October 2022

HONORING, EMPOWERING, AND RAISING UP REMARKABLE WOMEN IN THE 405

The stories of six remarkable OKC women

45 What to Know About the Breast Cancer Gene

Nurse practitioner Jennifer Vasquez answers questions about genetic testing for breast cancer risk

DEPARTMENTS

Dining

66 GOOD TASTE

Harvey is baking up a new bread and pastry hub

68 THE DISH

Get a load of these loaded fries

70 THE DRINK

Take a sip of OKC’s cocktails from a can

Trending

14 STYLE

Dress smart for October’s sporadic weather

16 SOCIAL HOUR

People and events in the 405

20 PERSON OF INTEREST

Bestselling novelist Scarlett St. Clair on her fervor for fantasy

Home

24 ENTERTAINING 101

A blooming, earthy open house

26 DESIGN

Kiley Gauthier’s DIY spirit means there’s always a new project

72

LOCAL FLAVOR

Spice things up with these local dirty chai

Culture

76 ARTS

Creative center Artspace at Untitled thrives with artists and students

78 SPORTS

The OKC Thunder are starting to rumble

80 TRAVEL

The Indiana Dunes are a “living” marvel

82 IN CONVO WITH

Tabatha Carr’s Good Girl Chocolate has hit the sweet spot

84 LOOKING BACK

Pawnee Bill’s spirit lives on (in more ways than one)

86 ONE MORE THING

Tulsa King means big business for Oklahoma’s film industry

10 FROM THE EDITOR

88 WHAT’S ONLINE

ON THE COVER

Alisa Trang Green.

Photo by Shevaun Williams.

OCTOBER 2022 VOLUME 8 • NUMBER 10

CONTRIBUTING

OWNER | PUBLISHER

Jordan Regas jordan.regas@405magazine.com

VICE PRESIDENT

Kaley Regas kaley@hilltopmediagroup.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Julie Partin julie.partin@405magazine.com

ART DIRECTOR

Christopher Lee christopher.lee@405magazine.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Evan Musil evan.musil@405magazine.com

SENIOR WRITER

Greg Horton greg.horton@405magazine.com

SENIOR WRITER

Evie Klopp Holzer evie.holzer@405magazine.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Melissa Mercer Berryman, Lavinia Creswa, Jake Durham, Addam M. Francisco, Kristen Grace, Bennett Hill, Lisa Lloyd, Linda Miller, Annabella Potts

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Dale Carty II, Jake Durham, Lexi Hoebing, Beth Jansen, Kimberly Martin, Charlie Neuenschwander, Brittney Parsons, Shevaun Williams

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Meagan Matthews meagan@hilltopmediagroup.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Lillian Meador ads@405magazine.com

CLIENT COORDINATOR

Leesa Neidel leesa@hilltopmediagroup.com

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Lisa Munson

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING

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405 Magazine Volume 8, Number 10, October 2022. 405 Magazine is published monthly by Hilltop Media Group at 1613 N. Broadway, Oklahoma City, OK 73103, 405.842.2266. ©Copyright 2022 Hilltop Media Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction of 405 Magazine content, in whole or part by any means, without the express written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. 405 Magazine is not responsible for the care of and/or return of unsolicited materials. 405 Magazine reserves the right to refuse advertising deemed detrimental to the community’s best interest or in questionable taste. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of ownership or management. Basic annual subscription rate is $14.95. U.S. single-copy price is $4.95. Back issues are $9.50 each

From Strength to Strength

“HERE’S TO STRONG WOMEN. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.”

After reading this quote the first time, I teared up. Eight years ago upon becoming the mother of a daughter, something inside me leveled up. I have always been a proud woman — but I became fierce about the process of rais ing a confident and capable little girl. A girl who takes up space and believes she can move mountains if she puts her mind to it. A girl who will turn into a teen who includes others and stands up to bullying. A girl who will turn into a woman and see no insurmountable obsta cles between herself and her goals. And hopefully, that woman will one day continue to support and empower others.

Our team greatly anticipates this powerful HER issue every year. Choosing only a handful of ladies to honor is no small task; the submissions we receive are numerous and inspiring. The things that women in Oklahoma City are doing right are incredible — solving problems, changing lives, breaking down barriers and giving the best of themselves to make a mark on the world. The six women Evie Klopp Holzer and I have the privilege to write about and feature this year will completely blow you away with their beauty and stories. Photographed by the incompara ble Shevaun Williams, the shoot is unlike anything we have ever done (pg. 30).

For our second feature, Lavinia Creswa covers BRCA gene mutation — what it means for you and your family, and who should be tested for it. New medical innovations

now available in Oklahoma City are giving women a better-thanever chance to get ahead of a cancer diagnosis (pg. 45).

Also in this issue, you will meet a stunning fantasy writer about to release her next bestseller (pg. 20), get lost in a colorful DIY home design spread (pg. 26) and enjoy a chat with the up-and-com ing founder of Good Girl Choco late (pg. 82).

Additionally, we are excited to feature the always yummy Harvey Bakery & Kitchen (pg. 66), preview the upcoming (and unfortunately Chet-less) Thunder season (pg. 78)

and get an inside look at the TV show filmed here that everyone is talking about (pg. 86).

I hope you are all enjoy ing a wonderful fall so far and gearing up to finish 2022 with a bang!

Always,

Julie Partin EDITOR IN CHIEF

BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE COVER SHOOT

Writing Plenty of Magic

Prolific local author Scarlett St. Clair shares her lifelong love of myth and fantasy. p. 20

Lean Into Fall

to

BY BENNETT HILL

ensemble

AS OCTOBER MAKES ITS WAY ON our calendars, we might question if the heat from this year’s grueling summer will impede the month’s usual breezes. Find yourself accepting both scenarios by keeping handy those classic fuzzy sweaters while also stay ing braced for warmer temps. Short-sleeved

jackets are versatile and the perfect way to layer for warmth or for a little something extra. Invest in boots for those brisk days and slides for the opposite, but don’t be afraid to let them be the focal point of your ensemble. With Oklahoma, expect the unexpected … but always be fashionably prepared!

1. Clare V., Marisol Bag; Cayman’s 2. Nadaam, Coastal Cashmere Balloon Sleeve Crewneck; Edit & Co. 3. Cami NYC, Dalton Vegan Leather Pant; Cayman’s 4. Cecelia New York, Jayne Boot; Betsy King Shoes 5. David Yurman, Châtelaine Earrings with Citrine in 18K Gold; BC Clark 6. Ganni, Embroidery Denim Puff Sleeve Jacket; Gretta Sloane 7. Cecilia New York, Flipper Slide; Betsy King Shoes

Ranchtini

PHOTOS BY AJ STEGALL

Allied Arts hosted the annual ARTini event at Camp Trivera. It was themed as “Ranch”tini this year to celebrate the glamorous, yet rugged, life of a rancher. Allied Arts hosted more than 1,000 art supporters who had the opportunity to bid on over 140 art pieces up for auction. ARTini raised over $110,000 for the Oklahoma arts and culture community.

Art Walls

ARTini judges Brya Berry, KFOR anchor, and Seth Lewis, Arts Council of Oklahoma City

Members of Inspyral Circus on the dance floor

Outgoing Allied Arts president/CEO Deborah McAuliffe Senner with new Allied Arts president/CEO Sunny Cearley

McClintock Saloon & Chop House pouring its martini

SquadLive performing

National Association of Commissions for Women

At the National Association of Commissions for Women, Oklahoma was honored with an Achievement Award and the election of two members to the national board. The national Achievement Award recognized the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame, which recently inducted eight women, and funds raised will help establish a permanent Women’s Hall of Fame exhibit. The state executive director, Kitti Asberry, was elected as national vice president and Carol Hefner, current state vice chair, was elected to represent Region VI on the national board.

Cookies & Cocktails

PHOTOS BY MACI TOMPKINS

Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma hosted its annual fundraiser, Cookies & Cocktails, at Camp Trivera. The organization partnered with local restaurants to offer unique sweet and savory bites and cocktails featuring the famous Girl Scout Cookies. NEON Coffee Bar won “Best Sweet,” The Winston won “Best Cocktail,” The Jones Assembly won “Best Savory” and Hacienda Tacos took home “People’s Choice.” Proceeds from Cookies & Cocktails benefit girls through higher awards and civic engagement programming and scholarships.

Receiving Achievement Awards from left to right are Lori Day from Florida, Kitti Asberry, Oklahoma, Tracy Beard, California, and Mary-dith Tuitt, Massachusetts. Presenting the awards are NACW board members Dr. Anna Everett and Jennifer Rizzo from California. Florida was honored for its LEAD Program — Leadership, Education, Advocacy and Development.

Katie Wonderly and Monica Hiller putting together friendship bracelets

Event chair Bria Moos and past event chair Ally Glavas Olson

Cocktail pour

Hacienda Tacos booth

is expected to be released in Decem ber. Her first book in the series, King of Battle and Blood, was an editor’s pick for best science fiction and fantasy for Amazon.

When asked about her reputation for writing complete novels in mere weeks, St. Clair explains that that time frame isn’t the whole story: she spends lots of time prewriting and planning themes and character arcs. She is currently writing two beloved book series: Persephone & Hades and Adrian & Isolde, a task she has firmly in hand.

St. Clair grew up in Eufaula, Oklahoma, where she became a voracious reader in middle school. “I was often made fun of for having a book to read wherever I went,” she said. She speaks warmly of how influential her teachers were in the trajectory of her writing life, from first grade to high school. In middle school, she began reading The Lord of the Rings over winter break. As soon as she finished, the 13-year-old St. Clair sat down at the computer and began writing her own fantasy novel. “I had fallen in love with fantasy and wanted to create my own world. I decided that writing was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.”

St. Clair continued writing books and stories throughout her teenage years. “Isn’t it lovely that ignorance is bliss?” she said. “As a teenager, I wasn’t inhibited by people telling me that there’s no money in it, or that the odds of becoming a famous writer were slim. My dad was always so supportive of my choice to become a writer. He passed away in 2020 of COVID, but he always told me that I would become a famous writer, and I believed him.”

Maker of Myths

Author Scarlett St. Clair’s passion for writing brings fantasy to life

BY KRISTEN GRACE

SCARLETT ST. CLAIR HAS A LOOMING deadline to meet. But that doesn’t keep the USA Today bestselling author’s infectious laugh from spilling out. “I’ve got until 3 p.m. tomorrow,” she said. “I’ll do the best I can with the time I have left.” The book she works feverishly to finish is the long-awaited second book in her Adrian & Isolde series, Queen of Myth and Monsters, which

With a bachelor’s degree in English writing and a master’s in library science from the University of Okla homa, St. Clair began to fuse her love of fantasy with Greek mythology. She saw mythology as a way to explain the world in both the past and pres ent. “I wanted to take the Rape of Persephone and turn that into some

thing that empowers women, rather than what continues to oppress,” she said. “I believe that is a noble endeavor.

“I once had my own defenses against romance novels; I find that ironic now,” she laughs. “It’s human nature to be intrigued by love, to desire love and companionship, and yet there is a part of us that always wants to make fun of desperate love. I never read romance until I started working in the library and a co-worker gave me a book. The main character had autism, [and] I loved the representation I saw in romance novels. Of all genres, romance has done the best at representing marginalized communities.”

When St. Clair became aware of what romance novels could do, she began to weave all her loves together: fantasy, Greek mythology and romance. As she began to publish her novels, she reached out to her fans over Instagram and Pinterest by publishing quotes, which eventually found their way to TikTok. “I went viral over TikTok before I was on TikTok,” she said. “That displays the power of word-of-mouth.”

St. Clair, who came up through self-publishing her works, has advice for her fans who are young writers. “Any time that you are told no, remember it is not a door closed,” she said. “You have to find your way to yes. Your path won’t look the same as everyone else’s.”

The fantasy genre holds a great deal of hope. As St. Clair says, “What matters is that you keep trying, even when your heart has been broken.”

Are

In

“I had fallen in love with fantasy and wanted to create my own world. I decided that writing was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.”

A Welcome Arrangement

Greens, browns and blushes for fall inspiration

BY THE PARTY QUEENS

THIS WAS AN OPEN HOUSE AT Still Meadows Event Center so everyone could meet its new owners before wedding season took off. It was an amazingly styled shoot with one of the hottest color trends of the year — the terra cotta and blushes mixed together with the gold are proving to be great for fall. This vendor team was amazing to work with, as these pictures demonstrate.

PHOTOGRAPHER: CAITLIN ELIZABETH PHOTOGRAPHY

VENUE: STILL MEADOWS EVENT CENTER

FLORALS AND PLANNING: FOREVER BORROWED PLANNING AND FLORAL DESIGN RENTALS

STYLING AND DESIGN: THE PARTY QUEENS

ARCHES AND NEON SIGN: WEDDING SCAPES OK

FLORAL WALL: CRIMSON ROSE EVENTS

MAKEUP: MAKEUP BY HALIE

Hands-On Design

Inside the family home of DIY enthusiast Kiley Gauthier

BY EVIE KLOPP HOLZER PHOTOS BY BETH JANSEN & CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

Custom artwork by Denise Duong stands out against the purple Designers Guild wallpaper from Ketch Design.

KILEY GAUTHIER CAN’T resist a good home improvement project. It’s a temptation deeply rooted in her childhood, dating back to age 10, when her grandfa ther started bringing her along to renovate rental properties.

“I still remember working in hot houses with no air conditioning; pulling up carpet, tacks and nails so he could refinish the hardwood floors,” she said. “We would be pull ing up linoleum and mowing yards that hadn’t been mowed in weeks. He always found some way for you to work hard and earn money.”

What began as a way for Gauth ier to get some money also gave her invaluable hands-on, do-it-your self experiences. Today, when inspiration strikes, she’ll take on any task, large or small, to make her surroundings more useable and beautiful.

“Over Memorial Day weekend, while other people were having fun at the lake, I was on a 20-foot ladder, staining a pergola, and paint ing and putting together this giant daybed porch swing,” Gauthier said. “I am always doing something. It’s just my nature.”

After fully renovating their three previous homes, Kiley and Stephen Gauthier began build ing their dream home in Nichols Hills in January 2020. The Gauth iers decided to build after living in homes that didn’t have the best layout for their family. They didn’t need a great room or large formal living room; rather, they yearned for cozy spaces — a banquette just off the kitchen, and a built-in nook nestled underneath a large window upstairs (now two favorite areas in the home). The house was move-in ready a little more than one year later, in February 2021 … but with Kiley Gauthier leading designs, the place may never be fully finished.

TOP LEFT: The banquette just off the kitchen features a Mr. Brown London Atlantis Oval Dining Table and Maya Rattan Dome Chandelier, both from Urbane Home and Lifestyle.

TOP RIGHT: A playful peacock pattern by Rifle Paper Co. lines the downstairs bath.

ABOVE: The Moroso sofa and chairs add soft textures to the living room.

“I think Stephen thought I would stop with all of the projects if we built some thing from the ground up, but that didn’t really happen,” she said, adding that her husband jokes about her obsession with HGTV, design magazines and Pinterest.

Most recently, she has had the master bedroom draped with fabric samples while she considers reupholstery options. Leaning heavily on design advice from her creative friend Beth Jansen, Gauthier has filled her home with inviting rooms that blend modern and cottage designs.

The Gauthiers also knew they didn’t want an expansive backyard when plan ning their new home.

“We wanted something more ener gy-efficient, with an acceptable square footage plan,” she said, “and we wanted a really awesome outdoor living space that we could use 75 percent of the year.”

This goal was achieved by incorporat ing a gas fireplace, infared heaters and a drop-down screen into the outdoor

This stunning kitchen is one of six featured on the Oct. 23 Kitchen Tour around Nichols Hills.

Kiley Gauthier wanted to create cozy spaces throughout her home, like this reading nook upstairs.

living room design. The room is walled on three sides with the automatic screen on the fourth wall, providing protection from the outdoor elements.

A small pool, surrounded by turf and pavers, provides a beautiful view yearround, along with Gauthier’s inten tional planting of evergreens. The raised planter beds and charming greenhouse remind Gauthier of her upbringing, which instilled a love of gardening in addition to home design.

“My grandfather had a farm and an acreage. I would work in his gardens and pick tomatoes,” she said.

The Gauthier family will open their backyard and home on Oct. 23 for the Oklahoma County Medical Society Alli ance Kitchen Tour, an annual fundraiser in the Nichols Hills area; see ocmsal liance.org for details. In preparation for the tour, Gauthier has several proj ects in mind — but nothing she can’t tackle herself.

Emma Gauthier’s bedroom is punctuated by pinks and artwork by Ryan Cunningham.

Another colorful Ryan Cunningham painting hangs above custom leather furniture by N701 in the office.

With an eye for design, Kiley Gauthier managed all of the details and decor while creating her ideal family home.

HONORING, EMPOWERING AND RAISING UP SIX EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN

BY Evie Klopp Holzer & Julie Partin

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Shevaun Williams

LOOKS BY Tres Jolie, Bella Style, BC Clark, Rosegold

APPAREL Sarah McDonald & Lindsey Lawrence with Pivotal Style MAKEUP AND HAIR Teresa & Kadi with MarloHaus

In plain clothes, the 2022 HER honorees could easily blend into a crowd. You might see them in a grocery checkout line or walking down a city side walk or shopping inside your favorite boutique without noticing anything unusual about them. However, put them in a ballgown and ask them a few personal questions and you’ll soon see that these everyday women are anything but ordinary. They are transforming lives. They are shaping our community. They are breaking down barriers and inspiring others to follow.

With the HER award, we honor six local leaders, encour aging their work and thanking them for boldly standing out. Read their stories, and we think you’ll agree: These extraordinary women make living in the 405 even better.

OF THE YEAR

Dr. Mautra Staley Jones

HE’S HAVING A MOMENT, exuding excellence and gaining national attention for our state — and she’s doing it all her way. The last few years have been a whirlwind for Dr. Mautra Stanley Jones. Earlier this year she was appointed president of Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC), making her the first woman and first woman of color to lead the institution. She joins just 5% of women of color at the helm of higher educa tion institutions in the U.S.

This comes fresh off the heels of being named the 86th National Mother of the Year by American Mothers, Inc. Jones has three school-aged children: two sons and a daughter.

This lifelong education advocate and civic leader proudly boasts that she is “Sooner born and Sooner bred,” and will continue to elevate Oklahoma along her life’s journey.

Under her leadership as president, OCCC has forgiven nearly $4 million in student debt for its Fresh Start Initiative (which impacts more than 4,500 OCCC students) and awarded $1.8 million to help first-gen eration college students, and was named one of MovieMaker’s 40 Best Film Schools of 2022 — the only Oklahoma school to make the list.

When discussing her life and recent acco lades, Jones credits education and a giving mindset, something she learned from her

“We are building resources, removing barriers and making educational opportunities accessible. We get to serve people from all journeys and all walks of life.”

grandmother while growing up in Ardmore. “She taught me so many principles [and] values and morals and set the stage for what my life’s work would be — because despite the things I went through as a child, not really understanding why some of the challenges existed, she always taught me hold my head up high and be someone full of pride and joy and confidence and opti mism,” said Jones, “and how to work hard and dream big dreams. Everyone is the same and I shouldn’t be intimidated or scared. I saw her give service to our community; I remember us always being in some sort of a space where we are giving of ourselves.”

She believes she is “just walking in my purpose. In my current role at OCCC, it really feels like it has come full circle.” Jones started her job as president on March 1 — her late mother’s birthday. “It was really a

way to honor her legacy and the dreams deferred and the things she didn’t get to accomplish. A lot of the students that I serve, their backgrounds and experiences mirror mine. I’m able to give of myself and my talents and everything that I have worked hard for, and fully invest in the students that we serve at OCCC. We are building resources, removing barriers and making educational opportunities accessi ble. We get to serve people from all journeys and all walks of life.”

This year she will be one of 11 named into the Oklahoma African American Educators Hall of Fame. “Education has been the great equalizer. It has opened so many doors and opportunities for me, and I don’t take it for granted,” said Jones, and her life’s work backs up that belief as she passes the gift on to as many others as possible.

Cathy O’Connor

HE’S THE KIND OF PERSON you want on your team. Whether it’s raising and competing cham pion Arabian horses alongside her daugh ter, preserving historic buildings or shaping the future of a great American city — Cathy O’Connor is going to win.

With or without knowing it, most OKC residents reap the benefits of O’Connor’s life’s work on a daily basis. For the past four decades, she has been front and center in leading the charge to transform the 405. From 10 years as assistant city manager to 10 years as president of The Alliance for Economic Development, she has had one mission. “My biggest moti vation is trying to make Oklahoma City the best place it can be for the people who live here and want to come visit,” O’Connor said.

In a public post praising her, Mayor David Holt said, “Economic achieve ments like the lowest unemployment in city history are the product of a unified effort that includes some of the most talented people any American city has ever seen. And across multiple decades, Cathy O’Connor has been THE MVP of OKC economic development.”

Just a few of the notable projects O’Connor has had a hand in include the Convention Center and Omni Hotel, Boeing facility, renovation of the Skir vin Hilton, 21c Museum Hotel and West Village and the Innovation and Boathouse

“My biggest motivation is trying to make Oklahoma City the best place it can be for the people who live here and want to come visit."

Districts. “The projects that I have worked on are really important for quality of life. They make Oklahoma City a more inter esting place; a place that people want to come visit, which helps our local economy — and they create good jobs for people,” said O’Connor. But the one she’s most proud of? Ending the food desert in north east Oklahoma City, a process she began working on in 1998 and refused to aban don. “It took a lot of effort, perseverance, teamwork and things coming together at the same time to get that deal done.” What was once a vision is now the bustling and vibrant Homeland grocery store at NE 36th and Lincoln.

Upon the triumphant completion of several of her largest projects, O’Connor was considering going into business with a private firm when COVID-19 hit, and an opportunity arose to help small busi nesses survive. O’Connor and her team created an emergency response small

business assistance program in less than a month after the start of the pandemic and successfully distributed nearly $60 million to OKC businesses. “It took some body like me to make sure it was going to happen, so I’m glad I stayed.”

Recently O’Connor finally did move on to the next phase of her remarkable career. She founded COalign Group, a company that will help cities develop or redevelop economic development strat egies and policies. O’Connor explained, “I have been able to complete some proj ects that I had a lifelong desire to finish. And when I had finished them, I decided it was time to give somebody else a chance to lead economic development in Okla homa City and see what they would like to do with it.”

Because that is what champions like Cathy O’Connor do. They barrel through glass ceilings and empower others to do the same.

Alisa Trang Green

HER LIFE IS A STORY SO INSPIRING it feels fresh out of the pages of a novel. A tale of grit and caring with a happy ending in progress — and Alisa Trang Green as its heroine.

Born in a Vietnamese refugee camp, Green was one of five siblings. Her family moved to Oklahoma City, where they raised her. “I went to public school here, college here (UCO), married someone from here, my kids (two daughters) now go to school here,” Green said “So I’m an Okla homan.” Despite hard work and multi ple jobs, her parents and family often depended upon nonprofit organizations and programs to help them get by.

When deciding on a career, Green ulti mately knew she wanted to learn from and

help others. “Why make other people rich when you could be enriching other people, you know?” she said casually. Green is quick-witted and approachable; seamlessly accompanying her beauty and poise is an unexpectedly goofy side.

In 2013, Green founded Dress for Success. “It came about because I did research into what the community was lacking,” she said.

At the time of its founding, Oklahoma was the number one incarcerator of women in the entire world. “What kind of programs do we have here to help with reintegration?” she wondered.

Services provided by OKC Dress for Success include upscale outfits for job inter views, as well as professional and personal training programs that teach job skills, healthy relationships and balancing home life and work life. Green’s favorite services the organization provides are its retention programs, which allow her to connect with the women and follow their journey.

“We had to practice what we preach. How can we tell the women that they can start over if we’re not going to be able to start over?”

A tragedy in June 2020 could have been the end of OKC’s chapter of Dress for Success. In the middle of the night after the Black Lives Matter march had concluded in downtown OKC, the building and all its contents were lost in a fire.

“My first instinct was: This is a time we can take a stand,” Green remembered through tears. “Because I know that people are going to try and divide us right now. And

that is completely opposite of what we stand for. We built this organization on unity and we needed the community to get to where we are. We lost everything. We literally had to start completely over. I wasn’t mad; I think I was sad. I knew people were hurt ing. But I knew the community was going to rally around us. When I tell you I love Okla homa City so much, it’s because they under stood the assignment.”

With the help of volunteers including Taber Homes, and thousands who donated and shared the story, Dress for Success was able to completely rebuild in five months with a brand-new location in downtown.

“We came back bigger and better,” Green recalled. “We had to practice what we preach. How can we tell the women that they can start over if we’re not going to be able to start over?”

Along with her accomplishments at Dress for Success, Green serves as president of the Dragonfly Home board and sits on the City Rescue Mission board. While she flour ishes as a prominent member of the philan thropic community in OKC, she remembers her family’s roots. “Without nonprofits and churches and people helping them, they wouldn’t have been able to raise five kids and put them through college,” she said. It is a full-circle narrative that brings out the best in our country and city and is repre sented in one woman’s beautiful life.

Jayra Camarena

TO FEEL HEARD, VALUED AND loved — these are just three of the many ways Latina women are being embraced at La Luz. Jayra Camarena founded the nonprofit in 2018 to light a path forward for Latina victims of domes tic violence and sexual assault. The child of an immigrant who grew up with a tumul tuous home life, Camarena approaches each woman’s situation with deep compas sion and understanding.

“I grew up in a domestic violence home, and for a long time I didn’t quite under stand why I had some challenges growing up,” Camarena said. “It’s been a journey; [the healing] is still happening now.”

Camarena was able to identify and address her own trauma while volun teering at a domestic violence agency in California, her home state. After moving to Oklahoma in 2013, she became more engaged with victims as a domestic violence advocate. Then, a few years later, she felt an even greater calling.

“In 2015, I became a Christian and also turned 30. I started questioning, ‘Who am I? How do I live life? What is my purpose?’ I felt God was telling me to start the nonprofit. I honestly did feel that in my heart. It wouldn’t go away, but I didn’t feel like I was enough to start it,” she said.

It was at that time Camarena realized her own need to feel heard, loved and valued. In order to love others, she had to first learn how to love herself.

"I started questioning, ‘Who am I? How do I live life? What is my purpose?’ I felt God was telling me to start the nonprofit. I honestly did feel that in my heart. It wouldn’t go away."

“The voice of my father telling me I was nothing would come to me,” Camarena said, fighting back tears. “I needed healing from the damage he had caused. Under standing that God is my father and having a father who left me was the hardest jour ney through this … After a year, the sensa tion that I needed to do this hadn’t gone away, so I had to act in faith. I just prayed, ‘Lord, this is what you want. Make it happen.’ Every step along the way, this has been my prayer.”

Every step, Camarena said, God has guided her way. Today La Luz is the only culturally specific, faith-based service provider in the state working exclu sively with domestic violence and sexual assault victims. The nonprofit focuses on crisis intervention, court support, advo cacy and support groups. In addition, La Luz addresses cultural issues — such as

fear of deportation, mistrust of police, language barriers and pervading attitudes of machismo — that can complicate situ ations. That cultural connection makes La Luz a valuable resource for the Latino community statewide.

“In rural areas, victims are calling us, even though there is a service provider in their area,” Camarena said, adding that she often connects victims to local Span ish-speaking resources. “If it’s hard for us, and we speak the language, it’s 100 times harder for someone who doesn’t speak the language or understand the court process; it’s fearful.”

As Camarena and her small staff help others navigate life’s most challenging times, they do so with love. To feel heard, valued and loved — this is what Camarena strives to give women every day. This is where La Luz shines.

Emma Butler

EMMA BUTLER VIVIDLY RECALLS

the photo that changed her life. It was of a young girl with corn rows. Her braids, once tight against her scalp, had grown out to create a thick layer of unkempt hair underneath. As a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer assigned to help this child, Butler began asking questions.

“I asked, ‘Where are we sending her to get her hair done?’ Someone responded, ‘Probably just a DHS worker who is Black,’ and I thought, ‘Oh, please tell me that’s not true,’” said Butler, who also works as a problem-solving paralegal. “It didn’t seem fair to me that Black DHS case work ers were being charged with this. They’re already overworked and underpaid, and many were paying out of pocket. I started emailing around and found out there were no products, no tools, no solutions for these families.”

Butler saw that photo in January 2018. At the same time, as if by fate, Butler met DHS worker Christy Horn, who confirmed the lack of hair-related resources, espe cially in rural communities.

“Christy had been working with foster parents who didn't know what to do. They were scared to ask people, afraid they would be canceled or ridiculed,” Butler said. “They had the means, they just didn’t know who to

ask. So, on top of the stylists, products and tools, there was a need for judgment-free education — a safe space for parents to engage in this type of conversation.”

With equal drive to quickly provide a solution, the two women launched the Hair Initiative just two months later. They held workshops with stylists, barbers and braid ers. They developed educational materials and collected must-have items for give away bags. They engaged legal advisers and asked Angels Foster Family Network to guide their way. Before 2018 was over, they had traveled 1,500 miles, crisscrossing the state to educate caregivers on proper cleaning and grooming practices.

“At the base level, it’s about hygiene. At the human level, it’s about dignity,” said Butler. “You should be able to run a brush through your hair. You should have a sham poo that works for you.”

Through the years since its found ing, the Hair Initiative has helped more than foster families. To date, it has served populations within Palomar Family Justice Center, Hope for the Future, OU Children’s Hospital and the Boys and Girls Club, among others.

“It’s really great how community members come to us and say, ‘Hey, this is our problem with hair.’ We are just taking the same tools and redistributing them in

a way that’s meaningful to the people we are dealing with,” Butler said, adding that everyone, everywhere, deserves the dignity of a good hair day.

“Society puts so much pressure on how we look. It’s unfair that some people have access to hair hygiene items for themselves while others don’t,” she said. “I think when you look in the mirror and you like what you see, you act differently and you carry yourself differently — and that changes how you interact with the world.”

“I think when you look in the mirror and you like what you see, you act differently and you carry yourself differently — and that changes how you interact with the world.”

Dr. Elaine Hamm

DR. ELAINE HAMM IS INSPIRED

by the people who stare at her every day, “whether they know they are there or not,” she said. Select photos of family and friends surround her home office computer — each with their own story about a devastating diagno sis, each connected to a therapeutic drug Hamm is currently pushing forward in hopes of a cure.

With a Ph.D. in microbiology and previ ous work experience with universities, startups and pharma companies, Hamm excels at the intersection of science and business. In 2018, she founded Ascend Bioventures, a pharmaceutical accelerator company.

“I have pictures of a friend who has MS; my own father who died of Alzheimer’s; and a colleague of mine whose child can't hear,” Hamm said. “Because there is so much failure and it is an industry driven by profit, you have to find your reason ‘why’

and keep that at the forefront. I need to work on things that I truly, deeply care about and can put a face to.”

Hamm has reviewed more than 400 diagnostics and therapeutics, and she says she is most drawn to developing the “big game-changers.” One project, currently on the cusp of human trials, could solve hear ing loss by regrowing inner hair cells inside the cochlea. Another project is a revolu tionary gene therapy for Alzheimer’s. In addition, she’s working on a better drug for multiple sclerosis, one that addresses the condition instead of just masking the symptoms.

“With Ascend, we are trying to find really interesting new drugs that have great potential and to find a home for them,” she said. “In the end, I’m just a nerd who likes solving problems. I have a new problem coming across my desk every day and I’m just like ‘All right, let’s dig in. Let’s do this.’”

Alongside her everyday work (and ongo ing hobby of fostering dogs), Hamm enjoys speaking to students and mentoring rising entrepreneurial stars. She is especially passionate about encouraging more diver sity and inclusion in science.

“It's a male-dominated industry — I'm not going to pretend that it isn't — but I want little girls to see me and think, ‘Yep, I could do that too,’” she said.

Hamm considers herself a realist, so being an example of a woman succeed ing in science is important to her. Equally important is mitigating her expectations with each new project. While Hamm hopes for the best possible outcomes for all of the drugs she develops, she’s also continually bracing for curveballs.

“With drug development, the stage I focus on, only 10% go on to become a new drug. So there are a lot of failures,” Hamm said. “I don’t sit [comfortably] in the successes because I’m always looking forward to the next obstacle. We’ve helped a lot of guinea pigs hear, but getting from here [this stage] to humans is a substantial mountain to climb.”

As Hamm makes that ascent, she glances at the faces taped along her computer screen. Silently and perhaps unknowingly, they cheer her on. What ever the challenges, they are worth it. Whatever the failures, Hamm will keep going.

“In the end, I’m just a nerd who likes solving problems. I have a new problem coming across my desk every day and I’m just like ‘All right, let’s dig in. Let’s do this.’”

HERO

A Breast Cancer Q&A

BY LAVINIA CRESWA

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE BRCA GENE

Angelina Jolie bravely announced in 2013 that she had undergone a double mastectomy after testing positive for the BRCA1 gene, a mutation that can indicate a higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Since then, countless other women have followed in her footsteps and proceeded with preventative surgeries. But how do you know if this decision is what’s best for you? I sat down with Jennifer Vasquez, a nurse practitioner at OU Health, to talk about genetic testing and the breast cancer (BRCA) genetic mutations. Vasquez spearheaded OU Health’s program offering Myriad MyRisk Hereditary Cancer Tests to its patients, and is currently working on her doctoral project on genetic mutations.

CTOR AND DIRECTOR

Dean McGee Sur geons Help You Put Your Best Face Forward

When the signs of aging, stress, or sun damage appear, the oculofacial plastic surgeons at the Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI) – Dr. Jeremy Tan and Dr. Thai Do – can help reverse the effects. According to Dr. Do, “oculoplastic surgeons have specialized training in eyelid and facial anatomy to develop the surgical finesse necessary to treat complex conditions around the eyes.”

Common cosmetic procedures performed by the team at DMEI include blepharoplasty (removal of excess eyelid skin), ptosis repair (droopy eyelid lifting), endoscopic forehead and brow lift, mid-face lift, lower eyelid fat removal, and injectables (Botox, fillers, etc).

“We strive for natural-looking results,” states Dr. Tan. “The best compliment we receive from patients after they heal from surgery is that their friends and family tell them they look well rested.”

To discover what the oculoplastics team at DMEI can do for you, call 405.271.1096 to schedule your evaluation today.

Approximately 10% of cancers are from a hereditary genetic mutation. The Myriad MyRisk Hereditary Cancer testing is a multi-gene panel and checks for 48 different mutations that may put a patient at higher risk for various types of cancers. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are two of the genes on that panel; both of these mutations carry a very high risk for breast and ovarian cancer.

What is the process to be tested?

Patients will scan a QR code and fill in a cancer quiz which reviews their personal and family history to determine whether they are at higher risk of a genetic mutation. If the quiz indicates they are higher risk, testing is then done with either a blood or saliva sample and then sent to Myriad Genetics. Myriad does a prior authorization with the patient’s insurance and will contact them if they have any out-of-pocket cost. Results are usually returned

within two weeks. I will schedule a follow-up visit to go over the results, and those who are positive for a mutation will go for formal genetic counseling and receive a referral to the appropriate clinic.

If the cancer quiz deems someone positive for being at higher risk, why is it important that they are screened for genetic mutations?

A lot of people have a fear that since they have cancer in their family, they will get cancer, too. This testing can check to see if they carry a hereditary genetic mutation. If they test positive, this is a way to be proactive and reduce the risk of ever getting cancer.

When someone is positive for BRCA1 or BRCA2, how likely is it that they will develop cancer?

Extremely likely. These women are at an 83% to 87% lifetime risk that they will develop breast cancer, and 40% to 63% lifetime risk that they will develop ovarian cancer.

A lot of people have a fear that since they have cancer in their family, they will get cancer, too. This testing can check to see if they carry a hereditary genetic mutation. If they test positive, this is a way to be proactive and reduce the risk of ever getting cancer.

Should all women who are positive for BRCA1 or BRCA2 follow Angelina Jolie’s lead and proceed with surgery? The guideline for women who are positive for these genetic mutations is to do risk-reducing, preventative surgery once childbearing is done. This is usually between the ages of 35 to 45. These surgeries include a double mastectomy and a hysterectomy to remove the ovaries. If a woman is not finished having children, active monitoring for these cancers is important. Yearly breast MRIs starting at age 25 and adding a yearly mammogram to that at age 30 is typical. Women who are not actively trying to become pregnant are placed on an oral contraceptive pill to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.

MISSING MOM

Most women choose to undergo reconstruc tive surgery following their mastectomies. When women proceed with a hysterectomy, it will put them into menopause, but hormone replacement therapy is an option. Being pro active and prepared for these surgeries, rather than waiting until there is an active cancer and other treatment is involved, makes these pro cedures and their recovery much easier.

Oklahoma native Cayla Lewis proceeded with her double mastectomy and reconstruc tion earlier this year. “My mother, Debi Lewis, passed away shortly before her 50th birthday after battling breast cancer for three years,” Lewis said. “My doctor recommended that I get tested for the BRCA gene mutation, which re vealed that I was, in fact, BRCA1 positive. I did not have a cancer diagnosis. I am what is con sidered a ‘previvor.’ Surgery was not a decision I came to easily. I spent a year researching and reading other people’s stories and looked at this gene mutation as a ‘when, not if’ situation. I am working every day to feel at peace with this very, very big decision, but I feel in my heart I would be doing my mother a disservice by not removing the risk of what took her away from us.”

So, do some people have cancer in their genes?

Meet the hard-working women in the 405 who imbue the community with entrepreneurial spirit, thoughtful growth and vitality.

Emoly Walters

Sage Sotheby’s International Realty

REAL ESTATE IS A DYNAMIC MARKET and one without a predictable standard. It can fluctuate as rapidly as people’s needs and demands change. This requires an appropriately licensed real estate agent that understands market trends and, more importantly, develops personal relationships with each client to work on the best options for buying or selling a home or property. “I am excited at every opportunity to work with buyers and sellers,” said Real Estate Professional Emoly Walters. “Selling is an art form requiring a different strategy for each property and client.”

A fifth-generation Oklahoman, Emoly earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Central Oklahoma, with additional studies abroad. “Oklahoma is home, and I continually discover more things to love and enjoy about living here,” said Walters. “In turn, my experiences have equipped me to understand my clients better and help them find a new place to live in our state.”

Emoly is a go-getter and problem-solver who enjoys working in real estate, with a passion for new construction. During her tenure selling luxury homes, she has also developed an approach to presenting properties on the market and welcoming buyers with seamlessness and transparency.

For over six years, Emoly has served clients with Sage Sotheby’s International Realty. “I have to be able to move in and out of market shifts, “said Walters. “It’s a unique experience to help guide people to a place where they belong. My hope is for every client to enjoy life within a community they love here in the 405.”

6430 N. Western Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 405.640.8923 emolywalters.sagesir.com

Jennifer Kragh Group

Sage Sotheby’s International Realty

JENNIFER KRAGH AND HER TEAM specialize in a customized approach to selling, with listings in the Oklahoma City metro and across the state. Kragh applies her special blend of expertise, reach and service to properties of every description: luxury, historic and classic homes, beautiful old-guard enclaves, high-end communities, acreage estates and everything in between. Her secret weapon lies in her keen ability to tell each property’s story beautifully, via impeccable styling and staging, top-notch, multiple-platform marketing skills and bold business acumen.

“My business is relationship based. Each individual is unique, with unique needs. Most of our clients are referrals or repeat clients, and it is my great honor to assist them,” Kragh says.

Sage Sotheby's

Sotheby’s International Realty brings power and reaches greater than any other Real Estate company in the world with more than $204 billion in annual global sales. The company’s unmatched reputation gives your listing the best-in-class exposure it deserves, and it assures buyers they are working with experts they can trust no matter where they are in the world. Jennifer Kragh applies her blend of passion, local knowledge and tenacity to every phone call, meeting, showing and transaction.

She’s assembled a strong team: key players Megan Tabor, sales agent and Crystal Liles, executive assistant, embody the same superior level of discreet, cheerful white-glove customer service. This team understands that strong relationships are vital in real estate. They work with integrity and kindness, giving each client’s unique needs the highest priority.

Whether buying or selling property in the urban core, throughout the Oklahoma City metro, or beyond, the Jennifer Kragh Group is precisely who you want in your corner.

405.274.6767

jennifer.kragh@sothebyrealty.com

Align Interventional Pain

EVERYBODY EXPERIENCES PAIN. Unfortunately, not everyone has pain that resolves after injuries and surgical scars heal. When pain lingers, an interventional pain specialist may be able to help. Dr. Morgan Pollard and her experienced staff at Align Interventional Pain help patients determine the sources of pain and create a minimallyinvasive treatment strategy to manage without traditional surgery or pain medications. Dr. Pollard helps her patients alleviate or eliminate many painful conditions and helps patients enjoy their lives again.

Dr. Pollard was born and raised in Oklahoma. As a competitive golfer, she earned a golf scholarship to Baylor University. She returned home to attend the University of Oklahoma for medical school before completing her residency and fellowship training at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. She returned to Oklahoma and started her practice in 2020.

Align Interventional Pain is a woman-run, privately owned, interventional pain practice offering patients innovative strategies to restore quality of life. When asked about being a woman in interventional pain management, Dr. Pollard says, “Both women and men suffer from chronic pain, but more than 75% of interventional pain specialists are men. I’m proud to represent women in this specialty.”

With offices in Edmond and Enid, Dr. Pollard and her staff enjoy getting to know their patients and collaborating with them to find the treatment options that best suit their needs. As one patient states, “It is rare to find a Doctor who is both professional and considerate. Dr. Pollard and her entire office staff have treated me with respect and compassion.”

501 E. 15th St. Suite 300A Edmond, OK 73013 405.906.4020 alignpain.com

Mister Robert Fine Furniture & Design

KEVEN CALONKEY CARL is a dedicated, talented and Nationally Certified Interior Designer. The winner of 18 Excellence in Design Awards from the American Society of Interior Design, she is a consummate professional.

Keven’s clients regularly compliment her professionalism and attention to detail. “An interior should reflect the client’s tastes, family, travels and should illustrate what is exclusive to them. I love working with people to select a blend of patterns and colors,” says Calonkey Carl. Keven has a natural vision for classic design and is a master of scale and composition but stresses that each space is unique. “Interior design starts with the desires of the client and then I create a beautiful and functional space for them,” she says. “Additionally, I like to suggest a whimsical element in a space to add to the joy of life.”

Calonkey Carl takes this same zeal to her role as Owner and President of Mister Robert Fine Furniture and Design. Here she leads a team of talented designers and support staff who share her vision of service and professionalism. “Our team makes all the difference at Mister Robert.”

A savvy businesswoman, the Mister Robert brand is drawing the attention of local and national publications. In 2022, Home Accents Today Magazine named Mister Robert a “Rising Star” in Retail Furniture. Additionally, the Dallas Market Association has nominated Mister Robert for an ARTS award for expertise in Home Accents. Locally Mister Robert was again voted by the readers of 405 Magazine as the Best Furniture Store in the metro area.

Under Keven’s leadership Mister

Robert remains a destination store for people seeking to invest in quality and extraordinary furnishings. “With our 20,000-sq. ft. showroom, we have many instock items which customers can purchase off the floor. Most new customers are impressed by the varied selection and size of our showroom” says Calonkey Carl. Mister Robert remains in its one and only location, 109 E. Main Street in Norman. “Our customers come from all over the state, and they always say that coming to downtown Norman is worth the trip.”

109 E Main St. Norman, OK 73069 405.321.1818 misterrobert.com

Contemporary Endodontics of Oklahoma

FOR DR. VICTORIA BALL, a healthy, happy life is directly related to the health of your teeth. In her practice at Contemporary Endodontics of Oklahoma, she focuses on maintaining the health of patients’ natural teeth.

After shadowing her hometown dentist, Dr. Ball said her eyes were opened to all the ways dentists can help their patients. While at dental school, she investigated several specialties, but she kept coming back to endodontics.

“I love the challenge of saving natural teeth,” she said. “Every patient, every tooth is different, kind of like that box of chocolates metaphor.”

Dr. Ball is the first female private practice endodontic owner in the 405 who has achieved board certification and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics.

“I regularly have patients who are seeking out a female practitioner,” she said. “I think the measurement is not male or female, but skill, competence and the ability to communicate with and care about patients.”

Her practice is at the forefront of utilizing advanced technology, including state-of-the-art Zeiss PROergo microscopes and 3D cone beam scans to diagnose and treat every patient.

The 3D cone beam scan provides a detailed view of the anatomy of the tooth to detect curvatures and calcifications or blockages within the tooth’s nerves, while the microscopes help to detect small hairline cracks or fractures that may not yet be detectable on a 3D scan.

When used together, this equipment helps to provide the best diagnosis and long-term prognosis for each patient’s case.

“I’m excited about new technology, and how it has changed our profession and the way we treat our patients,” Dr. Ball said.

2916 Astoria Way #100 Edmond, OK 73034 405.285.5042 ceoklahoma.com

Bajaj Plastic Surgery

FOR OVER 15 YEARS, Dr. Anureet Bajaj and her staff have focused on building lasting patient relationships through supportive plastic surgery in Oklahoma City. Dr. Bajaj is revered for her surgical skills and minimally invasive procedures; she specializes in facial rejuvenation, body sculpting and aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery.

In 2007, Dr. Bajaj established a microvascular breast reconstruction program at SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital with the assistance of her father. For 10 years, she was one of the few plastic surgeons in Oklahoma who performed the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap for breast reconstruction.

“When I moved to OKC, most surgeons told me I wouldn’t be able to perform DIEP flaps in private practice because they were too time-intensive and complicated. However, we established St. Anthony Hospital’s program and became a high-volume center,” Bajaj said.

More recently, Dr. Bajaj has directed her energy to developing a comprehensive aesthetic surgical practice that has the ability to empower and support her patients. Dr. Bajaj and her experienced staff work to build a relationship with their patients from the initial consultation onwards. “As a surgeon, I enjoy speaking with and engaging with my patients,” said Bajaj. “I want to hear your story – that is one of the most important aspects of having a successful surgical outcome -- listening to your stories helps me determine the right options for you.”

From consultation to operation to recovery, Dr. Bajaj and her staff continually strive to improve the patient experience.

8106 North May Avenue, Suite B Oklahoma City, Ok 73120 405.810.8448 bajajplasticsurgery.com

Aspen Ranch

NESTLED IN THE HEART of Oklahoma, Aspen Ranch is a stunning 160-acre venue yielding a picturesque setting of spacious lawns, beautiful ponds and surrounding fields to host unforgettable weddings, large affairs and special events. Every facet of this venue has been thoughtfully designed with a timeless aesthetic, which creates a unique memory for any event.

Aspen Ranch is more than a venue, however. This family-owned and operated business strives to employ the best people, and the women of Aspen Ranch reflect this commitment. Owner and Operator Tiffany Smith has a passion for rescuing animals. Aspen Ranch has been a growing home for rescues, and it dedicates 30% of event proceeds to the care of the ranch animals. Animal Care Manager Sharlett Huff oversees the daily needs of over fifty adopted rescues, including donkeys, pigs, horses, goats, dwarf ponies and Bob the cat.

Social media has been a driving force for the ranch. Social Media and Communications Manager Karlee Boots tirelessly manages multiple accounts dedicated to featuring weddings, events and the ranch animals. Karlee has helped Aspen Ranch amass over 20,000 followers across its social media platforms.

Mother and daughter Deborah Kaiser and Shannon Kinzer work to make every event unforgettable with attention to detail, customer service and ensuring that each venue is immaculate and welcoming. Finally, Business Manager and animal lover Sheila Wilson rounds out the all-star lineup of women who guide the business to success.

Aspen Ranch credits defining moments, exclusivity and offering an elevated experience as elements which set its business apart from the rest. Aspen Ranch is more than a venue – it is a place to celebrate life’s most memorable moments with the most important people in your life.

OK 73025 405.850.5469

Worden & Carbitcher Law Firm

“THE FUTURE BELONGS TO those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

- Eleanor Roosevelt

Fashioning an effective team comes down to one main component: unity.

In a team, unity of vision, purpose and passion keeps the team centered on its shared mission, while allowing each team member to develop and grow as an individual. And with a solid mission in place, individual perspectives are free to take shape and create diversity within the team without breaking the unification.

That’s what Founding Attorney, Andrea Worden, has created at her law firm, Worden & Carbitcher. She had a dream of building a team of women who would provide the kind of legal service she would want for her own family.

“We make space for each other,” Ms. Worden says. “Supporting one another as women and co-workers — this is what allows us to

operate as such a strong team in this field.”

While the women of W&C come from very different backgrounds, Ms. Worden and Ms. Carbitcher came together through their shared appreciation of their Native American heritages and a passionate commitment to criminal justice. The firm’s defense attorneys provide legal expertise in DUIs, expungements, drug possession and trafficking, misdemeanors, juvenile crimes and more.

The firm’s family law attorneys — Jillian Mershon and Stephanie Fryar — have represented clients from all over the state of Oklahoma in all areas of family law, including divorce, adoption, paternity cases, guardianship, custody, VPOs and probate.

“Even when you work with one of our individual attorneys, you’re actually getting an entire team,” says Ms. Worden. “We collaborate; we help each other out; we offer different perspectives. There are a

lot of benefits to hiring a law firm with multiple attorneys.”

Ms. Worden believed in the beauty of her dreams from the very beginning. Her big dreams have blossomed into a flourishing team of attorneys with over 50 years of combined legal experience, as well as a freshly renovated office building, and, most recently, Norman’s only downtown coworking/co-studying space for women: tēk workspaces. Tēk is located in the Worden & Carbitcher office building and offers its members free coffee, wi-fi, snacks, access to the firm’s conference room and a beautiful space to work/study.

115 E. Gray St. Norman, OK 73069 405.360.8036 wordenfirm.com

Michelle Early Insurance Agency

“I LEARNED THE MOST about female leadership from my mother,” said Owner Michelle Early. “She was a great example of how hard work and success go hand in hand.”

For inspiration, Early fondly reflects on the accomplishments of her mother, who worked for Southwestern Bell at 18 and eventually was promoted to an executive position. Her mother also earned a master’s degree in business administration while raising three prosperous children. “I was adamant that I would rise to the same level of accomplishment,” said Early. “I have had so many amazing mentors throughout this journey, including my mom.”

Excellent customer service is crucial, and a simple and tailored approach is used to educate each client. “As your neighborhood insurance provider, we enjoy assisting clients in choosing the protection that best matches their needs,” said Early. “I can help you better understand your coverage options, including car, home, renters, life, business insurance and more, thanks to my 20 years of knowledge and experience.”

Early and her team of experienced and licensed agents provide customers with the products and services they deserve and expect. “We are old school, and we still do things like answering our phones and returning calls immediately,” said Early. “We value face-to-

face interaction and visit clients’ homes or businesses for appointments.”

Early Insurance Agency is there for people who need it the most when experiencing the loss of a home or loved one, or an accident. “Our passion is to get people back to normal as fast as possible and without worry,” said Early. “Everyone is our ideal customer because everyone needs insurance.”

17342 N May Ave Edmond, OK 73012 405.936.9200 earlyinsuranceagency.com

RefineU Medspa

REFINEU MEDSPA PROVIDES Oklahoma City with a wide variety of the most recent, well-liked, non-invasive aesthetic procedures and injectables for every body type and skin tone. RefineU’s highly qualified staff helps clients identify the products and services that will help them achieve their ideal body or regain a more youthful appearance.

Raised in Stillwater, Oklahoma, owner Janelle Wagner brings over 25 years as a devoted nurse practitioner and aesthetic

medicine specialist to RefineU. Janelle and her staff provide clients with the most diversified state-of-the-art technologies and developments in cosmetic medicine. “The demand for aesthetic treatments is increasing in all cultures and ages,” said Wagner. “More people are seeking preventative care and seeking procedures at a younger age. For many patients, injectables in combination with skincare and laser treatments allow them to delay or replace surgery or more invasive procedures.”

Since 2019, RefineU has continued to provide patients with products and services focused on individualized care. “We have an amazing team that dedicates themselves to creating an exceptional patient experience based on obtaining optimal results for each patient,”

said Wagner. “We are so lucky to be able to do what we love daily. As the saying goes, if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.”

The skilled RefineU team provides every patient with a unique treatment plan that helps them achieve the best cosmetic outcomes. RefineU’s experienced staff takes the time to learn about your needs during an initial consultation to ensure that the care you receive is designed with excellence in mind.

13301 N. Meridian Avenue Ste. 300A Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405.369.8840 refineuokc.com

Specialized Recruiting Group

THE SPECIALIZED RECRUITING GROUP, a division of Express Employment Professionals offers an individualized approach to professional placement that focuses on recruiting and professional consulting at the highest levels of business leadership and C-suite positions.

Led by Bettye Taylor, a 29-year veteran in the recruiting arena, her team facilitates a tailored employment solution so that candidates who are looking for employment are matched with one of the hundreds of leads in their network of companies throughout Oklahoma.

“We are always searching for qualified candidates who are seeking employment and even those who are not currently looking but wonder what other opportunities might be out there,” Taylor says. “And because our team is tenured, you can count on our consistency and commitment to your search.”

The process of seeking a career opportunity can be stressful for a candidate. Many find themselves unsure of how to adequately present their skill sets and the online process can feel so impersonal as if you’ve fallen into a “black hole,” never to hear back. SRG is different. It has direct access to the decision makers so they can best represent your attributes and can discuss your qualifications and skill sets on a human level, beyond just your resume.

The Specialized Recruiting Group is a tenured team and under Bettye’s leadership can help find employment opportunities across the following industries: Accounting & Finance, Information Technology, Engineering & Manufacturing, Creative Professionals, Human Resources & Operations, Legal and the Non-Profit sector. Reach out today to set an appointment.

Bettye Taylor, CPSS Regional Director 405.717.8382 expresspros.com/okcsrg/

Gemma Harris

Operations Director & Entrepreneur

WHETHER PHOTOGRAPHING THE LOCAL MUSIC SCENE, leading the run club for Sweet Yield Studio, or rowing for the Riversport OKC Masters team, Gemma Harris has earned the title of “OKC’s Renaissance Woman.” Harris brings over 20 years of experience managing an array of industries across the U.S. and abroad. For the last six years, she has been the Operations Director for Airosurf Communications, which provides innovative wireless solutions for businesses and rural Oklahomans.

In 2020, Harris launched The Hold Space OKC to provide consulting services focused on human resources, business management, accountability coaching, culture development and embracing the delicate art of “holding space” for people. “It is designed to work with you at your own pace and rhythm,” said Harris. “This variation invites you to be present and intentional by nurturing your mindset to become your own biggest cheerleader as an owner, manager or solo professional.”

“I call OKC home,” said Harris. “Belonging is crucial, and I believe in the power to create compassion where it doesn’t exist and to understand others’ needs through objective communication.”

405.906.6099 airosurf.com theholdspaceokc.com

GIFT GUIDE 2022

Showcase your best holiday gift idea(s) in this catalogstyle promotional section for local retailers. Available in our November and December issues, this section will reach readers during the heaviest shopping season of the year.

Midtown Together.

Project by Jeff Johnson

Project by Reese Travis

Project By Jason Thompson

Baking up Bliss

Harvey Bakery & Kitchen delivers excellence beyond the

case.

The Harvey Hospitality

Great baked goods and much more deliciousness at this versatile hot spot

BY GREG HORTON PHOTOS BY LEXI HOEBING

THE CREATIVE CENTER OF HARVEY Bakery and Kitchen is pastry chef Alyssa Ulrich. Before Harvey opened at 301 NW 13th St. in 2021, Ulrich had already built a following at Hall’s Pizza Kitchen, thanks in large part to her delicious cookies and cinnamon rolls. The success of the dessert program at the popular Midtown pizza joint encouraged Ulrich to dream of a full-service bakery, a dream that meshed well with owner Molly Hall’s plans for expansion.

“I fell in love with the old Chrysler showroom when I toured the space in 2019,” Hall said. “Alys sa’s pastries and cookies had been huge sellers for us, and so we were looking for a way to expand that component of the business.”

The showroom, built in 1947, is located on the corner of NW 13th and Harvey in a gray area between Midtown and Heritage Hills. “The orig inal touches that remained inspired me to bring as much as possible back to life,” Hall said. “I

love the mosaic, the stairs, the 14-foot windows, all the natural light — you can tell it used to be a showroom. We want Harvey to be a place people come every day, and that requires the space have character.”

It also requires the place to have good food, and thanks to Ulrich’s leadership and talent, it has stellar food, beginning with the pastry program. Ask the regulars what the best pastry is, and at some point, everything in the case will be named: Midnight Cowboy croissant, raspber ry-almond croissant, cinnamon roll, blueberry coffee cake muffin, savory scones, sourdough English muffins — all of it. Ulrich seems incapa ble of baking items that aren’t delicious.

Ulrich said she’s known she wanted to be a baker since she was 9 years old working in the kitchen of her maternal grandmother. Those moments baking cookies for Sunday school or treats for classmates formed visceral memories

A spread featuring best sellers like Midnight Cowboy croissant and cinnamon roll.

for Ulrich, and the pursuit of nostalgic food memories drives much of what she does at Harvey.

“I want to create food that is memorable,” she said. “There’s that scene in Ratatouille where he takes a bite and is transported back to his childhood. That’s what I’m trying to do.”

Her breads and pastries are also used in the kitchen, where Harvey expanded quickly from breakfast to brunch and lunch. Breakfast is a combination of toasts, bowls and sandwiches, includ ing some very creative breakfast sandwiches like the Birch House: sausage, thyme and chive scrambled eggs, cheddar, honey and srira cha on an English muffin. Lighter, healthier items are available, but we’re talking about a bakery, not a fitness camp. However, for those curious, the protein bowl has avocado, quinoa, boiled egg, fruits and nuts with a chive vinaigrette.

The lunch menu features sandwiches, soups and salads. The star of the sandwich column is The Giovanni, featuring Italian cured meats, fresh mozzarella and smoked provolone, and a cherry pepper spread that you’ll want to take home in a jar, all served on salted, freshly baked focaccia. The sandwich list includes classic favorites such as Italian meatballs on ciabatta, chicken salad on sourdough and a club on white bread. That in particular might be the best proof of Ulrich’s skills: It’s intensely delicious, and it’s white bread.

A couple of the sandwiches are creative takes on classic combi nations, like a bacon and pimento grilled cheese, and The Cardi ni’s tenderloin and caesar salad on sourdough. The vegan option is thoughtful and flavorful, built around grilled portobello and roasted carrots on flatbread. Sides include housemade chips, salad, soup and fruit. The eclectic menu makes it easy to eat healthy or not.

Harvey wasn’t open long before Hall started taking commercial accounts. Expanding into the commercial side was always part of the plan, as Hall said she and her team planned around something that the community needs. The last large-scale commercial bakery that could produce enough bread to service area restaurants was Prairie Thunder, which closed in 2016. Since then, many local joints have been sending orders and money up the turnpike to Farrell Family — owned by Justin Thompson Restaurant Group — in Tulsa. For now, though, she’s adding accounts slowly, so as not to overwhelm an already busy kitchen.

The coffee service at Harvey features Arkansas-based Onyx Coffee Lab, an excellent roaster with a growing presence in central Oklahoma. You’ll find mimosas on the brunch menu, and as of August, Harvey started rolling out a cocktail list. The patio is an excellent choice for coffee drinks or cocktails, and the mezzanine offers plenty of work space in a quieter setting.

Harvey Bakery and Kitchen is designed around Hall’s idea of hospitality, which begins with the same ideals she applies in her own home. “If a guest comes to my home, I care about their dietary restrictions and the things they love to eat and drink,” Hall said. “We want to extend the same hospitality at Harvey.”

If you insist, they will also serve you healthier options.

Chef Alyssa Ulrich is the baking genius behind the deliciousness.

The dining area is spacious and beautifully designed.

Loaded With Flavor

Where foundations of fries are only the beginning

BY GREG HORTON PHOTO BY LEXI HOEBING

LOADED FRIES ARE A FREQUENT menu listing, but how often do you pause to ask “What constitutes a loaded fry?” We’ll start with one common denominator, and it’s cheese: ched dar, cheese sauce, something vaguely French, American “cheese,” Velveeta … absolutely does not matter. Of course, if you stop with cheese, you just have cheese fries — and that’s not much of a load, really, so let’s just say it’s cheese plus something else, with the most common additions being bacon, chives and sour cream.

There are as many origin stories for loaded fries as there are places that serve them. Texas claims the creation of chili-cheese fries, but we’re used to Texas taking the credit for things of dubious provenance (chicken-fried steak and breakfast tacos, for example).

The broader truth is, though, that no one really cares who did it first as long as it’s delicious, and we fully support experimenting with differ ent combinations. Some restaurants are more imaginative than others — or simply have more product on hand — so around the 405 you can find toppings ranging from crab to kimchi, and bulgogi to jalapeňos.

Birdie’s Fried Chicken (2201 NW 150th St., Edmond) adds chopped Korean-fried tenders to its remarkably delicious fries, so delicious they really don’t need help. Chef Kevin Lee also adds avocados, so these are definitely the healthiest in the list. The rest of the toppings are traditional: bacon, chives and sour cream.

Burger Punk (3012 N. Walker Ave., OKC) Mosh Pit Fries begin with Liquid Gold — its Velveeta-based cheese sauce — and then add bacon, jalapeňos and fried onion strings. The fries are crinkle-cut to capture maximum sauce with every bite.

Deep Deuce Grill (307 NE 2nd St., OKC) makes its entry with waffle fries — that’s a solid choice, and waffle fries are fries — and they’re pretty traditional from there, with bacon, green onions, sour cream and ranch dressing.

Guyutes (730 NW 23rd St., OKC) opts for waffle fries for its Tequila Sunfryz, and if there is a dish on this menu more people should know about, this is the one. Tequila queso, pulled pork, sunny-side egg, veggies and cilantro crema round out an intensely flavorful and hearty dish.

The Mont (1300 Classen Blvd., Norman) is two things: a popular Norman restaurant and the near-mythical version of this close-to-campus eatery that lives on in the memory of OU alums. No matter which version lives in your head, both have excellent traditional loaded fries (bacon, two kinds of cheese, chives), and you might as well have them with a Swirl.

Riviere Modern Banh Mi (905 N. Hudson Ave., OKC) uses bulgogi to add punch to its loaded fries. (The addition of bulgogi to various dishes is a trend that should continue and grow.) Kimchi is optional, and the cheese sauce would be the star but for the bulgogi. You can also add a fried egg, and why not?

Sushi Neko’s (4318 N. Western Ave., OKC) eponymous loaded fries — Neko Fries — have long been a local favorite. The key ingredient is likely the super savory and spicy togarashi, but the caramelized soy sauce doesn’t hurt, nor does the wasabi aioli.

Tasty Burger (15924 SE 29th St., Choctaw) is one of those joints where all locals ate when they were in high school, because the menu is built around burgers, fries, steak fingers and, of course, coneys. It also makes an excellent plate of chili cheese fries, and because they contain cheese plus at least one other thing, they qualify as loaded fries.

The Gangnam Fries at Riviere Modern Banh Mi features some of OKC’s best bulgogi.

Ready, Set, Drink

Premixed beverages around the 405

BY GREG HORTON

WHILE IT’S OFTEN LUMPED INTO the seltzer category, popular beverage High Noon is actually a vodka soda, and lives in a category the industry refers to as RTD (ready to drink). RTDs have shown substantial growth over the past three years, with an increase of 45% from 202021 and 170% from 2019-21. Calling it explosive may be insufficient to describe a rate of growth rarely seen in the spirits business.

The pandemic definitely helped sales, with people avoiding bars and restaurants to drink at home, and when staying in is combined with a lack of training or equipment, RTDs — depend

ing on the brand — can be an excellent substitute. In many cases, they are simply a one-and-one like High Noon: one spirit and one mixer, thus the name. More complex cocktails have popped up in cans over the past few years, though, and several of them are well crafted and delicious. Below we look at some of the better brands avail able in the 405.

Scratch Kitchen and Cocktails in Norman owner Brady Sexton released his own Scratch Old Fashioned in a 750ml bottle in 2020, and recently he changed the whiskey in the bottle to Guthrie-based Wanderfolk Spirits’ Same Old

Moses bourbon. The premade cocktail uses three Bitter Cube bitters, demerara, organe and grape fruit. Each bottle contains roughly ten 2.5-ounce Old Fashioneds, and can be found all around the metro, including Spirit Shop in Norman, George’s and Freeman’s Liquor Mart in OKC and Edmond Wine Shop.

High West’s Barrel-Finished Old Fashioned relies on rye and bourbon to create a more complex cocktail. The finished product is rested in used rye barrels, which allows the flavors to meld, leading to a richer, rounder taste.

Relatively new to the Oklahoma market, London-based Greenall’s Gin has a line of four gin and sodas that might be the best booze in a can you’ve had. On the sweet side, their combi nations of solid dry gin, natural fruit flavors, soda and sugar are mainstream crowd-pleasers.

Straightway produces one of the most inter esting (and delicious) lines of RTDs, including the remarkable Lintik, a gin-based cocktail with lemon, which originated — as the story goes — at a hotel in Manila. It’s rare to find a bar that serves one, so this is about the best option if you want to try this zippy, refreshing cocktail.

Pittsburgh-based Maggie’s Farm is no stranger to awards – it makes some of the best rum in the world – but its Rum Old Fashioned is easily the best RTD on the market and deserves its own award category. If a bartender served it to you, you’d swear it was made from scratch. Seri ously, that good.

In that same vein, Greenhook Ginsmiths is using its remarkable, made-in-the-U.S. gin to craft a canned gin and tonic that is right up there with Maggie’s Farm in terms of quality. Cock tails that rely on citrus don’t always do well as RTDs; no one wants flat citrus notes. This G&T, though, relies on lime oil from the peel to amp up the citrus and round out the proper amount of bitterness.

People like mezcal (or say they do), and Madre Mezcal, a company known for creative packaging and a high-quality product, has released a line of four Mezcal RTDs under the Desert Water label. The four are Prickly Pear and Lemon; Mushroom, Sage and Honey; Grapefruit and Yerba Santa; and Original, which is Mezcal, sparkling water and citrus. These are not crushable beverages for a pool party — they’re serious, complex cocktails, but they’d be great on the patio.

Dirty Chai You’ve Got to Try

Liven up your chai latte with these OKC drinks

BY GREG HORTON

LIKE SO MANY COMMON food and beverage origin stories, the origin of dirty chai is a bit of a mystery, but the go-to narrative is of a London barista who acciden tally poured a shot of espresso into a chai latte, much to the chagrin and then pleasure of the customer. It’s a good story; it might even be true. What matters, though, is that the combination of tea, espresso and milk is a delicious means of getting your morning (or after noon) dose of caffeine. The pres ence of (hopefully) house-made chai syrup guarantees that the beverage is much more complex and interesting than the whipped cream-laden sugar bombs that are the signature of too many coffee shops. Here are 10 Dirty Chai You Should Try Now around the 405.

Cafe Evoke, 103 S. Broadway, Edmond

You’ll be hard-pressed to find anything this Edmond shop doesn’t do well. Its dirty chai latte is creamy and subtle, with just the right hints of spice.

Clarity Coffee, 431 W. Main St., OKC

No surprise here. The Main St. coffee shop already makes the best pumpkin spice latte in the city, so why not a dirty chai latte, too? It has all the flavor and quality we’ve come to expect from Clarity.

Classen Coffee Company, 2515 N. Classen Blvd., OKC

This one was the slam-dunk winner in our informal taste contest. The combination of slightly sweet, slightly bitter, creaminess and spicy redolence is in perfect balance at this Asian District coffee shop.

Harvey Bakery & Kitchen, 301 NW 13th St., OKC

The NW 13th bakery is a destination right now, especially on Saturday mornings. It seems pastry chef Alyssa Ulrich can’t make anything that doesn’t taste delicious, so it’s good that the coffee program is also excellent, including the dirty chai latte.

Landing Coffee Company, 229 E Sheridan Ave., OKC

Don’t let the location inside a church stop you. No one is going to make you sing. It’s just a smart use of space during the week, and the dirty chai latte is worth the trip to Bricktown.

Neighborhood Jam , 525 NW 11th St., OKC Edmond, Norman, Midtown and soon to be everywhere it seems, this breakfast and brunch concept from Hal Smith Restaurant Group does morning beverages exceptionally well, including the dirty chai latte.

Neon Coffee, 1742 NW 16th St., OKC

The aptly named Magnificent Chai at this underappreciated Plaza District spot is not hyperbole. Not sure what we need to add.

Sincerely Coffee Roasters , 1325 N. Walker Ave., OKC

Midtown has plenty of coffee options, but you won’t find a better dirty chai latte in the district than this one. Owner Ian Flemming is committed to approachable, delicious coffee and tea, and it shows.

Stitch Cafe, 835 W. Sheridan Ave., OKC

You’re thinking, “Why would I go to Stitch and not get the horchata latte?” It’s a good thought, so get both and go halfsies with whomever you love or like.

Willow Coffee Company, 321 N. Oklahoma Ave., OKC

It’s one of the newest additions to the urban core. The Deep Deuce coffee shop is an up-and-comer, with excellent customer service and a very good dirty chai.

Matthew D. McReynolds D.D.S

Robust Desserts

Good Girl Chocolate’s healthfirst sweets are growing in popularity. p. 82

Mentors, Makers and Exquisite Corpses

A look inside OKC’s Artspace at Untitled

BY LAVINIA CRESWA

NESTLED AT THE CORNER OF NE

3rd Street and Oklahoma Avenue, Artspace at Untitled has proudly been serving the arts community for almost 30 years. “Our mission has not really changed,” said founder and creative director Laura Warriner. “But maybe the way we approach our vision has, because we are now focused more on education rather than on exhibition.” Its mission is “bringing art to life” with a vision of being “an inclusive environment designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, collabo

ration and dialogue with the community through quality arts programming.” In 2003, Artspace became a nonprofit contemporary art center.

“We are a community-based organization,” Warriner said. “This is a workplace, a living place and an exhibition place for artists, as well as a place for students to be interactive in our mentor ship program — the mentorship program is our largest initiative and probably the most gratify ing for me.”

The program works with about 150 students across 13 high schools and one middle school in the Oklahoma City area, with eight to 12 students coming from each school. Learning everything from stop-motion filmmaking and fiber works to fashion design and printmaking, each student is paired with an individual mentor who is a local artist. The students spend entire days creating at Artspace and are free to come on weekends to continue honing their craft. Most of these aspiring artists begin the mentorship program as sophomores in high school and continue through their senior year. Plus, the most impressive aspect is that this program is completely free for the students and the schools.

Artspace at Untitled also proudly hosts an artist-in-residence program, with Philadelphia illustrator and printmaker Kees Holterman being the most recent artist to stay at the facility. While

in OKC, he will teach classes through the mentor ship program and offer a lecture for the commu nity; his exhibition “Copper Snakes” is on display and will close Oct. 13.

Artspace hosts two annual fundraisers: the spring Steam Roller Print Fest and the fall Exquisite Corpse Costume Ball, which happens this year on Saturday, Oct. 29. The ball’s corre sponding exhibition will open the same day and run through the end of the year. The Hallow een-themed gala will feature a silent auction, fortunetelling, palm reading, live music, a tequila and wine pull and seasonally scary games such as eyeball tossing. If you love all things Hallow een, from costumes to creepy crawlies, this ball should not be missed. All money raised from these fundraisers is put directly back into Artspace’s free programming.

Artspace is free to visit, open to the public and even dog friendly. Its hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The facility also is home to The Hive gift shop, which features unique work from 50 local artists, and might be a perfect creative destination for the upcoming holiday season.

For more information on Artspace at Untitled or to purchase tickets to the Exquisite Corpse Costume Ball, visit 1ne3.org.

Artspace at Untitled embraces the local arts community through mentorship programs and fundraisers such as Exquisite Corpse.

Thunder on the Horizon

OKC looks to make some noise in a new NBA season

BY ADDAM M. FRANCISCO | ILLUSTRATION BY BRANDON LAND

THE OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER are on a trek to regain their once-prominent reputation around the NBA after two straight losing seasons and the ever-changing bottom half of their roster.

Over the last two seasons, the Thunder have combined for a 46-108 record (.299), but the multiple losses were in preparation for things to get better, which they already have.

In the 2022 NBA Draft, OKC acquired four talented guys to help turn this franchise around. A little more than a month before Thunder training camp, OKC’s second overall pick, Chet Holmgren, suffered a Lisfranc injury in his right foot, which will cost him his entire rookie season.

While that changes the instant trajectory of the Thunder, it doesn’t alter the franchise’s future as far as assets, and not to mention, they

have another rookie that should make an immedi ate impact in shooting guard Jalen Williams out of Santa Clara. Their two other picks, Jaylen Williams and Ousmane Dieng, have the potential but may take longer to make a huge impact.

Though OKC’s coveted top pick is out for the year, the top half of their roster wasn’t half bad to begin with. Between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, Darius Bazley, Kenrich Williams, Tre Mann, Aaron Wiggins, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and even Mike Muscala, the Thunder have proven that they can be competitive when completely healthy.

The big question is, will OKC look primarily at devel opment and draft positioning this season, or will they do the best with what they have available? The answer to that question is inconclusive; we don’t know, but I’m sure it’ll be hard not to compete with the young talent playing inside the Paycom Center.

Here are some things to expect from the Thunder this season.

All-Star Shai

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will likely be an All-Star caliber player. Last season, he seemingly got whatever he wanted on the offensive end of the floor, averaging 24.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game on 45.3% shooting from the floor. However, while I say he’ll be an All-Star caliber player, I don’t think he’ll be named an NBA All-Star because of the point guards ahead of him.

Big year for big Baze

Most Thunder fans would say Bazley’s tenure with OKC has been disappointing and inconsistent, but I’m projecting a good season for him considering he’s playing for a new contract. Last season, Baze averaged 10.8 points and 6.3 rebounds in 69 games. I’m predicting a better season for the power forward this time around, somewhere around 15 points and 8 rebounds per game.

Surprise! Jalen Williams is better than we thought

Williams flew under the radar because he’s in the same Thunder draft class as Holmgren, but fans would be much more excited about him in any other draft situation. Now that Holmgren is out, Williams will get more reps and exposure.

He’s reminiscent of a young James Harden in many ways. While there are differences, I look at Harden’s rookie stat line and see Williams being better his first year because he’ll have more opportunities earlier.

The Thunder’s new season begins Oct. 19, with the first home game Oct. 23; buckle yourselves up for another ride!

An Indiana Idyll

How to do Indiana Dunes National Park

BY GREG HORTON

STANDING ON ONE OF MOUNT BALDY’S peaks on the south shore of Lake Michigan in the Indiana Dunes National Park, it was easy to see the beautiful Chicago skyline gleaming in the distance. The ranger pointed out vari ous points of interest while going over the science of “living dunes” — Mount Baldy is one, as it moves every year — and then he said something that changed the tone of the presentation. Living dunes that are large enough can “swallow” old-growth trees, and then through a weird interaction between sand and bark that scientists are still studying, the hollowed-out tree turns into a cylinder that people can fall into.

That was the perfect moment to introduce the importance of rangers as guides and to dissuade people from wandering into restricted areas of the dunes. The national park is more than the dunes, though. More than 300 species of birds either live in or migrate through the area, making it a destination for birders from all over the world. The plant diversity is greater than that of Yellowstone, so much so that the Cowles Bog Trail has been designated a National Natural Landmark since 1965. The shore is dotted with beaches as well, and bike and hiking trails abound. It’s a fairly comprehensive vacation destination for the whole family.

Where to Stay

Just outside Michigan City — the best place to stay if you’re going to the park — is The Brewery Lodge and Supper Club, a cozy, warm refuge tucked into the woods but easily accessible. The lodge has an excellent restaurant on site, and quiet time, which is enforced, starts at 11 p.m. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, and you’ll find plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy morning coffee in the Indiana woods.

Where to Play

In diana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes State Park (the state park is contained within the national park) offer activities and attractions for the whole family, ranging from science-themed hikes to beach fun, bicycling, bird-watch ing and picnic areas. The dunes themselves are the greatest attraction, and learning about living dunes while standing in a parking lot that will be swallowed by the dune within

The Brewery Lodge near Michigan City

Dinner at The Brewery Lodge is one of the best choices in the area.

Rooms at the lodge are quiet, comfortable and well appointed.

a year is the best kind of show-and-tell educa tion available.

Blue Chip Casino and Spa. Indiana has a clus ter of Native American casinos in Southshore, and Blue Chip’s presence in Michigan City makes it easy to grab a spa treatment or spend time at the tables and slots.

Harbor Country Adventures. The Emita II is a double-decker cruise boat that offers sunset tours of Lake Michigan seven days a week. The boat departs from Michigan City and features live entertainment and a full bar for cocktails while you watch the sunset.

Where to Eat and Drink

Sophia's Famous Pancakes . For breakfast, head over to this diner-style destination that’s a favor ite among locals. Yes, it has pancakes of all kinds, as the name suggests, but you’ll also find crepes and blintzes, the latter of which are a must.

El Cajete. Opened by the Bernal family in 2012, this casual Mexican restaurant is the ideal local spot for lunch. It has a large selection of Mexican favorites, but the huaraches are the star.

The Brewery Lodge and Supper Club has excellent food in a casual, comfortable setting. The owners also have Zorn Brewery — thus

the name — a local operation offering tradi tional styles made with lovely balance. The food consists of supper club classics with some unique twists, such as the elk burger, which is a must for someone at the table. It also serves fresh oysters, chops, ste aks from a local rancher and housemade desserts.

Travel Specifics

The easiest route is to fly into Chicago-Midway and arrange ground transportation or fly into South Bend and do the same. Both are close enough to be convenient in a rental car.

The views of Lake Michigan and environs from Indiana Dunes National Park are stunning.

Planting Sweet Success

Tabatha Carr is going coast to coast with her chocolate

BY LAVINIA CRESWA PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

IF YOU THOUGHT DR. Tabatha Carr would be satisfied with just being the first Black-owned permanent storefront at Penn Square Mall after opening Good Girl Choco late in July 2021, you would be wrong. After all, her plant-based chocolates that gave rise to the shop were also featured in Grammy and Academy Award goodie bags and won her a grant from Beyonce’s BeyGOOD foundation. In this conversation, Carr discusses how her business — and chocolate — have developed over the past year, and what’s next for her guilt-free sweet treats.

Congratulations on being selected for the Whole Foods Market Local and Emerging Accelerator Program! How has that experience been? It has been a learning experience. The program goes over everything it takes for our product to be successful at Whole Foods, including packaging, marketing and distribution. There’s an audit process and once that’s behind us, we will start being in stores in the Southwest region. It will take about 12 to 18 months before we launch in Whole Foods Market stores across the country. I am so excited about the opportunity to take our product nationwide!

Good Girl Chocolate owner Tabatha Carr

Does the chocolate-making process happen at your storefront?

Yes, chocolate-making happens here. We roast and grind our own organic, fair-trade cocoa beans from Ecuador and control all of the ingredients. It takes about three days from start to finish, and we make about 300 pounds a week. Everything is still non-GMO, dairy-, soy- and gluten-free, from bean to bar, using organic plant-based sweetener. There are two 70-pound grinders running all of the time. I think we’ll upgrade to two 200-pound machines and probably move to a bigger factory space eventually.

What’s next for Good Girl Chocolate?

QVC has always been a dream of mine. A couple years ago, they came to me with an offer, but at that time, I lacked the capital and resources. They made another offer more recently, which we were able to accept!

We are offering “break aparts” — five-piece chocolates sold in sets of three. The customer can give them to their friends and family or keep all three for themselves. We’re also going to be offering our 18-piece box. These all will ship out by early December in time for the holidays.

Are you worried about being able to produce that much product?

I was also accepted into another six-month accelerator program called Act Tulsa. It’s a $70,000 capital investment with zero percent interest or equity. Good Girl Chocolate will pay the money back as we reach certain milestones. This investment will help us with

what we need for packaging and scaling for QVC. I’ll be in Tulsa Monday through Friday for three months for coaching and education, with the other three months back here to implement what I’ve learned.

With all those projects, do you have any help?

interns that I hire will have their wages paid by the Guthrie Job Corps for a year, which will really help me with growth, too.

What do you do outside of work? Most of my life revolves around the business. I play piano at church and I’m active in my sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. I have a 17-yearold dog, and I try to make time to network in my community. I’m doing what I love to do.

IN CONVO WITH Our factory was recently approved as a work experience site by the Guthrie Job Corps as part of its workforce innovation program. It offers assistance to underserved young people between the ages of 18 and 24. The program paid for interns with culinary experience who I taught the chocolate-making process. Any

Good Girl Chocolate is located on the lower level of Penn Square Mall, and is also available online at goodgirlchocolate.com

Good Girl chocolates have been included in award show goodie bags.

Almond praline chocolates are among the store’s plant-based selections.

We roast and grind our own organic, fair-trade cocoa beans from Ecuador and control all of the ingredients. It takes about three days from start to finish, and we make about 300 pounds a week.

Frontier Spirit

The lingering legacy of Wild West showman Pawnee Bill

BY MELISSA MERCER BERRYMAN

THE PAWNEE BILL RANCH NEAR Pawnee, Oklahoma, played host to many lumi naries of the early 20th century, including Will Rogers, Annie Oakley and Buffalo Bill Cody. Although its founders have been gone for nearly a century, it continues to host guests — both fans of the ranch’s history and visitors from the super natural realm.

Some attribute the ghostly occurrences at the ranch to nearby quartz formations or the spiritual

practices of the Pawnee Tribe. But most associate these otherworldly events to Bill and May Lillie’s passions for the land, their son and each other.

Pawnee Bill was born Gordon William Lillie on Feb. 14, 1860, in Illinois. When his family moved to Wellington, Kansas, it was the begin ning of Lillie’s lifelong love affair with the American West. At 19, he found employment working with the Pawnee Indian Agency, where he obtained the moniker “Pawnee Bill.” Four years later, he joined Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show as a Pawnee interpreter, and during his travels with the show, he met a young Quaker woman in Philadelphia named May Manning.

“He always said she was the prettiest girl he’d ever seen,” said Anna Davis, the historical inter preter at the Pawnee Bill Ranch. “Everything he did, he said he did for her.” The couple married two years later.

May Lillie adapted to a Western lifestyle easily. She became an expert shot with a rifle, and later with a pistol when she lost two of her fingers in a shooting accident, Davis said.

In 1888, the two launched their own Wild West Show, which ran until 1913. The first year, Annie Oakley joined the lineup with May Lillie, who starred as the “Champion Girl Horseback Shot of the West.”

After a few years, the show proved finan cially successful, and the Lillies purchased land northeast of Stillwater in 1903. In 1917, the couple adopted a 4-month-old baby boy, whom they named Gordon William Lillie Jr., but to everyone at the ranch, he was “Billie.” Tragically, Billie was killed in an accident in 1925 at the age of 8. Tragedy struck again in 1936 — just months after their 50th wedding anniversary when they renewed their wedding vows, the two were in a car accident and May was killed. She was 67. Bill Lillie never really recovered, Davis said, and died in his sleep six years later at the age of 81.

Despite the pain wrought by tragedy that kept the Lillies away from the ranch, some believe that, in death, they are still there.

“The weirdest things center around Billie,” Davis said. “He messes with tech. Turns off cameras. Everything malfunctions. We hear stuff coming from his play area. He likes to make noise.”

Visitors and staff also encounter May Lillie. “She’s here because Billie is here,” Davis said. “It’s like she’s saying, ‘I’m here to protect my things.’” As for Pawnee Bill, Davis said she sometimes smells cigar smoke and staff have heard him talking.

To intern Rosemary Brown, ghostly appari tions are just part of the job.

“With Billie, it’s pretty playful,” she said. “I like to sit in the house and teach him Gen Z phrases. May talked to my parents; she came and told them to get out. She didn’t like all the chaos.”

In the end, staff have learned to think of themselves as caretakers for the ranch, as well as its otherworldly inhabitants. “We take care of things for them. They like that,” Davis said.

Pawnee Bill and his wife, May Lillie, after their 50th wedding ceremony. They were married in 1886.

It’s Good to Be the ‘King’

Stallone-starring production spells more momentum for Oklahoma’s film industry

BY JAKE DURHAM

“RESERVATION DOGS,” KILLERS OF the Flower Moon and Reagan are among the recent blockbuster productions filmed in Oklahoma, and Paramount+’s “Tulsa King” is the latest, having taken over Oklahoma City streets in the past few months.

The story centers around New York mafia capo Dwight “The General” Manfredi, played by Sylvester Stallone. After serving a 25-year prison term, Manfredi is unexpectedly exiled by his boss and sent to Tulsa to compile a new crew and re-establish himself.

“‘Tulsa King’ originated with Taylor Sheridan (“Yellowstone,” “1883”), who, as the present-day master of the Western, decided to cross-pollinate genres, moving a New York mob story into a fasci nating and unexpected new world,” said Terence Winter, the showrunner, executive producer and writer for the show.

Productions like “Tulsa King” have residents and actors excited about what their presence

means for their hometowns and the Sooner State. Rachel Cannon is a native Oklahoman and Hollywood actor known for her roles in “Fresh Off the Boat,” “Mad Men,” “Two and a Half Men” and most recently Reagan , which was filmed in Guthrie. “Seeing the industry I love growing in my hometown with tremendous momentum fills me up,” she said.

Like many residents, Oklahoma elected offi cials are also passionate about what “Tulsa King” brings the state. “It’s exciting when major produc tion companies come here, and that is happening more and more frequently,” said Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell. “Because of that, we have had Hollywood A-list actors, including Sylvester Stallone, Leon ardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon, spend time in Oklahoma. You don’t have to be in L.A. or New York City to run into celebrity actors anymore.”

Ed Harris, a veteran Hollywood actor, director and Oscar nominee known for roles in The Right Stuff, Apollo 13, “Westworld” and Pollock , has

strong ties to Oklahoma. “I can say that small towns, in particular, have been extremely supportive when a film is being shot there — particularly if it’s for an extended period,” he said. “Restaurant owners, hardware stores, lumber yards, bowling alleys, bars, etc., are usually welcoming, friendly and appreciate the business.”

Hollywood actors not native to Oklahoma also enjoy work ing in the Sooner State. Dennis Quaid, known for his roles in American Underdog, Great Balls of Fire and The Right Stuff, recently wrapped up production on Reagan. “The plains of Oklahoma have become the backdrop for studios and producers to create movie magic,” he said. “From the local workforce to state government, the Sooner State has welcomed filmmakers, actors and everyone in between with open arms. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there during the Reagan shoot, and I can’t wait to come back.”

However, filming in small towns does have drawbacks. “Some times it’s just being able to accommodate the magnitude of the project if a town is too small,” Cannon said. “Where does the crew stay? Who can cater their meals? Where do you park all those trucks and trailers? If the crew is 500 people, [then] that’s a lot to absorb in a small town.”

The Filmed in Oklahoma Act of 2021, which provides incen tives for qualifying productions with a base rebate of 20%, is meant to play a significant role in enticing new movies and TV shows to the state. This, in turn, could significantly affect the

local economy. “When film and TV productions choose Okla homa, they support local jobs and businesses,” Pinnell said. “Small film projects employ hundreds of Oklahomans, and large produc tions employ thousands. Filming a movie or show can bring an average of $50,000 a day to a city through hotels, restaurants and hardware stores, leading to major boosts in sales tax revenue.”

“Tulsa King” is shot on location in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. But what makes Oklahoma special for the show’s writers and producers? “Aside from the fact that we strove for authenticity in our locations and wanted to film where the show actually takes place, there are certain qualities in Oklahoma that you simply can’t find anywhere else,” Winter said. “The blend of art deco and Western architecture, the unique settings, the incredible sky — particularly the sunsets — just don’t exist elsewhere. And the people! The natural charm, helpfulness and friendliness of everyone we’ve encountered here have made this production a joy right from the start.”

The production of “Tulsa King” has garnered plenty of excitement and support, which signifies that Hollywood has come to the Sooner State and is likely to stay. “Tulsa King” premieres Nov. 13 on Paramount+.

Occasions

MacKenzie-Childs

Carriage Plaza

2001 West Main Street Norman, Oklahoma 405.217.8467 occasionspaper.com @occasionspaper

“The plains of Oklahoma have become the backdrop for studios and producers to create movie magic.”

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