BABE ALERT: In the Company of Women, with Grace Bonney of Design Sponge (ft. some Austin babes!)
DesignSponge and some of our local she-ros?
It's gonna be a good time.
This Friday, Oct. 7, The Texas Book Fest has invited us to join them for a special event with Grace Bonney and a panel of Austin artists and entrepreneurs in celebration of Bonney's new book, In the Company of Women. In this book, she profiles 100 influential women who have forged their own paths in business and work, bridging the worlds of lifestyle and business like never before.
At 7 PM, Bonney will interview a number of our favorites, including: Nikisha Brunson of Urban Bush Babes and Folie Apothecary, Norma Jeanne Maloney of Red Rider Studios, Natalie Davis of Canoe, Ashley and Christina Cheng of SPUN Ice Cream and Kristen Dickerson of Raven + Lily.
Join them as they share their empowering stories of art, work and success.
WHERE: Central Presbyterian Church
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 7 @ 7 PM. Doors at 6 PM
TICKETS: Your $38 ticket includes a copy of In the Company of Women
Safe Spaces: Ashton Guy and Studiomates Kaitlin Merchant Davison and Christine Vanderkaap
Follow Berkman Drive long enough, into the upper creases of North Austin, and you’ll find a nondescript shopping strip center. There, in its furthest corner, past the Beall’s and the Domino’s pizza, are the frosted windows and high ceilings of Cement Loop studios. On any given night, visual artist Ashton Guy is likely inside, resplendent in color and cartoon energy, blaring music (if it’s late enough) and painting in the studio space she shares with fellow artists Kaitlin Merchant Davison and Christine Vanderkaap.
The environments we inhabit and the spaces we create for ourselves inform and shape us just as we go about shaping and decorating them. “Safe Spaces” is a new series meant to explore that relationship, by visiting female and female-identifying creators and doers in the spaces and places nearest and dearest to them.
Follow Berkman Drive long enough, into the upper creases of North Austin, and you’ll find a nondescript shopping strip center. There, in its furthest corner, past the Beall’s and the Domino’s pizza, are the frosted windows and high ceilings of Cement Loop studios. On any given night, visual artist Ashton Guy is likely inside, resplendent in color and cartoon energy, blaring music (if it’s late enough) and painting in the studio space she shares with fellow artists Kaitlin Merchant Davison and Christine Vanderkaap, as well as one-eyed Winky, Christine’s apparent sidekick.
Guy’s corner, on the immediate right of the door, is the launchpad from which her deeply vivid works of art are created. From its center, the space expands outward, like a semi-contained pop-bang of color and texture that feels like a piece of work itself — a kind of exhibit into Guy’s cerebrum that gives off “ancient alien cartoon energy and impoverished but optimistic 1980s school teacher vibes.”
Among the displayed artifacts of what she calls “a tornado of my favorite people, colors, shapes, words, and sounds” are old family photos, artwork by @darbscrash666 and @artbyjet, Father John Misty records, a shark, a rooster, a deer, snakes, antlers, a Chinese wooden mask gifted by her dad, Dr. Seuss books, a map of Rushmore from the Criterion edition DVD, fake sheepskins, her own artwork, and a yellow telephone, gifted from a friend, that she often talks to herself out loud through.
Some of it, like the childhood Six Flags season pass her dad recently sent her or the picture of her grandmother, serve to remind her of where she came from. Other pieces, like her own artwork, are there to prove to herself what she can do. Whatever it is that makes it onto her walls, it’s colorful by design — reds propel her to action while blue calms her down, helping her to “think heavenly thoughts.”
Guy came to set up shop here in December 2015, when she outgrew the desk in her dining room “studio.” Seeking to split the space (and the rent tbh), she made an announcement at a Boss Babes meet and found Merchant Davison. Vanderkaap soon joined.
Guy believes creators can create anywhere (she has), but that having a designated creation space — a lab, as she calls it — is critical for channeling expression into a full-time gig.
“As soon as we got the space that Christine, Kaitlin and I all share at Cement Loop, the way I saw myself as an artist changed,” says Guy. “My distractions are fewer and focus is at an all time high, my work ethic was completely revitalized, I have more workspace, more natural light, other folks to turn to as sounding boards, I feel more understood."
Those other folks include Vanderkaap and Merchant Davison, who occupy the other corners of the Cement Loop space. Despite different working schedules and styles, the three have formed their own community, a little family in which Vanderkaap handles the snacks and Merchant Davison helps with the business side of things.
“We learn from one another’s habits of organization, we all have different professional experiences to relate, we share supplies and end up trying out new colors or mediums we weren’t using before,” says Guy. “We’re all getting stronger together in this space. Everyone’s work has improved since we came together in December, it’s so cool and so obvious.”
The three have even discussed collaborating on a project at some point.
Overall, Guy’s space is an investment in the mission she hopes to accomplish, put forth by a quote she keeps over her desk: “Remember: You are a volunteer. Be a freedom machine.”
“I submit my life’s efforts to the shared pursuit of progressing our conditioned, fractured, man-warped civilization that doesn’t fully love or understand itself to grow a little freer,” she says. “It's heavy and nebulous and it's hard to find collaborators. . .But then you open the door to the studio and notice that your walls are decked out in psychedelic insanity and there are boobs and snakes and roosters and sharks everywhere and you wonder how Texas is letting you get away with this at all. Why is this working?”
And somehow, the clash of color and pattern and texture and medium does work to become a cohesive space that so viscerally evokes the energy of one Ashton Guy.
“It looks like a crazy person’s mind just —” In her studio space, she looks up at the wall and gestures like she’s splatting paint all over it. “But there’s nothing I would take down.”
BABE ALERT: We Released a CraftHER Market Vendors Shortlist!
In case you missed it, we've been booking our first craftHER Market, a space for self-identified women to sell, showcase and share their wares, makes and goods. Get the skinny (and our newly announced vendors shortlist) below:
craftHER Market
Oct. 23 from 11 AM to 5 PM @ Fair Market
Free, family-friendly and open to the public, our first market is here!
Come out on Oct. 23 from 11 AM to 5 PM to check out 75 booths woman-ed by makers, artists and vendors from all over the United States. On top of shopping, we have a day filled with panels, featuring the subscription-based service Cratejoy, Bunkhouse Group, Canoe Goods and more. Full lineup and panel times TBA.
VENDOR SHORTLIST (more vendors and incredible panels TBA):
Abby Lou Pottery — www.abbyloupottery.com
Cirridescence Studios — http://www.cirridescence.com
Crafts & Arts Clothing — craftsandartsclothing.com
Tattoos & Love Letters — www.tattoosloveletters.etsy.com
Olive + M — www.oliveandm.com
Brittany Bernstrom — http://www.brittanybernstrom.com/
Luella — shop-luella.com
C. Muire — cmuire.com
Chloé Jane — chloejanemade.com
Beautifully Bevilled — beautifullybevilled.com
POOR GIRL EMPIRE — poorgirlempire.com
Twolittles + Lou — twolittlesandlou.etsy.com
Personal Space — facebook.com/personalspaceatx
SMEAR Magazine — smearmagazine.com
Moore Soap — Mooresoap.com
Slantt Studio — www.slanttstudio.com
Stick With It Affirmations — stickwithit.co
Merci Bouquet — mercibouquetdesign.com
Wander Life — wanderlifeforme.com
Katie's Design Studio — kajdesign.etsy.com
Dear Valentine Candles — www.etsy.com/dearvalentinecandles
Foxtrot ATX — foxtrotatx.com
Lotions by K — Lotionsbyk.com
Fuquea House — fuqueahouse.com
Leighanne Croft Art — instagram.com/lianc
Bolsa Bonita — bolsabonita.com
Basch Atelier — baschatelier.com
Salud! Bitters — saludbitters.com
Herland Home — herlandhome.com
POMEgranate Magazine — pome-mag.com
Bek's Soap Co. — bekssoap.co
Settle Ceramics — settleceramics.com
Daisy Natives — daisynatives.com
Vida Green — www.vidagreenconsulting.com
Emma and April Clothing & Accessories —https://m.facebook.com/Emmaandapril/
Red Pen Travelers — http://redpentravelers.com/
Rosa Rebelled — www.rosarebelled.com
Get Involved: Austin Events/Organizations Fighting Police Brutality
Photo from The Austin Justice Coalition
We stand in solidarity with our community and our friends, families and loved ones of color. Police brutality must stop, and we must get involved. For us, that means supporting the organizations who do the emotional labor, lobbying and advocacy to dismantle systemic racism in Austin daily.
Upcoming event:
VIGIL FOR TERENCE CRUTCHER + KEITH SCOTT
To commemorate the life of Terence Crutcher and Keith Scott, Black Lives Matter Austin is hosting a vigil at Huston-Tillotson University on Sept. 22 from 8 to 10 PM. Allies are welcome.
Organizations to support:
Black Lives Matter Austin
Black Lives Matter Austin is the Austin affiliate of the National network of Black Lives Matter. This is the official Austin, Texas Chapter of www.BlackLivesMatter.com
For details on BLM's upcoming events in the Austin area, you can "like" the chapter on Facebook or shoot their team an email at blacklivesmatteraustin@gmail.com.
Austin Justice Coalition
Austin Justice Coalition is a grassroots, activist-led organization addressing community needs, increasing political involvement, empowering communities, and criminal justice reform at the local level. The Austin Justice Coalition is a direct and collaborative offspring of the Houston Justice Coalition, founded by Durrell Douglas and Shekira Dennis.
To learn more about Austin Justice Coalition's programming, you can attend the organization's General Body Meeting on Oct. 4 at 6 PM. In the meantime, the AJC is currently fundraising to send support to Baton Rouge. You can find a location to contribute here.
YWCA — AUSTIN
YWCA works every day to eliminate racism and empower women. Through advocacy and local programming, the organization creates real change for women, families and communities.
To learn more about the programs the YWCA offers, to volunteer or to inquire about their services, please visit the YWCA's website. You can keep up with their future events here.
*If you can't attend events, publicly advocate, protest or support these movements financially, please continue to have conversations about police brutality and systemic racism in your community. Dialogue, discussion and healing are important. Be mindful of others; be open-minded. No one has all of the answers, and we must work together to effect change. Engage with explicit content showcasing police brutality responsibly—take care of yourself.*
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."