One of the Babes: Cammrynn Stith
Meet Cammrynn Stith, freelance videographer and creator of lifestyle clothing brand VISYOULIZE that encourages others to "live life imaginatively and positively without placing boundaries on their passion". Check out Cammrynn's dope clothing line here and read more below!
Photo via Cammrynn Stith
Meet Cammrynn Stith, freelance videographer and creator of lifestyle clothing brand VISYOULIZE that encourages others to "live life imaginatively and positively without placing boundaries on their passion." Check out Cammrynn's dope clothing line here and read more below!
Q: What inspired you to start working in the field/Industry? Did you have any role models or learn from someone, in particular?
A: Since the moment I was born, my parents and grandmother were always encouraging my brother and I. Instilling inside of us to live every moment to the fullest, to live with much enthusiasm, love and humility, to be thankful for the little things, and to be encouraging/uplifting. My grandmother taught us all to be understanding, to embrace differences and to combat hate with love and kindness. She’s the sweetest woman I know and makes the best 7up cake ever! (heart melts)
Q: Do you have any tidbits of advice for people with passions, in general?
A: Whatever your passion may be... go for it. The world needs what we have to offer. We must keep stretching, keep growing, keep believing, keep moving forward into life and understand that not every day is going to be a good one but we must still try to find the good within that day. This will propel us onward and upward. I am here to tell you that you are powerful, you are amazing, you are intelligent, you are brave, you are an overcomer and you are loved! I love you and I believe in you!
Photo by Cammrynn Stith
Q: What have been your favorite moments of creativity?
A: My three months of living in China during my college years sparked loads of creative energy being surrounded by so many different cultures of beautiful people from all over the globe and going on mini adventures discovering the history of China was an experience I’ll never forget and one I hold near and dear to my heart.
Q: What have been your most challenging moments in your career, thus far?
A: My most challenging moments I would say not ever being able to solely focus on VISYOULIZE and give it my 100% attention. I work a lot but always find time for my passion!
Photo by Cammrynn Stith
Q: What's your day job (if this business isn't your day job)?
A: I am a preschool teacher! So that means I have the plum-pleasing privilege of teaching some of the brightest souls I know! My kiddos bring me so much joy, and everyday with them is an adventure. I wouldn’t trade them for the world!
Q: When you're discouraged, what do you run to or away from?
A: When I’m feeling discouraged, I go hiking by myself and sit on my favorite rock as I am serenaded by the melodies of nature. It calms me every time!
Photo by Cammrynn Stith
Your favorite band at the moment: My favorites are Goldlink, Masego, Wizkid
Your favorite book at the moment: “Key to Living the Law of Attraction” by Jack Canfield
Your local Austin gem: This is my second year living in Austin, but I would say Tony's Jamiacan Food Truck off of E. 11th St! The plantains are the jam, always great vibes, great people and super groovy tunes...Tony is the dude!
Your social media handles: Find Cam and Visyoulize on Instagram and Facebook. Check out the website here.
One of the Babes: Cené
Meet Cené, amazing actress, writer, and comedian babe who regularly performs with Austin's first all black female improve troupe Damn Gina!, musical sketch group Love Me Tinder, and B. Iden Payne Award winning Broadway style musical improv troupe, Girls Girls Girls. Learn more about this badass babe below and check out her website here.
Photo by Steve Rogers Photography
Meet Cené, amazing actress, writer and comedian babe who regularly performs with Austin's first all-black female improve troupe Damn Gina!, the musical sketch group Love Me Tinder, B. Iden Payne Award-winning Broadway-style musical improv troupe, Girls Girls Girls, and performs with Loverboy every Wednesday at 8:30pm at Coldtowne Theater! Learn more about this badass babe below and check out her website here.
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 didn’t “officially” start doing comedy until I was 25 or 26, when I signed up for my first improv class. Performing has always been a part of my life but, usually, it just consisted of me overacting in the background of a community theater production of Music Man or South Pacific.
Lucille Ball was the first person I remember being obsessed with. I watched every single episode of ‘I Love Lucy’, ‘The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour’, ‘The Lucy Show’, ‘Here’s Lucy’ and ‘Life with Lucy.’ Yeah, I told you, OBSESSED. She was the first woman I saw myself in. Also, the show was the first and —for a while—only time I had seen an interracial couple portrayed in a normal way. I’m multi-racial girl from the south so this was a big deal for me.
Q: Do you have any tidbits of advice for people with passions, in general?
A: The two of the best lines of advice I’ve ever received about following my passion:
“Keep On Keepin’ On” — My Grandmother
“Do it. Just Do It.” Shia LaBeouf and Nike
Q: What have been your favorite moments of creativity?
A: I’m usually at my most creative when I have a deadline for a completely non-related project or when I’m in my car stuck in traffic. The ideas usually come in quick bursts that only last about 5 minutes, tops, before they disappear. My favorite song “Buzzah” came up that way. I was driving home from work or rehearsal and I just started humming a melody that reminded me of how I felt when I used my good vibrator (you know, the one that you’ll cancel plans with your friends to spend time with) using the sound it made as the chorus. When I came up with it, I immediately called my friend Tauri and was like, “I think I just came up with something really funny.” I sang it for her and she was like “OOOoo gurl!” then helped me write the rest of it.
Photo by Erica Nix
Q: What have been your most challenging moments in your career, thus far?
A: My most challenging moments have been getting through the days I feel like I’m “not good enough.” It’s a constant struggle to not give up. But I made a pact with myself when I got back into performing — “Don’t Quit.” I take that pact very seriously and since then I’ve noticed that I’m accomplishing way more than I thought I would. I’ve also noticed that my “not good enough” days have been further and further apart from each other. That’s huge for me.
Q: What's your day job?
A: Livin’ dat corporate life (throwin’ up deuces in my oversized pleated khakis, holding a 6-year-old Dell laptop, while Snoop Dog’s 1993 hit song ‘Gin and Juice’ plays on my CD Walkman).
Photo by Steve Rogers Photography
Q: When you're discouraged, what do you run to or away from?
A: When I’m discouraged I tend to run away from other humans and into my studio apartment where I’ll eat my feelings until winter is over and listen to audiobooks about “Living Your Most You Life You Can Live For Yourself Confidently.” Also, I play a lot of Beyonce.
Your favorite band at the moment: Beyonce and Stromae. If you don’t know who he is, you should. He’s the Beyonce of Europe.
Your favorite book at the moment: Janet Mock’s "Redefining Realness"
Photo by Erica Nix
Your local Austin gem: Tigress is everything.
Your social media handles: I’m lazy so everything is under the same thing @CeneATX (Instagram, Facebook and Twitter).
Like me! On Facebook and in real life. Please pretty please? Am I coming on too strong? I’m sorry it won’t happen again (as I pull my sleeve down over my wrist where I’ve tattooed your name next to BFF4VA).
#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