#bossbabesATX ArtLuck Fundraiser
After four months of #bossbabesATX badassery, it has become clear to us that this movement requires the dedication of a full-time team. Thankfully, we've had the community's support, and y'all continue to show up and show us what being a bossbabe means.
We'll be having our very first fundraiser to ease us into this organizational transition on Sept. 27 at West Elm Austin. West Elm approached us with the idea, and we're extremely gracious they've offered their space and resources to us. This fundraiser is an artluck, meaning attendees are encouraged to bring art, give art and get art. We'll also be providing a free creative workshop for guests prior to the event for mingling and making.
Oh, and did we mention we'll have complimentary cocktails, fancy cheeses, booty-bumping music curated by DJ Girlfriend and a photobooth provided by SoLa?
Yup, it's gonna be fun, so get your tickets now.
And in all seriousness, thank you for making this community a real thing. We needed it.
xx, the babes
Local Gem: Cheer Up Charlie's
We're floored by Tamara and Maggie (the venue's owners) who have managed to create a downtown venue that feels safe (and, honestly, like home... and who can deny the appeal of their killer cocktail menu?) for self-identifying women, members of the LGBTQ community, their allies and others who may feel marginalized in Austin spaces.
Pictured: Maggie Lea. Photo provided by Maggie.
special note from the #bossbabesATX team: We're extremely excited to have our meet this month at Cheer Up Charlies, and we love the mission behind this venue and the community it supports. For that reason, we ask that you please do all that you can to support this location on Red River St. It's vital to members of our #bossbabesATX family that this venue lives on as a safe and fun AF space in Austin, Texas.
What's a community?
COMMUNITY (n.): a social group of any size whose members reside in a specific locality, share government, and often have a common cultural and historical heritage.
Establishing a community can be difficult—it's hard to accommodate everyone, sometimes the people who want to join can't access the group for a number of reasons (space, time, finances, etc.). Mobilizing a group of people to come together isn't easy.
That's why we're floored by Cheer Up Charlies.
We're floored by Tamara and Maggie (the venue's owners) who have managed to create a downtown venue that feels safe (and, honestly, like home... and who can deny the appeal of their killer cocktail menu?) for self-identifying women, members of the LGBTQ community, their allies and others who may feel marginalized in Austin spaces.
It takes special people (~special women~) to even take on such a task—and then to do it WELL? DAMN.
We had the pleasure of asking Maggie a couple of questions about her work at Cheer Up Charlies and her career in the arts and music industry in Austin (she's also the founder of Cinema East!). You can check it out below:
Q: What inspired you to start pursuing your career? Did you have any role models or learn from someone, in particular?
A: I'm inspired all the time by all the films I watched when I was a kid. My mom was/is actually (probably) a hoarder, and from when I was four to when I was about 15, she had somehow acquired 800 to 1,000-something VHS's—back when VHS was the main medium.
Needless to say, I watched all 900-something of those movies, and I had a lot of them memorized from front to back, beginning to end. I lived in my own world, in a dream world, but that feeling still inspires me today, at the core. I have a ton of people I look up to, but I don't have any one particular role model. It's the ordinary, day-to-day tasks that people complete that I am in awe of—not the celebrities, or the big-name, more typical, role models, or the mainstream groups.
I created Cinema East after traveling alone one year to the snowy mountains of Park Slope for Sundance Film Festival. As much as I love the medium of writing or performing music, I think the ability to translate our lives into moving pictures has always inspired me. But ultimately, at heart, my passion is storytelling. I want to tell stories, I want to listen to others tell stories. And everything in my career, from booking live bands at music venues, to being a part of musicians' performances, to putting on literary events, to showcasing films, to the Q&As with filmmakers, all has to do with exhibitionism, and my love for the purest elements of telling a story.
As far as Cheer Up Charlies, I joined in with Tamara who started the whole business because I was inspired by her vision of creating a place where queers, punks, straight allies and women all felt at home to express themselves freely. I do what I do because I love doing it, not necessarily because I want to impress anyone else.
Q: Do you have any tidbits of advice for people with passions, in general?
A: I would just say, if you are ever just sitting around and you have an idea and you think, "Pfft, that is the stupidest idea ever!" or "Nah, this will never happen," then that is a sign that you should definitely risk everything to try it. And I'm like that. I mean I'm talking about, risk all your money, sell your car, don't have kids, quit your job, lose all your friends. Maybe that's controversial to others, but that's how I feel.
Q: What have been your favorite moments of creativity (possibly a time when a burst of creative energy produced something you could have never expected, etc.)?
A: As much as I have done in the past five years, I feel that I haven't had a truly pure, solid, creative burst of energy since I came back from France in 2006. I felt invigorated to meet so many artists and musicians abroad and to hear their perspectives on U.S. foreign policy. It really gave me a fresh take on my life.
On the year-long trip, I was also working with people at the EU and UN. I lived in Germany, France, Switzerland. Before my trip, I had suffered what I now see as a very not-unusual bout of clinical depression, brought on possibly by living in the 'burbs, but also having a lot to do with the fact that my sister was mentally ill, and my parents were foreign and didn't understand her mental illness. I was "Ms. Serious" 100 percent of the time, until I lived in Europe and realized, "You know what? You can't be creative if you aren't having FUN. And you can't make an impact or manifest changes in your life unless you are having fun." And that's when I had my biggest creative bursts of energy: when I decided to start having some fun. In the year after I came back, I started some popular literary book clubs, started Cinema East outdoor film festival, started meeting new people in Austin and creating a community that I felt at home at, and started throwing parties at Cheer Ups! I haven't stopped having fun since. Even amid the dark times, I try to pour that energy into a fun-loving, creative outlet. I look forward to my next big creative idea, though. I think it's on the horizon. I can feel it lately.
Living abroad also brought me to my biggest realization so far—that, while I was there studying international relations and conflict resolution/mediation, the truth is, you can only start changing the world one unit at a time. Change your family or the way you relate to them first, then enact change within your small group of friends, then enact change within your city or your town or your community, and THEN maybe one day, take on the world! That is how I see it; I know a lot of world politicians probably wouldn't agree, but that's what I personally took from it all. Focus your love on those around you, and it will be a ripple effect.
Q: What have been your most challenging moments in your career, thus far?
A: Definitely moving to Red River St. from East Austin. My heart was just completely broken when we moved, especially when I had poured so much time, energy, blood, sweat, tears, love into the Cheer Ups on the Eastside. It was an abrupt notice, a very cold and swift move by our landlord. And I was worried. On Red River St., there is often no foot traffic down here, and as much as people are saying Red River is important to Austin, it's still fading, more rapidly than other areas of town at least. You can't even look up at the downtown sky these days without seeing six construction cranes at a time. Also, moving a business like that really forces you to dig your heels into the ground, find out who you are. It's a lot of holding your own, and creating your own identity, and floating the ship. Re-integrating your community, trying to alter people's habits, trying to get people who you felt were loyal and part of your community to try a new area of town that they usually don't go to, or walk down to a party you're throwing one night. It's all been very difficult and trying. You sometimes just want to give up.
Q: Do you have any tips for women who work in your industry?
A: Well, no. I don't, ha! Tamara and I are the only women who are own venues in Austin, TX, at the scale that we are doing it. We just learn day-by-day, and sometimes we make the same mistakes over and over until we just stop making them! If anyone has any advice for us on this topic, especially if it comes from another woman, I'd be glad to take it. I guess if I had to think of something, maybe just this: Be nice to other women. There aren't many of us doing what we do. Don't copy others' ideas (it's really not that flattering!), create your own domain, thrive within your own ideas and thoughts, stay fresh, reach out and connect.
Q: When you're discouraged, what do you run to or away from?
A: I think I hide out, or find one other person to hide out with. I have a particular spot I go to by the water in East Austin, actually. I go there, I read, I find inspiration from watching movies, and I sift through memories of my sister, who recently passed away. This is hokey possibly, but my dad always told me to "think about where you come from," but more emphatically he says, "think about WHO you come from," and this is what he means: He tells me to think about my people, the generations before mine, and the long and heavy history of ancient Chinese culture, politics, etc. He always tells me that our forefathers and mothers were people who could "endure," who could "bear it," who found the strength within themselves. I know that can sound like a stretch, but listening to your inner warrior is really important. Even if you have to use your imagination to fill in some of the factual and cultural gaps.
Your favorite band: Here's some off the top of my head — La Luz, Chastity Belt, Sharon Van Etten
Your favorite book: I don't have favorite books (I was an English Lit major; I just try to read as much as I can). I am currently reading: "No Longer Human" by Osamu Dazai, "The Feather Room" by Anis Mojani, "Cathedral" by Raymond Carver.
Your Austin gem: I love Olive Vintage; I love how they curate their merchandise and artwork. I can always find the perfect gift for a friend there, and most of the time, a perfect gift for myself.
Your social media handles: @mgglea on Instagram and Maggie Lea on Facebook, Cinema East on FB and Instagram, Cheer Up Charlies on FB and Instagram.
Local Gem: Ebony Stewart
As creatives, we believe in the power of art to create change, start movements and impact culture. We're continually inspired (and motivated) by the women we meet who set out to do just that with their work. Ebony Stewart, poet and artist, is that kind of babe.
PIctured: Ebony Stewart. Photo by Jen Reel for the Texas Observer.
Have you heard of Ebony Stewart?
Well, you should have.
As creatives, we believe in the power of art to create change, start movements and impact culture. We're continually inspired (and motivated) by the women we meet who set out to do just that with their work. Ebony Stewart, poet and artist, is that kind of babe.
On Thursday, Ebony will begin her two-weeks-long residency at The Vortex, performing a one-woman show she has titled "Hunger." In preparation for the show, we had a chance to ask Ebony a couple of questions about her work, her poetry and the power of her words.
Check out the Q&A below:
Q: What inspired you to start writing/performing poetry? Did you have any role models or learn from someone, in particular?
A: As far back as I can remember I've always liked to write the freedom through the power of words. The women in my family (especially my mom) will always be models, lessons and stories.
Q: Do you have any tidbits of advice for writers and poets (or people with passions, in general)?
A: Write the honest. Write what is true. Stay persistent. Trust your gut. Don't worry about not being recognized... You see you therefore the gods do, too.
Oh, and your story is always necessary.
Q: What's the main focus of your poetry, i.e. what are your reasons for writing? Why is it important?
A: I write because I have to. I'm a life writer. I write what I know. I know love, I know fear, I know heartache, I know black and being a woman. It's important because my truth and experiences are relatable and what I have to offer to the world.
Q: What have been your favorite moments of creativity?
A: Wow, that's a hard question. Whatever I have passion wrapped around is usually what I write about.
My former students always brought out my creativity, me being my own never-ending love story, laughin' at myself in these serious times also brings about creative energy. Plus, women tell the best stories. The one-woman show, "Hunger," I think is my best work... yet. My plan is to always write the healing.
Photo by Yöeme Hömari
Q: What have been your most challenging moments in performance and poetry thus far?
A: I think my most challenging moments in being a poet, performer, woman, black being is never feeling like I'm enough—having to answer the questions of a blank page, having to remind myself of my worth. I guess it's not the challenges but the consistency in overcoming them.
Q: When you're discouraged, what do you run to or away from?
A: Haha! Good question. I think I run towards understanding—whether that be loving arms and ears of the people I trust, comfort food or the reassurance of my ancestors. Music, a good book, and if all else fails, solitude. I run from people and things I know I'll regret, like McDonald's or crappy television.
Your favorite band: I'm currently listening to more solo artist and I'm still hooked on Nirvana, Outkast and Pussy Riot. But new bands that I enjoy would be Alabama Shakes and Tedeschi Trucks Band.
Your favorite book: "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enough" by Ntozake Shange. FOR LIFE, SON!
Or anything by Lucille Clifton.
Your local Austin gem: Hey Cupcake, Sugar Mamas, or Tony's Jamaican Food. Because... I love food and cupcakes.
Your social media handles: @gullyprincess on Instagram, @EbPoetry on Twitter and Ebony Stewart on Facebook.
Sneak a peep into Ebony's world at her website, too!
RECAP — #bossbabesATX Shop Talk: Control Your Career Like A Boss(Babe) With RecruitHER
We're so very thankful to Ashley Doyal and Gina Helfrich of RecruitHER for spending time with our community last week at Friends and Neighbors. They shared some valuable tips on navigating the workplace as a woman and what to do (and not to do!) when starting (or restarting) you career.
Since they're pretty much the best, they compiled a list of resources for our community to use. Check out the recap of the workshop here:
One of the Babes: Annie Finkel
Meet Annie Finkel, one of the artists vending at our August meet.
Photo via Annie Finkel
Meet Annie Finkel, one of the artists vending at our August meet. This babe balances a full-time job and her art career—cough, no easy feat, cough—and we're happy she had some time to answer our questions.
Get to know her in the Q&A below:
Q: What inspired you to start your business? Did you have any role models or learn from someone, in particular?
A: The city of Austin itself played a big role in moving forward with my business. When I moved here I started a new chapter in my life and really had the urge to push myself forward. That's just what I did. I practiced my trade and really pushed myself. Then, I gradually connected with women in the community here and realized that every woman inspires me in her own way. It is a beautiful thing to be built up by other amazing women. Now, here I am!
A shout-out, also, to my family, amazing friends and partner who have always supported me and showed me that hard work pays off. You inspire me every day.
Photo via Annie Finkel
Q: Do you have any tidbits of advice for people with passions, in general?
A: Honestly, just keep doing it. Don't let your own head eat you up. Be a little bit easier on yourself mentally, but work hard!
Q: What have been your favorite moments of creativity?
A: As an artist you really truly never know when creative bursts are coming. I can paint every day but if I'm not feeling it, I will hate my work. I go through months without painting, but if I have creative ideas I always write them down. I find that I most love my work when I am trying something new or out of my element—it's enticing to me to jump into the unknown. Usually, I produce my best work a day or two before a deadline. Oops!
Photo via Annie Finkel
Q: What have been your most challenging moments in your career, thus far?
A: I have learned that it's important for me to keep vending and doing shows even when I don't make money, because that time is so worth it when I get to connect with other artists. Also, remaining confident in my skills and loving what I do can be a struggle—it's hard not to feel like an amateur sometimes. But you gotta keep on keepin' on!
Q: What's your day job (if this business isn't your day job)?
A: I am a nanny to some of the cutest kiddos on the planet (that's not just my bias talking, I swear).
Photo via Annie Finkel
Q: When you're discouraged, what do you run to or away from?
A: When I am discouraged I run to solitude in nature. Always, always nature. Thrifting usually helps too.
Your favorite band: Lately I cannot get enough of Beach House. Mac Demarco's new album is also a dream.
Your favorite book: I am currently reading "The China Study" by T. Colin Campbell. I have always been very interested in nutrition, general wellness and whole foods as medicine, so this book is blowing my mind!
Your Austin gem: I will forever and always love Juiceland. Also I can never say no to a trip to End of an Ear.
Your social media: My Instagram account is @anniefinkel, and you can find me on Facebook as Annie Finkel. Be sure to check out my Etsy shop, too!
Photo via Annie Finkel
#bossbabesATX Wellness Retreat: Self-Care + Self-Love
This event is a time for self-care and self-love.
This event is a time for self-care and self-love. Attendees are invited to:
BRING YOUR WORK. MAKE DOPE SHIT. GET SOME REST. DO SOME YOGA. DRINK SOME COFFEE. EAT SOME MEXICAN FOOD. MAKE SOME ART. GET CUPPED . TALK TO BABES. DO WHATEVER THE HELL YOU WANT TO DO. THIS IS YOUR TIME TO REST. THIS IS YOUR TIME TO RESET. THIS IS YOUR TIME TO JUST SIT IN PEACE AND QUIET, IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE, WITHOUT YOUR CELL PHONE, SOAKING UP SUN AND NOT GIVING A DAMN.
FOOD + DRINK — Organic, vegan and woman-owned, Cool Beans (the food truck!) will be selling snacks, meals and street corn (YAS) for this event.
Chameleon Cold-Brew will be giving away coffee from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
And POP ART Popsicles will be present, with some sweet treats!
SELF-CARE VENDORS — We're going to have Planned Parenthood, The Crunchy Hive (an all-organic medicinal brand) and Lunar Nourishment (a reproductive health/mental wellness brand) offering information, education and goods at the meet.
PK Acupuncture & Wellness Center will be present from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., providing free cupping sessions. We'll also be giving away a gift certificate to their practice!
Did we mention there will be nail art?! THERE WILL BE NAIL ART, provided by Yvette DeChavez.
SELF-LOVE VENDORS — We're going to have author/therapist Savannah Tucker present with her book about self-love. We also have three artists ( booked to live-paint//sketch, etc. to set the tone for the event.
ACTIVITIES — We have two yoga instructors, Hillary Oneslager and Courtney Bailey, who will lead two free yoga classes during the event.
We're also going to have stations for creating free bath salts/face washes/etc. THE HYPE IS SO SELF-LOVING AND SO REAL!
PHOTOBOOTH — Our event photographer, Diana Ascarrunz, is going to take portraits of women holding a white board sign that says "I feel love when I _______." All of the portraits will be published on our blog and distributed to attendees.
PRIZES/MORE ACTIVITIES/MORE FUN/DETAILS TBA. TICKETS ARE $15.
One of the Babes: Ellen Bruxvoort of @ellenbeezy
This crafty babe has weaved her way onto the vendor list for our August meet at Cheer Up's, and we're excited to see some of her wares in real life soon!
Pictured: Ellen Bruxvoort. All photos via Ellen Bruxvoort.
Meet Ellen Bruxvoort of @ellenbeezy. This crafty babe has weaved her way onto the vendor list for our August meet at Cheer Up's, and we're excited to see some of her wares in real life soon! Get to know her in our #bossbabesATX Q&A below:
Q: What inspired you to start your business? Did you have any role models or learn from someone, in particular?
A: I noticed last year that weaving was beginning to really resurface as an art form, and it caught me in a time of my life where I was really thirsty for a new creative outlet. It had been giving these soft, little timid knocks on my door for a few months, and finally one day I woke up and was like, "Okay today is the day! I built a loom, bought yarn, watched YouTube videos, pored through hashtags (power of social media, am I right?) and went at it. My boyfriend Chris (of @chrislongceramics) was so extremely supportive throughout the whole process. I owe a lot to him for encouraging me to keep creating and introducing me to the market community, as he's been at it for the better part of a decade. Much of what I've learned is thanks to him, even though our mediums are entirely different, much of the process is similar. I feel fortunate to have someone this close to me who has stuck with his art form long enough to support himself, because that alone is some powerful encouragement.
Pictured: Ellen Bruxvoort. All photos via Ellen Bruxvoort.
Q: Do you have any tidbits of advice for people with passions, in general?
A: Just try it! Whatever the hell it is. You literally have nothing to lose. Money will always come back around. You have a life full of time to try anything. And if you ever find something that excites you enough to keep finding new ways to do it again... That's when you've got a zinger. Don't stop! Everyone wants to stop at least once, but keep at it as long as you truly feel that way. And even if you never find "that thing," well who cares? Now you've acquired a rainbow of skills because at least you tried.
All photos via Ellen Bruxvoort.
All photos via Ellen Bruxvoort.
Q: What have been your favorite moments of creativity?
A: I think one of my favorite moments was when I finished weaving my first clutch. I knew I wanted to do it and I started and stopped weaving probably dozens of times in a fit of frustration or exhaustion or just feeling like it would never end. It took me so. long. to finish. Tiny, tiny linen fibers just stacked on top of each other one by one, over and over. But, oh man, when I cut that guy off the loom, I was freaking out. It was like giving birth or something. I had been nursing this thing for months, and then suddenly I was holding it in my hands, and I couldn't have felt more proud. It was the best thing I had ever made at the time, and I still haven't had the heart to sell it (may never will).
All photos via Ellen Bruxvoort.
All photos via Ellen Bruxvoort.
Q: What have been your most challenging moments in your career, thus far?
The biggest hiccups are when I set up to vend at a market and don't sell anything or sell barely enough to pay the booth fee. I love making the work that I do, and it's not that I'm really "in it for the money." It's just that I have to be conscious of those times when it's easy to slip and feel down on myself. Those are the days when I am reminded to keep going, be thankful for the exposure, the conversation, and ultimately the community that makes it all possible.
All photos via Ellen Bruxvoort.
Q: What's your day job (if this business isn't your day job)?
I work at Thunderbird Coffee on Manor and on Koenig! Pop in and say hi! Most mornings I'm buzzed on coffee and slingin' breakfast tacos like, well, you know, ALL OF AUSTIN on any given morning.
All photos via Ellen Bruxvoort.
Your favorite band: Modest Mouse will always be the easy answer to this question, and I know the answer is always expected to change, but it never does. I also feel obligated to shoutout to Hikes (Chris' band) and Chipper Jones, as together, they will begin their ascent from Austin to Canada on tour this fall. Cheers to those boys for makin' it happen!
All photos via Ellen Bruxvoort.
Your favorite book: "Share Your Work" by Austin Kleon (following his other bestseller, "Steal Like an Artist").
Your local Austin gem: Shout out to the Raw Paw community! Those folks have been endlessly encouraging to me and many of our friends as artists of all breeds. They are doing truly tremendous work in this city, and I'm stoked to have people like them in my life to keep the good juices flowin'.
Your social media handles: @ellenbeezy on Instagram
You can purchase this babe's goods online here.
All photos via Ellen Bruxvoort.
A model in Ellen Bruxvoort's jewelry. All photos via Ellen Bruxvoort.
#bossbabesATX Float Fest Ticket Winner: Meet @larisam13's Girl Gang!
We LOVED @larisam13's submission! Congratulations on winning the tickets, babe.
Photo via @larisam13
ICYMI: We hosted a social media giveaway via Instagram for two tickets to Float Fest. We asked participants to 'gram a photo of her girl gang, with a caption explaining the importance of supporting your fellow females.
We LOVED @larisam13's submission! Congratulations on winning the tickets, babe. Get to know her girl gang in the photo below:
"@bossbabesatx, this is my girl gang looking fly on presentation day (you can't even notice the mascara tears) during our study abroad program in South..."
Meet some of our other favorites:
"This is my gang. These are my girls. When we talk about each other we say, "family". Our morning meetings are over breakfast at my house. We share our..."
"My 'babe gang' is a lot smaller these days, (having a baby can do that) but there's no one that inspires me more than my baby girl. I support her because..."
"Women are brilliant, beautiful, and talented individuals, especially the two sitting beside me. Supporting one another leads to more success all around...."
"I'm royally missing my girl crew. Not featured is Clarissa who forever has my witchy heart. Love these #bossbabes for their support and encouragement to..."
"Doing your own thing kicks-ass! But, once and a blue moon another babe comes along to make pure magic. Now that we're working it together, we're making..."
"Girl Gang with balls!🎳. In this lil lady gang we understand each other and support what it's like to be hardworking, fun, creative, passionate, loving,..."
One of the Babes: Trash Vintage
Read up on Julia Dixon, the mother of Trash Vintage.
Photo via Julia Dixon
Today, we feature a Q&A with Julia Dixon, the mother of Trash Vintage. We're stoked to have this babe and her killer wares for your shopping pleasures at our meet tomorrow.
Get to know Julia:
Q: What inspired you to start Trash Vintage?
A: Trash Vintage started from a dream of always doing something in the fashion industry. I moved to Austin two years ago to transfer universities so I could dual major in Fashion Merchandising and Business.
Thrifting had always been one of my favorite hobbies, and one day I realized that in order to maintain such a hobby, as a broke college kid, I had to figure out a way to make some extra cash—all while doing something I loved. I was working at New Bohemia/New Brohemia, at the time, which was a huge source of inspiration. One night, I was just messing around on Craigslist and stumbled upon a studio space for rent at a fairly cheap price off of E. 11th st. I thought to myself, What a sweet space that I could surround myself with other women and their businesses (jewelry, thrift, designer) all while working on my own. I emailed the babe of the space, and she got back to me right away, and before I knew it we all decided to have an open house to showcase our goods, as well as make some money of what we had to offer.
So, although Trash wasn't necessarily what I had dreamt up since a young girl, it became something so much more than an idea that day I vended at the open house for the first time. I fell in love and knew that doing vintage pop-ups was something that I wanted to keep pursuing, in the hopes of one day owning my own brick and mortar.
Photo via Julia Dixon
Q: Do you have any tidbits of advice for people with passion projects?
A: If I could give any valuable advice for someone with their own passion project, I would say that it's really easy to get caught up in what other people want from your passion, all because it's easy for them to judge. As human beings it is only natural to fear not being accepted or to have a fear of not succeeding, but I assure you that if you stay true to yourself and you really put forth effort into what it is you want to do, it WILL happen. I find the saying "You get what you put into it" to be the most truthful and something that I've lived by for the past year with Trash.
Q: How do you stay inspired?
A: Staying inspired is a pretty hard thing to do sometimes. I find that I'll get in ruts where I want to close myself off, and I want to automatically think that what I'm doing is silly. I feel that that's really just this fear of failure that resides in the back of my head, so I try my best to tune it out and make sure to be as on top as vending as my busy work schedule will allow. Every time I set up my racks at an event, big or small, I remember why I do what I do and then it all becomes worth it. It's an adrenaline rush like no other when someone tells you something they enjoy about an article of clothing I might have or that they appreciate my collection.
Other sources of inspiration I would say are definitely keeping my own fashion blog, listening to music, finding new artists, as well as going to shows. I find that I get a great amount of inspiration from musicians and that being around my boyfriend and friends that are [musicians] somehow becomes a direct correlation to Trash.
Photo via Julia Dixon
Q: What have been your favorite moments of creativity?
A: Some of my favorite moments of creativity were [working] with a photographer, make-up artist, hairstylist and model to style a shoot for Trash. Although it was something that I had never done before, it was something that came so naturally when I did it for the first time.
I also find that I want to be creative while listening to my favorite new album or just being out and about and trend-forecasting. Being the people-watcher that I am, I always love to keep an eye on what people are wearing. For example, I attended Levitation Fest 2015 and brought a little journal to jot down any cool outfit ideas I might have seen or any idea that might've come to mind while walking around. I felt that surrounding myself in an environment where I can see the way people express/individualize themselves is the best environment for creativity to come about—especially because Trash is built on the idea that you can be whoever you want to be and to be that you shouldn't be afraid of what people might think.
I'm a firm believer that everyone should let their freak flag fly!
Q: What have been some of the most challenging moments in your careers thus far?
A: Some of the most challenging moments of my career thus far would probably have to be trying to juggle school, a job, as well as maintain Trash. Balance is key to accomplishing your dreams, so I would say finding that balance is the most difficult part of all.
Q: When you're discouraged, what do you run to or away from?
A: When I'm discouraged I tend to run toward alone time. I feel that having your own time to reflect in the comfort of your own home/room, or even favorite spot is the most important thing for someone to be aware of when pursuing a passion project. I like to go home, put on some music, take a hot bath with candles or even watch a movie to get style inspiration, browse my favorite fashion blogs, or catch up on the book that I've been reading. In the midst of all this, I always find myself being rejuvenated and ready to tackle my next idea for Trash.
Photo via Julia Dixon
Favorite band: Gosh! Picking a favorite artist is pretty hard. Of course I can always jam the Beatles, no matter what mode or what moment. If I'm feeling like partying, I'm always down to jam Ariel Pink's "Four Shadow" and Nico's "These Days" when strolling through my neighborhood on a Sunday afternoon.
Favorite book: I'm reading an autobiography right now called "Brain on Fire" that's about a NYC reporter that goes insane. My favorite genre of books are generally autobiographies whether it be on musicians, artists, fashion designers, etc.
Austin gem: My local Austin gem would definitely be End of an Ear. I always get my fix when I can buy a new CD, tape or vinyl. I'm also addicted to Polvo's. Their margaritas are the bomb.
Social Media: As for social media, I don't have a personal Instagram because I like to put all my efforts into Trash's. My personal Tumblr and constant source of inspiration is juliaardendixon.tumblr.com!
Photo via Julia Dixon
One of the Babes: Sunlit Fire Jewelry
Today, we feature Victoria Rodriguez, the maker behind Sunlit Fire Jewelry. This babe uses rocks and stones to create her pieces, and she's been running her own Etsy store for a few years now.
Photo via Victoria Rodriguez
Today, we feature Victoria Rodriguez, the maker behind Sunlit Fire Jewelry. This babe uses rocks and stones to create her pieces, and she's been running her own Etsy store for a few years now. We're happy to say she'll be vending at our July meet.
Get to know this boss:
Q: What inspired you to start Sunlit Fire Jewelry? Was it natural? Did you have any role models?
A: I come from a family full of crafters and seamstresses. My mom, being a woman that can basically do anything, raised my sister and I to be creative. She has always been so crafty. I first took up sewing and crocheting, learning from my mom, grandma and great aunt. This amazing creativity and art passed to me!
Sunlit Fire started off as a hobby about four years ago. I have had many hobbies in the past, but this one stuck, and I fell in love with designing and creating my handcrafted jewelry. Now, for the past three years, I have been able to share my designs and creations with the world!
Photo via Victoria Rodriguez
Q: Do you have any tidbits of advice for people with passion projects?
A: Work hard and never give up! Let your creative energy flow into your projects, and you won't be disappointed in the end product.
Q: How do you stay inspired?
A: I get inspired by so much! Movies, art, people but my main inspiration comes from the 12 beautiful acres my boyfriend and I live on. I love soaking up all of the wonderful things of nature.
Photo via Victoria Rodriguez
Q: What have been your favorite moments of creativity?
A: My favorite moments of creativity is when I pull out a bunch of random stock—lay it all out side by side, and let what I'm feeling just flow through my materials. I have ended up with some of my favorite designs by doing this.
Q: What have been the most challenging moments in your artistry thus far?
A: Sometimes I am challenged with juggling time. I work a full-time job and have my jewelry business. Often, my regular work day drains me, and I'm not able to put in enough time toward my business as I want, but I'm very passionate and headstrong, so with my crazy schedule I still find the time to get things done!
Photo via Victoria Rodriguez
Q: When you're discouraged, what do you run to or away from?
A: I am hardly discouraged. If someone tells me I can't, I'm the type of person to show them wrong. I have a positive, head-strong attitude about my business and am always thinking and looking for ways to enhance it. I do have my lazy days, though, where I need to reboot on my creativity and inspiration. My boyfriend and sister are my rock. They keep me sane and encouraged always.
Favorite band: One of my favorite artists is ZZ Ward! Her music/voice is so amazing!
Favorite book: "You are a Badass" by Jen Sincero. I recommend that everyone should read this!
Photo via Victoria Rodriguez
Photo via Victoria Rodriguez