetics.
Please allow me to share with you several topics I am most excited about after this year’s meeting.
First, lifting threads for moving and lifting tissue is better and more popular than ever. I spent time with some of the best physicians in the world and picked their brains about the work they are doing with new types of threads and new techniques. I spent over an hour with Dr. Kwok of South Korea, discussing his reverse threading techniques for lifting sagging neck and lower face tissue with new molded threads. I am very excited about this technique, and I am adding it to my already extensive repertoire of threading procedures.
Second, I learned how many things we are already doing better than most spas in the world. I was already sure of this, but it was very cool to see the satisfied faces of my staff when they began to realize it as well. As they attended successive sessions on topical care, skin products, Hydrafacial techniques, patient safety, botanicals, Microneedling and radiofrequency, and laser safety protocols, I could see them or hear them realize, “we already do that.” It is good to know and recognize there is education in being acknowledged by colleagues and having what you are already doing certified as “standard of care” by experts in the field.
Another major topic at the meeting was the role of collagen rejuvenation procedures and the use of injectable agents to stimulate collagen in concert with these procedures. I continue to realize how important it is to link collagen bio-stimulators like Sculptra with what I feel is our most important procedure for long-term skin care. The workhorse of our spa and my favorite procedure for both short and long-term results is the Secret RF. I spoke to many clinicians there about the success we are having in San Antonio with combining bio-stimulators with Microneedling/RF for neck, face, and body rejuvenation. I picked up some tips on making the procedure much more comfortable, and I will be making some changes in our anesthesia choices for these same procedures.
All in all, it was a wonderful trip for our staff and for me. We are already planning for next year’s meeting, which will be in Las Vegas again. Please locate our full-page ad in this edition and use the QR Code to download our new Turquoise SpringsVIP APP for your mobile phone.
To learn more about Turquoise Springs Medical Spa or to schedule a consultation, visit turquoisesprings.com or call (210) 253 3313
The award-winning home stagers at BY Design Home Staging share their top home staging strategies to sell your home in any market.
We are Debbie Boggs and Julie Young, two long-time best friends who started BY Design Home Staging in 2007. The name of the business is an abbreviation of our last names, Boggs and Young. BY Design combines what we love – home design and helping people! Little did we know just a few months after we opened, the 2008 recession would hit the real estate market hard. Thankfully, staging is important all the time, whether it is a buyer’s market or a seller’s market, and our business has grown every year since. In 2017, Debbie’s daughter, Andress Eichstadt, joined the company, and she is now a co-owner. Debbie’s sister, Michele, has also been a stager for BYD for about a decade. Working with your best friend/daughter/mom/sister/aunt is so much fun, and the business has thrived because of the love we share for each other. Now Andress’ young daughters have their own play space in the showroom/warehouse and love to help out. It is truly a family business run by San Antonio women!
BY Design was named SABOR affiliate of the year in 2021 and Top 10 Home Staging Team in North America in 2022.
Why is it important to stage your home in the San Antonio area?
As interest rates continue to rise, our real estate market is cooling down. A year ago, homes flew off the market as soon as they were listed. Now, we’re seeing a rise in days on the market, and sellers throughout San Antonio are taking price cuts on their listings. It doesn’t have to be that way! Home staging raises the perceived value of the home and is proven
to shorten the amount of time it takes to sell. BY Design staged homes sell 31 days faster than the average San Antonio listing. Our stagings also sell for an average of $27,000 more. That more than covers the average $2800 it takes to stage a vacant home. In fact, BY Design clients see an average 881% return on their investment in staging.
What are three things sellers can do on their own to prepare their home for a showing?
After your home is professionally staged, we recommend doing a few things before each showing so all prospective buyers see your home in the best light, literally and metaphorically. Turn on all the lights, open curtains, and raise blinds. Give the whole house a quick clean, making sure beds are made, and mirrors are sparkling. Lastly, make sure your home smells good. We recommend grinding half a lemon in your garbage disposal and turning on a lightly-scented air freshener. Staging is all about the senses. Of course, sight is covered by beautiful design, but we always think through sound, smell, and touch, too.
Creating an emotional connection between the buyer and the home is the most important thing that staging does. When buyers fall in love with a listing, they make higher offers, and they are more likely to make it through a scary inspection report or low appraisal. One of our favorite ways to create that emotional connection is to put a mirror in the entryway. As soon as a potential buyer enters the home for a showing, they’ll see themselves in the home. They can truly see how great their life will be once they move in. This is powerful! It helps build that emotional connection, which eventually leads them to the closing table. They’re more likely to ignore any negatives in the listing if they are emotionally attached in a meaningful way.
In challenging economic times, it’s important to choose home improvement investments that pay off when it’s time to sell. New garage doors continue to offer the highest return on investment both in San Antonio and nationally, according to the latest survey from Remodeling Magazine.
Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost Vs. Value Report shows that replacing a garage door is the top home improvement option for retaining value for the second year in a row in San Antonio and the best nationally for the sixth year in a row.
Locally, new garage doors returned more than 94 percent of the job cost upon resale in 2022, based on the installation of a new door priced just under $4,000 for a foam-insulated 16-foot-by7-foot door and new tracks.
New garage doors offer other benefits, too, including relatively low cost and an instant boost in curb appeal. Garage doors are often used as the primary entrance, covering up to 40% of the front elevation of some homes, which allows homeowners to greatly improve the function, value, and curb appeal of their home just by replacing their garage door.
Each year Remodeling Magazine compares average costs for popular remodeling projects with the value those projects retain at resale in various U.S. markets. More information on the report is available at www.costvsvalue.com.
A wide range of styles
Residential overhead doors are available in a wide variety of styles, colors, materials, and insulation values, with looks for every exterior and price ranges for every budget. Homeowners can choose from materials including aluminum, glass, faux
wood, real wood, steel with a stained wood look, insulated steel, fiberglass, and even vinyl garage doors for harsh environments.
Hollywood-Crawford also furnishes doors made with specialty materials, including reclaimed barn wood, Corten steel, and composite faux wood materials. One popular trend among today’s homeowners is a full-view glass overhead door, providing a seamless blend of interior and exterior spaces while providing ample lighting inside. These full-view aluminum garage doors are available with a variety of insulated and noninsulated glass panels.
Here in South Texas, insulated garage doors are increasingly popular. Insulation not only helps keep garages more comfortable but also helps prevent harsh temperatures from getting into homes – another money saver for homeowners. Garage door openers have also evolved, thanks to technology that allows homeowners to control their garage door opening systems remotely with their smartphones. That means no more worrying if the garage door was accidentally left open. It’s a great way to improve home security, safety, and peace of mind.
Explore how a new garage door can transform the look of your home at the Hollywood-Crawford showroom, located in San Antonio at 11234 Gordon Rd., with more than 40 beautiful, fullsized garage doors on display to help you choose the right door for your home. You can also use the virtual tools online at www. HollywoodCrawford.com. Simply upload a photo of your home or choose a house with a similar structure and style and select from many options to build a door unique to your needs.
For more information, visit www.hollywoodcrawford.com or call 210-494-3434.
Whether you’re looking to buy a house or sell your home, the outlook for San Antonio’s current real estate market is encouraging, said the chairman of the Board of the San Antonio Board of REALTORS®.
“We are in an interesting time cycle. Although sales prices are still high, they’re not as dramatic as before,” the chairman, Sara Briseño Gerrish, said. “We’re seeing inventory with longer days on the market, but that’s because buyers are taking their time. Their buying power has increased, and they’re taking time to reflect if it’s the right property for them. We also still have a shortage of inventory. So, we’re seeing more of a balanced market.”
Gerrish added that because of the competitive market, houses are still in high demand. “San Antonio is still a strong market and still affordable compared to other markets,” she said, adding that with more people moving into San Antonio, the Alamo City continues to be a desired place to live.
The current median home price in San Antonio-New Braunfels area is $310,000, according to SABOR. By comparison, the median home price by county is: Bexar –$294,945; Travis – $500,000; Harris – $309,340; and Dallas - $355,000.
It’s not just home prices that have continued to remain high, Gerrish said. Rental properties have seen increases, too, and are also in high demand.
Because buying or selling a home is a major decision, Gerrish highly recommends that the buyer or seller work
with a REALTOR® who can help with the entire process and address any questions or concerns one might have. “You want to have an open conversation with your REALTOR® and build a strategy to meet your end goal,” she said. “Sellers should also work with a seasoned REALTOR® to help with pricing strategy. If the asking price is too high, you might see a property being on the market longer.”
Gerrish is SABOR’s 2023 chairman of the Board and has been a REALTOR® for over 20 years serving several local, state, and national committees. She is a past chairman of the San Antonio Board of REALTORS® (SABOR) Young Professional Network, the Texas REALTORS® Diversity Committee, and the National Association of REALTORS®’ Smart Growth Advisory Board.
Gerrish will serve as NAR’s 2023 Housing Issues Liaison. She was named a “REALTOR® to Watch” in 2019 by Texas REALTORS®. Gerrish also chaired the City of San Antonio’s Affirmative Action Committee in 2019, has served on the Board with the Junior League of San Antonio, and is a founding member of Texas Public Radio’s Worth Repeating. Gerrish is a Sterling R major investor in TREPAC and a 2011 graduate of the Texas REALTORS® Leadership Program.
Gerrish, who is in her 22nd year in the real estate industry, said she was inspired by her mom to pursue the same career. “Our mom would take us to showings on weekends and evenings, and I saw the huge impact she was having on people buying a home,” she said. Now, I am doing the same and helping people build generational wealth.
For more information about buying or selling a home, visit https://sabor.com/
Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper, REALTORS
18756 Stone Oak Parkway, suite 102
San Antonio, TX 78258
(210) 483-7004
www.cbharper.com
Leesa Harper-Rispoli, President and Broker Owner of Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper, REALTORS® (CBDHR), is honored to be the second generation leading the brokerage. CBDHR is the most iconic and wellrespected brokerage in San Antonio and is wholly women-owned!
Constantly striving for innovation and excellence, Leesa has grown the company in sales to over a billion year after year since taking the reins. Today, CBDHR has earned many accolades and is recognized as the second-largest women-owned Coldwell Banker franchise in the United States and the #1 largest women-owned franchise in Central and South Texas.
With over 500 real estate professionals across 12 offices and five specialized divisions, CBDHR is a concierge-level brokerage.
Specialized divisions include Global Luxury, Harper Property Management, Coldwell Banker Commercial (CBC) Alamo City & CBC International Gateway (Laredo), Land & Ranch, an award-winning Relocation department, and of course, our residential division. CBDHR reaches Central and South Texas, with offices beyond San Antonio in San Marcos, Spring Branch, New Braunfels, Bandera, Boerne, Victoria, and Laredo.
For over 37 years, CBDHR has always had a servant’s heart and gives back to the community yearly. “It is our responsibility to give back to the community that created us. It’s the right thing to do, and I take great pride in doing this year after year,” says Leesa.
CBDHR is a real estate powerhouse built on integrity, professionalism, and innovation. The secret to their success is a strong family culture!
1677 River Road
Boerne, TX 78006
O (830) 816-7247
C (210) 394-5887
http://bizzydarling.com
bdarling@cbharper.com
Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper, REALTORS®, congratulates Bizzy Darling as the #1 Residential Individual. She provides her clients with exceptional service from Boerne, San Antonio and surrounding areas. Her career has been built on integrity, commitment, and real estate expertise. Dedicated to community service, she is a member of the Rotary Club and serves with multiple non-profits. Her years of continued excellence have earned her awards such as The President’s Elite award for being in the top 2% of agents nationally in Coldwell Banker franchises, ranked in the Top 25 Residential Realtors in the San Antonio Business Journal, and a Platinum Top 50 member. She sets the bar high for what it means to be a real estate professional by relentlessly pursuing her clients’ goals.
Phyllis Browning Company
6061 Broadway San Antonio, Texas 78209
C. (210) 365-1387
debbiem@phyllisbrowning.com
Staged for Success! Design and aesthetics are more important than ever to sell your home. God gave me the eye for design, and I use it to “Stage for Success,” the sale of your home, or turn the home you buy into your vision. What makes me different from the 15,000 realtors in San Antonio? As a licensed realtor, I also have over 40 years of experience in Interior Design, Home Staging, and Remodeling. Instead of juggling multiple professionals to get your home ready to list or buy, I have all the reliable resources you need.
My formula for listing has kept me going during crazy market times. I’m not afraid of a challenge and work through any obstacles.
“I MAKE IT ALL ABOUT YOU!”
CORIE Properties is a chic, boutique-style, high-end real estate company. With local real estate expertise and award-winning Realtors, we know that you’re in good hands when you’re working with us.
We’ve created a cutting-edge website that is the ultimate tool for buyers and sellers. With our company, you get the high-tech and the hands-on, in the exact combination that works for you. We’re here for you all the way, whether you’re moving in or moving on.
If you are trying to find a new home, this means issues such as how much living area you will need, how big your family is, what your daily activities are, and other key components will be discussed so we can find you a home that’s both beautiful and functional. From helping you with marketing strategies to final closing, we will be by your side through the entire process.
CORIE PROPERTIES Group
5800 Broadway, Suite 205 San Antonio, Texas 78209 C. (210) 860-9127
beth.lockwood@compass.com
Before Real Estate, Beth was in the news business, working for FOX and ABC Affiliates. She brings an investigative lens to real estate, telling the story of every home.
Beth became a Realtor® to give clients and friends what she feels is lacking in the industry; personal service, communication, and attention to detail. She treats each transaction as a gift; being entrusted to sell or find a home is a personal journey. We’re in this together!
Beth’s focus areas are Canyon Lake, where she is the proud owner of a waterfront home, and San Antonio, her native city.
CORIE PROPERTIES Group
5800 Broadway, Suite 205 San Antonio, Texas 78209
O (210) 824-1115
www.corieproperties.com
Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty
4 Dominion Drive, Building 2 San Antonio, Texas 78257
C (210) 240 -4464
kathy.ripps@kupersir.com
kathysa.com
San Antonio Realtor Kathy Ripps has dedicated much of her life to giving compassionate care to her clients. With a background as a professional counselor and years of experience in real estate investing, Kathy made a natural transition to a real estate agent and luxury home specialist. She is recognized as a PT50 Centurion winner not only for her professional accomplishments, but for her dedication to the enrichment of her community and her ongoing leadership in the real estate industry.
Kathy spent 31 years in the education system first as a special education teacher and then as a counselor. This extensive background has given her a strong ability to understand and relate to the needs of others, allowing her to truly recognize the significant impact buying or selling a home has on a person’s life. Kathy looks forward to serving you with integrity, honesty, and transparency!
Broker Associate at Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty
Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty
6606 N new Braunfels San Antonio, Texas 78209 (210) 639-3272
Kuperrealty.com
debra@centroproperties.net
Real estate specialist, Debra Maltz, is committed to providing outstanding service and exceptional results. With a passion for the growth of this great city and especially the revitalization of downtown, Debra’s 40 year history in San Antonio real estate translates into an agent with dedication, knowledge, and approachability.
Debra’s personal interest in center city real estate, traditional neighborhoods, and especially downtown San Antonio. Debra highlights properties that include modern high-rise condominiums, desirable historic neighborhoods, and living within a mixed-use space full of premiere dining, shopping, and the arts. Debra navigates transactions seamlessly through demonstrated market knowledge and strategic negotiation skills.
Kolb Real Estate Co.
3922 Morgans Creek
San Antonio, Texas 78230
(210) 860-0668
amykolb.net
amy@amykolb.net
Amy Kolb is widely known for her energy, professionalism, and knowledge of the San Antonio and Hill Country real estate market and has been licensed since 2002. Amy has an uncanny ability to make the process, whether buying or selling, very low-stress and enjoyable. Her goal and focus are striving for your complete satisfaction. In fact, when the job is complete, it’s done so well that you will tell all your friends and associates about her. More than 95% of her business comes from repeat clients and referrals. Amy continuously ranks one of the top 25 Realtors by the San Antonio Business Journal. In 2020 Amy opened her brokerage, quickly adding some other strong talent to her company.
“It’s not about the real estate; it’s about relationships.”
One of the most recognized faces in San Antonio real estate, Denise Graves represents some of the most iconic properties in San Antonio and the Hill Country. A former SABOR Realtor of the year, she is consistently recognized as a Top Luxury Agent by the San Antonio Business Journal. Denise’s high-tech, high-touch, high-energy approach wows her clients as they discover The Graves Group difference in buying and selling real estate.
wherever you want to be— we Can Get you there!
While there is no one size fits all approach to position your business for success in the current marketplace, companies must find ways to adapt to stay ahead of the curve. Coming out of the Covid pandemic gave us many valuable lessons. While not allinclusive and not in order of priority, these tips include:
Form strategic partnerships, leverage social media and networking, and build positive relationships with customers and suppliers. Creating solid external relationships helps companies gain access to new markets, insights, and resources that help them succeed. One of my manufacturing clients was able to access much-needed metal during the aftermath of Covid because of their relationship with their vendors. This strong bond allowed them to continue to produce while others were at a standstill due to the limited supply chain.
There are many reasons why optimizing process efficiency in your business is essential. It can improve quality and productivity while reducing costs. It’s your company’s unique way of doing things, and this is a great way to differentiate your organization. More importantly, it provides clear direction to both internal and external stakeholders. By optimizing process efficiency, businesses can improve their bottom line and better position themselves for success while retaining talent because everyone is always doing things the right way.
Not easy to do, but here are a few key things businesses can do to create and maintain a positive culture. First, clearly and frequently communicate the values and expectations to all employees. Second, encourage employees to participate in activities that contribute to a positive culture. Finally, take active steps to address negative behaviors or attitudes that could damage the company’s culture.
There are many benefits to communicating openly, but one of the most important is that it helps to build trust. When employees feel like they can openly communicate with their managers and colleagues, it creates a sense of trust and mutual respect. This, in turn, can lead to better collaboration and a more positive work environment. Additionally, communicating openly can prevent misunderstandings and provide employees with the information they need to do their job effectively. In short, good communication is essential to building trust within a business.
This is important for businesses because it helps to create loyal, repeat customers. When customers feel valued and appreciated, they are more likely to continue doing business with a company. Additionally, strong customer relationships can lead to positive word-of-mouth marketing, which can attract new customers and grow a business. Plus, happy customers are likelier to give feedback that can help a company improve its products and services.
A-Players help businesses weather economic downturns because they are skilled and experienced. These employees can help increase productivity and efficiency, saving the company money. Plus, they motivate others too!
Marketing helps increase sales and revenue, which is essential for businesses struggling to make ends meet. Additionally, marketing can attract new customers and keep existing customers loyal to the company. Marketing can help to improve the company’s image and reputation, which can be valuable during difficult times.
Dependence on a small number of clients or vendors can make a business vulnerable to fluctuations in demand or supply. This can lead to financial instability. Additionally, diversification can help protect a business against losing a major client or vendor, which could devastate the business, particularly if they represent a significant portion of its revenue. Diversification can help a company build stronger relationships with its clients and vendors, improving terms and conditions.
By establishing the company vision, you illuminate a path that directs your team toward a destination. Setting goals keeps them focused on what’s important. Examination of the horizon and economic trends quarterly helps entrepreneurs make pivotal moves, preventing unwanted surprises.
Keep an eye on the financial metrics that allow you to detect inconsistencies and areas of concern but pay attention to the other financial statements, such as the balance sheet and statement of cash flows. In finance, this adage rings true “Revenue is vanity. Profit is sanity, but cash is king!” Learn to manage the seven levers of cash flow (price, volume, direct costs, overhead, A/R, A/P, and inventory days) to hit your financial goals consistently.
In closing, remain calm and be consistent with your plan. Stay flexible and consider the value of different points of view. Business is complicated, and it’s impossible to have all the answers, so collaborate with other entrepreneurs and invest in working with a business coach to help guide you toward your goals.
If you would like to talk about your business and how to reach your goals, please email me at Lratner@ratnerconsult.com.
By Linda Ratner, RN, MBA
Dr. Julie Landry, PsyD., ABPP
What sets you apart from other therapists?
I value collaborative and interactive conversations where clients teach me about their worldviews. My therapeutic approach is direct but supportive, and I take an active role in sessions to ensure clients get the best results possible.
What is “Concierge Therapy”?
Concierge therapy is an elevated and modern approach to mental healthcare. It’s an alternative to the traditional model. Clients have direct access to their providers. Our psychologists have smaller caseloads, which gives us more flexibility with scheduling and appointment times. It’s personalized care, customized to meet your needs without long wait times.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I enjoy working with my clients and seeing them progress toward their mental health goals. I love working with my clients to think outside of the box and together find ways to capitalize on their strengths.
What career path led you to where you are today?
I’m a veteran and a mom of two neurodivergent boys. These experiences have helped shape how I interact with my clients, cultivating a passion for helping high-achieving individuals, couples, and neurodivergent people find their spark and joy in life.
Why start two mental health companies?
Halcyon Therapy Group and NeuroSpark share the same purpose - to help people find happiness. But the services provided to help people get there vary.
Halcyon Therapy Group caters primarily to high-achieving individuals, professionals, and their partners. Boutique therapy makes it easier for busy people to prioritize their mental health by offering flexible scheduling, greater access to their provider, and increased privacy. Our therapy and coaching services are provided by doctoral-level providers and are ideal for those seeking more intimate forms of therapy or personalized attention. And online services mean less time away from your busy schedule.
NeuroSpark is designed for the neurodivergent community. NeuroSpark offers virtual adult autism and ADHD assessments and coaching. We come from a place of total acceptance and zero judgment. We welcome all people across the beautiful, dynamic, multidimensional spectrum of neurodiversity, gender diversity, sexuality, and culture. While NeuroSpark seeks to fill a service gap, it’s much more than that. Our vision is that NeuroSpark erupts into a movement, creating a community of people ready to lift each other up.
Endometriosis is a very common condition that develops in women during childbearing years. According to Belinda Yauger, MD, who is dual board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and in reproductive endocrinology and fertility, endometriosis is a disease where the endometrial tissue that normally lines the uterus starts to implant and grow in other places.
“It can implant on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, intestines, wall of the pelvis, bladder, diaphragm, lungs, and several other places,” says Dr. Yauger, who sees patients at UT Health Physicians. “If it implants and starts to grow, that’s when endometriosis develops.”
Anne Porter, MD, a board-certified OB-GYN who also practices at UT Health Physicians, notes that when women exhibit symptoms of endometriosis, the most common is pain. It can accompany the menstrual cycle or occur outside of the menstrual cycle, and the pain is usually located in the pelvis, lower pelvis, or abdomen. Women may also experience pain with intercourse, urination, or defecation.
“Today, the primary medical treatment for endometriosis is hormonal suppression,” informs Dr. Porter. “The endometriosis cells are the normal glandular tissue that lines the uterine cavity, so they respond to the normal
hormones of a woman’s menstrual cycle – estrogen and progesterone. One of the primary treatments is to suppress those hormones, which will then suppress the activity of the endometriosis lesions.”
“The mainstay of hormonal suppression is birth control pills or progesterone treatment,” notes Dr. Yauger, “as well as occasionally using a medication called leuprolide, which causes a more profound suppression in the estrogen and progesterone levels. Leuprolide is used as an injectable medication. More recently, an oral medication has been developed that is similar to leuprolide, which can also cause hormonal suppression. Other treatments, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can be used in conjunction to treat pain. These are the most common medical treatments at this point in time.”
“For many women who aren’t candidates for medication, prefer not to take medication, or have tried and failed medication, surgery is the next step,” states Dr. Porter. “It can be surgery that removes the endometriosis and leaves the uterus in place, or it can be surgery to remove both the endometriosis and the uterus. In some cases, we’ll remove the endometriosis, uterus, and ovaries. I typically recommend retaining ovaries in young women because I think that we can get an effective
response with hysterectomy alone, but it’s a very personal decision for the patient.”
Dr. Yauger says that when a woman is discussing endometriosis treatment options, she should tell her physician if she desires to become pregnant. “If a woman is trying to get pregnant, most of those medical treatments are not an option because they are also contraceptive. If a woman plans to become pregnant in the near future, the discussion changes at that point. Medical options for treatment would be limited to pain management with oral medications. Fertility-sparing surgery would still remain an option as well.”
With regard to steps a young woman can take to reduce her risk of developing endometriosis, Dr. Porter believes the most important one is for her to establish a relationship with a gynecologist she trusts.
“Also, women should trust themselves,” emphasizes Dr. Yauger. “So often, I hear, ‘I have been living with this for years, and I was told it was just period pain and it was normal.’ A woman knows when something isn’t right, so I encourage women to seek a second opinion if they feel that their symptoms are not being acknowledged.”
For more information or to make an appointment with Dr. Yauger or Dr. Porter at UT Health, please call 210-450-9500 or visit UTHealthCare.org/ obgyn.
One of the best strategies to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of a person’s healthcare resources is to have all of their physicians within one network of providers. This is one of the reasons that patients enjoy using the Baptist Medical Network for their health needs.
Baptist Medical Network is an organization of healthcare providers serving patients in San Antonio and surrounding communities through a network of over 100 clinics. Steve Lara, CEO of Baptist Medical Network, says that when a patient has all of his or her physicians within a single network, one of the biggest benefits is improved communication among those physicians. “All providers within Baptist Medical Network share an electronic medical records [EMR] system so a patient’s charts can be shared seamlessly with other Baptist Medical Network providers on the patient’s care team.”
According to Steve, “If the patient requests an appointment with a provider who is unable to see the patient soon, we will work within our network to get that patient seen at another office quickly. For example, if a patient is unable to get an appointment with a cardiologist in Alamo Heights in the next two weeks, we can check the schedules of other nearby cardiology providers in our network to potentially get that patient in sooner. We employ over 220 providers in twelve specialties all over the greater San Antonio area, aim to remove barriers to healthcare, and provide access and opportunity to the communities we serve.”
Steve adds that having all providers in one network improves a patient’s access to care. He says that patients may not seek routine healthcare due to time constraints or the belief that their health status may improve. With a network of providers offering various specialties across San Antonio, Baptist Medical Network hopes to remove some of those barriers to healthcare.
For patients living with chronic illnesses, having all physicians within the same network can improve continuity
of care and makes it easier for each physician to know what services the other members of the patient’s care team have provided. “This is another area in which patients will benefit from our providers sharing an EMR,” says Steve. “All our patients’ notes from all visits will live in one system for easy referencing, instead of having to rely on the patient to relay information from his or her PCP or specialists.”
When all a patient’s providers are in the same network, they also enjoy an easier, less confusing experience when dealing with copays and insurance billing. “Patients will receive billing from one company if they see providers within Baptist Medical Network,” relates Steve. “Copays are still paid per office per their insurance, but a benefit of seeing a Baptist Medical Network provider is that if the patient needs additional tests, some of our offices offer in-clinic testing. Providing testing in the clinic provides cost savings to our patients because they only pay one copay for the visit.”
If you would like to switch your healthcare team to providers within the Baptist Medical Network, please call the Physician Finder line at 210-606-9071, or visit BaptistMedicalNework.com.
Have you ever struggled to focus on a single task? Maybe you’re a multi-tasking queen. Or, perhaps, your partner faces challenges when crossing tasks off the honeydo list — or any list in general. Is your home a series of half-finished projects and semi-organized clutter? Does communication seem to be a key issue in your relationship? Did you nod your head yes to all those questions? I may have an answer for you — and some tips on navigating those challenges within your relationship. ADHD may be the culprit. If you think that’s a diagnosis for children, you’re correct. ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is primarily diagnosed in children. However, in recent years, ADHD diagnoses among adults have increased — by a rate of 123.3%, according to an article published by JAMA.
What does ADHD in adults look like?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivityimpulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.”
While ADHD in adults has risen in the past few years, it’s still thought to be highly underdiagnosed in those over 18 years of age. Those with ADHD may struggle with:
● Paying attention
● Finding the motivation to start and finish tasks
● Remembering things
● Managing time and organization
● Fidgeting (especially when trying to sit still)
● Talking excessively and out of turn
How does ADHD present differently in men vs. women?
Statistically, men (or boys) are diagnosed with ADHD more often than women (or girls) — with 12.9% of men and boys diagnosed with ADHD compared to 5.6% of women and girls, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Women are more likely to be misdiagnosed with mental health conditions such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, or personality disorder. In addition to the typical symptoms associated with ADHD, girls, and women may also experience the following signs:
● Eating disorders
● Impatience
● Difficulty sleeping
● Deep emotion that results in crying, including often feeling overwhelmed
● Extreme shyness
● Perfectionism
● Low self-esteem
● People pleasing
How does ADHD affect relationships? ADHD — especially if undiagnosed — can create challenges within relationships (specifically romantic ones). Many times, both partners feel the strain of ADHD in various ways. Sometimes it presents as poor communication or listening skills, a low tolerance for frustration and frustration related to impulsivity, and a lack of followthrough related to commitments. Here are three specific ways ADHD can impact romantic relationships and tips on how to navigate those challenges:
Not understanding the symptoms.
Understanding the symptoms associated with ADHD is essential in navigating daily life with an ADHDer. For the non-ADHD partner, it can be frustrating that your partner does (or does not do) specific things. For the ADHD partner, it can be frustrating to want to do things but not be able to do so in a manner you and your partner feel is acceptable.
TIP: Work with your partner to better understand the symptoms associated with ADHD. Once you understand better, you can create routines that work for both of you.
Taking on a parental role.
Many non-ADHD partners find they slip into a parental role with their partner. This can be detrimental to the relationship in many ways, but it infantilizes the ADHD partner explicitly. Essentially, the non-ADHD partner takes over, making it difficult for the ADHD partner to feel valued.
TIP: Try employing ADHD support strategies. This looks like giving your ADHD partner more responsibility and working together to implement systems, keeping score. Have you ever been in the middle of a disagreement only to be reminded by your partner of something you did or didn’t do in the past? Keeping score makes it increasingly difficult to move past disagreements.
Keeping score.
Have you ever been in the middle of a disagreement only to be reminded by your partner of something you did or didn’t do in the past? Keeping score makes it increasingly difficult to move past disagreements.
TIP: Don’t play the blame game and throw out the scorecard.
Dr. Julie Landry is a board-certified clinical psychologist. In addition to general adult concierge services, Dr. Landry specializes in couples therapy and assessment of neurodivergent conditions.She is passionate about helping high-achievers optimize their mental health and enhance their well-being. Dr. Landry founded Halcyon Therapy Group in June 2022 and NeuroSpark Health in February 2023. She currently sees clients in person in San Antonio, Texas, and virtually in 32 states.
Their smiles give them away.
That’s the most obvious thing Elise Russ and her oldest daughter, Laurie, have in common when you see them together—or when you see almost identical photos of them from their childhoods. In each, both proudly pose in their bright blue Daisy tunics, decades apart but still connected through a tradition—Girl Scouts—that turns 111 in March.
Time will tell if Laurie follows in her mother’s footsteps to be a business owner, but through being a member of Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas, she is learning the type of skills to help her reach that or any goal she sets her mind to achieving.
Elise being both a business owner – pastry chef and owner with her husband, John, of acclaimed San Antonio restaurant Clementine – and a Girl Scout alum is no surprise. Research from “The Girl Scout Alum Difference,” a 2021 study by the Girl Scout Research Institute, shows that participating in Girl Scouts is a powerful factor for developing positive life outcomes, which in turn build a foundation for success in education and careers, enable a lifetime of leadership, and provide high levels of life satisfaction. Alums say being Girl Scouts set them on a
path for achievement, connected them to something bigger than themselves, and helped them develop their passions and interests.
Entrepreneurship is one of Girl Scouts’ four key programming pillars, along with life skills, the outdoors, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). The Girl Scout Cookie Program— the world’s largest entrepreneurial program for girls—is just one of the ways Girl Scouts learn about entrepreneurship and other leadership skills, from money management to decision making to business ethics. Elise had her turn selling cookies, and Laurie participated in the program this winter.
Fostering an entrepreneurial mindset for girls prepares them for a successful education, a career of their
Girl Scouting builds generations of girls and women of courage, confidence, and character.At left: Elise Russ poses in her Girl Scout Daisy tunic during her childhood in Maui, Hawaii. At right, Elise’s daughter, Laurie, shows off her own Daisy tunic. Courtesy photos
choosing, and the skills needed to tackle challenges they’re most passionate about. In short, it balances the scales and readies them for today’s society.
Along with her fond memories of her time in Girl Scouts, Elise credits her experiences in the program with helping her develop various skills, from getting out of her comfort zone to learning about safety issues.
She grew up in Maui, Hawaii, and Snellville, Georgia, and studied baking and pastry arts at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. She and John have been married for seven years and have three children. They opened Clementine in 2018, and John, as head chef, has been named a semifinalist of the prestigious James Beard Award in 2022 and 2023.
Elise also is a member of the San Antonio chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier, a group for women in the hospitality industry who work together to help empower other women in the industry through scholarships, aspiration grants, charity work, and mentorship.
Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas (GSSWT): Describe your journey to becoming a pastry chef. Did you always know you wanted to work with food or in the industry?
Elise Russ (ER): I have always loved baking. My mom always encouraged me from a young age to bake at home. I didn’t consider it for a career because I was afraid that if it was something that I did all the time, I would get sick of it. When I was in high school, I did an internship through my school at a local bakery, and I fell in love. I knew this was a career that I could do every day of my life and never get bored. Every day is something new and it is always exciting.
GSSWT: What’s your favorite part about being a pastry chef?
ER: I love everything about desserts—making them, eating them, seeing how much other people love to eat them. It is so fun that I get to work with a medium to express my creativity that tastes so good.
GSSWT: Did you always have a desire to own your own business?
ER: Yes, although my dream business changed over the years as I continued to grow in my career.
GSSWT: You were a Girl Scout (as were your sisters), and now your daughter is in Girl Scouts. What’s it like seeing her involved in the program?
ER: I love it! I tell her all the time that it makes my heart so happy. I love that I drop her off and she has this independent time away from me and her siblings where she gets to choose her own adventure. The troop she belongs to really empowers the girls to make their own choices and decisions about the activities that they participate in. I feel like as a five-year-old, she gets very little of this kind of freedom in her daily life, and I think this is my favorite part of the entire experience.
GSSWT: What are some of the things she has most enjoyed while being in Girl Scouts?
ER: When we first started going, she was very hesitant and shy about joining the group. Not long after, the troop had a badge day where they spent five hours working on different projects to earn badges that the girls had selected. They did all sorts of activities—cooking, painting, lots of art, science experiments—and that was the day she really fell in love with being a Girl Scout.
GSSWT: She participated in the Girl Scout Cookie Program this year. What skills would you say your daughter is learning by selling cookies? What is she learning through Girl Scouts in general?
ER: Laurie can be very shy, and I think the most important thing she is learning from the cookie sales is how to talk to grown-ups that are not close friends or family. I also love the video we had to watch about internet safety before we could start using the online cookie-selling platform. Not all of it pertained to her, but it was a really great way to open the door to the conversation about being safe online so that one day, when she does have access to a computer or a phone, it will be a concept that she is already familiar with.
What she is learning from Girl Scouts is independence and having some freedom to make decisions on her own about what she wants to do. I love how the Girl Scouts have such a high standard of ethics and expectations for the girls and a wonderful commitment to being an active part of the community through age-appropriate charity work.
GSSWT: What are some of your favorite memories from your time in Girl Scouts?
ER: I lost my first tooth eating a piece of angel food cake at one of my Daisy meetings. This was one of my mom’s favorite stories to tell. As I got older, my favorite part was the camping trips that we would go on with our troop.
“What she is learning from Girl Scouts is independence and having some freedom to make decisions on her own about what she wants to do. I love how the Girl Scouts have such a high standard of ethics and expectations for the girls and a wonderful commitment to being an active part of the community through age-appropriate charity work.”
GSSWT: How did Girl Scouts help prepare you for your life experience?
ER: I was very shy as a child, and I remember dreading having to go door to door selling cookies. I would go with my sisters and try to sell in our neighborhood. Once we got home, I remember feeling very accomplished and proud of myself. I think that is what prepared me most for the adult world—being forced to step outside of my comfort zone, whether it was selling cookies or cooking
all our meals over a campfire. There was not another activity I did as a child that gave me the same sense of empowerment and accomplishment.
GSSWT: If you could share a message with current Girl Scouts, what would it be?
ER: Enjoy this time you have with other strong young women to accomplish goals—whether it be a new badge, working together to set up a campsite, or working toward a Girl Scout Highest Award. These are skills that will serve you well once you are in the workforce. Being able to not only be a good team member but to also empower other women is a very valuable skill and one of the most important things I took away from my experience.
Girls today possess many of the traits linked to entrepreneurial success. In fact, six in 10 girls have an entrepreneurial mindset—a set of skills or qualities, such as curiosity and confidence, that are linked to entrepreneurial success.
When it comes to future careers, girls are actively exploring their entrepreneurial interests.
78: Percent of girls interested in becoming an entrepreneur in the future.
76: Percent of girls interested in starting their own company.
84: Percent of girls who want to lead a cause or campaign in something they believe in.
Girl Scouts are more likely than other girls to have an entrepreneurial mindset. And they’re more likely to want to be an entrepreneur in the future.
79: Percent of Girl Scouts who have an entrepreneurial mindset compared to 52 percent of non-Girl Scouts.
91: Percent of Girl Scouts interested in becoming an entrepreneur compared to 71 percent of non-Girl Scouts.
Source: “Today’s Girls, Tomorrow’s Entrepreneurs,” Girl Scout Research Institute, 2019
Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world.
Girls of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends.
Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them.
Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas (GSSWT) serves more than 10,000 Girl Scouts in 21 counties. We champion girls as they pursue their passions and forge their future. By supporting girls and amplifying their voices, we give them a chance to discover a lifetime of self-assurance, adventure, and achievement.
Like all Girl Scouts councils, we are diverse and inclusive. More than 65 percent of the girls in our council are non-white, and approximately 50 percent of girls live in marginalized communities. For many, Girl Scout programming provides a pathway for them to reach their goals and achieve success.
Programming includes financial literacy, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), health and wellness, the arts, and citizenship. Girls can participate in councilsponsored events, attend day and overnight camps, sell cookies, go on field trips, engage in community service, and travel.
Girls in grades K-12 can be members through volunteerled troops, as independently registered Girl Scouts, through our Gamma Sigma Pearls™ and Gamma Sigma Girls® leadership development programs in select schools, through in-school programming in select schools, and through collaborative programming provided by select fellow youth-serving organizations. These avenues ensure we reach girls where they are, especially in underserved communities.
Learn more about us and join the fun today at www.girlscouts-swtx.org
Rosario’s owner/founder Lisa Wong appreciates what it takes to keep customers happy: “Consistently great food and service.” The same enchilada plate customers could count on every time they’ve come is exactly what they’ll find here, thanks in large part, she says, to her longtime loyal “cook extraordinaire,” as Wong calls Manuel Lopez, who’s worked with Wong for 20+ years. Lopez, Wong, and two of her nieces, vice president Michelle W. Gonzalez and manager Ashley Cavazos, care about every plate they serve and every aspect of the restaurant. “Rosarios is my legacy to my family; I couldn’t do this without them,” says Wong, an attractive, smart, and business-savvy force. Wong is also a co-founder and the C.O.O. of Ácenar next door to Hotel Valencia.
For decades Southtown’s epicenter has been Rosario’s ComidaMex & Bar, a local landmark located for years on the corner of Alamo Street and South St. Mary’s. Standing in the shadow of Hemisfair, just a few blocks from downtown, Southtown offers an eclectic, authentic San Antonio ambiance.
This February, however, Rosario’s dropped its apron at its old corner location and moved a few blocks down St. Mary’s into the building that had long housed El Mirador restaurant. Enhancing its atmosphere and making an even splashier impact on the ever-evolving, art-centric neighborhood, Rosario’s new 25,000-square-foot space stands tall and bright.
Many longtime Rosario’s lovers, initially skeptical about the move, and some who mourned El Mirador’s closing, now agree that the move was the right thing for customers and the community. The ambiance is decidedly different, but its food isn’t, so Rosario’s is sure to remain a Southtown institution.
Rosario’s former location on San Pedro closed in March, allowing time to concentrate on the new Southtown location. Its new indoor dining room and outdoor patios are colorful and inviting. Inside, guests behold a bright fuchsia back wall while tables in front face floor-toceiling windows. The sleek modern vibe retains a sense of warmth, with modern furnishings and organic textures, like touches of brick, wood, natural fibers, and even authentic Mexican pigskin equipale chairs. Architectural elements and warm textural touches were intentionally integrated into the design. Original masonry walls line a quiet back room, adorned by two works from local artist Eva Marengo Sanchez of classic Concha pastries (an homage to Wong’s late mother). Also, El Mirador’s small Kiva fireplace room remains intact, honoring its special place in Southtown’s past.
Adjacent to Rosario’s, the King William Garden House will soon become a private event space. Wong is respectful of the 1860s-era caliche stone edifice and its historical significance. An official landmark, Wong lovingly renamed it “Casa Isabel,” honoring her late mother.
Behind the restaurant where parking is plentiful, notice the enormous mural by internationally-renowned Chilean
artist INTI (Inti Castro). Also, look for the summer opening of Rosario’s rooftop bar and lounge, offering peerless vistas of the city skyline and the Tower of the Americas.
Most importantly, Rosario’s offers the same kind of menu customers have come to love. Try the in-house made fireroasted salsas and chips, appetizers like shishito peppers sprinkled with sea salt, and (my favorite) the fabulous Mexican street corn made with both queso fresco and Cotija cheese. Enjoy Rosario’s spectacular fresh ceviche or classics, like its famous enchiladas, rich creamy moles, stuffed puffy tacos, and more. We loved the yummy vegan cauliflower chile relleno stuffed with fresh carrots and sweet potato hay covered in a light poblano pepper cream sauce. Rosario’s also offers an exciting full bar menu with eight classic margaritas, nine tequila and mezcal cocktails, eight specialty cocktails, 13 national and local draft beers, 17 bottled beers, and 21 wine selections.
“We offer Mexican comfort food that is simple and delicious. I’ve owned my own restaurant since I was 18, so I learned long ago what my customers want: great food and attentive service. They’ll find that here every time,” says Wong.
The modern space is colorful, but Wong ensured it would not be too loud or too large. “It’s Rosario’s reimagined. Our customers are our family. Rosario’s is their home as much as mine,” says Wong.
Taking the tired out of Tex-Mex and offering a fresh, colorful take on tried and true traditions, Rosario’s ComidaMex & Bar remains a San Antonio staple. Keeping its unique culture - and its cool - Southown won’t lose its unique flavor as long as Rosario’s is around.
Our Deli offers you an assortment of Italian Panini made fresh to your order from a variety of traditional sliced imported and domestic Italian meats and cheeses. The bread is homemade at Fratello’s... tasty, soft in the middle, and addictive. Try one of our hand crafted specialty pizzas prepared in our wood burning oven. You may also carry out your favorite deli meats, cheeses and antipasti for home, office or special events. Fratello’s will also prepare special catering trays to your order. Try our selection of Italian meats and hard and soft cheeses.
2503 Broadway St. | (210) 444-0277 | fratellosdeli.com
April 1990 W.D. Deli opened on McCullough Avenue in the Olmos Park area of San Antonio, Texas. Since that first day, the goal was to provide customers with delicious, fresh food in healthy portions at reasonable prices. Great pride was taken to build a business with scores of regular customers who have been enjoying lunch at the deli consistently since the doors have been opened.
3123 Broadway St. | (210) 828-2322 | wddeli.com
We make our bagels from scratch every day and boil them in water to give them that distinct tough, shiny, textured, chewy inside. Every Thursday, our gourmet bread is made in-house from scratch. We start making the challahs on Thursday, allowing for the process to take place that will enable us to bake them Friday morning, as the process begins every day to have the bagels baked for the next morning. Starting at 3:00 am, we bake our bagels daily; they are always fresh. We mix and shape them, giving them that distinct tough, shiny texture and delicious, chewy inside. We use high gluten flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Our bagels have no dairy products except for our egg bagels. Our challah bread is fresh and ready every Friday.
10918 Wurzbach #132 | (210) 691-2245| chicagobagelanddeli.com
San Antonio Woman found some of the most popular and unique spots to enjoy the best Deli Markets in the city.
A splendid little gustatory temple tucked away in the old brewing department, LARDER at Hotel Emma is for guests and locals alike. We carry local groceries, global provisions, fine wine, beer worthy of our location, just-out-of-the-oven baked goods, fresh flowers, housebutchered meats and freshly-prepared foods to eat in or take out.
136 E. Grayson | (210) 448-8355 | larderatemma.com
Our food menu is a selected choice of the most demanded Hot dogs styles in San Antonio, such as the Chicago style, Texas Style, Connie Island style, New York Style and others.You, your family and friends watching your favorite Sport team playing a game. Well, there is something that shouldn’t be missing in your game, right? Yes, your Hot dogs! Make that day’s event to be real, bring the magic at home!
15711 San Pedro Avenue | (210) 201-4030 | jkchicagodogs.com
A marketer of the finest raw cuts of meats to connoisseurs who demand the best, at Cooper’s quality is more important than just a word, it’s our passion and our promise that follows throughout our company from top to bottom. That’s why since 1997, we’ve become one of the leading suppliers of Certified Angus Beef Prime and Choice Aged Grain Fed beef. Along with our catering services, we also carry a wide variety of appetizers, sides, casseroles, spices, rubs, wine and beer.
6002 Broadway | (210) 820-3838 | coopersmeatmarket.com
Jimmy and Kathy DeLaurentis came here in 2008 to fulfil their cousin Bobby Catalano’s dream of opening a real South Philly cheesesteak restaurant in the San Antonio area. They hit the nail on the head and brought real Philly food to South Texas when they opened Youz Guyz Cheesesteaks in Universal City, Texas! In fact, just to let ya in on a little family secret, Youz Guyz godfather is Joey Vento of world famous Geno’s Steaks in South Philly.
316 Pat Booker Rd | (210) 659-8930 | youzguyscheesesteaks.com
HoneyBaked® has everything you need to create an unforgettable spread for your special or everyday gathering. Pickup at your local store or ship to your doorstep!
9963 I-H 10 West | (210) 697-8844 | honeybakedham.com
When you think ‘mariachi’ you most likely think of the deep powerful sound of a man’s voice. But if you listen closely to this unique group, you’ll hear they are strumming, singing, and dancing to a different key. Mariachi Las Alteñas is an all-female mariachi group that is making waves across the United States.
Their mission is to achieve excellence as overall musicians and performers and to raise the standards for women in mariachi music. Mariachi Las Alteñas are known for their musical diversity, which appeals to crowds of all generations. The women that make up Las Alteñas are a stunningly beautiful group of musicians who are eager to share the pride for their Mexican heritage with their audiences.
Under the guidance of Valerie Vargas, founder and director, Mariachi Las Alteñas consists of 10 musicians who all serve as vocalists for the group: five violinists, two trumpeters, a guitarronista, vihuelista, and guitarrista, creating the iconic mariachi sound acknowledged and respected in the industry. Spectators are impressed with not only the ladies’ musicianship, but also with the group’s stage presence. The group’s philosophy is to not simply sing a song, but rather interpret the meaning and communicate that meaning with the audience. Their signature colorful trajes de charro and vocal harmonies draw abundant crowds from far and wide to their performances.
Mariachis are the flavor of Mexico, and in San Antonio Mariachi Las Alteñas and the city’s culture make the perfect combination. Their name Las Alteñas is taken from the birthplace of mariachi music, Jalisco, Mexico. The higher regions, Los Altos de Jalisco, is an area described as being near the top of the world and fans say these ladies are right up there! In a predominately male industry, this all-female group has indeed paved a unique path in the mariachi world. Las Alteñas will change what you think of mariachi music. They’re young, they’re driven, and with them, every night is ladies’ night.
For more information or to book Las Alteñas visit: mariachilasaltenas.com or email mariachilasaltenas@yahoo.com
The Texas Cavaliers have helped the lives of thousands of youth soar, and due to the generosity of sponsors and donors, the Texas Cavaliers will donate a total of $46,000 to the school art programs of the winners and runners-up to help continue their mission of helping children succeed.
The Grand Prize winner was awarded:
- Whataburger for a year
- Named an honorary float ride participant in the 2023 Texas Cavaliers River Parade
- A scholarship to UTSA Southwest
For more information please visit https://www.texascavaliers.org/
