#bossbabesATX Tour Recap!
Photo by Julia Silva Photography
Over the last few weeks, we've traveled around the country hosting events, sitting on panels and attending the United State of Women Summit in Washington, DC!
First up, on June 9, we hosted a panel for BABES FEST in Soho, NYC with nine of our favorites in creative industry.
Then our founder Jane Claire Hervey sat on a panel with Tom Tom Mag on June 12 in Bushwick (Brooklyn, NY) to discuss accessibility in music. We heard from 10 people in the music/creative industry about both their personal experiences and broad observations on topics affecting accessibility—from gender bias to affordability to consumer expectations.
And last but not least, Jane attended the United State of Women Summit in Washington, DC. She heard so many incredible women and feminist allies speak on the importance of addressing gender disparities. VP Joe Biden gave a speech on eradicating domestic violence and sexual assault, President Obama spoke to the power of changing culture—why gender expectations and roles hurt both girls and boys, Michelle Obama and Oprah discussed the value of confidence, self-love and ultimately transparency about what you want in life and from yourself. Austin's own 11-year-old entrepreneur prodigy, Mikaila of Me + the Bees Lemonade, even introduced the President for his address! More on the summit to come, but in the mean time:
Get a full summary of the summit here.
Take the pledge to eradicate gender bias here.
Thank you to our One-Year Anniversary Party + Fundraiser Partners!
If you haven't noticed, we're celebrating one year of existence. *fireworks*
To keep the magic going, we're hosting an anniversary party and fundraiser at West Elm's Austin location on June 15. Here's the rundown for the night:
We'll start with some DJ'd mingling thanks to DJ Kay Cali, while enjoying complimentary cocktails courtesy of Drink Slingers and a snack menu prepared by Amir Hajimaleki (think salmon rillettes + hummus, plus cheeses and assorted pastries).
Then, our founders will give an address summarizing the last year and the future of our organization. To close, we'll raffle off a list of goods and services from women-owned businesses in our community (your fundraiser ticket counts as your entry). Check out the raffle items below:
What is BABES FEST?
During SXSW 2016, we launched BABES FEST, a celebration for creative work made by self-identified women. Through this annual festival in Austin, Texas (catch us back at it again in May 2017) and traveling pop-up events, we aim to promote and funnel resources into the creative works of talented (and badass) self-identified women.
Each year, we'll host a festival in May showcasing music, art, comedy and film. For details on BABES FEST 2017, please visit the sponsorship, volunteer and info pages on babesfest.com.
Take a look at our mission statement video below, created by the team at Plaid Pony Productions (video backing track by Madame Gandhi):
Introducing SHE TALKS: Our Newest Non-Profit Initiative
Photo from our inaugural She Talks series with the YWCA
Meet SHE TALKS.
Over the last year, #bossbabesATX has grown from three founding members to a bustling community of thousands. With that kind of growth comes evolution, discussion, connections, synergy, but ultimately the opportunity to do something impactful—to legitimately stir change. For that reason, we've developed our SHE TALKS program.
Through SHE TALKS, we partner with local non-profits to create a three-week series of discussion-based talks. These talks aim to provide an environment for conversations about social responsibility and entrepreneurial advancement, while simultaneously giving back to our non-profit partner.
For example — In our inaugural series, we partnered with the YWCA, an organization that exists to eliminate systemic racism and strengthen communities, to cultivate a space for women of color to discuss identity, intersectional feminism and social justice. This three-part series featured dynamic speakers from the YWCA's own staff, and we successfully raised $1000. On top of that, 40 women sat down each week for three weeks to tackle important issues.
Pretty cool, huh?
If you'd like to learn more about this series, please contact us at thebabes@bossbabes.org.
Also, thanks a million for your support! We couldn't do what we do without you.
Local Gem: PK Wellness
Local Gem, PK Wellness, is modernizing acupuncture and wellness. Created and run by local babe Phyllis Kung, PK Wellness offers acupuncture, fertility enhancements, and modern Chinese herbal medicine. Learn more about how Phyllis started her practice below.
Photo via Phyllis Kung
Meet Phyllis Kung, the co-owner of PK Wellness, an Austin-based acupuncture and wellness center. Running the practice with her sister, Kung offers everything from fertility enhancements to modern Chinese herbal medicines. Learn more about how Phyllis started her practice below.
Q: What inspired you to start your business? Did you have any role models or learn from someone, in particular?
A: We both have great quarter-life crisis stories to share about how we found acupuncture and Chinese medicine. But, we also come from a family of acupuncturists. For us, we wanted to modernize the field and the language of acupuncture for our modern clientele—let the people know that sometimes revisiting past healing practices can help with issues we face today, like stress, cravings, addiction, stress, sports injuries, stress and our favorite, owning aging.
Our mom has been a huge inspiration to us. She's a self-made woman, that started off as a Home-Ec major in college (yes, they had those) and ended up with her own government contracting firm. Now she gets flown to Milan to talk about how to use social media—we're 100% positive she has more followers and Facebook friends than us combined.
Q: Do you have any tidbits of advice for people with passions, in general?
A: My first year in practice, I cried a lot, mostly in my car, about how I was going to pay rent, eat, buy my dog everything he deserves, etc. Turning a passion into a marketable business is a challenging process. I listened to A LOT of Andrew W.K.. He's not for everybody, but when he isn't singing about partying, he has some really motivational lines to get you amped:
When you're down on your luck
You gotta do it
And you're covered in mud
You gotta do it
You still going on (YEAH!)
You got to do it
Gotta do all the stuff that you love
Love it. Own it. Don't give up!
Q: What have been your favorite moments of creativity?
A: We just made our first clinic shirts! It as a super fun process of trying to find every possible pun or rhyme for needles or pokey things. And while we passed on more risque slogan like "prick doctors" and "everyone needs a good poking," we're pretty amped about our final product.
Editor's note: Their shirts read "On Point."
Q: What have been your most challenging moments in your career, thus far?
A: We're in this business to help people, but sometimes we can't. It's hard to admit, but what we do isn't for everyone, and sometimes we're the ones that let the patient know. Acupuncture is great for a lot of things, but it's part of a process and lifestyle. It's not a magic pill.
Photo provided by PK Wellness
Your favorite band at the moment: Sadly, I spend a lot of my time looking for unoffensive music I can play in my clinic...but, it's lead me to rediscover some oldies but amazeballs artists. Right now, Django Reinhardt is it!
Your favorite book at the moment: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo. This book takes the art of tidying and organizing to a whole other level. Discard everything that doesn't bring joy, but don't forget to thank everything you discard for its service. I've never felt so connected to my clothes before.
Photo provided by PK Wellness
Local Gem: Cool Beans ATX
If you love natural organic latin cuisine, then you'll love Cool Beans ATX. Started by Priscilla Jerez who was inspired through her own pursuit into a healthier vegan lifestyle, Cool Beans mixes "Organic Plant Based with Authentic Mexican Taste". Learn more about how Priscilla got her start below.
Photo by Andrew Reiner Photography
Time to talk about one of our Austin favorites — Cool Beans ATX. Founded by Priscilla Jerez (who was inspired to create lean Mexican-style cuisine to pursue a vegan lifestyle), Cool Beans incorporates veganism into authentic Mexican dishes. Learn more about how Priscilla got her start below.
Q: What inspired you to start Cool Beans? Did you have any role models or learn from someone, in particular?
A: Once I became vegan I started learning more about cooking and food. I suddenly became more aware of the challenges to cooking by removing meat and dairy, and I loved it. I learned from everyone and took every opportunity to learn.
I picked up tips from some vegan bloggers, my mom's recipes and even just talking to farmers at the local markets about different vegetables and how to cook them. Through these endeavors, I got to live a healthier lifestyle, I was able to learn the new things about cooking. Ultimately, this empowered me to create things that are dear to my heart and culture and have my own vegan twist to it.
Q: Do you have any tidbits of advice for people with passions, in general?
A: Its important to have passions. Sometimes they are hard to find, and sometimes it finds you.
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Life can be a crazy rollercoaster and steer you in all kinds of directions, but do what feels right to you and what makes you happy! Indulge yourself in all the passions you possess.
Photo by Andrew Reiner Photography
Q: What have been your most challenging moments in your career, thus far?
A: The most challenging moments I've had were getting up the courage to put myself out there and meet new people and figuring out those “ I have no Idea what I am doing!” moments are authentic. I’ve gotten to learn about my determination and how it's possible for me to make it in a place that intimidates me so much.
Q: What's your day job (if this business isn't your day job)?
A: Being a BOSS all day! [laughs]
I do Cool Beans all day everyday, whether it's networking, emailing, meetings, paperwork (oh, goodness the paperwork) and booking events. In restaurant biz, there is always work to be done, but I love it!
Q: When you're discouraged, what do you run to or away from?
A: I’ll be honest, I sometimes am scared of success. I am afraid of what might happen if i succeed and if I fail. I’m very lucky to have my partner Rolando with me for this whole ride. We are a great team, and whenever I'm feeling scared or discouraged he’s there by my side. He's my No. 1 supporter, I am grateful for him and for my family and friends—old and new—that help me continue on this journey.
Photo by Gabriel Campbell Photogaphy
Your favorite band at the moment: I have to admit, I am currently listening to Flight of The Conchords. I’m also pretty obsessed with The Strokes, Marvin Gaye and Julieta Venegas.
Your favorite book at the moment: The Alchemist
“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” ― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
Photo by Gabriel Campbell Photogaphy
One of the Babes: Adrienne Dawes
Portrait by Consetta Rubel
Featured this year as one of Austin Monthly's "Women We Love," Adrienne Dawes is nothing short of a creative genius. As a full time employee for the non-profit LifeWorks, Adrienne has somehow managed to squeeze in writing and creating her very own play Denim Doves (a 3-year project), as well as directing Love Me Tinder (a show that has run for about two years), all while managing her own process-focused production company, Heckle Her. Learn more about Adrienne and her creative process below:
Q: What inspired you to start working in the field/Industry? Did you have any role models?
A: I started writing when I was a kid—short stories, poetry, longer fiction pieces. I got into theater via performance poetry . . . Also because film just seemed too expensive of an art form with too many barriers. Theater also felt more welcoming to me as a young artist. Growing up here in Austin, I felt like I could always scrounge together the money for a venue, put up my work and someone would show up (even if it was just my dad). Comedy has always been a thread in my work, but I didn't seriously get into writing or performing until college. I am a huge goof, but very shy and introverted. Writing has always been the best vehicle for me to say all the silly things I want to say. Producing/directing occurred naturally, because my work was constantly getting rejected from things and in the beginning it was really hard to get anyone to work with me. I would get really impatient waiting for people to open doors for me and instead use my Virgo organization and resourceful friends to find cheap/easy ways to get it done.
My role models include playwrights like Suzan Lori Parks, Naomi Iizuka, Sarah Ruhl and Dael Orlandersmith; comediennes like Gilda Radner, Madeleine Kahn, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Maya Rudolph, Amy Poehler and Tina Fey. I also love anything Richard Ayoade does . . . And Noel Fielding . . . And Chris Morris and Graham Linehan . . . My life in Chicago used to be just Googling random British comedians and buying everything they ever made or appeared in on DVD.
Q: Do you have any tidbits of advice for people with passions, in general?
A: Make friends with people outside of your field/industry. Not only will they show up and support your shit, they will help you be a human person. I am all for the hustle and being ambitious, but there really is something to be said for hanging out with friends that want nothing more than to spend time with you. I also have to say, the funniest people in my life are not comedians. The just give you the truth and what is true is what's funniest/best.
ALSO IMPORTANT: BLOCK OFF TIME ON YOUR CALENDAR TO DO NOTHING. I have to do this, especially after two to three months of non-stop projects, or I will never take a break.
Q: What have been your favorite moments of creativity?
A: Collaboration can sometimes be headache and heartache, but when you approach it with a generous spirit and lots of love it always produces the most interesting and inspired discoveries. I always have to remember to shut up and let go. And trust the process. Trust my collaborators. The first draft will be shit. The first run-through will be messy, but before we get to something polished and coherent, we gotta get through the muck. I think some of my favorite rehearsal moments began with someone saying, "Hey this is a really dumb idea but . . ." I also like the saying "strong and wrong." Like, let's do this STRONG AND WRONG; let's not be afraid to be or look stupid. Some of the smartest, funniest moves I've ever seen have come from actors just committing to the bit, even if it made them look totally stupid.
Photo by Adrienne Dawes
Q: What have been your most challenging moments in your career, thus far?
A: I fail a lot. Rejection is pretty much a daily occurrence and it always hurts. A big challenge has been to figure my way through that because it will always be a part of my creative life. No matter how "successful" I become, my inner "Editor Bitch" is the voice that screams at me anytime I open up my computer. "You're worthless, you don't know how to write, stop wasting everyone's time!" She's a sneaky, mean bitch. I have to get creative with how I distract her, so I can actually focus on making work. If I listened to her, I would never write and I certainly would never try to share it in a public way. Some weeks, some days this is easier than others. Again, she's a sneaky bitch.
Outside my own head, the challenges in Austin involved in making new work always revolve around money/resources and being able to afford a venue or space to make it work. The growing population brings in some wonderful, new things and great, new people, but it also has driven away some really great artists and shut down all of my favorite arts spaces. In the comedy community, there's not many people of color or women in leading roles, directing, coaching, producing, or teaching. So that means onstage there's very few shows from that highlight or show the perspective of performers of color. Sometimes the biggest challenge feels like just sticking it out and showing up. The most radical thing I can do is show up to comedy and theater performances with my hair down and take up as much space as possible. Remind people, this is what a comedy writer looks like. This is what a playwright and sometimes a director looks like. It shouldn't be a radical thing, but it feels like it is.
Q: What's your day job (if this business isn't your day job)?
A: I work full time in Development for a social services non-profit. I get to interact with incredible staff and clients with amazing stories. I really believe in it's mission to help youth and young families (often from homeless or foster care backgrounds) become self-sufficient. They are very flexible with my schedule which is the only way I can balance both my day and art job(s).
Photo by Adrienne Dawes
Q: When you're discouraged, what do you run to or away from?
A: I love running away into nature. I don't have many opportunities to unplug and get out of town, but whenever I can, I always appreciate it. Taking a long walk or bike ride also helps me reset. And I love playing music just for fun . . . Karaoke is a part of my regular self care (private rooms > bars).
Your favorite band at the moment: I like too many to name a favorite, but at the moment Anderson Paak's new album is on repeat. Rihanna/Beyonce/Jessie Ware as just the background/white noise/soundtrack of my life.
Your favorite book at the moment: I want to open up Carrie Brownstein's memoir and actually read the words inside it (it's been on my bedside table since it came out).
Your local Austin gem: "Tourist Friends" (aka friends visiting from out of town) always want me to take them to "see the bats." No, boring, gross. I'd rather take people to one of my favorite swimming spots. I have a few that are top-secret, but one I can share (without pissing off my friends) is Krause Springs.
Photo by Adrienne Dawes
One of the Babes: Faith Chonko
If you have any interest in surreal beautiful artwork, then check out babe Faith Chonko and her magical collage art. Faith's beautiful pieces capture her creative vision with magazine cut outs and Mod Podge. Make sure you visit her website and show your support for this local girl boss.
Photo by Faith Chonko
If you have any interest in surreal (and beautiful!) artwork, meet Faith Chonko and her collage art. Using Mod Podge and magazine cut-outs, Faith's pieces are glimpses into her creative process and vision.
You can view more of her work on her website and read our Q&A with the Austin-based artist below.
Q: What inspired you to start working in the arts? Did you have any role models or learn from someone, in particular?
A: I went through a lot of Mod Podge in college covering boxes and things, but it wasn’t until I moved to New York in 2010 that I started putting them on paper and getting something out of it. A friend of mine there kept these incredible journals full of written entries and collages, so she was a big influence on me at the beginning. After that, I kept making work on my own and started feeling like I needed to collage to deal with things in my life.
Q: Do you have any tidbits of advice for people with passions, in general?
A: I guess I would say to respect your own process and not measure yourself against others. I’m a slow creator in that I don’t collage all the time. It used to frustrate me and still does sometimes, but I’ve come to realize it’s not a fault. In the times I feel creative but am not inspired to collage, I try out other mediums, go to art shows, or spend too much time getting lost/inspired on Instagram.
Photo by Faith Chonko
Q: What have been your favorite moments of creativity?
A: I can’t think of a specific moment, but at some point it dawned on me that I had developed a style. That was kind of a cool realization to stumble into.
Q: What have been your most challenging moments in your career, thus far?
A: The hardest thing for me was and is sharing my work with others. I think there’s so much of my life and emotions in them that showing other people puts me way out of my comfort zone even if those feelings aren’t obvious in the images. Last year, I decided to do things that scare me and putting my work out into the world was definitely on that list. Right next to making a website. But, I’m glad I did both.
Q: What's your day job?
A: I work at a start-up called Tugg, where I help set up national and international film campaigns through crowd-sourced screenings.
Photo by Faith Chonko
Q: When you're discouraged, what do you run to or away from?
A: I run to Half Price Books to buy more magazines.
Your favorite band at the moment: Not a band, but I listen to Chillville every Sunday morning and always discover someone new that I like.
Your favorite book at the moment: I just started Women Who Run with Wolves. The introduction is the most promising I’ve read this year! I’ll have to get back to you on the rest.
Your local Austin gem: I really love the Walnut Creek bike trail.
Your social media handles: Find Faith on Instagram.
Community Spotlight: 3 Announcements You Missed
We had to push a couple announcements at our April meet to accommodate for Wendy Davis' (incredible) visit. Here are the few you missed:
1. "Shameless Dames, improv based on Broad City and Girls, opens in Austin this week. We don't f*cking care if you like this show. We're not going to smile. We're not going to apologize. Shameless Dames runs April 29th to June 3rd, Fridays at 10pmat The Institution Theater. Go to their website for more deets. You can get tickets for the event here. Use code: bossbabe for 20% off."
2. "#THEWANTABES are putting together a new membership program for girls (6th through 12th grade) in the Austin area. We are on a mission to plant a seed and help build the foundation that will allow girls to live the life of their dreams and become exactly who they #WANTABE. In order to make this program beneficial, we need badass women who love what they do and would want to volunteer their time to offer mentorship, host master classes and allow job-shadowing, as well as general program volunteers. The program will start August 2016. For details, visit us on our website and on Instagram. Shoot an email to info@thewantabes.com."
Local Gem: C.R.A.F.T
Meet Jamie Dorobek, author of "C.R.A.F.T."
Photo via C.R.A.F.T
If you like Creating Really Awesome Free Things (aka C.R.A.F.T), then check out this local blogger and momma, Jamie Dorobek, who just wrote her own book on 100 seriously awesome and super easy projects for kids. So proud of this babe!
Q: What inspired you to start working in the field/Industry? Did you have any role models or learn from someone, in particular?
A: I’ve been crafting with freebies ever since I can remember, I just had no idea I could make a living doing it. I decided to start a blog after seeing a link to a blog all about crafts on a family friends blog almost six years ago to this month. I started C.R.A.F.T. the next day!
Q: Do you have any tidbits of advice for people with passions, in general?
A: If you love it, do it. Make. The. Time.
Q: What have been your favorite moments of creativity?
A: Oh man, that’s a tricky question! I’m typically the most creative when I have a real life problem to solve. For example: What can I hang above my fireplace that is not a TV, inexpensive, and huge? And then I decide to make a giant, lighted peace wreath and am still loving it!
Q: What have been your most challenging moments in your career, thus far?
A: The most challenging thing in my career so far is trying to find the right balance of “stay at home” and “work at home mom!" I have an almost 2-year-old son and a newborn. The struggle is real, y’all!
Q: What's your day job (if this business isn't your day job)?
A: I’m fortunate to call blogging my day job. I used to be a high school special education teacher and took the plunge to blog full time in 2012, before kids!
Q: When you're discouraged, what do you run to or away from?
A: I run away from the project that is discouraging me and likely run to take my son to the park or somewhere fun and likely outdoors. Taking my brain away from the discouragement allows me to refocus my energy and look at the project with a fresh brain when I’m good and ready.
Photo of Jamie Dorobek, via C.R.A.F.T
Your favorite band at the moment: I’m so bad at this question! I listen to the same Spotify playlist almost every day. I just checked out my list, and the only artist that has two spots on my playlist is The Hot Sardines!
Your favorite book at the moment :I’m much better at books! The last book I read, is mom-related (shocker!) and titled, "Bringing up Bebe." It’s written by an American expat living in Paris with two littles and speaks to the differences of parenting in France versus the United States.
Your local Austin gem: I’m obsessed with this new vintage furniture store called Vintage Fresh. I got an awesome dresser and a giant map in the last month!
Your social media handles:
C.R.A.F.T. // Twitter // Facebook // Pinterest // Instagram // Subscribe by Email