Join us for a Fireside Chat with Ingrid Vanderveldt!

We've partnered with the UT McCombs MSTC Program and Women Who Code to bring the women of Austin an evening with Ingrid Vanderveldt.

On Wednesday, Jan. 6 at 6:00 p.m. in the Google Fiber space on Colorado St., Vanderveldt will share some tidbits from her career in American-made business, as well as her thoughts on the importance of women's empowerment movements.

ICYMI: "Ingrid Vanderveldt was the first Entrepreneur-in-Residence (“EIR”) for Dell Inc. where she oversaw entrepreneurial initiatives worldwide helping to build a $250 million business segment and founded the $125M Dell Innovators Credit Fund, Dell Founders Club, and the Dell Center for Entrepreneurs during her 3-year term.

Vanderveldt sits on the United Nations Foundation’s Global Entrepreneurs Council, is a Managing Partner of Belle Capital, founding organizer of the GLASS Forum (Global Leadership & Sustainable Success), and co-founder of The Billionaire Girls Club. She also created and hosted CNBC’s first original primetime series, “American Made,” reaching over 1M viewers around the globe and serves on the Advisory boards of Springboard Enterprises, Current Motor, and is a Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network (DWEN) Member.

Vanderveldt has been featured on outlets including NBC, CNBC, FOX, ABC, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Bloomberg, CNN Money, Fortune Magazine, Fast Company, Inc Magazine and Entrepreneur Magazine. She holds a Masters in Architecture at the Savannah College of Art & Design and an MBA in Entrepreneurship from UT at Austin."

One of the Babes: Lisa Nelson

Photo by Lisa Nelson

Meet Lisa Nelson, one of our favorite event partners.

She singlehandedly forged the way for our fundraiser last year at West Elm's Austin location. We were fortunate enough to chat with her about her career, what makes community special and how to balance local and community needs in corporate settingss.

Q: What inspired you to start your business? Did you have any role models or learn from someone, in particular?

A: My role in my job just sort of happened to me. I was in a very fortunate position when our company empowered us to own our engagement with our community. It's seems now that the dream job I have been searching for is something that I have been able to create for myself. I had a few ideas and a team of peers who gave me guidance. I go to work everyday with very diverse, creative and intelligent people. They are my role models.

Q: Do you have any tidbits of advice for people with passions, in general?

A: Passions. Who doesn't have them? I'm an indulgent person, so I say, do it. And do it now. If you have your basic needs covered, indulge your passions. That is good stuff. No life is wasted doing what you love. 

Photo by Lisa Nelson

Q: What have been your favorite moments of creativity?

A: My greatest moments of creativity happen when I am outdoors. I love hiking and being around trees. I just get lost in my thoughts and get the best ideas when I am surrounded by nature. It has inspired me to travel and see nature as much as possible. 

Q: What have been your most challenging moments in your career, thus far?

A: Overcoming my own insecurities and time management. I am juggling school and work (shout-out to the moms who do this), and it is hard. Plus, I tend to feel like there is more that I should know in my job description that I am picking up as I go. Sometimes I have to remind myself to stop and look at what I have accomplished. 

Photo by Lisa Nelson

Q: What's your day job?

A: I am an assistant store manager and event coordinator at West Elm Austin. 

Q: When you're discouraged, what do you run to or away from?

A: I seek advice when I feel discouraged. My best friend and my dad are great resources when I have questions about what I am doing in my personal and business life. I try to surround myself with wise people who have insight and genuinely care about my well being. 

Your favorite band at the moment: Glass Animals all the way. Local and amazing. I love to listen to them when I hike. 

Your favorite book at the moment: "On the road" by Jack Kerouac. I love the time it's set in and the excitement to get out there and "live, live, live!" I feel like Sa,l too. I am observing all these creative people as they make their way to greatness and understand how human they are, too. No one is perfect. And I think that is fascinating.  

Photo by Lisa Nelson

Your local Austin gem:  I recently came across Austin Woman Magazine and I highly recommend it. Women have so much to learn from one another and this magazine introduces you to prominent women in our community. 

Your social media handles: Catch up with Lisa on Instagram at @lanelsonatx.

One of the Babes: Elizabeth Irving

Photo by Sarah Jasmine Montgomery 

Music-loving gals take note! This badass babe is literally the PR queen of her own EMPIRE.

Elizabeth Irving heads marketing at the Empire Control Room and Garage. Learn how this boss hustled to the top, networking her way into two amazing jobs she's passionate about. 

Q: What inspired you to start working in the venue/music industry? Did you have any role models or learn from someone, in particular?

A: I studied PR in college, and had previous experience at a boutique PR agency with clients ranging from tech to beauty to finance to fitness, followed by an internship with Austin Music Foundation. Out of those experiences, I was naturally drawn to the music business and really enjoyed the events that I helped plan at the PR agency. I loved being a part of something early on and seeing it come to fruition months later, so really my passion was events. I hadn’t thought of pairing it with music until I heard about the opening at Empire. The rest is history.

Q: Do you have any tidbits of advice for people with passions, in general?

A: Find a way to make money doing what you love. If that’s not happening, keep pursuing that passion in your free time. The only reason I heard about the opening at Empire was because I frequently talked to other influencers about my interest in music and events. One of my supervisors at the PR agency heard from her boyfriend, who is a local musician, that Empire was searching and instantly thought to tell me about it; ironically, I was about to start a different job, (making a lot more money than the music industry could offer), in an industry I didn’t care about at all. Although Empire wasn’t offering me as much dough, it was a no-brainer. I have my foot in the door now, and the experience I’ve gotten is invaluable.

Final advice, which I cannot take credit for but really resonates: If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you don’t step forward, you’ll always be in the same place.

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: For all of our in-house shows, I’m constantly thinking about a cool way we can make each one unique. We want people to leave feeling like they got more than just a show—we want Empire to be an experience. Once a week, each department (lighting, sound, security, bar, marketing) comes together to discuss the upcoming shows. I love bouncing ideas off of each department and hearing what their thoughts are. Oftentimes, there’s something they can do that I didn’t even know was possible. There’s been sand brought in, skate ramps, petting zoos, etc. SXSW is a super fun chance for us to think outside the box—stay tuned!

Photo by Sarah Jasmine Montgomery 

Q: What have been your most challenging moments in your career, thus far?

A: Balance. There’s been times when I’m thinking about 20 different shows and a festival, and then suddenly there’s a thunderstorm and we need to move a show to a different stage four hours before doors... There’s a lot of stuff going on that diverts me from my task at hand. Weekends are not off-limits either—it’s just the nature of our business. Unplugging and balancing work with life is an ongoing challenge for sure.

Q: What's your day job (if this business isn't your day job)?

A: The venue is definitely a full-time gig, but for good measure I also freelance at T. Cannon Media—we do publicity for Shakey Graves, Delta Spirit, Whiskey Shivers and beyond. I go into that office in the mornings and then Empire in the afternoons. I’m busy, but I’m happy to have tw0 jobs that fuel my passion.

Q: When you're discouraged, what do you run to or away from?

A: Running. Yoga. Movement, in general, is an amazing way to get my mind off something, de-stress and reset. It’s also great when I’m in a creative rut. 

Your favorite band at the moment: Oh man—how could I ever choose just one? My Morning Jacket, for the all-time favorite. Lately, I’ve had Shy Girls and Too Short on heavy rotation.

Your favorite book at the moment: Honestly, I’m not a big reader, but I’d love to change that. Early this year, I read "All You Need to Know About the Music Business" by Donald Passman… It gave me a good perspective on the industry from the artist side of things. Also "Lean In" by Sheryl Sandberg.

Your local Austin gem: Paco’s Tacos. Everyone needs a good taco joint in their arsenal, and these breakfast tacos are legit.

Your social media handles: @misselizabeth02 on Instagram and Twitter, @empireatx on Snapchat

GIVEAWAY: Day For Night fest

dayfornight.io

Happy Holidays, kitties! We've teamed up with Day for Night to bring you a special gift this year.

On Dec. 19 and Dec. 20, Day For Night is hosting an art/music festival in H-town, with some of our favorite headliners (Janelle Monae, Kendrick Lamar, New Order, Flying Lotus, Shamir... just to name a few). We'll be there, shimmying and shaking, with some of our Houston babes.

Do you want to go, too? Well, you can cop tickets here, or you can enter our giveaway for 2 GA passes. Here's how to win:

1. Comment on this Instagram post.
2. Get your friends to comment, too! (Maybe they can take you.)
3. Aaaaand that's it.

Good luck!

Local Gem: SUAVS Shoes

Photo by Monique Rodriguez, stylist Divinity Veloz, models Meighan Zai'Moy and Tyler Ruby with clothing from Crafts and Arts 

This week, we feature Monxi Garza, the designer and biz mastermind behind SUAVS Shoes. ICYMI, SUAVS launched earlier this year with an innovative, classy upgrade to your standard, comfy slip-on. We had a chance to talk with Monxi about her career path and the hard work that went into brand-building SUAVS.

(Psssst, did we mention the slip-ons are gender-neutrally unisex?!)

Read up on Monxi and SUAVS below:

Q: What inspired you to start your business? Did you have any role models or learn from someone, in particular?

A: I’ve always been interested in fashion, even from a young age. After I went to school for design, I worked for a couple brands in Spain. I was walking everywhere! To the metro, to work, out to drinks with friends, and that’s when I was inspired to create the classic SUAVS slip on. My mother, who is also an entrepreneur, gave me the confidence to start my own business. She has always been my role model, because she took care of our family and she has never been afraid to turn her ideas into reality. She set the bar high for me!

Q: Do you have any tidbits of advice for people with passions, in general?

A: To not be afraid to dream big. If you set small daily or weekly objectives for yourself, as long as they are oriented in the right direction, they will eventually lead you to your final goal. Also, to work hard and be consistent. If you have a love or passion, dedicate all your thought and energy on it. Let it be what makes you get up in the morning, and what won't let you go to sleep at night.

Photo by Monique Rodriguez

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: My best moments have always been when I truly submerge myself into what I'm doing. I will play some music, have a glass of wine and then I find myself working for hours.

Q: What have been your most challenging moments in your career, thus far?

A: The moment when I had to decide to either stay at my nine-to-five job or leave everything and embark on this adventure.

Q: What's your day job (if this business isn't your day job)?

A: SUAVS is my day job… and my night job! I’m always working!

Photo by Monique Rodriguez, stylist Divinity Veloz, models Meighan Zai'Moy with clothing from Crafts and Arts 

Q: When you're discouraged, what do you run to or away from?

A: When I am discouraged, I tell myself to be optimistic. A positive mindset will bring positive results, and a sad and discouraged mind will only slow you down. It is also helpful to surround yourself with friends and family who know how to cheer you up. Sometimes outside feedback and encouraging words can really help.

Your favorite band at the moment: My all time favorite band is Muse, and I also love listening to Jeff Buckley.

Your favorite book at the moment: The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt.

Photo by Monique Rodriguez, stylist Divinity Veloz, models Meighan Zai'Moy clothing from Crafts and Arts by Ashlee Jordan Pryor

Your local Austin gem: Hanabi Sushi – they have the best sushi!

Your social media handles: Check out SUAVS on Instagram and Twitter, or shop SUAVS Shoes online.

One of the Babes: Kam Franklin

Photo via thesuffers.com

In celebration of her recently fulfilled Kickstarter campaign, we'd like you to meet Kam Franklin, the leading vocalist and front-woman of the Houston-based band, The Suffers.

Kam has been making her name in the Texas music industry for years now, and the hard work is paying off. The 10-piece group successfully raised $59,654 to produce their next album, and that LP will be available some time next spring.  

Although not from Austin, we want to shine a light on this Gulf Coast soul band and the efforts they have made to make Texas a premier destination for discovering new talent.

You can preorder their album here, and read our interview with Kam below:

Q: What inspired you to start working in music? Obviously, making it in this business requires a lot more than vocal talent alone! Did you have any role models or learn from someone, in particular?

A: I've been singing my entire life, but I didn't start performing live shows until I was in high school. A close group of friends asked me to join their band, and the rest is history. I was always inspired by the gospel singers at my church, but I would say my biggest vocal inspiration came from Yolanda Adams and Dolly Parton. I'd actively listen to their techniques and vocal delivery. They both still blow my mind to this day. 

Q: Do you have any tidbits of advice for people with passions, in general?

A: Do them, and don't ever stop doing them. Even if it never hits the level of achievement you want to reach, actively doing what you love is good for the soul. Doing something that brings you that much joy can't be taken away.

Q: What have been your favorite moments of creativity?

A: When I first started presenting my lyric ideas to the band, they were nothing but encouraging toward me. I'd never really been surrounded by musicians that listened to me the way they did before. When I suggested adding "Do you want a sandwich?" in our song "Make Some Room," they encouraged me to keep going and get weird with it. From that day on, I looked forward to every opportunity to create. Even now, I get super excited when it comes time to share new lyrics with them.

Q: What have been your most challenging moments in your career, thus far?

A: There's always a new challenge, but the toughest part is ignoring the haters. Everyone thinks they're an expert in this industry. We have gone out of our way to keep going even when other people told us we'd fail. It always feels good when we prove the haters wrong, but the road to success is paved with many people that expect you to fail. 

Photo via thesuffers.com

Q: What was your day job, before The Suffers became what it is now?

A: I used to work as a gas and power trade contract analyst for an investment bank. I loved working there, but I'd say this gig is a lot more fun.

Q: When you're discouraged, what do you run to or away from?

A: I run to other music. Sometimes it's gospel. Sometimes it's metal. It just depends on my mood that day. Music always seems to rescue me from my toughest moments.

Your favorite band at the moment: My favorite band at the moment is Local Natives.

Photo via thesuffers.com 

Your favorite book at the moment: My favorite book at the moment is The Death of Bunny Munro by Nick Cave.

Your local Austin gem: I love Easy Tiger!

Your social media handles: You can find Kam on Instagram and Twitter.

Check out The Suffers on their website, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, and pre-order their album here.

#sizecelebration: Jen Rachid

All photos by Stef Atkinson

#sizecelebration is a #bossbabesATX series of photos and interviews, featuring women of different sizes in dressing rooms, proudly disrobing to dispel negative body image. These portraits were taken by Stef Atkinson, in conjunction with and in the dressing rooms of SoLa.

So, goodbye, fat-shaming. Goodbye, skinny-shaming. Toodles, crying in dressing rooms. We're done with you.

Q: What's your current occupation?

A: I'm the Director of PR at Raw Paw, Photographer Jinni J, and server.

Q: How old are you?

A: 25 years young!

Q: When did you first become aware of your own size? Was that a positive or negative experience?

A: I think I first became aware of my own size at a young age, probably 10 years old. I was playing soccer on an all-boys soccer team and realized that because I was so skinny (and probably a girl), they thought they could push me around; they thought wrong, though. I would out-run them and leave them in the dust, so that was a positive experience. 

Q: When did you first become aware of others' sizes?

A: Probably around the same time on the soccer field. But I think middle school is when I really started to notice different body types and feel more awkward, like I didn't have to wear a bra until 8th grade, while some girls had to wear one at the onset of 6th grade. Seeing some people hit puberty earlier than myself definitely made body sizes apparent.

Q: As you've grown, what have you determined to be true or untrue about size?

A: That size is relative to how one sees size. And everyone sees size based on their own experience as a certain size and what culture says about size. Insecurities and paranoia does not discriminate—each body type comes with a unique set. I'm what people call skinny or slender, but growing up people would gossip that I must have an eating disorder cause my wrists are so thin, but I just have thin wrists. Some times I look at fuller bodies and I'm like "yeah, that's what I want!" And we're all guilty of wanting what we don't have cause we don't know what it's like, and who doesn't like mystery?

Q: How do you celebrate yourself?

A: I pamper myself before I go to bed, moisturizing my hair and body with coconut oil, sprinkling lavender on my sheets, dry brushing my entire body like I am a horse (I'm not even kidding, and if you haven't tried it, I cannot stress this enough, YOU NEED TO, you'll tingle all over—it is the BEST).

Q: How do you think the world (society, etc.) should change the way it celebrates beauty?

A: Beauty is often seen through a lens of sex. Beauty and wanting to have sex with someone is not the same thing, but often culture makes it seem synonymous. Just recognize beauty everywhere and in everyone and don't sexualize it. Also, magazines with these beauty contests, "The worlds most beautiful people" and "Sexiest Celebrities," I mean, come on! Celebrating airbrushed-to-perfection archetypes (the archetype, also, most often being white) make everyone who isn't represented feel somehow less than.

Plus, we all have people in our lives that are the most beautiful people. Something I am excited about though is we are reaching a point where brands see the value and importance of representing more body types in their campaigns, which will then more and more expand the perceived body type ideal in the U.S. and instead of making women feel paranoid that they the way they are naturally isn't good enough. Although bad for consumerism, I wish that society would make women feel beautiful even without their makeup.

Q: What are some immediate, day-to-day things we can change in our lives to better appreciate our own unique bodies? As well as others'?

A: An action I highly recommend is sleeping nude. This makes you totally more confident in the skin and shape of which you reside. Language-wise, don't be so hard on yourself, we all pick on ourselves because we are in our body all the time, forever, so it becomes very easy to look at what we think are our flaws. So talk to yourself as you would to your best friend. Adore your body and the bodies of others. We are all beautiful, mysterious creatures—take it while you can!

Q: Why are you participating in this shoot?

A: Well I was flattered and stunned to be asked, and when I was told about the project, it just clicked. Thank you for bringing this into a cultural conversation. Secondly, #bossbabesATX—how I could I say no to y'all's sweet asses! ;)

Q: What does #sizecelebration mean to you?

A: It means fuck yes, I am beautiful, and so are you and so are you and so are you! No matter your big boobs, small boobs, big ass, no ass, thick calves, no calves, rolls and bones—it's loving the body you have. And hey, girl! Damn, you are a knockout!

Local Gem: Stephanie Aesthetics

Photo via Stephanie Aesthetics

Meet Stephanie, a seasoned esthetician and entrepreneur in Austin. Get to know her in our Q&A below:

Q: What inspired you to start working in makeup and skin care? Did you have any role models
or learn from someone, in particular?

A: It started with my great aunt who was a Mary Kay consultant, and I remember being able to swipe her free samples off her shelves at a young age. Around that time, my mom asked me if I wanted to participate in local pageants and that also led to my awareness of the hair and makeup world. When I got out of high school, I started working with my cousin, Edward Duarte, who is a professional photographer in Los Angeles. With his patience and photos in my portfolio (of the most beautiful models I had ever seen), I was able to land almost any job I wanted. After that I decided I wanted a license and to learn all about the skin I was working with, so I went to school for aesthetics. 

Q: Do you have any tidbits of advice for people with passions, in general?

A: I think the vision has to be clear; the bookkeeping has to be set and the website viewable. Once the business side is handled, the rest should be a fun ride. Do what feels right and just go for it! 

Q: What have been your favorite moments of creativity? 

A: The most creative thing would be having a couple of clients, that happen to be my friends, at the space. They get to watch each other get extractions and even hold hands while getting waxed. We have wine and listen to fun music, too!

Q: What have been your most challenging moments in your career, thus far?

A: Procrastination, which I know has fueled my, what people call, "fear of success." Honestly, it took me a long time to find the puzzle pieces, and I'm just now putting them together—figuring out who I am as an artist and translating that into a business. Ultimately, I think things like this take time, but I am and have always been right where I'm supposed to be. 

Q: When you're discouraged, what do you run to or away from?

A: If I'm discouraged, I love to work. It's the best medicine. With my job I make people feel better and I get validation in doing that. I usually run to my friends, as well. I have wonderful people in my corner and they give the best advice. 

Photo via Stephanie Aesthetics

Your favorite band at the moment: Foo Fighters, the old school songs are my jam. I got to go to the ACL Live taping at Moody Theatre last year, and I cried! Living in Austin has definitely furthered my love for music. 

Your favorite book at the moment: My favorite book is the “Time Traveler’s Wife." I’ve been into sappy romantic books, since my mom always had them lying around our house growing up. This book was easy to get sucked into and hard to put down. 

Your local Austin gem:

A: Thai Fresh! I actually lived in their neighborhood and fell in love with the atmosphere, staff and the food. It's like my second home, and it's always changing, but maintains a comfortable feel. Plus, the bakery case gets me every time.

Also, take the classes! Jam is a wonderful teacher and the meal you get at the end of the class is totally worth it and it’s made by you. 

Your social media handles: You can find Stephanie online on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Local Gem: Sheena's Pickles

Photo by Sheena's Pickles 

Meet our favorite pickler, Sheena. Aside from making tasty food, Sheena teaches workshops around town on the arts of pickling and making jams. Thanks, Sheena, for giving us a peek into your world!

Read her interview below:

Q: What inspired you to start pickling? Did you have any role models or learn from someone, in particular?

A: I started pickling after my friend, Victoria (V), gave me a pickling kit for my birthday. The kit included a couple of recipes, pickling salt and jars. I never thought that it would become this big thing, but over the years, it’s evolved into a really great hobby. I’ve enjoyed creating new recipes, working with different seasonal produce and meeting other picklers.  I can’t say that I have any role models or even learned from someone. I’m one of those people who learn by doing, so for me, I would find a recipe and just start making it. It became a much-needed creative outlet for me. I also learned a lot from reading books like The Art of Fermentation, and reading blogs like, “Food in Jars.”

Q: Do you have any tidbits of advice for people with passion projects?

A: Keep learning and keep trying to improve your craft. I think anything that requires creativity is always a work in progress.

Q: How do you stay inspired to make and work?

A: People’s experiences and memories of food inspire me to make and work. For example, a friend had me over for a small dinner party. As I was sitting amongst strangers we started talking about pickling and how it's something people did a long time ago to survive in the winter. This gentleman sitting next to me (who had been pretty quiet the whole evening) asked me if I made beets. I told him that I did, and he kindly asked me if I would make him some. Growing up, he had an aunt who had been so kind toward him, and the one thing he remembered about her was she made these delicious beets. As soon as I got back home, I immediately went to into the kitchen and I started experimenting with different ingredients and flavors, not necessarily to make my beets taste like his aunt's, but to help him recapture the memory of a person who had treated him so well and showed her love by making him beets. Beautiful food memories are great inspiration.

Q: What have been your favorite moments of creativity?

A: The best thing is when you can create something that makes people want to keep eating. We all know about jams and how sweet and how delicious they are. However, I make fruit butters. Each batch of fruit butter takes about 10 hours because you slowly cook down the fruit to bring out the natural sugars. In the end, you have this incredible fruit puree that awakens your senses. When I make these fruit butters, I do all kinds of combinations from strawberry–jalapeno to apple–pear. It’s just basically whatever is in season and whatever fruit I feel like using to be creative. Well, a few months ago, I started experimenting with pineapple and came up with a pineapple–strawberry and a pineapple–peach. People started texting me how they were eating it straight out the jar. They weren’t eating it on toast or having it as an ice cream topper; they were sitting at their kitchen tables and eating it straight out the jar!

Q: What have been your most challenging moments in pickling/jamming thus far?

A: Learning how to properly sterilize and process jars can be quite complicated. There have been a few instances where a jar breaks during the water bath process, and my entire product is ruined. There is definitely a level of attention and detail that is required throughout the process. Recently, I made my own homemade mustard and found it to be quite frustrating. On my first attempt, I toasted the mustard seeds for too long, and I ended up with mustard that tasted like burnt popcorn. The struggle was real that day.

Q: When you're discouraged, what do you run to or away from?  

A: I think everyone gets discouraged at times, especially when you are doing something that requires a bit of creativity. There is a great quote that says, “Lead, follow or get out of the way.” I’ve never been much of a follower and I’m not afraid of a challenge, so I always try to find to find the positive and keep moving forward.

Your favorite band at the moment:   I love different types of music and my playlists are always all over the place. This summer I saw D’Angelo and the Vanguard and was absolutely blown away! One of the best musical performances I’ve seen in a long time. Plus, we can all agree that D’Angelo is a beautiful man, right?

Your favorite book at the moment:  The Hen Who Dreamt She Could Fly

Your local Austin gem: I can’t express my gratitude for the amazing people at Johnson’s Backyard Garden (JBG). I have truly enjoyed working with them and using their products. There is satisfaction in knowing that everything they sell is fresh, local and organic. I also like the work from Fine Southern Gentlemen. They made a really awesome pickle shirt that I’m obsessed with wearing!

Q: Any industry pointers?

A: Just because someone tells you no doesn’t mean that it’s the end of the world. Austin is full of people who are willing to help and nurture your business. Don’t be afraid to ask friends and even friends of friends for help or assistance.

Q: What's your day job? If pickling isn't, of course.

A: Other than pickling, I do promotion and recruitment for an education non-profit. I get to travel all over Texas helping to put on professional development workshops for middle school and high school social studies teachers.

Your social media handles: Find Sheena and her pickles on Facebook and Instagram. Follow her personal Instagram account here.

#sizecelebration: Shelley Neuman

All photos by Stef Atkinson

#sizecelebration is a bossbabesATX series of photos and interviews, featuring women of different sizes in dressing rooms, proudly disrobing to dispel negative body image. These portraits were taken by Stef Atkinson, in conjunction with and in the dressing rooms of SoLa.

So, goodbye, fat-shaming. Goodbye, skinny-shaming. Toodles, crying in dressing rooms. We're done with you.

Meet this week's #sizecelebration model, Shelley Neuman.

Q: What's your current occupation?

A: I work in social media marketing, but I also spend a lot of time working on my passion project, a local street style blog called ATX Street Style.

Q: How old are you?

A: 28

Q: When did you first become aware of your own size? Was that a positive or negative experience?

A: In first grade. It was definitely a negative experience. I was told by a boy I had a crush on that I was too tall to be his girlfriend, and thus my (sometimes crippling) self-consciousness about my height started. 

Q: When did you first become aware of others' sizes?

A: I think it was something I became very conscious of when I was in elementary school, but I didn't think of peoples' sizes as being a "negative" thing or something that differentiated people until my peers began to comment on the fact that my size was "different." (Being called a Jolly Green Giant when you're a 7-year-old girl is not the biggest confidence booster.) 

Q: As you've grown, what have you determined to be true or untrue about size?

A: True — When you are a size minority (tall, short, plus-size, skinny, etc.), people will ALWAYS make stupid comments about your size.

Untrue — You are the only person experiencing the gawking and idiotic things that spew from people's mouths. The wonderful thing about the digital age we live in is that you can easily find others who have experienced exactly what you're going through. If I had known that there were other uncoordinated 6-foot-plus girls getting asked daily what WNBA team they play for, I might not have felt that I was "wasting my height" by not being into sports for the majority of my adolescent years.

Q: How do you celebrate yourself?

A: After years of thinking that my body was stupid for not being able to fit properly into everything I tried on, I celebrate myself by not conforming to usual style standards. My jeans will always be highwaters and IDGAF!

Q: How do you think the world should change the way it celebrates beauty?

A: It's got to start with how mass media portrays and conveys beauty. I, like many other women pressured by conventional standards, never thought I was shaped correctly and didn't appreciate the body I was born with for a long time. Shining a positive light on people who are not the "ideal" size that is constantly force-fed to us is the first step in teaching future generations that every shape and size is both normal and special in its own way!

Q: What are some immediate, day-to-day things we can change in our lives to better appreciate our own unique bodies? As well as others'?

A: I think that reminding yourself daily that your size is not the only thing that defines you, and being cognizant that this is true for everyone around you is very important. Because physical appearance is the first thing most people notice, be aware that comments concerning this can make or break a person's ego. We can help ourselves and help others by making sure these comments are always positive. If someone shames you, or dishes out something you perceive as negative about your own or someone else's outside appearance, do not spit that same hate back at them. Instead, catch them off guard by complimenting their appearance. My hope is that constant kindness can breed change.

Q: Why are you participating in this shoot?

A: I am participating in this shoot because I had body image issues for most of my childhood and adolescence, and I want others to know that this is completely normal! We will always wish we could change something about the way we look, because it is an inherent part of human nature to think you are flawed. As I've grown, though, I've learned that these differences, or these parts of me that I always saw as flawed, are actually what makes me a unique individual who stands out from the crowd and gives me a different perspective on life (and I don't just mean that I can see the tops of everyone's heads [laughs]).

Q: What does #sizecelebration mean to you?

A: It means giving everyone the confidence and appreciation they are seeking for their own unique bodies!