HAPPY AUSTIN PRIDE: Some Weekend Events for the Babes
To the babes far and wide, Austin's community has quite a weekend lineup for PRIDE. Let's celebrate!
*this weekend's for love, awareness and honoring our LGBTQ friends and family. respect these sacred spaces below.*
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26 2016:
SATURDAY, AUGUST 27 2016:
Austin PRIDE 2016 Celebration Festival @ Fiesta Gardens
Queer M.F. Austin Pride Week @ Empire Control Room
SUNDAY, AUGUST 28 2016
Local Gem: Jones Florals
Meet Nicole Jones, a babe with a natural talent for floral design. Nicole created the beautiful arrangements for our spring retreat and continues pursuing her passion with through her own business Jones Florals. Learn more about Nicole and her role models below!
Photo by Maria Villanueva
Meet Nicole Jones, a babe with natural talent for floral design. Nicole created the beautiful arrangements for our spring retreat and continues pursuing her passion with through her own business Jones Florals. Learn more about Nicole and her role models 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: Years ago, I was going to school and work full-time and during that time I was hired into a mass market floral department as what I thought as a means to get by. It wasn't until I graduated and had a minute to really take a step back that I realized that I had become truly passionate about floral design. School was difficult for me, meanwhile work was easy and came so naturally. Many may not realize the behind-the-scene work that is involved in floral work—from when you receive the flowers, to processing them and then finally design. Floral design is hard work, but I have never shied away from hard work. The entire process is what still inspires me. Floral design makes me happy, it comes naturally and I'm passionate about it. I thrive when I am creative and my busiest, so it continues to inspire me everyday.
My BOSS, Hilarie McLaughlin, is my No. 1 supporter. I think one of the greatest gifts you can give someone is allowing to just be themselves, and she has trusted me with new projects knowing I would make it my own. She has challenged me many times with new ideas or projects but those are times when you learn the most and find your own niche.
And Diana Galaviz. She originally hired me, and with 25+ years experience she took me under her wing and taught me so much of what I know now. They both encouraged me during those times when I might have questioned it all. These women helped me grow and I don't think that without their blessings I would be here. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have so much support, not only from them, but clients, friends and family.
Q: Do you have any tidbits of advice for people with passions, in general?
A: I listen to my own advice a lot, which is stay true to your own style and what goals you set personally for yourself, and you will continue to stand out on your own and maintain what is unique about yourself and your business. Remembering what sets you apart, what makes people find you and want to hire you. No two BOSS BABES are alike and that is something to be celebrated more!
Photo by Diaz & Diaz Photography/Ginger Diaz
Q: What have been your favorite moments of creativity?
A: The combination of working in busy floral shop and working with perishables you never know what new project may pop up. Clients may need something creative on the fly and you have to quickly create something special on the spot. There have been times where I set out to use a certain flower or specific vase and take tons of time to think through the arrangement and it isn't at all what I envisioned. Yet, those projects that are done on the fly or last minute adjustments tend to be the most gorgeous and surprising even to myself. Sometimes an occasional wrench thrown into a project can produce an even better outcome. There is something to be said about the challenge of designing on the spot and just letting the creative part of your brain take over.
Q: What have been the most challenging moments in your career, thus far?
A: I really thrive when I am challenged but overall self-doubt in the beginning of this journey can prove to be a challenge. There are many talented folks here in Austin and there have been times I have wanted to take a step back. Stepping out on my own and being confident in that decision has been hard at times. But, with that being said you have to mirror those thoughts of doubt with those core values that you know make you unique. I don't consider myself a cookie cutter florist and clients that trust me with their creations or come back time after time remind me of that and keep me confident as a designer.
Q: What's your day job?
A: My day job is in a local flower shop. I currently work for two different shops while maintaining my own business. I love my day jobs—they're where I always continue to learn and create!
Photo by Cait with a C Photography
Q: When you're discouraged, what do you run to or away from?
A: If I feel discouraged I tend to talk to those who have encouraged me from day one. I “check in” with those people who encouraged me to branch out and were confident in my skills even before I realized I should be. Even when I feel confident about a certain designs, I still like to bounce ideas off of these people—I think it may be my creative brain that looks for reassurance. Those people in my life keep me sane, they know me down to the core and know why I am driven. In order to get through those moments when you question it all, those special people are essential.—people who are genuinely rooting for you.
Your favorite band at the moment: These albums are current favorites: Beyonce's Lemonade, A$AP Ferg's Always Thrive and Prosper, and Petite Noir's La Vie Est Belle.
Your favorite book at the moment: If I am being honest, the last book I read was “Tuna Melts my Heart.” A book about a rescue dog that is Instagram-famous. Maybe my next read will be more grown-up? Maybe.
Photo by Nicole Jones
Your local Austin gem: Everyone needs those special spots that always come through for relaxation and fun. There is a park within walking distance of my house that is surrounded by a nature preserve. There is a neighborhood artist that has done uplifting art throughout the trails that is so nice to see while providing important landmarks so I don't get too lost (which has happened a lot). I always feel more relaxed after coming to this hidden spot, and it is extra special to me. It is also a place for my dog-child to get her wiggles out and hang out with her neighborhood home-dawgs.
Another gem is The Flying Carpet; if you know them then you already know! The owners Maria and Abderrahim Souktouri are passionate people that created a wonderful space in which you can eat incredible food with a great atmosphere. They are artists and serve their flavorful nutritious food with passion and love. It's is a one of a kind spot here in Austin. So good!
Your social media handles: You can find Nicole at Jones Florals' Instagram and Facebook.
One of the Babes: Courtney Bailey
Meet Courtney Bailey, a yoga teacher specializing in trauma-informed techniques to help serve communities that "lack appropriate resources to invest in health and wellness". You can read how Courtney was inspired to get into teaching yoga and her tidbits of advice below.
Photo by Daniel Day (DanDann Designs)
Meet Courtney Bailey, a yoga teacher specializing in trauma-informed techniques to help serve communities that "lack appropriate resources to invest in health and wellness." She's been the yoga instructor at many of our events, and you'll probably catch her around town!
You can read Courtney's story and what inspired her to teach 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: The desire to heal myself from anxiety, depression and other health challenges is what inspired me to study trauma-informed yoga more in-depth. Often, I felt alone so I turned to yoga and meditation to help me cope. Then, I figured I could share what I have/am learning with others so I wrote my very first grant to support me in my efforts to provide this service in communities that have historically lacked the appropriate resources to invest in health and wellness. In addition, I have graduated from Sundara Yoga Therapy Teacher Training Program, where I am learning how to tailor trauma-informed techniques to support the populations that I seek to serve.
I have never said this before, but I believe the women in my immediate family have become role models for me. They labor overtime to give to others, and sometimes forget to replenish themselves. This cycle can create anger, sadness, fatigue and pain (physical and emotional). Each of them have started their own self-care journey, and I have witnessed and learned from their growth. My mom even wants to practice yoga, and it feels good to be able to provide her with sound advice. And, I love when she shares self-care tips with me.
Q: Do you have any tidbits of advice for people with passions, in general?
A: Here is what Ruth Simmons (the first African American Woman to head an Ivy League University) says about the struggle to achieve one’s goals: “It formed in me the ability to assert my views, and then have the courage to be alone in my views.” This is probably one of the realest things I have ever heard. The fact is, what you do may not resonate with everyone and could lack popularity at the moment, but you have to feel good about yourself and the efforts that you put forth. Moreover, it is important to trust in your inner guidance and be willing to walk the path alone when the time comes. This doesn’t mean that you won’t develop support along the way or throughout, it simply means that you must cultivate the strength/motivation from within, first. In return, you will begin to understand your self-worth and sharpen your principals. It takes a great deal of practice, so keep at it.
Photo by Daniel Day (DanDann Designs)
Q: What have been your favorite moments of creativity?
A: One of my most favorite and terrifying moments was when I made the choice to write a grant to support my efforts. Prior to this, I was bullied into quitting one job, then fired from the next one, I’d lost friends, who really weren’t friends (but at the time I didn’t know the difference), and I was in a very toxic personal space (I didn’t like myself). My family and a few good loved ones supported me as best they could while I got myself together. I started practicing yoga again and really spending time with self. During a moment of clarity, I was able to leave my room long enough to pitch my idea to an organization. It went something like this,
Me: “ I know that is sounds crazy and probably doesn’t make any sense but [insert shaky elevator pitch]”
Them: “We love it. You have two weeks to get your proposal in.”
That was last year, I got the grant and was able to provide myself with a small income to do something that I am passionate about. In truth, it has been an up and down process, but I am confident that I will find my consistent flow in time. All it took was one moment of clarity and the creative drive to make it happen.
Q: What have been your most challenging moments in your career, thus far?
A: Rejection! Whenever a door closes, or someone says, "no" — it hurts. I am learning not to take rejection personally. It is true what they say, when one door closes another one opens. Often, I have to remind myself to turn my back to closed doors and look toward the ones that are opening.
In a close second place is the art of branding. I simply want to teach and practice this healing modality, continue my self-care journey, and share some valuable tools for self regulation with others. However, I run from marketing myself, which drives friends and supporters up the wall! I think this has to do with the first issue of rejection or this notion that once I put myself out there I can’t turn back. This isn’t true, though. I can turn back, front, up, down, sideways as much as I need to because it is my process.
Q: What's your day job?
A: I work at the University of Texas Dell Medical School as a Research Coordinator. I am learning about health disparities and mental health challenges in Austin. I am also in an environment that forces me to be assertive and take initiative. I am learning how to use these skills to help further my passion and knowledge about integrative holistic wellness and mental health.
Photo by Daniel Day (DanDann Designs)
Q: When you're discouraged, what do you run to or away from?
A: When I am discouraged sometimes I run to my bed and curl in a ball. Other times, I look to my support system (family and those constant friends) to provide the needed lift. I also try, try to practice what I teach, which includes meditation, walking in nature, yoga, breathwork, laughter and mindfulness (drawing my attention inward without judgement).
Your favorite band at the moment: Not a band, but a goddess — Tracy Chapman. Her music is timeless and soothes the natural heaviness that I carry within.
Your favorite book at the moment: It is not my favorite, but I recently completed Toni Morrison's book, God Help The Child. I am still processing it!
Photo by Daniel Day (DanDann Designs)
Your local Austin gem: I enjoy the many hiking trails in and around Austin. Spending time exploring these trails is a fun way to commune with friends, problem solve, and/or be in the present moment.
Your social media handles:
I am expanding my comfort zone and working to improve this area of my project/business so any advice and support is greatly welcomed! I simply have my personal Facebook page.
Healthy Families is the name of my current yoga project.
Today's Crush: La Futura es Indigena by Desert Flower Designers
If you've come to understand anything about #bossbabesATX, it's that we're all for collaboration. We believe there's power in discussion, investing in our community and the synergy shared between like-minded people.
Today, we'd like to share with you "la futura es indigena" by Erica Alcocer. This short film showcases jewelry by Alcocer's handmade jewelry line Desert Flower Designers, clothing by Crafts & Arts Clothing and many self-identifying women in the Austin community. Enjoy!
From the director, Erica Alcocer: This film is "a body of work that represents women/people of color collaborating in all veins of production. This is a work dedicated to reconnecting and reaching back to our indigenous roots as a diverse group of people of color in a place constantly trying to cleanse us of our cultura."
Local Gem: Austin While Black
Meet Evelyn Ngugi and Doyin Oyeniyi, creators of Austin While Black, a web series sharing the stories of black austinites. These babes noticed the lack of black representation in our community and decided to remind people that black people do amazing things here everyday. Check out the inspiring web series here and learn more about the founders below.
Photo by Hakeem Adewumi from #iamblackaustin series by the Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce. Website here .
Meet Evelyn Ngugi and Doyin Oyeniyi, creators of Austin While Black, a web series sharing the stories of black austinites. These babes noticed the lack of black representation in our community and decided to remind people that black people do amazing things here everyday. Check out the inspiring web series here and learn more about the founders below.
Evelyn Ngugi || Co founder of Austin While Black
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 always wanted to tell stories, and my parents supported and encouraged me to study journalism. As a child, I was inspired by people like Oprah, Lisa Ling, Anderson Cooper, Ira Glass — they’ve spoken to hundreds, maybe thousands of people during the course of their career. As far as learning, nothing’s been a substitute for life experience.
Photo by Austin While Black
Q: Do you have any tidbits of advice for people with passions, in general?
A: Your passion is your passion, whether or not you can pay rent with it. Or spend your whole day dedicated to it. Or get recognition for it. The thirty minutes you spend during your lunch break on your passion is still valid. It’s not a race.
Q: What have been your favorite moments of creativity?
A: The feeling of editing a hour long interview into a 3-minute piece. It seems impossible every time. But somehow—some way—we have the creative juice to make it happen.
Q: What have been your most challenging moments in your career, thus far?
A: Finding focus! There are so many opportunities and I don’t want to miss anything. I need to be more visionary and manage my time better. I know I’m not the only one who looks at their calendar and thinks, “is this too much or do I just suck at doing life?”
Q: What's your day job?
A: Social media manager and video producer
Q: When you're discouraged, what do you run to or away from?
A: I run to the nearest park and hike! Don’t forget the Claritin.
Photo by Hortencia Caires Casazola, view more of her work here .
Your favorite band at the moment: Not a band — Anderson Paak!
Your favorite book at the moment: I can’t say it’s a favorite per se but I just finished listening to "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up." I haven’t actually tidied anything up but…
Your local Austin gem: My answer changes every time someone asks me this question! Right now Kin & Comfort, a restaurant inside Hana World Market on Parmer Ln. Curry Mac & Cheese. Enough said.
Your social media handles: Find Evelyn on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Doyin Oyeniyi || Co-founder of Austin While Black
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 always wanted to be a writer, mostly because I loved the power of storytelling to share experiences or create new worlds that helped me understand my own reality. I didn’t even know what a web series was until it started growing as a medium for storytelling, both fiction and nonfiction, while I was studying multimedia journalism in college. Issa Rae’s Awkward Black Girl was the first web series I ever watched, so I consider her one of the best models of how to start where you are with what you’ve got. Cecile Emeke’s series, Strolling, was a great testimony of how powerful black people just talking about their experiences could be. I don’t think I would have ever imagined working on something like Austin While Black without them as examples.
Photo of Doyin Oyenyi via Austin While Black
Q: Do you have any tidbits of advice for people with passions, in general?
A: *opens bag of cliches* But seriously, ask for help. There are moments when I feel lost and overwhelmed, and those are always the moments where I’m too scared to ask for help, so I still have to work on following my own advice. Asking for help kind of sucks, but if the worst that will happen is someone will ignore you, either way, you’ll learn who you can depend on.
Q: What have been your favorite moments of creativity?
A: My favorite moments are when a story comes together. Sometimes, it happens in the middle of filming an interview and the interviewee is on a roll. And sometimes a story doesn’t come together until after days of editing. Either way, it’s always exciting, that moment when everything falls into place and I know we’ll be putting out something good.
Q: What have been your most challenging moments in your career, thus far?
A: Balancing my day job with other work and commitments. I may have gotten a bit caught up in the hustling, perpetually working and the “they sleep, we grind” madness. Being ambitious isn’t bad, but I think it’s been particularly harmful for me to try to live up to those expectations. I was losing sleep, always tired and stressed and eventually falling behind on my commitments. Around February, I had to learn to say “no,” even to projects I really wanted to a part of. Better to be committed to a few things I can do well than to be stretched too thin and doing shoddy work.
Q: What's your day job?
A: I’m an AmeriCorps member at a local nonprofit that helps people age 16-24 get their high school diploma or GED while learning valuable job skills. I help teach them media-related skills like photography, video editing, and graphic design. My passion lies in writing and I maintain that by freelancing at TexasMonthly.com. I’m hoping to write full-time when my AmeriCorps term is over.
Q: When you're discouraged, what do you run to or away from?
A: The work or writings of people who’ve achieved some of the things I want to. It helps to know that the doubts and challenges I face are pretty common and can be surpassed. It also helps to know that my dreams and goals aren’t ridiculous. Buzzfeed has a great collection of advice from journalists of color and I’ve got it bookmarked so that I can always go back to it.
Photo by Hakeem Adewumi
Your favorite band at the moment: I don’t think I have a favorite band anymore, but I’m falling back in love with Coldplay. Mylo Xyloto was hot garbage, but Parachutes and A Rush of Blood To The Head still speak to me and A Head Full Of Dreams is... not bad.
Your favorite book at the moment: The best book I’ve read this year is a short story collection called, What Is Not Yours Is Not Yours by Helen Oyeyemi. The magical realism in her work is so effortless, it’s exciting.
Your local Austin gem: Libraries have also been my safe place, so I gotta say the Austin Public Libraries. The Twin Oaks Branch is my current favorite.
Your social media handles: You can find Doyin on Twitter and Instagram!
You can follow Austin While Black below!
Twitter: @atxwhileblack
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).
