San Antonio Woman May / June 2021 by Las Tres Muchachas

RISING STARS

MAKING NEWS!

DOSSIER: ADVERTISING & PR TO YOUR HEALTH MIND • BODY • SOUL

ALLY BROOKE

INTERNATIONAL SINGER WHOSE SUCCESS COMES FROM HER HEART

IN THIS ISSUE

MAY/JUNE 2021

16 Cover Story

Inner positivity and faith fuel San Antonio-native Ally Brooke’s path to stardom.

21 Feature Story

Four women in the spotlight, ready to make a name for themselves in the news.

40 At Home

Classic American home with a touch of South Texas and understated elegance.

21 6

sawoman.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MAY/JUNE 2021

Stories Business

26 Role Model 28 Guy to Know 3 1 S p o t l i g h t : J a c l y n Ro b e r s o n , At t o r n e y 6 1 Wo m e n i n H e a l t h c a r e 69 Dossier: Advertising & PR 77 Business Insight 8 0 Wo m e n o n t h e M o v e

Lifestyle

3 2 Fa s h i o n 36 Beauty 4 4 At H o m e E x t ra 83 Mommy Matters

To Your Health

4 8 M y L e u ke m i a D i a g n o s i s 5 1 H e a l t h y Fa m i l y H a b i t s 52 SA Cancer Council 5 7 We l l n e s s M a t t e r s 59 NonProfit Spotlight: Clarity Child Guidance Center

Food & Entertainment

86 Hill Country Destinations 8 8 H i l l C o u n t r y C u ra t e d 9 0 D i n i n g : B U N Z H a n d c ra f t e d B u r g e r s 94 Art Beat 95 Entertainment 9 6 We d d i n g

26 8

sawoman.com

DIFFERENCE

C O N T R I B U TO RS

Nina Padilla

Al Rendon

Nina is the Art Director, lead Al photographs homes seen in San consultant, and the owner of Motion Antonio Woman magazine. “My Arts Media, LLC and Vignette Portrait photographs use light to bring a home’s Photography. A lifelong lover of light personality to life. When I raise the and movement, Nina’s photographic camera and focus on a room’s view, I art captures the authentic and real am composing to express its owners’ moments of each human that steps personality in the best light.” He has had in front of her lens and her work has more than a dozen major solo exhibits, been both locally and internationally and his work is in such permanent published. In 2021, Nina decided collections as the National Portrait to expand her photographic career Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution and created San Antonio’s newest and the National Museum of Mexican Art full service media company, Motion in Chicago. Arts Media, LLC that offers content creation, management, and marketing solutions for local businesses.

David Teran David, a self-proclaimed people person, is a free-lance photographer that loves to tell people “good morning!” in the afternoon, to try to make them smile. He enjoys coffee, tacos, and writing letters on his 1968 German typewriter. When he is not writing about himself in the third person, David can often be found in a foreign country, photographing ballerinas with his 40-year-old Hasselblad camera. David has been blessed to be able to make people smile at his jokes on four continents - and to work with an awesome team of people.

Dawn Robinette

Bonny Osterhage

Jenny Jurica

An award-winning writer, communications expert and founder of Tale to Tell Communications, Dawn Robinette loves to share the stories behind the faces and places that make San Antonio shine. Despite being told by her high school English teacher that she couldn’t write, Dawn has made a career doing just that and is a regular contributor to Alamo City Moms, Rio Magazine and Texas Lifestyle Magazine.

Bonny is a local journalist and public relations professional with more than 20 years in the industry. With a passion for all things health and fitness, Bonny moonlights as an instructor at JoyRide Cycle and Fitness and is the founder of B-FITSA. com. She and her husband, KSAT 12’s Mike Osterhage have proudly called San Antonio home for 25 years.

Jenny is a freelance writer who lives in the beautiful Texas Hill Country with her husband, two children, and a house full of assorted and beloved pets. An introvert at heart, Jenny’s idea of paradise is set somewhere in the mountains of the Desert Southwest. Her work regularly appears on various parenting and pet focused websites, as well as several local print publications.

sawoman.com

Steve Bennett A native Texan, Steve Bennett has written about art, architecture, and books for more than 30 years, working for the San Antonio Light, Express-News and Austin American-Statesman. Currently a freelance writer and editor, Steve makes a mean platter of green enchiladas and enjoys cycling, British detective shows and the Dallas Cowboys.

Janis Turk Janis is an award-winning travel writer/photographer, and author of several books and travel guides. Her culinary photography appears in the James Beard Award-nominated “Come In; We’re Closed” and in “Queens: A Culinary Passport.” Her byline has appeared in national and international magazines and newspapers. Follow Janis at www.TurkTravels.com

EDITOR’S LETTER

MAY/JUNE 2021 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Cathleen Lane CREATIVE DIRECTOR & GRAPHIC DESIGN Miriam Jesaijes PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Nina Padilla DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MEDIA Taylor Lane DIRECTOR OF SALES & PARTNERSHIPS Dale Lane WRITERS Cover: Dawn Robinette Rudy Arispe, Steve Bennett, Jill B. Byrd, Erin Callahan, Jenny Jurica, Bob McCullough, Linde Murphy, Bonny Osterhage, Linda Ratner, RN, MBA, Dawn Robinette, Angel Santiago, Duane Snape, MA, LPC, Janis Turk, Dora Vera, Sean M. Wood

I’m so glad you’re here! There’s an energy coming back to our city, and I can certainly feel it in this issue. This issue is filled with stories of women who aren’t afraid to challenge themselves, fun fashion and beauty tips, new dining ideas, and Hill Country travel inspiration to help you make the most of this exciting time of year. When I met our talented and driven cover woman, Ally Brooke, I was immediately taken by her warmth and effervescent joy. Although Ally has toured all around the world with her former singing group, Fifth Harmony, she was incredibly gracious and made our team feel like we’d been friends our whole lives. I know you’ll be rooting for our hometown girl after you read her story of always pushing herself to do more while staying grounded with her family and beloved hometown. I was fascinated to read the stories of four female news anchors and how they followed their passion along very different paths that led them to San Antonio. You’ll love getting to know them in this month’s Feature article. We are so excited to introduce “To Your Health,” an expanded section dedicated to all aspects of a woman’s health - mind, body and soul. We hope this will be a wonderful resource for women in taking charge of all of their health needs.

PHOTOGRAPHY Cover: David Teran Stacey Crick, Mitch Idol, Nina A. Padilla, Kimberly Potter, Molly Quirk, Al Rendon, Desiree Shelankas, David Teran ADVERTISING SALES Cindy Jennings ADMINISTRATION & CUSTOMER SERVICE Abaigeal Lane PRINTING Shweiki Media, San Antonio, Texas EDITOR EMERITUS Beverly Purcell-Guerra PUBLISHED BY Las Tres Muchachas, LLC. NOMINATIONS AND ADVERTISING INFORMATION Email: info@sawoman.com A Las Tres Muchachas Production Cathleen & Dale Lane 1150 N Loop 1604 W, Ste 108-249 San Antonio, Texas 78248 (210) 236-5834 www.sawoman.com TO YOUR HEALTH

CARING FOR MIND, BODY & SOUL

We’re always looking for inspiring women. Drop us a line at info@sawoman.com to let us know about the inspiring women in your life! Salud!

Cathleen

sawoman.com

4 RISING STARS

MAKING NEWS! DOSSIER: LEADERS IN PR, MARKETING AND ADVERTISING

ALLY BROOKE

On the cover: Photography by David Teran Hair by Preston Wada Makeup by Dora Vera @thelookstudiomu

INTERNATIONAL SINGER WHOSE SUCCESS COMES FROM HER HEART

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.

SA CURATED

SA CURATED SA Curated brings you the best events, announcements, SA Woman staff favorites, things to know, and places to be in San Antonio!

SMH Seniors Make Global Impact

Saint Mary’s Hall (SMH) seniors Chelsea Huffman ‘21 and Devika Kumar ’21 created a local She’s the First chapter, which has raised enough money to put a Tanzanian girl through one year of high school. She’s the First, a national organization, supports girls in low-income countries in attending high school. In 2019, they started She’s the First as part of their community service goals related to the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award program.

House of Medicinals

A Texas, purpose-driven wellness brand delivering plant-based, ecoconscious products that inspire everyday feel-good moments. Launched in December 2020 by the Austin husband and wife team, the brand was established to create beautiful, high-quality, effective, plant-based products that make people feel good and do no harm to animals and the environment.

“We thought it would be a great opportunity to teach others in our community about global affairs and how we can best use our privilege to benefit others,” said Huffman and Kumar.

Houseofmedicinals.com @houseofmedicinals

The chapter studies world affairs, discusses the impact students can have on global issues, and plans fundraisers to support girls in Tanzania. They host a variety of fundraisers, such as bake sales, at SMH to raise funds. Learn more about SMH Student Life at www.smhall.org/smh-life.

Editors Pick:

In this moving and inspirational memoir, Fifth Harmony’s Ally Brooke shares her love for music, recalls her journey to fame, and reveals how she has remained true to herself and her beliefs through her most difficult moments. Nowhere Bookshop, 5154 Broadway

SA YES Unveils Two “Little Lockers” in the South San and Edgewood Independent School Districts SA YES, the largest distributor of school supplies in South Texas, unveiled two “Little Lockers” at Edgewood ISD and South San ISD to kick off National Reading Month. In partnership with the Frankie Casseb Youth Literacy Club, these “Little Lockers” are available to the public and will provide free art supplies and outdoor activities for the summer months, and books on a variety of topics throughout the school year. The “Little Lockers” offer educational resources for 7,000 students annually across both districts.

J. Philippus Art Studio & Gallery at Parade of Homes

Jeanne Philippus is a local artist and gallery owner who developed her own unique art style incorporating leftover paint, miscellaneous items, and broken glass. Based in San Antonio, Texas, Jeanne owns J. Philippus Art Studio & Gallery, a modern art gallery and teaching studio which offers classes specializing in acrylic pours, resin and glass art. From contemporary to abstract, Jeanne believes you don’t need to be an artist to create your own beautiful piece of art. For the second year in a row, Jeanne will be a featured artist of all original art in the “Robare Custom Home” at the 2021 San Antonio Parade of Homes. Learn more at https://jphilippusart.com/ 14

sawoman.com

Boujee BONBON

Boujee Bonbon is a gourmet artisan chocolate maker located here in San Antonio. Boujee Bonbon was envisioned from Chef Ike’s passion for chocolates and for creating unique flavor combinations. These amazing creations are only available online, and we currently ship anywhere in the USA. But for our friends and neighbors in the San Antonio and Bexar County areas, Boujee Bonbon DELIVERS! urbanveg-sa.com

@SANANTONIOWOMAN

AREAA San Antonio’s All Female Board

Last month, the San Antonio chapter of the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) celebrated the instillation of their 2021 board at their Spring Illumination Gala. The 2021 board is made up of all females, including President Quynh Nguyen. Congratulations, ladies!

COVER STORY

Ally Brooke Letting Her Light Shine: Ally Brooke’s Success Comes from Her Heart By Dawn Robinette Photography by David Teran

sawoman.com

Chatting with Ally Brooke, it’s easy to understand why she seemingly glows in every picture and video you see of her. It has nothing to do with lighting, hair, or make-up: she radiates from the inside out. Brooke’s inner energy, faith, and positivity shine through and draw you in, leaving no doubt as to why her career has taken off. “I try my best to always be positive and to uplift others because it’s so important, especially in those hard times. And sometimes you’ve got to uplift yourself,” explains the chart-topping singer, actress, author, and San Antonio native. She absolutely beams energy and positivity, glowing as she talks about her career, her family, and her deep love of San Antonio. “I have so much love and pride for my city. I carry it wherever I go,” she gushes, quickly listing a myriad of reasons why San Antonio will always have her heart and her roots. She’s already purchased a lot where she plans to build her dream home in the Alamo City. Her focus on positivity and her desire to uplift others is fueled by her own journey. “I’ve had times when I’ve felt so discouraged, or that it seems impossible to accomplish what I want to do. But I’m here to be that voice to somebody out there and say, ‘You can reach your dreams. You can achieve more than you can imagine’.” Working to make dreams come true is something Brooke knows well. The multi-talented force of nature began her rise as a teenager on “The X Factor,” the Simon Cowellhelmed musical talent competition show that ultimately paired her with other young, talented singers to create the pop group Fifth Harmony. Successful albums and tours followed, with Billboard naming them the “biggest girl group of the 2010s”, proving that the group was far more than reality show-hype.

the tears that I cried, all the questions that I had, all the prayers that I prayed with a broken heart. I just held on to my faith, the faith that God would take care of me and that I would see something beautiful on the other side of the pain.” That belief planted the seed for “Finding Your Harmony: Dream Big, Have Faith, and Achieve More Than You Can Imagine,” a memoir about her life growing up in a tight-knit Hispanic family in San Antonio, her deep Christian faith, and her hopes and dreams for the future. “It was important to me to share my heart and my story. “I’ve learned that when we’re in the storms of life or the devasting moments, something is waiting on the other side – a beautiful lesson or a beautiful opportunity. We just have to persevere. That is what keeps me going, my faith. And the love of my family and my closest friends to pray for me, to encourage me, to lift me up. That is what helped me. That’s what kept me together.”

I’m here to be that voice to somebody out there and say, “You can reach your dreams. You can achieve more than you can imagine.” Brooke is also quick to give credit to those who encouraged her to follow her dreams from a young age, going back as far as her third-grade teacher, Mrs. Merrill, and Coach Terry Lowery from the Network for Young Artists, who opened the doors for her first performance long ago. Those influences, along with her strong family roots, continue to provide the foundation and spark to reach her goals.

When Fifth Harmony went on hiatus, Brooke’s career continued its fantastic trajectory, including a spin under the “Dancing With The Stars” mirror ball. Her solo musical career has kept her in the spotlight as she’s racked up hits on her own and through collaborations with top names in the industry. Along the way, she released a makeup line with Milani and won a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Main Title for an Animated Program for the hit Nickelodeon show “The Casagrandes.”

“I’ve struggled so much with insecurity and with my confidence. That’s what I struggled with since I was a young child, and my parents would just tell me, ‘Mama, you be yourself. Don’t let anyone steal your light or your joy. You’re going to shine being who you are, and that is who you’re meant to be’. That changed my whole perspective. And to this day, I take that advice with me and keep it in my heart to not change who I am.”

With all of that success under her belt, it would be easy to assume that Brooke has had an easy rise to fame. But what is packaged on reality television doesn’t show the years of hard work and disappointments along the way. “It is not easy at all. Those moments where I was discouraged, when doors were closed or when I didn’t feel good enough, all

That’s also the advice she wants other young women, especially Latinas, to hear. “When I was 12 years old, coming to Los Angeles, I didn’t see a lot of young, Latin stars or actresses or singers. Now we’re living in such a different time where people from so many different backgrounds and heritages are being represented. May/June 2021

“I have so much love and pride for my city. I carry it wherever I go.”

sawoman.com

“The Latin community is stronger than ever. And so vibrant and people all over the world and the U.S. are listening to Latin music and Spanish music and loving it. It’s so awesome that we live in a time where everyone is encouraged to be themselves, to shine fully, and to respect each other in our own spaces or creative vibes or whoever we want to be.” That said, some of the hurdles she shares reflect the challenge of being a young woman in the entertainment industry. And yet, her ever-present positivity shines through. “I’ve had my fair share of people not being nice and men trying to take advantage of their power. But I feel that we’re living in a time now where women are taking more control of their lives and careers.” “I believe that if you lead with love and respect and you have that care for others, it’s awesome to be able to just be yourself and to love on people. That’s the best thing.” Her skyrocketing career, including her movie debut in “High Expectations,” where she stars opposite Kelsey Grammar, keeps her on the move. But she makes it home to San Antonio as often as possible to see her family.

Along with honing her cooking and baking skills during COVID—she’s mastered making her own tortillas, her dad’s queso, and a fantastic chocolate pecan pie—she’s been busy working on new music she’s excited to share with everyone, including her family. What means the most to her is that she’s making music her young cousins want to dance to. “They listen to my music and watch my videos nonstop every single day,” she excitedly explains. “I cannot wait to release what I’m working on. You’ll definitely be able to dance to this music and feel the emotion at the same time. “I’m proud of singing lyrics that I stand by and empowering women and people to be themselves through my art. And being able to sing the music that I’ve always wanted to sing, be myself on stage, be that artist that I’ve always wanted to be and do projects and do things that I’ve always dreamt of,” she explains. “I still have so many more things in my heart and dreams to accomplish, but I’m beyond thankful for what I’ve done to this point. I just thank God every day.”

Photography by Tony Garcia

“My family means more to me than anything. We’re very tight-knit, and the love there for me is so strong. My favorite thing to do is just to go home, be with my parents, my brother and my cousins, my grandma, and just eat and talk and laugh and be cozy and just share that quality time with each other.”

No matter what else she accomplishes, her family’s reaction takes center stage. “Seeing my parents’ faces, my family’s faces, light up when they see me on stage or see me accomplish a big dream – whether it’s being in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or being a part of ‘Blue’s Clues’ or being in my first film – just seeing their joy and sharing that excitement and those achievements together is priceless.”

Ally Brooke performing the national anthem in April 2021, before the first San Antonio Spurs basketball game of the season with fans in attendance. Opposite page, bottom left photo: Ally with her father, Jerry Hernandez. May/June 2021

FEATURE STORY

New & Newsworthy Getting to Know San Antonio’s Newest Female News Anchors

San Antonio viewers are fiercely loyal when it comes to their local news, with many families watching the same station for generations. Part of that dedication stems from the need to know whether to grab an umbrella, or if traffic is gridlocked on US 281, but the other part is rooted in the familiar faces of the anchors whom we welcome into our homes morning, noon, and night. The past couple of years, however, have felt like a game of musical anchor chairs with departures and debuts making headlines. But once the music stopped, the following four women found themselves securely seated in the spotlight, ready to make a name for themselves in the news, the community, and viewer’s hearts.

By Bonny Osterhage Photography by David Teran

May/June 2021

Simone De Alba Anchor News 4

Fascinated by “the minutia of politics,” Simone De Alba is driven by public service. The Colorado native holds both political science and journalism degrees and has married these two passions into one successful career. “Public service is what makes me show up day in and day out,” she explains. “If done correctly and in its purest form, journalism is the quickest way to get answers out of leadership and help your neighbor.” De Alba’s road to San Antonio had pit stops in Montana and California, each one teaching her life skills that would ultimately shape her path as a journalist. Prior to television, a six-year stint as a behavior therapist for a young woman with autism taught her valuable lessons about people and compassion. Her first job in journalism, an anchor position in Montana, taught her the value of community. And a break from journalism to go to a rural area of Nepal and teach children and young adults with special needs taught her that she could leave her comfort zone and make a tangible difference. “I was working as a morning anchor in Sacramento. I enjoyed the job, but I felt like something was missing. I wanted to actively participate in journalism that was community-driven and focused on public service.” She made the decision to leave Sacramento in search of reinventing her career on her own terms. 22

sawoman.com

She was in Nepal a month later. “It was wild and happened quickly,” she describes. “I flew halfway around the world to try something I’d never done before, and although it was extremely difficult, it was rewarding beyond any stretch of my imagination.” De Alba returned to the states and began the search for what she calls a needle in a haystack. “I really took my time. I needed a station that would allow me the space to grow and evolve as a journalist.” In November 2020, she found it at News 4 San Antonio. She says the friendly nature of the city has made it easy for her to feel like a part of the community. An ultramarathon runner, De Alba, and her rescue dog Casper, a 140-pound King Shepard, are getting to know their new home by running trails in preparation for the Habanero 100 race in August. “I like the general vibe of San Antonio,” she says. “It’s a big city, but it has so much charm. Most of all, I’m grateful and excited to call this city home.”

Vanessa Croix Anchor KENS 5

As a former high school counselor in her hometown of Houston, Vanessa Croix was always encouraging her students to follow their dreams. After ten years, she finally took her own advice and pursued a lifelong dream of broadcasting. Croix was in her mid-30s when she took an internship at KPRC in Houston and then landed her first gig as an anchor and producer in Bryan/College Station. In her free time, she practiced her reporting skills, shooting her own footage and asking other reporters for feedback. Her hard work paid off when, after only two years, KENS 5 offered her a job. “It was a leap of faith,” she says. “It’s one thing to start a new career when you are in your 20s, but it’s different when you are middle-aged.” In many ways, Croix says that her former teaching career helped prepare her for her current job and that the two professions are similar.

“The viewers are like my classroom,” she describes. “Sure, there are more of them and I can’t see their faces, but I still have to create a relationship.” Croix says San Antonio already feels like home, and she spends her downtime exploring the rich history of downtown as well as the communities along the border towns. “These communities are in our viewing area, and I want to make sure they are seen and heard,” she explains. When she isn’t running or taking a hot yoga class, Croix can often be found listening to live music at historic dance halls and getting to know what she calls San Antonio’s “welcoming community.” “When people tell me they watch me, I am so humbled because I was never sure I was going to get here,” she says. “I am so grateful to be where I am.”

May/June 2021

Stephanie Serna Anchor KSAT 12

In August of 2020, Stephanie Serna started setting her alarm a lot earlier as she took over the anchor spot on “Good Morning San Antonio.” “It’s set for 2:30, 2:40, and 2:45 a.m., and I also set my husband’s phone as a backup,” she laughs. Serna, who grew up in San Antonio, got her first taste of journalism while working on the newspaper at John Jay High School. She followed her nose for news to UT Austin, where she realized that broadcasting was her true calling. “There’s a much quicker turnaround in broadcast journalism, and I liked the urgency and instant gratification of it,” she describes. After working at stations in both Waco and Austin, Serna was hired as a freelancer at KSAT in 2009 and spent six months dividing her time working in both the San Antonio and Austin markets. “I would wake up and forget what city I was in,” she says. “Keeping them straight on the air was a challenge too.” By 2011, Serna had secured a permanent position with KSAT as a reporter for GMSA before working her way up to her current seat behind the news desk. She says she is happy to be back in the city and community where she grew up. “San Antonio has a spirit and passion that brings people together, you always see that and especially during this pandemic,” she says. 24

sawoman.com

In addition to her new role as morning anchor, Serna juggles the roles of wife and mother. She and her photojournalist husband met at KSAT and have a sevenyear-old daughter. With her unusual schedule, life can get hectic, but she tackles it all with a “laid back” approach. “It all works because I adjust a lot and don’t keep a rigid schedule at home,” she explains. She also makes time for exercise. An avid runner with nine full marathons under her belt, Serna says running is her “stress relief” and keeps her “grounded and sane.” Although she is still fueled by her passion for storytelling, there were plenty of days this past year when the stories were harder to tell. That’s when Serna thinks back on the advice once given to her by her mother. “She always told me that you never know who’s watching and that you might just make a difference to one person,” she shares. “I want to continue to try and make that difference.”

Camilla Rambaldi Anchor KABB29

Camilla Rambaldi has been a familiar face on the Fox San Antonio reporting scene since January 2016, but her promotion to anchor in September of 2019 has made her a household name. Like Serna, she was born and raised in Los Angeles. She discovered her passion for journalism while writing for her high school newspaper. “I felt the fire in me to tell stories and be a voice in the community,” she says. Since coming to San Antonio from Helena, Montana, Rambaldi has earned a 2017 Lone Star Emmy award nomination for her reporting on homelessness in San Antonio, and she is the 2019 Excellence in Media award recipient from the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault. “I’m grateful for a platform where I’m able to tell important stories within our community,” she explains. In 2019, she launched the franchise “SA Strong” to share stories of empowerment and resilience. On her

website camillarambaldi.com she also features her own personal journey in finding strength as a woman and journalist via her blog, “The Empowered Blog.” “The news is nonstop, and sometimes it’s heartbreaking,” she says. “There is a lot to constantly process. You have to honor your mental health and self-care.” For Rambaldi, that can mean taking social media breaks, hiking, yoga, or tending to her newest hobby, plant care. She believes our goals and dreams cannot be compared and that there is no end to growth. “Your journey is your own,” she says. Her best advice for embracing the future? “Don’t be afraid to fail,” she says. “It’s from failure that you will embrace your strengths and learn to master your skills.” May/June 2021

ROLE MODEL

Cooking with Confidence:

Chef Mary Lou Davis When Hollywood came calling, Mary Lou Davis turned them down. “Hell’s Kitchen,” Chef Gordan Ramsay’s restaurant reality show where chefs compete to gain a spot working for Ramsay, found Davis on social media and asked her to audition.

By Dawn Robinette Photography by Desiree Shelankas

sawoman.com

The Chef de Cuisine at San Antonio’s Whiskey Cake turned down the opportunity. “I thought it was a joke,” she laughs. Instead, she was invited to Los Angeles to interview. And she turned it down. “My general manager and CEO were telling me not to go on the show because they’d make me look like a fool. So I told them no.” Thankfully, “Hell’s Kitchen” called back, and she decided to go for it. And that’s the advice she shares with others. “You have to bet on yourself. I’ve been spending my time waiting for somebody to do something for me or waiting for the right opportunity. But that opportunity is never going to come unless you make it yourself. “If it’s something that you believe in and something that you want to do, you have to full-heartedly 100% go in and make it happen. It’s not just going to happen for you. We’re all going to face adversity in our lives, and it is going to make you a stronger person. But are you going to back down or are you just going to push it out of the way and keep going? I say push it.” The show was filmed in 2019, but the airing was put on hold by COVID-19. Davis finished the competition as runner-up, turning in strong performances throughout the show. “I’ve been sitting on that secret for two years now!” she excitedly exclaims. She lost 10 pounds during the filming. “It was so stressful. It’s every single day for three weeks. You only get one day off. And the last thing that I heard before I went there from the people I worked with was that I wasn’t good enough. So the whole time I kept being afraid that I wasn’t good enough.”

I am happy. And I’m young in this profession. Every day I feel like I do something that validates myself. It’s like here, you’re on the right path. So I will continue to be unapologetically myself.” She credits her mother, Mary Davis, as her inspiration. “She’s always been on my side. I grew up in a singleparent household. I worked so hard because I want her to be proud of me. And I wanted her to know that I do know how to work hard, but it’s also to prove everybody else wrong as well.”

“I really want to go and travel and learn more skills before I decide to settle down and open up my own spot.” No matter what she faces, Davis’ life motto helps her stay the course. “I have it actually tattooed on me. ‘This too shall pass.’ It can be something positive. It can be something negative. What’s going on right now with “Hell’s Kitchen”? I’m getting all this attention, and it just lets me know, hey, this is going to pass. So you need to make the most of it and do everything that you want to do. But then also when I’m having a bad day, it’s on my arm. It’s going to pass. Then you’ll have a new battle.” “We’re all going to face adversity. We’re all going to face trouble. There’s always going to be blocks in the road, but it’s all in how you make it. So how are you going to get past this? That’s what defines you when you’re faced with trouble. What do you do? You don’t need to know the right answer. You just need to know where to find it.”

Davis’ end goal is to have her own restaurant, but she’s not ready for that just yet. “I really want to go and travel and learn more skills before I decide to settle down and open up my own spot. Being on “Hell’s Kitchen” opened my eyes so I can see how much more is out there and how much I don’t know.” Her Instagram profile includes the description, “unapologetically myself,” a place she came to after being told that she didn’t have the right personality to work in the kitchen. “I couldn’t understand that. I don’t want to be what you want. I want to be myself. I’m a naturally happy person. I wake up, I’m smiling and I’m laughing. I’m really just an all-around happy person.” But that good nature can keep people from taking her seriously. “My personality has seemed almost like a burden. Most people won’t take me seriously because

May/June 2021

GUY TO KNOW

“Notable” Master Portrait Artist Kevin G. Saunders Some photographers take a picture. Kevin G. Saunders makes a portrait. “The word ‘take’ is an important distinction,” says the Amarillo-raised artist. “I create a likeness of somebody that they would choose to represent them.”

By Bonny Osterhage Photography by Nina A. Padilla

sawoman.com

Inspired by the works of John Singer Sargent and Yousuf Karsh, Saunders is perhaps best known for his “A Collective Vision” Notable People of San Antonio in 2020, an exhibit housed at the Brick Event Center in the Blue Star Arts Complex in January 2021. Featuring 69 black and white portraits of some of the city’s most recognizable faces, the collection was designed to pay tribute to the contributions of community leaders in San Antonio amid one of the most pivotal years in history. The most notable face not featured in the collection, however, might just be his own. Completely self-taught, Saunders has made a career of his craft later in life after an extraordinarily colorful path that included ballet dancing, truck driving, bike racing, and aviation manufacturing (to name a few). He specializes in large-scale portraits on canvas, using both digital and hand-painting techniques to add the finishing touches that turn the images into works of art. Today, at the age of 64, Saunders has a goal of becoming the “best master portrait artist of the 21st century,” and he is going “all in” to do what it takes to achieve that vision. How did you select the “notable people” for your exhibit? I wanted to showcase people who were givers. People who were doing, or trying to do, something substantial within the community during a year that will always be remembered. I selected the first round based on people that I knew who met the criteria. The final 26 were selected via a bipartisan nominating committee chaired by Dr. Pat Burr, former Dean of the School of Business at University of the Incarnate Word. You’ve had a notable career path that has included everything from ballet dancer to sailboat racer, to owner of an industrial design firm. How did you end up as a master portrait artist? I was always involved in the arts. I studied music and ballet in high school, but I was what you’d call an “underachiever.” I got my GED and drove 18-wheelers for a few years before enrolling at Westminster College in Missouri, where I graduated with a degree in biology with an emphasis on anatomy, something that has proven useful in my current career as I study the human form. I’ve owned four businesses over the years, and I’ve had great successes and spectacular failures, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. The most important thing I’ve learned is that my dream is to become this century’s master portrait artist on the level of Karsh. Thanks to a life coach showing me my true calling, I understand the level of commitment and dedication involved, and I am determined to hone my craft. What sets you apart from other photographers in the industry? My father was a gifted photographer, and he taught me about things like light and shutter speed, but the rest comes from how I relate to people. I am an empath, and I

can sense what people need and see them in the way that they want to be represented. This job is 98% psychologist, priest, and therapist, and about 2% photographer. You specialize in large-scale works with even larger scale price tags (a 30x40 plus frame starts at $20,000). Why did you choose such a unique niche? When I was growing up, my mother had a large-scale portrait hanging over our piano, and it made a big impression on me, serving as a permanent impression of her as the regal matriarch. In today’s world where everyone is tearing down traditions and institutions, I feel that formal portraiture is worth saving and celebrating. My work is a legacy, preserving and representing people for future generations. That’s priceless. Where do you see yourself and your work in ten years? Moving forward, I want to create “notable” portraits for international clients, but my ultimate goal is to be the best master portrait artist in the world. I am an all-in type of person and I understand that if you want to be the best at something, you have to do the work and pay the price. I know the pain and persistency it will take to get there, and I have a strong support system in my wife of 32 years. I believe that my calling is a gift, and I have a moral obligation to fulfill it. That’s the nature of a calling; you don’t choose it, it chooses you.

May/June 2021

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Roberson Duran Law, PLLC Jaclyn Roberson, Senior Partner

What do you enjoy most about your work? The best part of my work is when I get to bring families together through adoption. We have so many wonderful children who need a home, and when they find a loving family, I am so grateful when I get to be a part of that experience.

Photography by David Teran

What community or non-profit groups do you support? My husband Leon Collins, along with Trey and Rockie Stepter, run STEP Organization, a program that creates and curates unique cultural and educational events for San Antonio youth. I am also a life member of Texas Exes, the official alumni association of the University of Texas at Austin, and a former president of the San Antonio chapter. What is your favorite event in San Antonio in the summer? Why? Texas Folklife Festival. My mother and I have attended almost every summer and it’s a highlight of my year. I enjoy learning about the myriad cultures that make up our wonderful state. What is the most inspirational book you have read this year? The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg. What do you think makes being a “San Antonio Woman” so special? There is no better city than San Antonio, and women are changing the game here. We are leaders, changemakers, innovators, and I am proud to be a part of this dynamic community. Who has influenced you the most in your life or career? My mom. I still call her when I have to make major decisions, and she has always supported my career choices without question or judgment.

Office location: 4243 E. Piedras Dr., Suite 140, San Antonio, Texas | 78228 Phone number: (210) 224-4077 Contact information: www.rdfamilylawfirm.com, info@rdfamilylawfirm.com

May/June 2021

FASHION

Spring into Style! Spring is here and it’s all about the accessories! Freshen up your looks this season with a little help from some of our favorite local stores.

sawoman.com

Devotion Dress $448 LeeLee

Tortoise Blossom Earrings $44 Voge Boutique

Charming Heart Necklace Ten Thousand Villages

GLAMOROUS Hoop Earrings $32 Voge Boutique

Textures

Etkie bracelet, small $215 Etkie bracelet, medium $275 Par Coeur extra long paper clip necklaces $440 Sirciam rings LeeLee

Heart Wood Bracelet Ten Thousand Villages

Love Connection Earrings $35 Voge Boutique

May/June 2021

Eco-Leather Blush Purse Ten Thousand Villages

Rafe New York Half Moon Clutch $280 Julian Gold

Colorful Jon Hart Bags $14 - $214 Rose, Mint, Lemon, Lilac, Coral, Ocean Blue, White Sparkles

Essential Companion Tote Ten Thousand Villages

sawoman.com

Pastels

Mansur Gavriel Mini Bucket Bag $525 Julian Gold

Cabot High Neck Top $225 Alice + Olivia Conroy Vegan Leather Short $225 Alice + Olivia Dunn Roll Cuff Vegan Leather Blazer $440 Alice + Olivia Pendulum Platform Sandal $59.95 Chinese Laundry Vince Camuto Espadrille $110 Julian Gold

Photography LeeLee products by Taylor Lane

Photography by Tania Jazmin Photography

Tan Halmanera $348 LeeLee

Casual

Veronica Beard Cork Sneaker $250 Julian Gold

Primabase Sneaker $338 LeeLee

Arizona Soft Footbed $135 Birkenstock

Black Halmanera $378 LeeLee

May/June 2021

BEAUTY

More SPF,

please! 4.

Already basking in the Texas sun? Make sure you protect your skin from harmful UV rays! Integrating a great SPF product into your skincare routine will help prevent sun damage and signs of aging. Don’t stop at protecting your face each day, though! Your chest and hands receive sun exposure throughout the day and often get overlooked, especially when you’re driving. Hello to warm weather, goodbye to damaged skin! 1. Quartz Sun Protection $40 (Turquoise Springs Medical Spa) 2. Hawaiian Coconut Clear Spray $10.99 (Alba Botanica) 3. Citrine Vitamin C Serum $115 (Turquoise Springs Medical Spa) 4. Wild Mint Clear Mineral Sunscreen $11.90 (Alba Botanica) 5. Amber Sun Protection Color Tinted Sunscreen $45 (Turquoise Springs Medical Spa) 6. Sweet Pea Sheer Shield $19.00 (Alba Botanica) 7. Baby Clear Mineral Sunscreen $9.47 (Alba Botanica) 8. Elta MD Hyaluronic Acid Facial Sunscreen $33 (Skin MB Nashville)

Products available on: turquoisesprings.com, albabotanica.com, skinmb.com

sawoman.com

Beauty news with

Dora Vera

Dora Vera, owner of The Look | Makeup & Hair, is a San Antonio native with 10+ years in the hair & makeup application industry. She works with women of all ages around San Antonio, offers one-on-one makeup lessons, and specializes in the “no makeup, makeup look.” thelookstudiomu@gmail.com @thelookstudiomu

Foundation Routines that Defend With summer right around the corner and temperatures climbing into the high 90’s, we must start taking extra precautions in protecting our skin from overexposure to UVA/UVB rays. Ultraviolet rays have the potential to damage your skin microbiome, making you more susceptible to pathogens. Many sunscreens on the market contain harmful, unregulated chemicals that act as hormone disruptors, such as Oxybenzone. The FDA recognizes two ingredients as safe and effective: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, so it’s best to look for sunscreens with these as the primary/active ingredient. As a makeup artist, it is my responsibility to keep my clients’ skin safe and healthy. Finding a clean and natural sunscreen that offers adequate protection may seem tedious, but keep in mind sunscreen is only one form of protection and should be the last line of defense. You can be vigilant by wearing head coverings, sunglasses, lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen, and avoid exposure when the UV radiation is at its highest.

Tip:

Some foundations offer limited protection from the sun that may be paired with an SPF powder, which can be reapplied every two hours for optimal coverage!

1. Bobbi Brown Skin Protection $50, bobbibrowncostmetics.com 2. Color Science, SunforgettableTotal Protection $89, dermstore.com

AT HOME

Traditional Modern

Understated elegance defines recently built Terrell Hills home By Steve Bennett Photography by Al Rendon

One of the refinements Ashley Wingo made to her Terrell Hills home during a yearlong renovation was a built-in Thermador coffee machine, which grinds the beans and brews a cup at the touch of a button. It’s nestled in a dark-toned cabinet across from a rectangular island the size of a ping-pong table topped with a glowing slab of white quartz two inches thick. A small improvement, the slick, stainless-steel gadget seems to encompass her approach to home life. “I don’t like clutter,” she said, surveying a spotless living room, open to the kitchen, which is flooded with afternoon sunlight from large windows on one side and Arcadia custom steel-and-glass French doors on the other. “It grinds the beans and has its own water supply, so it’s pretty much hands-off. And it gets the coffee maker off the counter. I like clean lines, a more tailored look. I’m in that space in between traditional and contemporary — black and white, a neutral palette with pops of color.” Built in 2016, the home is classic American with a touch of South Texas in its white stucco 40

sawoman.com

exterior and metal roof. The roof was one of the major changes made, along with the removal of dormer windows to give it a cleaner look, Wingo said. The Wingos — Ashley from Corpus Christi, her husband Robert from the Woodlands, who met a decade ago while both working in the Houston energy industry — bought the house in 2018, after living five years in Pittsburgh, PA. Robert’s job brought him to San Antonio, and Terrell Hills just seemed like home. “That was the initial attraction; we really liked the Terrell Hills community,” she said. “When I walked into the house, I saw a lot of potential. I liked the size of the house, and the layout, with the master on the first floor, in kind of its own wing. And I loved the fact that it was sort of a clean slate, that I could remake in my own style.” Left page: Light pours into the Terrell Hills living room of Ashley Wingo, who takes good care of her West Highland Terrier, Duke. Right page:The living room, which features a Lee Jofa coffee table and sofas from Baker, is open to the kitchen, which was reworked with dark cabinetry and an Art Deco-influenced backsplash.

May/June 2021 41

With four bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths, the 4,800-square-foot, two-story house had plenty of room to raise a family. Twins — a boy and a girl — came along three years ago; Duke, an aging, affectionate Westie, rounds out the household. Having renovated her Pittsburgh home not too long before moving back to Texas, Wingo knew what she wanted — and what she didn’t. “We had a very white kitchen in Pittsburgh, and I knew I wanted dark cabinets in my new home,” she said. “We basically redid the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, the study.”

“She saw this modern-traditional, classic

style of home - a newbie in an old-world neighborhood - that had really good bones, but kind of vanilla basics,” She ripped out the fireplace and replaced it with handsome black marble, added a pool out back, and installed a new entrance to the home, again a custom Arcadia front door with clear glass panes in a black steel framework. Wingo tapped Urban Electric for handsome lighting, including simple brass and glass cube fixtures over the kitchen island. Beige sofas by Baker Collections and a Lee Jofa glass-topped coffee table anchor the living room, with its 11foot ceilings and bright white walls, like the rest of the house. Backsplashes in the kitchen and wet bar, in geometric black-and-white marble with slivers of gold, add an Art Deco touch, as does the angular black and gold wallpaper in the powder room. Perhaps Wingo’s favorite piece in the house is the brass-edged walnut dining table from Lillian August. “That will be a family heirloom, I think,” she said.

Top photo: Wingo prefers an understated look with pops of color in her home. Bottom photo: While the rest of the house is mostly bright white, Wingo went with navy blue walls in the study, which has chairs by Lillian August, an ottoman by Bernhardt, and a table by Baker.

sawoman.com

Wingo adds “the right jewelry to the outfit,” said her friend and collaborator, Corpus Christi designer Tina Anastos. “She’s not fussy — not a lot of tchotchkes. She’s an updated classic, in everything she does, whether it’s a handbag or her home. Everything about her is understated elegance.” The Terrell Hills house had all the basics right, Anastos said, just needed a tune-up. “She saw this modern-traditional, classic style of home — a newbie in an old-world neighborhood — that had really good bones, but kind of vanilla basics,” added Anastos, who is also working on a beach home the Wingos currently are building in Port Aransas. “I think we added the critical upscale modifications, finishes, and touches to make the home really outstanding. And, I have to add that the natural light that pours into that house is really invigorating. Top photo: Wingo replaced the floors, lighting, and fixtures and repainted the cabinets in the master bath, creating an Art Deco haven. Bottom photo: The master suite features a bed from Hickory Chair, with a chair and ottoman by EJ Victor. The table next to it is Kravet, while the chandelier came from Restoration Hardware.

May/June 2021

AT HOME EXTRA

Make Some Elbow Room in Your Backyard By Erin Callahan

Do you crave a little “me” space in your home but donʼt have the square footage to spare? You may be surprised to find that a perfectly appointed she-shed or studio offers the ideal solution without forcing you to buy a bigger house. Pop your head over the fence. Your neighbor may have already caught on to this trend that appears likely to stay. New companies, such as Some Elbow Room, are right here in San Antonio building fully customizable tiny structures. Who would want to spend their time in a shed? This is where things get interesting. “Our clientele is seeking a retreat for work and play,” says Amy Moody, COO of Some Elbow Room. “They want the comforts of home in a space that’s beautiful.” Some Elbow Room outfits their buildings with an air-conditioner, electrical wiring, insulated walls, LVP flooring, sheathing, house wrap, siding, 30-year shingles, exterior and interior trim, and a pier and beam foundation on blocks. It’s sort of like a tiny home without plumbing. These super-sheds allow you to transform some of your unused outdoor space into an extra room for whatever purpose suits you. One of the most popular uses for these backyard buildings is a classic she-shed (or mancave): a little retreat steps from your back door where you can keep busy with whatever youʼre passionate about. Whether it’s jewelry making, gardening, or painting, people create incredible works of art in their very own studios. It’s an amateur artist’s dream come true. “Weʼd never tell you how to use your she-shed, because, in our experience, most people donʼt have any question in their

sawoman.com

minds as to what they would do with Some Elbow Room!” says Moody. The modern slant studio pictured here is covered in a white smooth fiber cement lap siding. A stained wood screen plays off the single door painted Superior Blue. The shaded lounge is a great place to read or watch the kids play while safe from Nerf pellets and soccer balls. The interior is transformed into a gardening oasis. Huge windows allow for light to grow almost anything. And it’s brimming with pots, plants, and gardening tools. Inside the bold exterior of the mid-century modern inspired studio is a bicycling gym complete with sea grass wallpaper and floor to ceiling mirrors. Some Elbow Room showcases another backyard beauty affectionately nicknamed “Jeff’’s Zoom Room” by the owner who uses the space as a home office. The 8x16 rectangular box is popular with the stay-at-home workforce that’s decided to permanently end their commute. Find a little backyard space for a shed and you’re all set to join the masses who know the secret to living large through these small rooms. Erin Callahan is CEO of Some Elbow Room, LLC., a woman-owned accessory structure construction and pre-fabrication business based in San Antonio. A wife, mother, educator, hobbyist, and businesswoman, Erin branded her solution to the “newnormal” to share with the masses. www.SomeElbowRoom.com

come see us in person, to view our courtyard filled with sample walls

To Your Health connects you with experts and resources in medical care, mental health, nutrition, fitness, and wellness, providing insight into all aspects of a woman’s health. Empowering you to advocate for yourself - mind, body and soul.

Salud!

This Can’t Be Right … Leukemia is My New Reality By Jill Byrd as told to Sean M. Wood Photography by Kimberly Potter

I am a 41-year-old married mother of two active boys. I’m a business owner. I’m a marathon runner. I live a very active, healthy lifestyle. I have leukemia.

They ordered a biopsy. Six days later, I got the phone call. “We have a diagnosis,” the nurse practitioner said. “It’s leukemia.”

I have spent more than half of my career as a public relations professional working for health care clients. A lot of that time was focused on cancer care, treatment, and advocacy.

When you hear those words, it’s almost like your world goes silent. You think, “It can’t be right.”

I learned during that time from advocates and patients to be careful communicating about ways to “prevent cancer” and not say someone “lost their battle with cancer.” I understand that better after my diagnosis. Those phrases put the patient “at fault.” We didn’t do enough to avoid or defeat cancer. In reality, nothing would have prevented this.

Clues Then Detection

Being so busy, coping with kids during the pandemic, and having just turned 41, it was easy to think the night sweats and fatigue were hormonal. It was harder to rationalize the swollen lymph node in my groin. It was about the size of a marble and it wasn’t going away. After five weeks, I had it checked out. An exam led to a sonogram and then blood work which showed a slightly elevated white blood count. The blood work from my annual checkup three months earlier looked great. 48

sawoman.com

I have interviewed a lot of people with cancer. My stepdad died of cancer. My mom is a lymphoma survivor. Until you hear the words, “You have cancer,” you think it doesn’t happen to you. If you would have told me when all my blood work came back fine, that in three months I was going to have leukemia, I would have said you were crazy. What I have is chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). It is typically diagnosed in patients 65 or older, and most patients are men. That set off alarms for me. I needed to find a hematologist. I’m blessed that I know enough people that I was able to find a hematologist who called me the day I was diagnosed. He specifically said, “I don’t see this as being urgent based on what you’re telling me along with the initial results, but dearie, how old are you?” When I told him I was 41, he asked if I could get to his office in 45 minutes. His empathy and offer of a quick appointment gave me peace of mind. I felt 110 percent

better just knowing that I had spoken to a specialist and that we were building a plan. Telling Our Sons My husband, Scott, and I had initially said we weren’t going to tell the boys until we had a true diagnosis and a plan of action so that we could give them the complete picture. But we wouldn’t have that for several weeks. Our kids aren’t in preschool. They’re at an age where, at 10 and 13, we’re trying to build that open, honest relationship, and I didn’t feel right keeping it from them. So, we told them in a very careful conversation that night at dinner. I said, “Guys, we rushed out this afternoon. I want to be honest with where we went.” I said, “I’ve told you both that I will always be honest with you, that I will always have your back, and that you can trust me with anything. Mommy has leukemia.” My 13-year-old, T.J., said, “Isn’t that cancer?” The second he said cancer, Matthew burst into tears. That was really tough to see. So, we explained that three months ago, I was totally fine. I noticed some changes, so I went to get it checked just as we should. “At this point,” I said, “we’re still doing tests. They’re going to monitor me very, very closely. And do you know how they monitor me?” And they asked, “How?” “They have to take a lot of blood, maybe every month.”

The first thing that came out of Matthew’s mouth after he wiped his tears was, “Mom, you better get tough because you hate needles.” More Watchful Waiting I’m ready to deal with what’s inside me, only there’s nothing to deal with yet. Two days after Easter, we got the results of my first CT scan. My doctor essentially said, “Based on our findings, you have a mild form of CLL. You are a healthy young woman. You eat right, and you exercise, so nothing you do at this point can reverse it. We’re just going to have to watch.” For someone who’s a planner and likes to have control of things, I have no control over this. But I’m learning to give myself grace. I have to remind myself that the silver lining is we found it early. The fact that I have leukemia is in my head every day, but I am able to stay active and involved in every aspect of a life I love with my family and friends. I just have to see the doctor more frequently. This has taught me to evaluate what is really important in my life. I’m going to be a bit more focused on what I want to do. Running is going to have a bigger purpose for me. I’m going to use that to help raise money for more research because I don’t want other parents to worry how cancer can and will impact their children’s lives. My early diagnosis just might buy me more time to continue to help fund research and advancements in treatment and maybe even a cure in my lifetime. So, why wouldn’t I focus my efforts on that?

Some people have asked how they can help. Join TEAM BYRD for the

LLS Light the Night Walk San Antonio Saturday, Oct. 9 - 7:30pm

to advance research and support patients with leukemia and lymphoma. Welcome to Team Byrd’s Fundraising Page (lls.org). https://pages.lls.org/ltn/stx/SAntonio21/TeamByrd

May/June 2021

The Habits

of a

Healthy Family By Duane Snape, MA, LPC

The family is the single most important influence in the life of a child. Today’s families look much different than they did ten years ago, and they are much more complex and diverse. There is no longer one dominant family form. Despite what the family unit may look like today, it is critically important for the family to have healthy practices for all of its members. The benefits of a healthy family are longlasting and promote wellness. Healthy families laugh, manage stress, instill core values, promote strong, secure attachments, discipline, structure, independence, and positive relationships, and offer a safe space for mistakes, communication, and trust. Children learn about relationships from their own family, and a healthy family gives children a solid foundation to build upon. Children are the most vulnerable family members. From their first moments of life, they depend on parents and family to protect, nurture, model, mentor and provide for their daily needs. The family is a child’s first teacher, and the healthier the family, the more likely the child will become a healthy adult. The habits of a healthy family can promote balance in the life of its members and strengthen the physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual parts of the family. A healthy family builds the confidence and esteem of all its members, values quality relationships, and makes an effort to spend time together. When deciding what your family’s healthy goals should be, there are a few things to consider. Being strategic and intentional when establishing your family’s healthy goals is critical. Try to include every member when coming up with your healthy family goals, and like any other goal, it is always good to revisit and re-evaluate every thirty days or as often as you need to. Here are a few healthy habits you

can incorporate into your own family’s practices: - Be active and go outside as often as possible - Eat healthy foods and drink enough water daily - Limit sodas, caffeine, and sugar - Communicate by looking, listening, and touching - Talk about your feelings and be vulnerable - Limit screen and TV time; Have No-Phone Zones - Establish bedtimes, schedules, and sleep hygiene - Promote intellectual curiosity - Promote emotional wellness - Promote spiritual wellness - Practice Family Fun Activities - Celebrate old family traditions, and begin new traditions - End your day together - Build community within your home Appreciate, be thankful, and have gratitude for the family, people, and things you do have in your life. At Chosen For Hope Counseling, we recognize the importance of a healthy family in today’s world. People who are more hopeful and optimistic are more likely to engage in positive, healthy behaviors and take better care of themselves. We walk with our clients to motivate and inspire them to achieve their healthiest life. Our mission at Chosen For Hope Counseling Incorporated is helping people rediscover hope with culturally competent providers who practice a variety of holistic therapy modalities for individuals and families. We offer comprehensive psychological and mental health counseling services to help a wide array of behavioral, adaptive, and psychiatric problems. If you are suffering from symptoms of PTSD, depression, suicide, impulsivity, ADHD, trauma, or psychosocial problems, consider Chosen for Hope Counseling in San Antonio, Texas, for all your behavioral health needs.

Please send us an email so we can help; we’d love to talk: yanettvelizcfhc@gmail.com Please go to our website www.chosen4hope.com or visit us on Facebook @Chosen4Hope to learn out more about us. To set up an appointment, please call us at (210) 547-8090. May/June 2021

You Can Help Change

the Story of Cancer By Jill B. Byrd

No one understands the impact that a cancer The SA Cancer Council was formed in 1984 when a group diagnosis can have on your life until it happens of pioneering women in San Antonio came together to make a difference in the fight against cancer. The allto you. Kris Rangel, 49, lost her husband, Michael, to hyperaggressive prostate cancer in early 2019. She spent the rest of that year in a fog of loss and heartache, and then endured the loneliness that many people felt throughout the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I knew at some point I would want to do something to help others fighting cancer - patients, caregivers, and family members who are on a cancer journey with their loved ones,” Kris said. “Michael was just 44 years old and was 7.5 months from diagnosis to death. I need to make sense of what happened to my husband, so helping others is part of that journey and an important part of that process.”

The Council’s legacy of helping local patients, their families, and researchers is only achieved through the dedication of its members who contribute to the mission by donating time, money, and other resources for fundraising events, community outreach, and education. The Council also offers members like Kris and Caroline an outlet to help others who are navigating the cancer journey. New members are always welcome and encouraged to help increase awareness and support for those impacted by cancer in our community.

Caroline Rose is a three-time, highly aggressive stage 4 cancer survivor. At 27, she was diagnosed with an incurable form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. After countless rounds of therapy and two bone marrow transplants, Caroline is celebrating ten years of being cancer-free this year.

The SA Cancer Council is changing the story of cancer for the more than 4,000 newly diagnosed cancer patients and the more than 1,500 patients enrolled in clinical trials at the Mays Cancer Center each year.

“When I was going through all of my treatments, we saw how hard it was for so many, who were not even able to have loved ones by their side when they were fighting for their lives because someone had to work to put food on the table for their children,” Caroline said. “I made a promise to myself that if I were to live and get to a point in my life where I could give back and help, I would. I saw firsthand the difference that it made, and that is why I am so honored to be a part of the SA Cancer Council.”

volunteer, non-profit organization provides financial resources for patient assistance and cancer research at the Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson, the only National Cancer Institutedesignated cancer center in San Antonio and South Texas.

sawoman.com

If you or someone you know has been impacted by cancer and you want to become involved, please visit SACancerCouncil.org to learn more about membership, donations, and event opportunities. You can also connect with the SA Cancer Council on: Facebook: @SACancerCouncil Instagram: SA Cancer Council

Value of Membership:

· Interact with world-renowned San Antonio-based cancer

SA Cancer Council Fast Facts Learn more at sacancercouncil.org.

researchers · Learn firsthand about recent discoveries in cancer research therapies · Receive early invitations to events and special programs · Build upon our commitment to change the story of cancer

Milestones: Fundraising proceeds helped establish:

- Patient Assistance to operate a food pantry, purchase wheelchairs and stretchers, offer prescription co-pays, secure grocery gift cards, and other general patient necessities. - $1M SA Cancer Council Distinguished Chair for Oncology - $1M Radiation Therapy Suite - $750K Patient Education Suite - $450K to fund 18 Circle of Hope Cancer Research Pilot Projects - Purchase of two transportation vans - Valet parking and curbside assistance services 2021 Events – learn more at sacancercouncil.org:

· Beacon of Hope Luncheon, September 28 · Cure Cancer Card, October 22- 31 · Free Lunch and Learn events with health experts

Texas Oncology Texas Oncology in San Antonio A cancer diagnosis is a life-changing, often overwhelming experience. As a compassionate, patient-focused practice, Texas Oncology provides treatment options and resources to help you in your fight against cancer from diagnosis, through treatment, and into survivorship. Texas Oncology in the San Antonio area is comprised of a team of 43 physicians, offering treatment at 15 locations, including four comprehensive cancer centers. We offer medical oncology, hematology, radiation oncology, gynecologic oncology, breast surgery, surgical oncology, thoracic surgery, and colorectal surgery. The practice provides the full spectrum of oncology and hematology care, including laboratory services, diagnostic evaluation services, specialty drug and retail pharmacy services, clinical research trials, outpatient chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, including intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy, and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). Growing in San Antonio Texas Oncology’s growing practice in San Antonio includes the area’s newest and largest comprehensive cancer center, located at 5206 Research Drive. The 40,000-square-foot center includes seven procedure rooms and more than 30 exam rooms, with capacity to treat up to 300 patients per day. In addition to advanced surgical

and medical oncology services, the center offers leading edge radiation treatment and imaging technology. Leading Innovation in Quality Cancer Care Texas Oncology physicians support genetic risk assessment, disease management, cancer survivorship, and advance care planning to improve the quality of the patients’ cancer journey. At our comprehensive cancer centers, our patients access much of their treatment under one roof from a knowledgeable and supportive cancer care team. Clinical Trials Patients who are treated at Texas Oncology in San Antonio have the opportunity to participate in some of the most promising national clinical trials for a broad range of cancers. Texas Oncology is a primary participant in US Oncology Research, which has played a role in more than 100 FDAapproved cancer therapies. At any given time, more than 150 national clinical trials are open throughout the Texas Oncology network. The San Antonio area has clinical trials available at five locations, including phase I clinical trials. Genetic Testing Texas Oncology’s Genetic Risk Evaluation and Testing Program, offered at all San Antonio area locations, provides an in-depth cancer risk assessment for individuals with a significant personal and/or family history of cancer.

Visit us at TexasOncology.com to learn more about our locations in the San Antonio area.

BOERNE • FLORESVILLE • FREDERICKSBURG • HONDO • JOURDANTON • KERRVILLE • NEW BRAUNFELS • SAN ANTONIO

May/June 2021

WELLNESS MATTERS:

Relationships By Angel Santiago

There are three motives for which we live: the mind, the body, and the soul. The key to living your life to the fullest is having balance in all three areas. You must strive to be well-rounded. Wellness is much more than being free from illness; it is a dynamic process of change and growth. The National Wellness Institute defines it as:

“…a conscious, self-directed and evolving process of achieving full potential.” The three motives are broken down into 7 areas: Spiritual, Physical, Emotional, Intellectual, Relationships, Business, and Environment. The onset of the pandemic and the social distancing mandate undoubtedly created a relationship health risk in society. Relationship wellness refers to every relationship we have and how we interact in them, including the most significant of all: the one we have with ourselves. In life, what we do to support our relationships determines how balanced our lives will be. In order to create healthy relationships, we must first nurture the one we have with ourselves.

do, you can begin to accept, embrace, and love yourself. From this perspective, there’s only one relationship you have to work on: the one with yourself. This lightens the load, doesn’t it? How is your relationship with yourself? Do you have a vulnerable and intimate connection with yourself? How well you see and connect with yourself first, on an intimate level, will determine the quality of your relationships. You must bring yourself into existence. Intimacy is integral to establishing meaningful connections, and vulnerability is the key to unlocking this characteristic. Contrary to popular belief, intimacy isn’t about passion and romance, intimacy = Into-Me-See. This is more than seeing someone physically; it’s seeing into them, their essence, and allowing them to get close and fully see us. As humans, we have a tendency to “armor up” and place a wall between our feelings and the people we interact with. Whether you’re interacting with loved ones, colleagues, or strangers, authentic human connection takes effort and requires you to be vulnerable.

“Until you see me, I do not exist. When you see me, you bring me into existence.” -Anonymous

Vulnerability and intimacy are vital in establishing meaningful connections. When it comes to being vulnerable and connecting with anyone, don’t worry about getting it right. Instead, get it raw. When you are raw, you’re being real, and when you’re being real - you’ll be all-right.

The key to successful relationships is seeing others, but this requires you to see yourself first – fully. Once you

Blessings, Angel

My name is Angel Santiago, and I’m a Transformational Coach. Feel free to connect with me via social media under the hashtag #LifeCoachAngel.

May/June 2021

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT Nonprofits are the heartbeat of our community.

Behind each organization is a dedicated team driven by a unique mission to provide a necessary service to our city. San Antonio is home to over 12,000 registered nonprofit organizations that employ almost 68,000 San Antonians each year (San Antonio Nonprofit Economic Impact Study, 2020). May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this issue, our Nonprofit Spotlight focuses on the local organization Clarity Child Guidance Center, a member of their team, and a peek behind the curtain to understand what it takes to serve our community.

Jessica Knudsen, Clarity Child Guidance Center, President and CEO

In the Spotlight:

Clarity Child Guidance Center What is your role at your organization, and what does it entail? As the president and chief executive officer of Clarity Child Guidance Center, I am responsible for managing all the operational and financial aspects of the organization. I manage this through collaboration with a supportive and engaged Board of Directors and a team of mental health professionals. Clarity CGC offers the region’s largest concentration of child and adolescent psychiatrists, with its onsite affiliations with Southwest Psychiatric Physicians and UT Health San Antonio. What is your organization’s mission? Clarity Child Guidance Center exists to support kids and teenagers that are dealing with behavioral or emotional issues. We help them function better at home, school, and in their relationships. We strive to make it easier for kids and families in need to be seen quickly and begin receiving

care. We want every child and family that needs our care to receive our care; Clarity CGC serves children in need, regardless of their family’s ability to pay. What is a common misconception about your organization or the mission you serve? Some folks in the community think you can only come to Clarity when you are in crisis. In reality, we don’t want families to wait for a crisis. It is always best to start services when a problem is minor. We can treat a wide variety of issues - everything from ADHD and minor depression to more severe issues such as thoughts of suicide or psychosis. San Antonio Woman readers may be surprised to learn that our space allows us to operate 66 inpatient beds for kids in danger of harming themselves or others, a day hospital program, and a full range of outpatient services.

What does $100 support when giving to your organization? $100 of support can be used in lots of different ways! It would allow a child to receive a comprehensive outpatient evaluation, stock the shelves of our food pantry, or provide a therapeutic recreation group for our inpatient kids. What is an upcoming way to get involved at Clarity Child Guidance Center? Because of COVID-19, we have had to limit our onsite tours and volunteer opportunities but will start up again when possible. We can always use monetary donations to ensure that we can continue to provide services regardless of a family’s ability to pay. There is also an opportunity called Bridge the Gap, where community members can donate food, clothing, hygiene items, toys, and books for our kids.

Nonprofit Spotlight is curated by:

May/June 2021

Women in

Healthcare Our health affects everything we do. Choosing a healthcare provider not only impacts us personally, but also the health of our families. With so many physicians, hospitals, and clinics to choose from, it’s important to trust who and where you go when managing your health. The following pages offer resources to help find the best places to go for you and your family’s medical care.

May/June 2021

Women in Healthcare

Jamie Lynch, M.D.

Amanda Marshall-Rodriguez, M.D.

Naomi N. Shields, M.D.

TruOrtho is the first and only ALL FEMALE Orthopaedic practice in the U.S. Our fellowship-trained specialists are dedicated to the care of all problems related to the hip, knee, shoulder, elbow, foot & ankle. We provide the highest level of concierge orthopaedic care using advanced technology in a relaxing and engaging environment.

Amanda Marshall-Rodriguez, M.D. JOINT RECONSTRUCTION, BOARD CERTIFIED

What area of Orthopedics do you specialize in? I specialize in minimally invasive knee and hip replacement surgery. I have over 14 years of experience providing care for those suffering with arthritis of the lower extremities. The minimally invasive technique does not violate the muscle-tendon attachment of the knee, resulting in a quicker recovery and less pain after joint replacement. What prompted you to choose joint replacement surgery? No other surgery in all of medicine is more life-changing than replacing an arthritic joint. The first time I saw a hip replacement surgery when I was a medical student, I knew immediately that I had found my calling. I come from a long line of “hands-on” folks such as carpenters, artists, and welders. Orthopaedics is a combination of glorified carpentry, creativity, and biomechanics. So it has truly been a great fit for me. What type of issues do you see more often in women? Arthritis is an equal opportunity disease affecting both men and women. But we do know that women often postpone treatment longer therefore presenting with a greater severity of disease once they seek medical attention. 62

sawoman.com

What non-profit organization(s) do you support, and why are you passionate about it? I co-founded a charity that provides the gift of mobility to the less fortunate of the world. Women Orthopaedist Global Outreach has performed over 350 joint replacements free of charge in over 6 countries since its inception in 2009. WOGO.org

Jamie Lynch, M.D.

Women in Healthcare

What new research or treatments are you most excited about? The use of stem cells for the treatment of osteoarthritis is extremely exciting. Prior to private practice, I was on faculty for 8 years at the University of Texas Health Science Center, where I conducted research on stem cells and their potential to differentiate into various cell types such as cartilage. I currently utilize stem cells in the appropriate clinical setting in an effort to postpone surgical intervention such as joint replacement.

SHOULDER AND SPORTS MEDICINE SURGEON, BOARD CERTIFIED What area of Orthopedics do you specialize in? I am a board-certified sports medicine, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon, with a focus in shoulder and sportsrelated injuries. I bring extensive experience in upper and lower extremity orthopaedic disorders, but I am most passionate about sports injuries and shoulder pain. I have a special interest in athletes, no matter the level of competition. During my training, I was on staff as a team doctor for both NFL and NHL professional teams. I have also been on the sidelines of youth, high school, and collegiate sporting events. What type of issues do you see more often in women? Many sports injuries occur in both men and women; however, we see a high rate of ACL knee injuries in young women. Muscular imbalances play a role in this injury and can be addressed with appropriate prevention programs. We also see an increased amount of shoulder fracture and wrist fractures related to osteopenia and osteoporosis. Do you have any advice for women to help prevent Orthopedic injuries? Stay active and stay strong. Building muscular strength leads to stability of your joints; this makes you feel better and protects you from injury. No matter what your fitness level, keep moving. How have the events of the past year changed the way you work with patients? We added telemedicine visits to our practice, and we have made ourselves available to our patients 24-hours a day. What new research or treatments are you most excited about? In the treatment of many orthopaedic issues, we are learning more about regenerative medicine. Some of these options we now offer as office-based treatments. Why did you decide to go into the field of Orthopedics? During my medical school training had the opportunity to observe a total shoulder replacement and thought it was the coolest thing I had ever seen. Right then, I was hooked and knew I wanted to become an orthopaedic surgeon.

18626 Hardy Oak Blvd STE 101, San Antonio, TX 78258 | (210) 878-4116 tru-ortho.com May/June 2021

Women in Healthcare

Lisa Martén, MD, MPH South Texas Eye Institute 2424 Babcock Rd. Suite 101 San Antonio, TX 78229 P (210) 692-1388 F (210) 692-1629 www.southtexaseyeinstitute.com

Dr. Lisa Martén is currently the medical director and owner of the South Texas Eye Institute, the first clinic in San Antonio to perform Lasik. Dr. Martén received her undergraduate degree from Tulane University, as well as attending their School of Public Health Tropical Medicine for her Master’s Degree in Nutrition. She also earned her Medical Degree from Tulane Medical School in 2001. During her studies, she won the AMA Foundation Leadership Award for her work as the president of the Latin American Medical Student Association. She also participated in research and received a grant from the American Heart Association. After completing her internship, Dr. Martén came to San Antonio for her Ophthalmology residency at the UT Health Science Center, where she is now an assistant clinical professor. She moved to Tennessee, where she attended the Wang Vision Institute for her fellowship. She has performed thousands of refractive procedures and cataracts. South Texas Eye Institute also partners with research organizations where Dr. Martén is an investigator for several clinical trials. Dr. Martén has been selected as a local Health Care Hero, was awarded the Women’s Leadership Award by the SA Business Journal, and her clinic was awarded the prestigious BBB Torch Award for Ethics. She is also proud to have been the official Eye Care Provider and Lasik Surgeon for the San Antonio Rampage AHL Hockey Team and served as one of the team’s on-call doctors at the games. Lisa Martén, M.D., earned a Physician CEO degree at Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern in 2018. She served as the 2020-21 president of the San Antonio Society of Ophthalmology and is a member of the San Antonio Eye Bank Board of Directors. Born in New Orleans, LA, and raised in San José, Costa Rica, Dr. Martén’s unique combination of cultures allows her to bring her patients quality care and the best service in their native language. Her patients value her dedication and the time she takes to explain eye conditions and their treatments. They also appreciate her donating her time for medical trips to Mexico and Costa Rica.

May/June 2021

BUSINESS OF HEALTHCARE

Jeanne Bennett

Executive Vice President Amegy Bank Private Banking Manager (210) 343-4556 Jeanne.Bennett@amegybank.com

Offering a Prescription for Financial Success to Healthcare Professionals Amegy Bank is a Texan-born and bred financial institution that provides “Big Bank” services, but with a personal, small-town Texas bank feeling. Amegy Bank was founded in 1990 when Houstonian, Walter Johnson, founded the financial institution to help Texans recover from the banking crisis of the 1980’s. Johnson was led to charter a bank that served its community while providing personalized solutions to those with specialized financial needs. Among its many niche financial programs, Amegy Bank has a dedicated Healthcare Team, committed to specializing in the needs of the healthcare industry. Amegy Bank’s knowledgeable Healthcare Team makes it their mission to stay abreast of the current financial challenges facing healthcare professionals by regularly meeting with healthcare attorneys, consultants, and 66

sawoman.com

CPAs, so that they may offer timely and informed guidance on issues that affect the healthcare industry. Denise Smith, Vice President of Private Banking at Amegy Bank, explains the Healthcare Banking program, “We work to understand the intricacies of the client’s current and future needs. We try to help them with

Denise Smith Vice President Amegy Bank

Private Banking (210) 343-4502 Denise.C.Smith@amegybank.com

what they need today and plan for what they hope to achieve in the future. We are centered around the healthcare professional, but we help their families, too,” said Smith. “We bank the ‘whole relationship,’” she added. “The Amegy Healthcare team aids physicians and others in the healthcare field by providing tailored solutions to their unique needs. Our team will assist with personal banking, wealth management, financial planning, mortgages, equipment financing and leasing, lines of credit, medical lockbox, invoicing, and financing for medical offices...in short, any financial aspect that comes with conducting a business in the healthcare industry,” said Jeanne Bennett, Executive Vice President at Amegy Bank. The Amegy Bank Healthcare Program often assists medical students as they begin their career and open practices, but also helps with mid-career financial needs, as well as aiding in the full life cycle of the physician and

practice into and after retirement. The Bankers inform and advise during buy-ins or buy-outs for partners, as well as aiding in other transitions of the practice along the way. “We’ve been around long enough that we’ve not only worked with the physician, but now the children of that physician who have also become doctors. We specialize in multi-generational banking,” said Jeanne. Amegy Bank has over 75 locations in Texas and, within the Healthcare Banking team, there is a collective 150 years of healthcare banking experience. “Healthcare professionals want a banker who’s going to be ethical and knowledgeable, somebody on top of their industry. We provide a team of bankers to help with their practice and employees and with their personal banking, as well. We appreciate the relationships we have with our clients and the opportunity to serve their financial needs. To learn more about the Amegy Bank Healthcare Banking program, visit their website at: www.amegybank.com/healthcare

May/June 2021

DOSSIER

Leaders in PR, Marketing &

Advertising Effective marketing and advertising are crucial to the success of any business. With the challenges of managing so many moving parts, it is hard to find the time and resources to plan and execute a marketing strategy. Thankfully, experts are ready to help you establish your brand, increase awareness of your product or service, and grow your business. Read on to meet some of the top creative minds in Public Relations, Advertising, and Marketing.

May/June 2021

The PM GROUP Fran Yanity President and COO

What types of companies or industries does your agency specialize in? For the past 10 years, The PM Group has been recognized as San Antonio’s largest advertising agency by the San Antonio Business Journal. Founded in 1988, our agency’s client roster includes consumer packaged goods, dining, retail, consumer credit, entertainment, cultural institutions, sports marketing, legal, business and home services, nonprofit, real estate, and fitness. How would you describe your company’s culture? Doing the right thing for our clients and the community drives our agency culture. By building long-standing relationships, some of which have lasted over 20 years, we’ve driven incredible results and given over $1 million to local nonprofits during the pandemic. Advertising involves more than just producing award-winning, creative solutions. The PM Group believes true success begins with understanding clients’ goals and building innovative strategies to exceed those goals.

How have the events of the past year changed the way you work with clients? At a time when businesses and nonprofits were uncertain of their future, the agency offered alternative solutions and creative campaigns to help clients stand out amongst competitors. As a leader in philanthropic and event marketing, The PM Group helped nonprofits transition their annual fundraising initiatives to virtual platforms. As a result, organizations such as The Devils River Conservancy, San Antonio Sports, and SA YES, attracted new donors and surpassed their fundraising goals from years prior. The PM Group’s innovative and diverse marketing solutions amongst their network of businesses uniquely positioned the agency during the pandemic, allowing their clients to respond, pivot, and excel over the past year.

sawoman.com

The PM Group 7550 W Interstate 10, STE 510, San Antonio, Texas 78229 | (210) 490-2554 thepmgrp.com

Photography by David Teran

With a fleet of five complementary companies, we are a one-stop shop for clients. Our in-house network of offerings allows us to streamline supplemental services for clients holistically and efficiently.

Noisy Trumpet Digital & Public Relations Fran Yanity, President and COO

What are the core capabilities of your agency? In what areas does your agency have the most expertise? Noisy Trumpet is a nationally recognized integrated digital and public relations firm specializing in digital marketing, web development, social media management, and public relations. We thrive by staying abreast of industry trends in order to identify innovative opportunities for clients. In just three years, Noisy Trumpet has secured national recognition for public relations campaigns and became the second-largest public relations firm in the San Antonio region. How would you describe your company’s culture? Our agency created a culture focused on innovation, excellence, and creative collaboration. In addition, we are a community-focused agency helping nonprofits reach and surpass their goals. We believe that agencies are judged not only by the successful work they produce but also by the good they do for their community.

How have the events of the past year changed the way you work with clients? Despite a global pandemic, 2020 was a record-breaking year for Noisy Trumpet. We experienced a 51% growth in our portfolio of clients, which led to an expansion of the team. Noisy Trumpet’s team of 13 communication experts has elevated how we meet new client needs. Through streamlined communication and personalized account management, we believe consistency and accessibility should be at the forefront of client/agency relationships. As a result of our ability to adapt to client needs no matter how big or small, agency clients experienced noticeable growth, including nonprofit clients raising more money virtually than they ever did with in-person events.

Photography by David Teran

In an ever-evolving marketing landscape, we are constantly adapting marketing strategies to meet clients’ needs and deliver measurable results. Through our fleet of complementary companies, we are able to provide robust marketing solutions with one point of contact.

Noisy Trumpet Digital & Public Relations 7550 W Interstate 10, STE 150, San Antonio, Texas 78229 | (210) 582-0505 noisytrumpet.com May/June 2021

aMAEzing

Marketing Group Mae Escobar Owner/CEO

What types of companies or industries does your agency specialize in? When I first left my job with Bank One after 14 years, I was given two great pieces of advice about owning my own business: One - clients pay for talent and time, not just time; and two - variety is the spice of life. aMAEzing Marketing Group has always run the gamut with clients. From small to large, local, and international. What are the core capabilities of your agency? We tend to adjust to the times. When I started the agency, I did a lot of non-profit fundraising. Eventually, we moved into smaller project work and then evolved into larger city-wide and national campaigns. We’ve done it all and do it all! How would you describe your company’s culture? AMG has always worked in the “new normal” - I’ve operated my business from a remote or home office for 17 years. Our employees are contractors that work from their own office space. The talent are former employees of corporations and large agencies. We all share a common vision of entrepreneurship and have the flexibility to balance a work/ personal lifestyle. I’ve been incredibly lucky to have great teams over the years. We all have a “corner” office!

How do you get to know your clients and determine the best strategies to help their business grow? Together with the client, one-on-one meetings, research, and data on a continuous basis. Even with long-term clients, time changed quickly in a year. We communicate with the client constantly, monitoring their digital presence and channels of communication, and getting to know the product or service more in-depth is especially important to the success of either a campaign or a long-term contract. What is your primary objective in working with your clients? Partnerships are important. I don’t mean owning a piece of their business; I mean a true partnership. We become a part of their team, not an outside agency.

aMAEzing Marketing Group, LLC (AMG)

215 N. Center, Suite 706, San Antonio, Texas 78229 | (210) 214-6644 amaezingmarketinggroup.com 72

sawoman.com

Photography by David Teran

How have the events of the past year changed the way you work with clients? It has provided us a chance to review our portfolio and make changes. Not to our structure, but to whom and how we serve.

MadWomen Marketing Liane Garrett

Director of First Impressions Who is Liane Garrett? Liane is the co-owner of MadWomen Marketing, but she considers herself the “Director of First Impressions.” She can be seen at events throughout Northeast San Antonio, including Live Oak, Schertz, Selma, Universal City & Cibolo area. Liane still answers the phone because she has a personal connection with her clients and wants to remain accessible at all times. Who is MadWomen Marketing? We’re a couple of fun chicks that have been in the marketing game for almost 25 years! Where did they come from? Liane’s business partner, Stacey Crick, purchased a Rental Guide franchise in 1996, Liane joined her team in 1998. Together they grew the publication & eventually got tired of the restriction’s that a franchise demands, so they started Apartment Search Magazine. In 2006 they sold it & took a few years off and worked on small projects, which eventually lead to the launch of MadWomen Marketing in 2013! Why MadWomen…Are they angry? Not at all, “MAD” stands for Marketing, Advertising & Design. Although if you’ve ever met Liane, you’d probably say “she’s mad,” but in a fun way.

What else should we know about Liane? Liane is passionate about supporting LOCAL businesses & has been heavily involved with her Rotary Club (Randolph Metrocom) for 11 years, serving in numerous positions. She’s also serving as Public Image Chair for Rotary District 5840. She’s passionate about growing her club and serving her community, using her marketing experience. She encourages EVERYONE to learn more about Rotary to help grow their business and serve their community.

Photography by Stacey Crick

What services does MadWomen Marketing offer? • Promotional Marketing • Marketing Collateral & Print • Graphic Design & logo creation • Web Design

(210) 683-1169 MadWomenMarketing.com May/June 2021

The PR Boutique Gretchen Brice

Founding Partner

What types of companies or industries does your agency specialize in? Our team is drawn to innovative and forward-thinking companies. We enjoy working with real estate, hospitality, travel and tourism, consumer lifestyle, retail, and health and wellness. What are the core capabilities of your agency? In what areas does your agency have the most experience? As a full-service public relations agency, we specialize in media relations, social media management, brand partnerships, event management, crisis communication, influencer programming, philanthropic positioning, content creation, and internal and external communications. Our partner and sister agency, TradeCraft, specializes in advertising and digital marketing, allowing us to meet our clients’ needs at every possible touchpoint. How would you describe your company’s culture? We are pioneers, risk-takers and forward-thinkers. Our agency team members are expertly matched with our clients. As a proud female-founded company with deep Texas roots, we value a live/ work lifestyle, flexible schedules, and love a good team happy hour.

How do you get to know your clients and determine the best strategies to help their business grow? We position ourselves as an extension of our clients’ brand. By positioning ourselves as an in-house public relations team rather than consultants, we’re able to better shape and grow the client’s mission and achieve major goals. What is your primary objective in working with your clients? Combining a mix of methodical media relations, social media management, events and philanthropic positioning to transform our clients into landmark brands. -

sawoman.com

The PR Boutique Austin | Houston | San Antonio theprboutique.com @theprboutique_saatx

Photography by Molly Quirk

How have the events of the past year changed the way you work with clients? With offices in Austin, San Antonio, and Houston, we’re fortunate to have a state-wide network to help capitalize on Texas’ immense growth in the past year. Our roster recently has grown exponentially with clients moving to Texas, and with our team’s Texas roots and deep understanding of the market, we are able to guide our clients on how to become brand pillars in the Lone Star State.

TradeCraft Camille Mandigo Principal & Founder

What types of companies or industries does your agency specialize in? TradeCraft is a full-service advertising and communications firm specializing in marketing strategy, graphic design, media buying and management, advertising and communications campaign development as well as digital services. Our partnership with The PR Boutique, our sister agency specializing in media relations, events, public affairs, and social media management, provides us the ability to offer complete turn-key solutions to clients. The industries that we serve include a wide array of types and sizes. We represent clients in the real estate, hospitality, retail, technology, professional services, and non-profit sectors. What are the core capabilities of your agency? In what areas does your agency have the most expertise? TradeCraft utilizes an open innovation model to expand resources and eliminate executional boundaries inherent in more traditional advertising & public relations agencies. Our approach allows us to optimize assets, control costs, and deliver the best product and service to our clients. How would you describe your company’s culture? Our company culture is inspired and inventive. Our employees participate in all aspects of a project. With a presence in San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, we enjoy the opportunity to continue to grow geographically. We take home/work balance very seriously by embracing technology so that our team can accomplish daily work while managing personal responsibilities.

Photography by David Teran

How have the events of the past year changed the way you work with clients? The past year challenged us to be more focused on quality control while working remotely from home. We were fortunate to be very busy last year assisting clients with their communications efforts – and like everyone – we had to adapt at rapid speed. How do you get to know your clients and determine the best strategies to help their business grow? Each client and every challenge is different. We assess our clients’ objectives and create individualized roadmaps for success. What is your primary objective in working with your clients? Bringing a client’s vision to life is the root of our success. This is what we strive to achieve for each and every one of the clients we serve. It is so rewarding and fulfilling to deliver measurable results at every level.

TradeCraft San Antonio | Austin | Houston trade-craft.com @tradecraftagency

May/June 2021

Helen Thompson Media Brandon Thompson President

Tell us a little bit about Helen Thompson Media. Since the inception of HTM in 1989, Media has always been our focus. HTM’s core competency is putting our clients’ message anywhere their target audience is consuming media. Measurement is also a pillar for HTM, and with some fancy mapping and attribution modeling, HTM can track traditional media buys the same way we do with emerging and digital media buys. It enables HTM to ensure we are spending our clients’ advertising dollars optimally.

How have the events of the past year changed the way you work with clients? Spending time with our clients is a huge part of what we do. We love it. It was tough not being out celebrating at lunches and happy hours all the time. 2020 was the time to dig in, embrace one another and make sure we all come out on the other side stronger than ever! What else do you want our readers to know about HTM? One thing HTM is very proud of is that we were recently named one of Inc. Magazine’s 5,000 fastest growing private companies. This is a great honor for HTM, especially after consistent growth over 31 years in business. HTM is extremely blessed to work with some fantastic clients who allow us to consistently implement new, exciting marketing tactics to drive big results! It is such a fun time to be in the industry!

Helen Thompson Media

sawoman.com

18911 Hardy Oak Blvd , Suite 141, San Antonio, Texas 78258 | (210) 822-2158 helentmedia.com

Photography by David Teran

How would you describe HTM’s culture? Our Chief People Officer would argue that having rich relationships with our team, clients and vendors plays a bigger role in our continued success than our expertise in the industry. Continually building strong, personal relationships is at the forefront of what HTM is about.

BUSINESS INSIGHT

Find What You Love in What You Do By Linda Ratner, RN, MBA Certified EOS Implementer, Certified Profit First Professional, Certified Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Centered Coach

Everyone is familiar with the expression, “Do what you love, and you will never work a day in your life.” But that is easier said than done in the real world, where you have bills to pay. Maybe the phrase should be “focus on finding what you love in what you are doing.”

dealing with the insurance companies, another had a knack for calling unhappy patients, and the third one was great at collecting past due fees. All loved their jobs and were great, but because they found their unique ability within the job, they excelled!

Even the artist who loves to paint and can sell her commissions have to advertise, keep the books, and run the business. I would venture that every job has aspects that seem overpowering.

I worked as an RN for nearly twenty years before founding and running a medical clinic. In retrospect, I lacked the necessary business acumen and was a total financial illiterate. I wore so many hats that I had a change of clothes in my office to go from CEO to RN and back again at a moment’s notice. I had gone from loving my job to feeling trapped, extremely overworked, and unhappy.

One day as a child, I watched as my brother cut his hand while sawing a piece of wood. There was blood everywhere, and when he cried out, “help!!!” I yelled back, “Noooooo!” and ran to the other side of the yard. The fear of blood was incapacitating to me. So how did I end up as an ER Nurse in a major trauma center? My propensity includes a love of learning, caring for others, and sharing knowledge. I know this because a high school aptitude test determined this. Further, it suggested a career in law, education, or healthcare. Naturally, I immediately ruled out healthcare. However, fate had other plans for me—destiny and my coworker, Julie. Julie was in nursing school and loved it, and she was so inspiring and supportive that she convinced me to enroll. Overcoming my fear of blood was no small obstacle, but I was successful with time, effort, and support and found myself in a career I loved. Have you ever noticed that different people doing the same job in the same office would have unique “goto’s”? What is a “go-to”? A Go-to is the unique aspect of a job that someone does better than anyone else in the office and enjoys doing. For example, we employed three receptionists at our clinic who greeted patients, verified insurance coverage, collected payments, and dealt with unhappy patients. The same job, but there was a “Go-to” employee who could better solve particular problems than others. One was a wizard

Nothing changed until I changed my perspective. Instead of only focusing on making our customers and employees happy, I chose to care for them, and it changed everything. I could be frustrated with my lack of business acumen or use those gaps as a new curriculum to direct my love of learning. How I “cared” for them is a topic for another article. Eventually, the clinics became successful, and I sold them to a national company. It was time for another career change. Armed with a deeper understanding of what drives me and satisfies me, I transitioned into a business coach and guide. Now, helping entrepreneurs achieve success in their business by teaching them how to implement powerful tools to create systems and processes satisfies me. A nurse, entrepreneur, and business consultant are all very different careers, but there are ways to apply one’s strengths and aptitudes to each to find what you love. What about you? Start by taking stock of your Godgiven talents and aptitudes. Identify what you love and figure out how to apply that to what you are doing. Or in other words, focus on finding what you love in what you are doing.

May/June 2021

FINANCIAL INSIGHTS

My Company Has a 401(k). What Does That Mean for Me? By Linde Murphy

If your company offers a 401(k), congratulations! A 401(k) is one of the easiest ways to start investing. Plus, your employer has a fiduciary obligation to make sure the 401(k) plan they offer is cost-efficient and provides you an array of investment options. Here are a few FAQs that can help you get started with making the most of your 401(k). What is a 401(k), and why would I use it? A 401(k) is an investment account your employer offers to help you save for retirement. When you sign up for a 401(k), you tell your employer how much money you want to save every paycheck and how you want it invested. Every paycheck, your employer will deduct the amount you specified and put it in your 401(k) account. You said investments. How does that work? Most retirement plans are employee-directed, which means you get to decide how you want to invest your money. Be sure to look at your own personal situation to decide, and if you have a financial advisor, take the enrollment forms to them and ask them for advice. Will my employer put money in, too? It depends. If your employer offers a “safe harbor” plan, then they may match a certain percentage of your contributions or possibly put money in your account even if you’re not contributing. Other plans may provide a match determined by the company. To find out about the match, call your HR department and ask them for a summary plan description and the participant helpline number. This will have all of the information on the match. What happens if I leave my company? Remember, the money that you contribute to your 401(k) is always yours. If you ever leave your employer, you get to take the money with you. When you leave your job, you normally have several options: 1) Roll your account into an IRA, possibly even without changing providers or investments; 2) Roll your account to your new employer’s 401(k); or 3) Withdraw your money, which is the least beneficial option. When you withdraw your money, you will face penalties if you are under the age of 59 ½ and will have to pay taxes on any pre-tax funds. Can I pull my money out at any time? There are restrictions on withdrawing your money. Your plan may have provisions that allow for some types of withdrawals, but you would need to check with your HR department. Typically, if you pull your money out 78

sawoman.com

before you are 59 ½ years old, you will have to pay a penalty and income taxes. It is never too late or too early to start saving for retirement! Remember, you can take a loan out for many events in life, but retirement is not one of them. Take advantage of the tools your employer provides by using the 401(k), maxing out the company match, and keeping track of your money. When you leave a job, don’t leave your money behind!

Linde Murphy, CRCP® Managing Director Argent Retirement Plan Advisors www.argent401k.com Office: (210) 352-2428 Argent Financial Group, 755 E. Mulberry, Ste. 400 San Antonio, TX 78212

WOMAN TO WATCH

Paula D. Perez Criminal Defense | Family Law | Personal Injury Law Office of Paula D. Perez, 6128 Bandera Road, San Antonio, Texas 78238 (210) 729-2029 www.facebook.com/PaulaDPerezLaw instagram.com/sanantonioattorney www.pauladperezlaw.com Attorney Paula D. Perez is a San Antonio native who took a huge risk when deciding to open her new law office during a global pandemic. She attributes recent professional growth and success to God, Family, and prior mentors. It is only the beginning for this San Antonio Woman, the legacy that she is determined to leave, and the influential changes that she continues to make in the lives of her clients and her hometown. What inspired you to open your new office? My biggest inspiration was and is my nineteen-month-old son, Lathan. Prior to becoming a mom, I struggled with the idea of whether it was possible to be a successful mother and attorney. Until my son was born, I was accustomed to working thirteen-plus-hour days without having to think twice or feel guilty. In January 2020, I returned from maternity leave and adjusted to being a new working mom, only to be slapped in the face by a global pandemic. I had no choice but to act quickly and carefully, ensuring a fine balance in between caring for my son at home while continuing to practice law competently. My son gave me more than a different purpose in life; he inspired me to “bet on myself” during a time when most were trying to survive. What has been the hardest thing about opening your own business? Getting a seat at the table and establishing myself in a field that continues to be male-dominated. You must be sure to be respectful of others while being true to yourself. Although it may not come naturally to some of us, I have learned that you cannot be timid about your personal successes. We ourselves are our biggest cheerleaders and advocates. There is nothing wrong with being transparent about our principles and what we want to achieve. What are five questions you should ask an attorney before retaining their law firm to handle your case? 1. Have you handled any cases like mine? How is my case similar and/or different than previously handled cases? 2. What is the best and worst possible outcome for a case like mine? 3. Are there alternatives to solving a legal matter like mine? 4. If I retain your services, how often should I expect to hear from you/your office about my case? 5. What is an ideal timeline for a case like mine? Attorney Paula D. Perez emphasizes the importance of finding an attorney that fits you, your personality, your case, and your case goals. You should ensure that both you and the attorney iron out any areas of concern that you may have prior to retaining their services. All expectations should be established by each party prior to entering the attorney/ client contractual agreement. So, remember, no question is a dumb question.

May/June 2021

WOMEN ON THE MOVE

Jan Johnson Jan joined the team of CROSS Luxury Remodeling Firm as the H.R. Manager after a 20-year career in H.R. & Marketing with Salem Media Group, Inc. Jan’s varied background of both H.R./Marketing and life coaching, as well as a love and passion for Interior Design has positioned her to be the perfect leader for acquiring talented individuals to the world of Luxury Remodeling. Jan is a Breast Cancer Conqueror and is also a Business & Life Mentor and National Podcast Host with TABLE TALK – a podcast for women of all ages and stages.

Leslie Bohl For decades, Leslie Bohl graced television screens as a news anchor, lifestyle host, and reporter for stations in San Antonio and Florida. An award-winning storyteller, Leslie is embarking on a new career in public relations as Senior Project Manager, Storyteller, and Content Developer at Noisy Trumpet Digital & Public Relations. Noisy Trumpet is a nationally recognized digital and public relations firm designed to elevate brands across various marketing channels. Leslie’s background as a trusted news authority will propel exposure for the firm’s expanding portfolio of clients.

Karen Aston The University of Texas at San Antonio’s Women’s Basketball team welcomes their new head coach, Karen Aston. Aston, former head coach at Texas, North Texas and Charlotte, was named the 10th head coach in program history. Aston has been consistently recognized as one of the top coaches in the nation. She was one of four finalists for the Naismith Women’s College Coach of the Year award in 2017 and was one of 10 semifinalists for the honor in 2018. Aston also earned Big 12 Coach of the Year accolades in 2017.

Lomisa Talbot, PHR, SPHR Lomisa Talbot spent the last decade working as a Human Resources Consultant serving clients in various industries, including financial institutions and healthcare. She joins ATKG LLP as its Human Resource Manager and brings 19 years of strategic planning, compliance, benefits, employee relations, and project management experience. Lomisa also serves as a Troop and Community Service Unit Leader for Girls Scouts of Southwest Texas.

Jamey Sepulveda, CPA Jamey Sepulveda, CPA, joined theKFORDgroup in March 2021. Jayme focuses on public accounting, including individual, corporate, partnership, and non-profit taxation. Her 5 years of corporate management experience have given her unique insights into the challenges business owners face and is passionate about leveraging that knowledge to provide efficient solutions for clients and foster strong client relationships. Congratulations to these amazing women making moves in their industries! 80

sawoman.com

Why United Texas?  Local decision making  Low rates  Loans for equipment, business vehicles and real estate, including investment real estate  Lines of credit and term loans  SBA Guaranteed Loans - we’re an SBA Preferred Lender P  Home Loans with a personal touch

Sharon Miller

Member Business Lending Ofﬁcer 5500 UTSA Boulevard 210.561.4582  sharonm@utxcu.com utxcu.com

MOMMY MATTERS

Dipping Our Toes Back into the World of Organized Summer Activities By Jenny Jurica

Whew...we’ve made it to summer 2021! Now that school is winding down, parents are beginning that time-honored tradition of scouring the area for camps and other activities to keep the kids busy over the summer months. Last year, with most activities and camps canceled due to COVID, it felt like the longest, hottest summer.

river or lake day trips, weekend beach trips, and every now and then, we’ll mask up and do something inside.”

The good news is that things are looking a little brighter this year. Many people in our community have been vaccinated, our case numbers are down, and parents are beginning to ponder what a “normal” summer might look like again. Dr. Anthony Fauci even said in an interview with CBS News that he anticipates us having “a good degree of flexibility during the summer, even with the children, with things like camps.”

As for sleep-away camp, it appears as though most are operating in a (somewhat) normal manner and, after a full year of virtual school, parents and kids alike are ready for some extended time apart.

So, with that bit of good news, what are the options for camps and other organized summer activities around San Antonio this summer? A quick search of some of the most popular activities provided a glimpse into a rather “normal,” looking camp and activity set up. For instance, the DoSeum’s summer camps are going on as planned, but with fewer camps offered and decreased capacity. The perennially-popular New Braunfels camp, T Bar M, has attacked the COVID crisis head-on and now has a myriad of health and safety measures in place for both its campers and staff for the upcoming summer season. While many families caught the “outdoor adventure bug” last summer, many plan to continue enjoying outdoor family adventures this summer, too. Taylor, a local mother of two said, “I think we’ll plan to do a lot of what we did last summer: Texas State Parks,

She added, “I got us passes to Sea World’s Aquatica for the summer because it’s outside, and I know there are places we can stay distanced from people. We aren’t at the point of being comfortable with the kids interacting indoors with a bunch of other kids yet.”

Hazel, a local mother of one, gives us the lowdown on her daughter’s four-week-long sleep-away camp: “All camp staff are confined to camp beginning two weeks prior to the season and are given rapid tests weekly. My daughter, as well as everyone in our car, will need a negative rapid test at drop-off before exiting our car. Parents must stay in their cars, and there are no visitors or packages,” she said. “Protocols give us comfort, and my daughter has been lobbying hard to go since missing last summer,” Hazel added. So far, things seem to be looking up for the summer of 2021. Many parents are looking forward to shipping the kids off to their freshly-vaccinated grandparent’s houses after not seeing one another for over a year. Others are looking forward to a summer peppered with rescheduled family vacations and organized summer activities. After a long, lonely summer last year--ripe with so many uncertainties--a summer that is as close to normal as possible feels like just what the doctor ordered.

May/June 2021

Wonder Women of Fiesta! by Bob McCullough

The Battle of Flowers® Parade originated 130 years ago when a group of women began pelting each other with flowers from horse-drawn carriages in front of the Alamo. Today, women continue to propel San Antonio’s “Party with a Purpose” and the nation’s oldest parade produced entirely by women volunteers to new heights of success through inspired leadership and the power of volunteerism. Jeanie Travis, 2020 Fiesta Commission president, explains, “The people of Fiesta bring the magic… Volunteers open their cultures, music, cuisine, dance, art, history, education and mission to everyone,” and raise money for worthy causes throughout the community. The women of the Battle of Flowers® Association, the Asociación de Charros, and the Military-Civilian Club (MCC) demonstrate this power of volunteerism. The Power of Flowers Anna-Laura Block, serving her third year as president of the Battle of Flowers® Association, notes, “Our mission is teaching the history of our state and keeping alive the traditions of San Antonio.” Parade chair, Melissa Branch, looks forward to welcoming the 2022 grand marshal, Col. Eileen M. Collins, the first woman to command a space shuttle. “She is a pioneer in her field,” Branch says, “and she’s making it her mission to inspire young people to strive for careers in math and science, to shoot for the stars.” A Mission of Tradition Irma Iris Durán de Rodriguez, Fiesta Elected

sawoman.com

Commissioner and past Participating Member Organization (PMO) Commissioner of the Asociación de Charros de San Antonio, shares that “We are passionate about upholding the culture of charreria, the sport’s traditions, family values, and the absolute fun of riding horses. Our mission is to pass on our culture and traditions to generations to come.” During Fiesta, the Asociación de Charros showcases the traditions of ranch work and horsemanship in high-energy charreadas at the Rancho del Charro. Centennial Celebration Lori Campbell, the Military-Civilian Club’s (MCC) military president and PMO President on the Fiesta Commission Board of Directors, and Tina Drain, civilian president, and PMO commissioner, co-lead the organization. “Our purpose is to foster patriotism and the integration of the military and civilian communities of the San Antonio area,” Drain explains. Each year, two members from each of the five branches of the military services stationed in San Antonio earn the honor of representing their respective services. The MCC provides two military sponsors to assist the ambassadors throughout Fiesta, and raises money for scholarships to help children of military families pursue their educational dreams.

“The wonder women of Fiesta are role models and leaders in the community, and they represent the true spirit of Fiesta. They are inspiring the future female leaders of Fiesta. Viva Fiesta!” - Steve Rosenauer, Fiesta San Antonio Commission Executive Director

May/June 2021

HILL COUNTRY DESTINATIONS

Wine, Women, & Song Enjoy a girlfriend sip trip along the 290 Texas Hill Country Wine Trail By Janis Turk

Take your favorite Tervis cup, grab your girlfriends, and turn up the radio. Soak up the sun, and take a Hill Country sip-trip to some of Texas’ best wineries. We picked ten wonderful woozy ones sure to pop your cork.

onsite microbrewery, outdoor event center, swimming pool, large lawn, lush landscaping, scenic lookout spots, private wine club areas, and a soon-to-open day spa. Carter Creek is a new flagship winery.

SIP TRIP There’s no more pleasant Texas road trip than one along the U.S. Highway 290 Hill Country Wine Trail. Stretching from Johnson City to Fredericksburg, make fun unplanned detours with bucolic stops at shops like Magnolia Pearl, or hear live music in Luckenbach. Let’s get lost, just for fun, along Texas’ best backroads.

TASTE OF TEXAS Most Texas wineries also offer charming shops: boutiques, like Joanna’s Market at Signor Vineyards. I adore this exquisite 200-acre winery resting where the Pedernales River and Grape Creek meet. Featuring French country gardens, a farmhouse-style shop, oakcanopied patios, and a Santa Fe-style house, Signor is really impeccable.

Just 64 sweet miles from downtown San Antonio, up US-281, make a left onto Hwy 290 West. There, you’ll find the nation’s third-largest American Viticultural Area or AVA-designated wine-growing geographic area. With as many as 80 wineries, breweries, distilleries, and cider shacks tucked away along a 22-mile stretch of limestone, mesquite, cypress, and cedar-filled scenery, there’s a reason to stop every half mile or so. With wildflowers and orchards of sweet summer peaches, it’s heaven. THREE’S THE LIMIT Many new Hwy 290 wineries are multi-milliondollar compounds, like elaborate summer camps for grownups—with wine! Those who don’t imbibe can sip peach iced tea and enjoy it all just as much. Plan on visiting about 3-4 wineries per day, as you’ll need an hour or two at each, including lots of time for lunch, music, and shopping. LET DAVE DRIVE Traffic along 290 is treacherous enough; don’t ever drink and drive. Let a professional like Dave Love of Hill Country Wine Tours take the wheel. His comfortable air-conditioned vans and busses will pick you up from your home in San Antonio, or anywhere you ask. Likewise, the 290 Wine Shuttle also offers top-notch transportation. Bachelorette parties and wedding groups may like Fredericksburg Limo Wine Tours, too. STAY IN STYLE The Hill Country is loaded with cabins, B&Bs, motels, and “Sunday Haus” lodgings. Rest easy at the new Stonewall Motor Lodge, offering retro-chic digs in a Route-66-style motel with a hip Austin-esq aesthetic. A Fredericksburg favorite, just a block off Main Street, is Austin Street Retreat’s El Jefe Suite. At the new Carter Creek Winery, Resort & Spa, adjacent to the Old 290 Brewery, 40+ gleaming new individual villas offer spacious suites with big-screen televisions, fireplaces, sitting rooms, roomy bathrooms, and more. In addition to a premier winery, there’s a tasting room, restaurant, 86

sawoman.com

Reserve a Thursday or Friday sommelier-guided afternoon elevated tasting experience in the Estate House designed by famed architect Isaac Maxwell. With wood tables, leather sofas, oversized chairs, and white stucco walls, it’s like stepping into a Georgia O’Keeffe painting. Outside, live music lilts as folks line up at an airstream food truck and rustic wine barn. Outdoor table-service wine tastings also offer hand-crafted charcuterie spreads. OPTIONS FOR OENOPHILES Some wineries, like the 290 Wine Castle at Chateau de Chase and the Safari Winery, offer adventuresome themes. Others, like Ron Yeats Vineyard, the Texas Wine Collective, William Chris, and Becker Vineyards, feature Texas-sized tasting rooms with views of vineyards, along with wines to please the most discriminating oenophiles. The Texas Wine Collective is a sprawling delight, with an extra tasting room dedicated solely to Rosé. It also offers popular McPherson wines and has the sweetest staff. TRIP THE WINE FANDANGO AT…

- Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa, Johnson City - 290 Castle, a Chateau de Chasse, Johnson City - Ron Yeats, Hye - Becker Vineyards , Stonewall - Signor Vineyards, Fredericksburg - Grape Creek Vineyards & Heath Sparkling Wines, Fredericksburg - Texas Wine Collective, (formerly 4.0 Vineyards) Fredericksburg - Safari Winery, Fredericksburg - Augusta Vin, Fredericksburg. (Note: This winery is not along Hwy 290, but rather Hwy 16 past the Gillespie County Airport). - If you’re gonna drink, you’re gonna wanna eat: In Fredericksburg, enjoy Vaudeville for lunch and Otto’s for supper, or if you’re sticking with the wine theme, try Cabernet Grill. For one last sip, visit Lincoln Street Market for wine by the glass or a bottle to bring home.

May/June 2021

Photography by Janis Turk

Our Hill Country Favorites:

Java Ranch Coffee Located in beautiful downtown Fredericksburg, Texas, in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, you will find Java Ranch Espresso Bar & Cafe. Serving the finest hot or iced coffee drinks anywhere, including lattes, cappuccinos, Hill Country roasted brewed coffee, Americanos, mochas, and specialty drinks. 114 East Main, Fredericksburg, TX javaranchcoffee.com

Clear River Ice Cream, Bakery & Deli Satisfy your sweet tooth with freshly baked treats, homemade ice cream, and a fabulous selection of soups, salads, and sandwiches. Award-winning ice cream and an endless list of flavors makes for a great spot to take the whole family for a weekend drive! 138 E Main St, Fredericksburg, TX icecreamandfun.com

HILL COUNTRY CURATED

Coffee & Sweets

Lani’s Cheesecakes & Coffee House

Family owned and operated, Lani’s Cheesecake & Coffee House serves succulent cheesecakes, delectable java drinks, and many other oh-so-sweet confections. Visit their website to place an order online for your next celebration! 510 Hwy 27, Comfort, TX lanischeesecakes.com

Wander’n Calf Coffee & Scratch Bakery Carefully roasted coffee using a small batch artisan process, producing fresh, flavorful cups. Pair your coffee with an assortment of in-house, scratch-baked items, including gluten-free options, scones, brownies, muffins, cookies, and much more. 817 Front Street, Comfort, TX, 101 Herff Rd, Boerne, TX wanderncalf.com

Photography by Matt Buikema (black & white)

DINING

ALL ABOUT THE BUNZ Casual Downtown Fun & San Antonio’s Softest Buns at Bunz Handcrafted Burgers By Janis Turk Edwin Salazar has the best-looking hottest buns. Hamburger buns, that is. Tasty, too. That’s because chef Salazar and business partner chef Thierry Burkle worked for years to master the art of making perfect brioche-style buns and bespoke burgers before opening Bunz Handcrafted Burgers last fall. A super-casual fast-food spot with a juicy agenda—building the best and biggest two-fisted burgers—it’s the kind of place downtowners can grab lunch to go, sit at a booth or counter with the kids, and plugin or zone out. Think fab River Walkarea hamburger joint meets Internet café.

“Eat and stay as long as you like,” says Salazar. “We love our locals.” Bunz is Burkle and Salazar’s passion project, planned with panache. “Fresh from scratch is our motto. Our concept is simple: great prices and phenomenal burgers,” says Salazar, “fast and casual, but with a culinary aspect built in.” Folks might pay $18 or more for a burger this great at a steakhouse, but not here. Everybody likes hamburgers, but not every burger joint makes a great one, so Burkle and Salazar set out to make the best. 90

sawoman.com

“After two years of research and hard work, they succeeded,” says general manager Andreas Fiel. “Only then were they ready to open Bunz.” A second San Antonio location is slated to open later this year, and franchise talks are on the table. With mammoth burgers and crazy-good fries, Bunz is hamburger heaven. Enjoy a real-life cheeseburger in paradise, like the ”Bunzilla” with double house-beef patties, bacon, sharp cheddar, tomato, lettuce, caramelized onions, Salazar’s secret “Z sauce” and a handcrafted pickle (flown in from New Jersey). Or try a carnivore’s delight, the “Show Bunz,” with house-beef, arugula, tomato, sliced pears, mayo, blue cheese, and caramelized onions. My favorite? The “Cheek Bunz” with house-made Boursin cheese. Handle heat? Try the Mercedes Bunz, with chipotle mayo, refried beans, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, roasted poblano peppers, egg, and bacon. There are also vegan and gluten-free options featuring an avocado brioche bun. The Ocean Bunz is piled with blackened shrimp, and the Beach Bunz comprises a jumbo crab cake, tartar sauce, and crisp tortilla chips. “A quarter-pounder’s got only four ounces of beef; Our burger has seven ounces of the finest blend of chuck roll, shoulder clot, and brisket,” says Salazar. “Our beef comes from Texas, and our flour is ground at Barton Springs Mill in Austin to our own strict specifications for just the right cut, size, weight and density. It makes all the difference in our buns: the perfect crust, toasted for just right amount of time, means meat juices won’t seep in.”

“We make our own mayo, grind mustard seeds, cure meats, grind and press our hamburger patties, and even make cheese. Best of all, we bake the most beautiful four-ounce sweet brioche. Can you smell that? Beautiful!” says Salazar. Save room for curvy Bunz fries dotted with cheese curds. Taste chili cheese fries, a chili bowl, a Caesar walnut salad, and thick shakes (gotta love the Nutella churro one). Local beers, bottled Mexican cola, Topo Chico, and fountain drinks are available, and there’s a grab-and-go section for lunch on the run. With a clean, bright, open kitchen, and floor-to-ceiling windows in a historic building steps from the River Walk at Houston and Soledad streets, Bunz offers counter service, roomy booths, and tall eat-in counters (with USB plugs and outlets), where guests can sit and smell warm baking buns and watch burgers sizzling on the grill. Salazar and Burkle’s quest for culinary perfection began many years and several continents ago. French-born chef Burkle’s career began in Paris before he moved to Washington D.C. to cook at restaurant Rive Gauche. Next he helped open D.C.’s popular Place Vendôme. After that came famed Alamo Heights eatery, L’Etoile, closing in 2009, before opening the still-popular Grill at Leon Springs. Salazar attended culinary school in El Paso, worked in Italy at a Tuscany restaurant where he honed bread-making skills, opened an Italian restaurant in Texas, and spent three years in a high-end Singapore steakhouse where he learned all about the world’s finest beef. Their shared philosophy, gleaned from their cultures and travels, is that the simplest foods are the best. “Fresh-baked, fresh-ground, fresh-made in-house with a lot of love: That’s Bunz,” says Salazar, as he flings a soft cloud of flour in the air above the sidewalk, like a joyous LeBron James chalk-toss moment after a long day serving happy customers. “Hamburgers are my heart,” says Salazar. Make no buns about it. BUNZ Handcrafted Burgers, 122 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205 May/June 2021

SA EATS & TREATS

Our SA Favorites:

The Fairmount Rooftop Oyster Bar This modern classic take on the Oyster Bar features the freshest oysters from East Coast boutique harvesters and American Seafood prepared with meticulous attention to detail in a panoramic view of downtown San Antonio. 401 South Alamo fairmountsa.com

National Wine Day May 25th

Spots to Celebrate: Wine 101 Aldino’s Copa Wine Bar High Street Wine Co. Little Death Wine Paesanos

Paramour at The Phipps Paramour is a stunning rooftop space located in San Antonio’s Museum district. Enjoy a collection of over 1300 spirits, beers, wines, and craft cocktails. Is coffee more your speed? Get your day in gear with a premium fresh brewed cup and complimentary wifi! 102 9th St #400 paramourbar.com

sawoman.com

Roof Top Bars

Revolución at the RIM Now open at the RIM, Revolución coffee + juice is supporting balanced wellness lifestyles with innovative coffee, juice, and plant-forward food. The RIM location now offers craft cocktails made from fresh-pressed juices with outdoor rooftop seating options. 5846 Worth Pkwy, Suite 109 revolucionsa.com

The Moons Daughters Floating high above the River Walk is an enchanting indoor-outdoor rooftop restaurant and bar dazzling from its 20th-story perch over the city. Inspired by the Greek goddess of the moon, the 300-seat restaurant and bar offers indoor-outdoor seating with twinkling city lights and all the magic of starry San Antonio nights. 115 Lexington Ave themoonsdaughters.com

ART BEAT

Musical Bridges Around the World Introduces Audiences to Cultures Across the Globe. By Rudy Arispe

What started 24 years ago with a small gathering of fellow music lovers who enjoyed hosting private concerts at each other’s homes with good food and drink has flourished into one of San Antonio’s major arts organizations known as Musical Bridges Around the World (MBAW). Today, MBAW transforms lives through multicultural performing and visual arts by shattering barriers, creating connectivity, and inspiring hope for those with the least access. Its public programs reached more than 25,500 people last season alone. Recently, MBAW received a $200,000 grant from The Ford Foundation supporting music programs that benefit senior, adult, and children audiences alike. “We are so grateful for the generous support of The Ford Foundation for this substantial gift that will allow Musical Bridges Around the World to offer important programming at no cost to the public,” said Anya Grokhovski, MBAW artistic director & CEO. “This grant helps us to continue to introduce San Antonians and visitors to cultures around the world.” Dr. Francisco Cigarroa, M.D., chair of The Ford Foundation Board of Trustees, said he had been impressed for years by the level of MBAW’s operations and programming, including the annual International Music Festival and, most recently, the 2020 Gurwitz International Piano Competition. MBAW serves the public and disadvantaged communities while fostering San Antonio’s reputation as a cosmopolitan cultural center and promoting tourism, Grokhovski explained.

Seven core programs take the community on exhilarating musical experiences, including: - Russell Hill Rogers Musical Evenings at San Fernando Cathedral: Free public concerts on select Sunday evenings in the heart of historic downtown. - Kids to Concerts: Educational concert program that introduces children grades K-12 in Title 1 schools to cultures from around the world. - Musical Sprouts: Innovative educational program measuring the impact of arts-enhanced learning through STEAM curricula in partnership with the University of Texas. - Golden Age: Musical performances for seniors 60+, many of whom suffer from neurological disorders. - International Music Festival: Annual multi-week and multi-venue performance series featuring worldclass artists in thought-provoking pairings designed to challenge mass media stereotypes of foreign lands. - The Gurwitz International Piano Competition: The 2020 competition was the first under MBAW’s direction, with in-person attendees and live-stream audiences from 48 United States and 25 countries. - MBAW Art Gallery: Quarterly exhibits of local and international artists and participation in city-wide art events including FotoSeptiembre and Contemporary Arts Month. Grokhovski said MBAW’s mission addresses multiple needs, including fulfilling a lack of high- quality performing arts free to the public; improving learning outcomes for underprivileged youth; safe, accessible, and recreational activities with proven mental health benefits for seniors; and representing the full diversity of the city.

MBAW presents its final concert of the 2020-21 season, “Through a Child’s Eyes,” at 7 p.m. Sunday, May 16. It celebrates the achievements of MBAW’s three educational programs – Kids to Concerts, Musical Sprouts, and Gurwitz Ambassadors – and their impact on children as they journeyed to Russia, Japan, Spain, and San Antonio’s sister cities around the globe. For more information, www.mbaw.org. 94

sawoman.com

ENTERTAINMENT

Fiesta!

Fiesta is BACK and better than ever! We missed you, but we will see you again June 17-27! Visit fiestasanantonio.org/official-fiesta-event-calendar for more information.

Live Music Floore’s Country Store

Parker McCollum, Whiskey Myers, Shane Smith & The Saints, and Aaron Lewis! Ticket available at liveatfloores.com/events Sam’s Burger Joint May 14th: A Tribute to Pat Benatar. June 25th: A Tribute to Led Zeppelin View the full music calendar at samsburgerjoint.com/calendar

Still in the Saddle: A New History of the Hollywood Western May 28 – September 6

COMING SOON TO A MUSEUM NEAR YOU….

Whitewater Amphitheater

Sit back, relax, and enjoy like music again! Cody Johnson: May 28th, 29th, 30th. Aaron Watson: June 4th.

View the full music calendar at whitewaterrocks.com/calendar

“Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” “The Outlaw Josey Wales,” “The Wild Bunch,” “True Grit,” “The Undefeated,” “The Cowboys,” “Little Big Man,” and more. The Briscoe Western Art Museum steps back in time with this summer’s blockbuster exhibition. The exhibition tells the dramatic story of the Hollywood Western from the late 1960s through the 1980s. The Briscoe will transform into a 1960s movie theatre with vintage original movie posters, movie costumes and props, and authentic lobby cards allowing patrons to walk through the history of the Western in this dynamic period. www.briscoemuseum.org

Hemisfair Splash Pad!

The Union Pacific Railroad Splash Pad is NOW OPEN to the community after a year of being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Free parking is available for the first 30 minutes in the Hemisfair Garage at 623 Hemisfair Blvd., located right next to the Splash Pad!

May/June l 2021

WEDDING

Our love is forever... Bride & Groom Taylor Trcka & Jay Deiorio Photographer: Mitch Idol Venue: The Espee Planner: Debra Reece Events Rentals: Absolute Rentals Bar: The Box Street Social Catering: The Box Street Social Florist: Kelly Lovell Cake: Cake Doll Music: Vance Johnson - Toast Entertainment Hair and Makeup: Artistee Lane Wedding Dress: Liv & Love Bridal Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie Grooms Tuxedo: Generation Tux Engagement Ring & Wedding Bands: Diamonds Direct

sawoman.com

Mr. & Mrs. Deiorio

What was the most memorable moment on your wedding day? The most memorable moment from our wedding day was our grand entrance. It had been such a long time since we had been in the same room as all of our friends and family, so it was so special to see them all there celebrating us. What was the most stressful part of your wedding day? There honestly wasn’t much stress at all! But if I had to say one thing, it would be getting to the venue on time from the rental house where we got our hair and makeup done. We had a Mercedes Sprinter Van pick us up, and we cut it VERY close on time, but we made it! What were your Honeymoon plans? We left for Turks and Caicos the morning after our wedding. We stayed for a week on Grace Bay, and it was hands down the most beautiful place we have ever been. We are already planning our next trip. If you had to do it all again, would you change any part of your wedding? Never in a million years. We were married on July 18, 2020, in a very small backyard ceremony with immediate family only and had the wedding reception/celebration on March 6, 2021. We are so glad we did it this way and would not change a single thing about either—two of the best days of our lives. What was your “theme”? We did not have a theme, but our venue was industrial and very classic. We used a lot of white, gold, and greenery. What was your first dance song, and why is it significant? “You are the best thing” by Ray LaMontagne. This song had always been one that we loved listening to, and the words felt like they applied to our lives and our wedding day so well. We also did a final dance, alone in the venue while guests got ready for our sendoff, to the song we were dancing to in our kitchen when Jay proposed to me - “Travelers song” by Flatland Calvary. May/June 2021

FINAL THOUGHTS

Painting by:

Elizabeth Payne

“Bareback Rider”, Oil Canvas, 18” x 24” About the Artist: Elizabeth Payne is a Texas landscape painter born in 1948. She received her BFA from the San Francisco Art Institute and MA from Hunter College in New York. Elizabeth lives with her husband on sixteen acres near Yoakum, Texas. Her work has been included in the 1975 Biennial Exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art and the McNay Art Museum in 2019. Her work is also in the permanent collection of the Art Museum of South Texas.

Photo of painting courtesy of

The Felder Gallery

2516 N. Main Ave. San Antonio, Texas 78212

sawoman.com