2016 Babe of the Year: Candice Digby

In the first few months of the new year, we're celebrating the babes who helped buoy our community in 2016 with their inspiring ambition, work and success. 

Even if at times it may seem like it, not everyone in Austin is an aspiring musician, painter, maker, creator, etc. Knowing that, Candice Digby has focused her own talents — creative thinking and a penchant for community building — to help those who are creating art in this city (as well as those who want to be) thrive. 

In 2016, she helped orchestrate the city's first Design Week, continuing the theme of arts education that began with her position as an event organizer and marketing producer at General Assembly. Whether through workshops, events or community engagement, Digby will continue to help to sustain the Austin arts scene in 2017 and for that we're proud to have her as one of the babes. 

Photo by Dylan O'Connor

Where does the drive to do what you do — even when the struggle bus pulls up — come from? 

My drive is to help build creative communities and to create platforms for artists to succeed. Purpose makes work fulfilling and keeps you trucking. We're not all incredible musicians, painters, architects, etc., but the arts are what I value in life — they are what make it interesting. I'm a creative thinker, that's what I've got — so I use it to create resources for artists and to help foster community.

What have been your favorite moments of creative energy this past year?

Design Week! I had the great fortune of helping bring Design Week to Austin for the first time with two other women I respect a great deal. Bringing design and artist communities together across the city was a new challenge. I'd also say, working with my Partner Lead (Katy Stover) in 2016 was so energizing. She gets me, and she's a verbal processor like I am, so when we rift on an idea, it goes from 0 to 60 in minutes, and I love that ability to build off each other. I think when you have to find the other Boss Babes and people who help you thrive, they push you to be better and together you're capable of so much more.

What have been the most challenging moments throughout your career and perhaps in this year in particular?

Feeling without direction in transition. I came from a background in music and corporate events before that. I didn't think I ever wanted to leave the music industry once I landed there, but I realized quickly at General Assembly that education is an even better platform for providing skills and resources to help sustain the arts. You've gotta keep your mind open and look for direction when it comes — even though it may seem like a tangent. If you have purpose in mind, it'll take you full circle. I've also learned there is great value in those periods of "lost."

What's the one thing you're most proud of accomplishing this past year? 

Design Week for sure. It's one of those things we hope is just the start of something bigger for the design community and our city, and I can't wait to see how it evolves in the future.

Meet February's URL Resident Artist: Dawn Okoro

"Embrace The Power," acrylic on wood, 12x12 inches

At the February #bossbabesATX meet, framing our consistent, affirmative refrain ("Stop! You are smart. You are strong. You are independent. Carry on!") printed across specially made posters was a black woman posed in heels and hoops, a figure created by Dawn Okoro, an evocative painter and our first-ever resident artist.

The black female figure (taken from Okoro's piece "Embrace the Power," featured above) and her proximity to a message of power are constants throughout Okoro’s entire body of work — in part because her subjects are posed incredibly powerfully, and in part because of the way Okoro has taken control of, and made her own, the homogenous, imposed aesthetic of fashion photography.

"Misogynoir/Resistance," oil and acrylic on canvas, 36x36 inches

When she first started incorporating fashion photography into her work, Okoro would recreate the images that inspired her by painting the white models black.

Now, she controls her own imagery from the top to bottom, taking her own photographs of black models, rendering them in paint and full color, and redefining the “aspiration” she believes fashion photography sells.

It’s that aspect of her work that makes it feel incredibly current and relevant at a time when women as a group are taking a larger role in the shape of their own narrative.

This year, she'll expand on her constant themes of power, pop culture, and fashion imagery using video, a medium that will allow her to play with both movement and sound, in addition to the visual.

You can view more of Dawn's work by visiting her website or by following her on Instagram. Below she talks with Boss Babes ATX about self-reflexivity, what inspires her, and her process (lots of "A Seat at the Table" on repeat).  

How do you know you're an artist?

I have wanted to be an artist since I was a child. When I was younger I thought that I had to reach a certain achievement or milestone to be considered an artist. But eventually, I realized that aside from creating, for me to be an artist, I needed to declare that I was an artist.  From then on, when people asked me what I did, I said “I am an artist.”  That helped give me the confidence to back up what I was declaring.

Your work is heavily influenced by pop culture. What works were formative for you and/or continue to influence your work today?

One of my biggest influences is Andy Warhol. His work not only commented on popular culture, but it became a part of pop culture. Another influence is Richard Avedon for his iconic fashion photography. I also draw inspiration from Barkley Hendricks; he makes bold, colorful portraits.

What is it about fashion and fashion photography that appeals to you as a source of inspiration? What about the black female body?

I love fashion in general as a means of self expression. Fashion photography is not just about showing clothes, but selling an aspiration. I am interested in questioning those aspirations and how they are presented. I would lose myself in fashion magazines as a child.  But I remember seeing few models that looked like me. That is what drew me into focusing on the black female body.

"Calm," acrylic on canvas, 24x24 inches

Tell us about your process: you photograph models and then paint those photographs. Where does the inspiration for your photos come from? Are you just playing when you step behind the camera or do you have an idea of the look and feel you want for your next piece or series?

I usually have an idea of the look and feel of the paintings before I step behind the camera. During the photoshoots I will capture something that I hadn’t planned, and that will end up in a painting. After the photoshoot, I will look through the photos several times trying to figure out which ones would be best manipulated into a painting.

Do you listen to music while working? What kind? What is your studio space like?

I do listen to music while working.  For one of my new paintings I pretty much had Solange’s “A Seat at the Table” on repeat.  When I need more space, I work in my home studio (my 2.5 car garage).  That is where my photoshoots take place. Other times I just set up my easel in my living room and paint there.

"Erasure," oil and acrylic on canvas, 36x48

Tell us about self-reflexivity and how it informs your work. 

I am interested in the circular relationship between cause and effect.  Our environment helps shape us, but at the same time, we have the ability to impact the world around us. Through my work I hope to challenge the aspirational images that are often used in fashion photography and other advertisements. But that goal is complicated by how those images have affected me over the years.

You’ve mentioned that your work is influenced by magazine covers and fashion. Black bodies are not as often on magazine covers as white ones. Do you see your work at all as a response to that? Is it intentional or less conscious and more like a survival instinct?

When I first started using fashion photography in my artwork, I would often recreate a photo I saw — by painting — but I would make the white model black.  This was something I did initially as a gut reaction. Now it is something that I do intentionally because it feels right, especially if my work is to be a reflection of myself.

So much of being a creative these days is also about making sure that your work is seen. How have you approached the current art landscape on social media/the Internet? Are you appreciative of that outlet? Or how do you feel about it?

Honestly, the internet is my main outlet for displaying my work, and has been since the Myspace days. Social media platforms have been the catalyst for me meeting other artists and collectors and even getting shows. I like being able to post a new work and having it immediately seen by people (even if it’s just a few dozen, lol).

"Free," oil and acrylic on canvas, 20x20 inches

On your social channels, you've announced that you’re introducing new work with video elements. What interests you about video and what will you be able to accomplish with it that you have not been able to with 2D work?

I have been interested in finding a way to make my paintings sort of come to life. My next project includes a video, as well as paintings based off that video. Video gives me more elements to work with — I have sound and motion.

How has your work evolved since your first began to the present? How do you foresee it evolving in the next few years? Are there any constant themes?

My work has evolved a lot since I first began. I started off painting images from other photographers’ fashion editorials and tweaking them. Now I take my own photographs and therefore have more control over the source images I work from.  One constant theme in my work is woman being powerful.

2016 Babe of the Year: Ezra Edwards

In the first few months of the new year, we're celebrating the babes who helped buoy our community in 2016 with their inspiring ambition, work and success. 

Driven by a genuine need to help people and a commitment to the non-9-to-5 lifestyle, Ezra Edwards — perhaps better known as DJ GirlFriend — has been creating spaces for the Austin queer community since 2011.  Responsible for events from Neon Rainbows to Middle School Dance Party to gAyCL, Edwards has leveraged an ability to throw a damn, good party into opportunities to raise funds for organizations including SafePlace, Out Youth, Equality TX, and Planned Parenthood.

For that (and maybe also for the Beyonce vs. Rihanna dance party we can credit GirlFriend for), we're proud to have Edwards as part of our community on into 2017. 

Photo by Celesta Danger

Where does the drive to do what you do — even when the struggle bus pulls up — come from? 

My drive comes from the desire to be my own boss. I realized a few years ago that I'm a "non-9 to 5'er."

Being able to set my own hours and have has much creative freedom as possible keeps me going. There's just no other way for me. The idea of self-actualization pushes me as well. To be able to live out my full potential as a human being is my ultimate goal. Also, I just feel the need to help people. 

What have been your favorite moments of creative energy this past year?

I can usually fly solo when it comes to creativity however I've learned that collaborating and opening up my ideas to others (as well as staying open to their ideas) seems to fuel the fire and paves the way for great things to happen. Collaborating with the Boss Babes and Equality Texas this past year on the Peaceful Pulse event was a big turn. Not only were we sharing ideas and making them happen, a lot of people in the community (and not just the queer community) really stepped out and showed up. It's the moment when you see your ideas playing out in front of you that are the most rewarding, especially when you see how they help people come together. 

What have been the most challenging moments throughout your career and perhaps in this year in particular?

Honestly, a challenge this year for me was being distracted by things and people that tried to detour me from my goals. When you can shake those distractions, that's when things really start to happen and come together. Focus is key. 

What's the one thing you're most proud of accomplishing this past year? 

Well aside from being one of the Boss Babes Babes of the Year (!), I would say being nominated for Best DJ in the Chronicle's Best of Austin alongside two of the best DJs in town was quite an honor, even though I didn't win. It felt good to be considered among their ranks. Also, I would say maintaining a consistency in the events that I produce. People know when they come to a GirlFriend event they're going to have a good time! 

2016 Babe of the Year: Rebecca Ruiz Acosta

In the first few months of the new year, we're celebrating the babes who helped buoy our community in 2016 with their inspiring ambition, work and success. 

A little more than a year ago, Rebecca Ruiz Acosta was only dreaming of the business she would come to create — one that would combine her diverse interests while also exhibiting the pride she has for her culture and heritage. 

Taking the business' name — "Poco A Poco," or little by little, in Spanish — to heart, Rebecca spent 2016 building the project into so much more than that original vision, working step by step to create a community for Latinx makers and creators through a series of pop-up markets.

In 2017, may she continue to inspire us to tackle the big things, little by little.  

Where does the drive to do what you do — even when the struggle bus pulls up — come from? 

The ultimate drive is my culture, home, and heritage. I'm a second generation Mexican American from the border, and there's this pressure to be "Latinx enough" — a feeling of not looking or acting Latina enough, not speaking fluent Spanish. Being both Mexican and American is a complicated thing, but a lot of people experience it. I'm so white passing that I could just exist as white and leave all my culture at home in El Paso, but I can't do that: A) Because I'm very proud of who I am and B) because most people of color don't have that luxury. I do what I do to support women-owned and minority-owned businesses, to reconnect to my culture, and to speak to and curate for young people who experience the same cultural struggles I do.

The ultimate struggle bus we are all dealing with right now obviously is our President Elect, his supporters, and what they represent in this country. But I am super driven to show that we as immigrants, children of immigrants, and grandchildren of immigrants are not going anywhere, and we're going to continue to celebrate our culture as loudly and vibrantly as we want.

What have been your favorite moments of creative energy this past year?

I always get so excited to find new collaborators to work with! But the most exciting thing is seeing their art, or holding their products for the first time. This time last year, I had NO IDEA I'd be collaborating with such amazing artists and makers! I figured maybe one or two people that I looked up to would let me carry their stuff, but now I've got a great lineup of wonderful people that I stock. Salsa for President, Gilded Nopal, Roman Martinez, Muneca Mia Mundo, & Nalgona Positivity Pride are some that I'm particularly thrilled to bring to Austin for our local Latinx community. 

That would be the most exciting thing about building the Poco A Poco store — curating and planning markets is a little different. Having a successful market is the world to me! Finding awesome local businesses to invite to markets, seeing them succeed and make new friends, growing those relationships, giving back to the community and causes I care about — that's like having a birthday every month!  

What have been the most challenging moments throughout your career and perhaps in this year in particular?

It's super difficult to feel like you've failed people — when a market doesn't succeed, when your vendors don't make money, when you have to compromise your own money to make up for it. It can be tough, discouraging, and flat out exhausting.

For the most part, I can keep my chin up and figure out a way to make it up to vendors, which might be irresponsible of me as a business owner — I'm not sure. My business is only a year old and I'm still figuring it out, but keeping a happy community is my passion, and it's way more fun.

I've also discovered that I can be way more trusting of people than I should be. You know, we want to give everyone the benefit of the doubt, and sometimes you've got to confront people when they've hurt you to protect yourself and your business. But for every person that's caused me grief in this little venture, there are dozens and dozens of amazing inspirational Chingonas around me to lift me back up. 

What's the one thing you're most proud of accomplishing this past year? 

My business is just under a year old. Last year over Christmas I sat in my sisters apartment and told my favorite cousin about my dream of creating a business fusing riot grrrl feminism, witchy punk aesthetics, and brown pride for young Latinxs. At that time I had no idea I'd be doing all of these pop ups — much less running my own! I figured I'd barely be making my debut sometime around now, actually.

I named the business Poco A Poco (little by little in Spanish) because I have chronic anxiety and depression and it can make even the smallest things like brushing your teeth and doing laundry seem impossible to accomplish. But my head thinks in Spanglish, and when I'd feel discouraged or overwhelmed, I'd tell myself "poco a poco, ok."

I'm proud of myself for getting started! And for realizing I don't need to be perfect or to get it all done at once. One day I started the Instagram, the next week I dabbled on the website, took some selfies in some products, contacted suppliers, contacted markets, and so on. It was all little by little and then it grew week by week until it is where it is now, and where we're heading. Having the realization that everything is done one step at a time, that self care is essential, and that I can grow this one step at a time is my proudest accomplishment. 

Celebrate Black Herstory: A Salute To Our Icons

written by Jasmine Brooks

graphic design by Jasmine Brooks

February is Black History Month, and we've got plenty of reasons to celebrate! Today, meet some of our favorite icons in Black Herstory, each renowned and respected for blazing a trail in their fields—whether they're politicians, athletes, artists or activists.

Mae Jemison

“Don’t let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity. It's your place in the world; it's your life. Go on and do all you can with it, and make it the life you want to live.”

On June 4, 1987, Mae Jemison became the first African-American woman to be admitted into the American astronaut training program. On September 12, 1992, Jemison finally flew into space with six other astronauts aboard the Endeavour on mission STS47, becoming the first African-American woman in space. During her eight days in space, she conducted experiments on weightlessness and motion sickness on the crew and on herself. In all, she spent more than 190 hours in space before returning to Earth on September 20, 1992. 

Following her historic flight, Jemison noted that society should recognize how much both women and members of other minority groups can contribute if given the opportunity.

In recognition of her accomplishments, Jemison has received several awards and honorary doctorates.

Serena Williams

“The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up. Make sure you're very courageous: be strong, be extremely kind, and above all be humble.”

Serena Williams began intensive tennis training at the age of three. She won her first major championship in 1999 and completed the career Grand Slam in 2003. Along with her record-breaking individual success, Williams has teamed with sister Venus to win a series of doubles titles. In 2017, she won her 23rd Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, defeating her older sister Venus in the Australian Open. With her 23rd win, the tennis superstar surpassed Steffi Graf's record and captured the world's No. 1 ranking in single tennis play.

Proving to be much more than just a tennis star, Serena expanded her brand into film, television, and fashion. She developed her own "Aneres" line of clothing, and in 2002 was named one of People magazine's 25 Most Intriguing People. Essence magazine later called her one of the country's 50 Most Inspiring African-Americans.

Seeking to provide educational opportunities for underprivileged youth around the world, the tennis star formed the Serena Williams Foundation and built schools for children in Africa. In 2009, Serena and Venus purchased shares of the Miami Dolphins to become the first African-American women to own part of an NFL team.

Shonda Rhimes

“This moment right here, me standing up here all brown with my boobs and my Thursday night of network television full of women of color, competitive women, strong women, women who own their bodies and whose lives revolve around their work instead of their men, women who are big dogs — that could only be happening right now.”

Shonda Rhimes  is the first African-American woman to create and executively produce a Top 10 network series—the medical drama Grey's Anatomy. She is also the creator of its spin-off, Private Practice, the political thriller Scandal and the legal whodunit How to Get Away With Murder. Before creating several award-winning series, Rhimes penned such film screenplays as Crossroads and HBO's Introducing Dorothy Dandridge.

Angela Davis

“It is no longer possible for various groups to live and function and struggle in isolation…While we may specifically be involved in our own particular struggles, our vision has to be that we understand how our own issues relate to the issues of others. My consciousness has grown so that when I speak and write, I make a point of discussing the need for understanding how Native Americans, Latinos, and other people of color are marginalized in this society.”

Socialist and former communist political activist and intellectual Angela Davis has addressed civil and women’s rights, poverty and peace, health care and prison reform since she first came dramatically into the public eye in 1970, when her activism in prisoners’ rights led to her arrest and trial on charges of kidnapping, conspiracy and murder.  Davis’ imprisonment for over a year inspired the international “Free Angela” movement and her case became a symbol of the abusive power of the criminal justice system against minorities.  Acquitted in 1972, Davis has had a long career as a popular lecturer and professor, writing and fighting for revolutionary social and political reform in the interests of the repressed.

Maya Angelou

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”

Maya Angelou was a writer and civil rights activist, known for her 1969 memoir, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," the first nonfiction best-seller by an African-American woman. In 1971, Angelou published the Pulitzer Prize-nominated poetry collection "Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'Fore I Die." She later wrote the poem "On the Pulse of Morning"—one of her most famous works—which she recited at President Bill Clinton's inauguration in 1993. Angelou received several honors throughout her career, including two NAACP Image Awards in the outstanding literary work nonfiction category, in 2005 and 2009. She died on May 28, 2014.

Michelle Obama

“You see, our glorious diversity—our diversity of faiths, and colors and creeds. That is not a threat to who we are; it makes us who we are.”

Michelle Obama attended Princeton University, graduating cum laude in 1985, and went on to earn a degree from Harvard Law School in 1988. Following her graduation from Harvard, she worked at a Chicago law firm, where she met her husband, future U.S. president Barack Obama. As first lady, Obama became a role model for women as she focused her attention on current social issues, such as poverty, healthy living, and education.

Michelle is one of only three first ladies with a graduate degree. You can read her dissertation titled "Princeton-Educated Blacks and the Black Community" here. 

Laverne Cox

“It is revolutionary for any trans person to choose to be seen and visible in a world that tells us we should not exist.”

Laverne Cox is an Emmy-nominated actress who can be seen in the Netflix original series "Orange is The New Black" where she plays the ground-breaking role of trans inmate Sophia Burset. 

Laverne’s work as an actress and advocate landed her on the cover of TIME Magazine as well as an Emmy nomination for “Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series.” Laverne continues to break boundaries and make history with accolades including a SAG Award for “Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series,” a Critic’s Choice nomination for “Best Supporting Actress,” and a NAACP Image Awards nomination for “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.” 

Laverne is also currently producing a documentary titled "Free CeCe" in order to heighten visibility and awareness for CeCe McDonald, a transgender woman who was controversially sentenced to 41 months in prison for second-degree manslaughter after allegedly defending herself against a racist and transphobic attack. The documentary will focus on McDonald’s case, her experiences while incarcerated in a men’s prison and the larger implications of her case for the transgender community.

Rosa Parks

“The only tired I was, was tired of giving in.”

Civil rights activist Rosa Parks refusal to surrender her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery, Alabama bus spurred a city-wide boycott. Following the boycott, the city of Montgomery had no choice but to lift the law requiring segregation on public buses. Rosa Parks received many accolades during her lifetime, including the NAACP's highest award, the Spingarn Medal.

Although she had become a symbol of the Civil Rights Movement, Rosa Parks suffered hardship in the months following her arrest in Montgomery and the subsequent boycott. She lost her department store job and her husband was fired after his boss forbade him to talk about his wife or their legal case. Unable to find work, they eventually left Montgomery; the couple, along with Rosa's mother, moved to Detroit, Michigan. There, Rosa made a new life for herself, working as a secretary and receptionist in U.S. Representative John Conyer's congressional office. She also served on the board of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

In 1987, with longtime friend Elaine Eason Steele, Rosa founded the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self-Development. The organization runs "Pathways to Freedom" bus tours, introducing young people to important civil rights and Underground Railroad sites throughout the country.

We salute these women today and always. Happy Black Herstory Month!

2016 Babe of the Year: Miriam Conner

In the first few months of the new year, we're celebrating the babes who helped buoy our community in 2016 with their inspiring ambition, work and success. 

After visiting her mother in Austin for what was supposed to be a two week stay, 2016 Babe of the Year Miriam Conner was transfixed by a tangible sense of the city's soulfulness and creativity. 

So she stayed — and has committed herself to carving out room for that soulfulness and creativity by helping lift up the artists that make Austin what it is. In addition to Topology, an artist-run gallery and studio space, Conner also helps to foster creative talent through LOCALmotive, an artist management, event consulting, and production company. 

Keep up with what she's got planned in 2017 by following along with Topology on Instagram. 

Where does the drive to do what you do — even when the struggle bus pulls up — come from?

At the age of 15, I discovered what I want to do for the rest of my life. I am very grateful to have found that particular passion that wakes me up in the morning and tucks me in at night.

My life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness lies within art.

I learned everything from my mother, as she raised me with her soul. She taught me how to cook, the trades of being an entrepreneur, how to be a strong woman, and how to never give up doing what you love.   

When I fall down or when shit hits the fan, I remember that she is the one to pick me up or protect me. My drive and resilience is fueled by the understanding that I want to — and need to — do the same for her.

What have been your favorite moments of creative energy this past year? What have been the most challenging? And what are you most proud of accomplishing this past year?

After receiving my BFA from the California Institute of the Arts, I came back to visit my mother in Austin for two weeks. Within those two weeks, I realized that the city that I would marry was changing. Austin’s soul and heart were in flux.

The heartbeat of Austin exists in the efforts of the artist and service industry community. They work hard, often in tandem, to pump energy, inspiration, and community back into the soul of this unique city.

I left all of my books and clothes in Los Angeles and decided to stay. I wanted to be a part of and help direct the inevitable change a rapidly growing city such as Austin is experiencing.

“It's been a long time, a long time coming — But I know a change gonna come.”

One day, I stumbled upon an artist’s studio and warehouse called Pine Street Station. I immediately fell in love. I helped Reji Thomas and others run and manage the building for two years. Artists had a place to call home. Shortly after, the city came and took the warehouse as eminent domain. 

What happened to Pine Street is a minor detail in a greater conversation that the city needs to start having. We are losing artist spaces just as quickly as condos are rising. How is the soul of Austin supposed to thrive without providing its heartbeat the proper resources to survive? 

Two years after the demise of Pine Street Station, I am co-owner of Topology (along with Anita Obasi, Dom Davis, and Ian Seyer). Topology is an artist-run warehouse that we converted with our bare hands from an empty warehouse to an art gallery and affordable studio spaces. 

I am also co-founder of a company called LOCALmotive. We are an artist management, event consulting and production company. My business partner, Anita Obasi, and I aim to connect creatives on a local level by mobilizing resources and solutions around artistic visions.

We strive to thoughtfully connect creatives with resources that will nourish their development, curate spaces where people can showcase and celebrate their talents, and cultivate a tight-knit artistic community that is contributing to the growth of Austin's culture.

Since the city has neglected to provide our communities with the proper tools to survive, we’ve gone ahead and done it ourselves. We shouldn't work under the framework of following existing precedents like sheep. We need to find that one particular passion within ourselves, pursue it, and be great at it — for our own fulfillment and on behalf of the community at large.

2016 Babe of the Year: Claudia Gizell Aparicio-Gamundi

Photo courtesy of SA Current

In the first few months of the new year, we're celebrating the babes who helped buoy our community in 2016 with their inspiring ambition, work and success. 

It's appropriate that Claudia Gizell Aparicio-Gamundi derives her creative energy from community as she's been such a creative force for ours. 

Whether it's helping to get people grooving through the formation of Chulita Vinyl Club (the all-girl DJ collective that played at our August meet and, more recently, at our State of the Uterus event), to get them together through Mosaico Experiencia events, or to create for them as Puro Chingøn Collective does via designer toys, zines, videos, and murals, Aparicio-Gamundi is in the business of creating spaces for "those that might feel not spoken to."

Still, with all of those projects in her corner, the thing she's most proud of accomplishing is finally accepting that she's just not a fan of speaking in front of crowds. That's a sentiment we can absolutely get behind — may we all learn to accept that some things just aren't for us in the new year.

Where does the drive to do what you do — even when the struggle bus pulls up — come from? 

The drive comes directly from wanting to create what I would like to see out there, not just for me but for those that might feel not spoken to.

What have been your favorite moments of creative energy this past year?

Getting together with the community during Puro Chingøn, Mosaico Experiencia and AIGA's events. Making people come together through sound and making them groove with all the chulitas from Chulita Vinyl Club — it just makes me super happy to be surrounded by pure light & great energy.

What have been the most challenging moments throughout your career and perhaps in this year in particular?

Not enough spaces for POC in the Austin creative scene. 

What's the one thing you're most proud of accomplishing this past year?

Collaborating with great people and being challenged to speak in front of an audience. I don't enjoy it — never have — so I finally realized it is just not for me and being ok with that.

2016 Babe of the Year: Davia Roberts

In the first few months of the new year, we're celebrating the babes who helped buoy our community in 2016 with their inspiring ambition, work and success. 

Therapist, blogger, documentarian, and community organizer, Davia Roberts has made a career out of affirming women's worth through the creation of content focused on self-care and mental health. By helping to remove the stigma and cost burden that are so often barriers to seeking therapeutic help, Davia made wellness more accessible to women of all backgrounds in 2016. This year, she continued to advocate for the mental health of women by organizing the first annual SHE IS wellness retreat and by launching a biweekly podcast called AFFIRM. 

To learn more about Davia and the work she's doing in 2017, check out her wellness blog, Redefine Enough.

Photo by Tia Boyd Photography

Where does the drive to do what you do — even when the struggle bus pulls up — come from?

I believe altruism plays a major role in my life and career choices. I feel a deep sense of purpose when I’m able to support others.

On occasion, my desire to help others means I may overextend to my own detriment. The past 6 months of 2016 were particularly challenging as I found myself overextended trying to be a support for my community in the midst of racial injustice and national traumas. I was burnt out. I wasn’t able to find balance until I stepped away, created space for daily affirmations, and became honest about my personal limits as a healer. Over time, I began to whisper gentle words like…

I’m not expected to be perfect.

I don’t have to do everything or be everything for everyone… and that’s okay.

Those affirming statements kept me going when I felt like my work wasn’t enough. They served as reminders that the core of my therapeutic work is to create space for women to be powerful within their vulnerability — and that I deserved to create the same opportunity for myself.

What have been your favorite moments of creative energy this past year?

I hosted my first wellness retreat with 5 other amazing women in July. I was blown away by the energy and creative style of each woman. We’re completely different but our creativity flowed together and we were able to create a restorative retreat for each of the attendees.

Needless to say, beauty is guaranteed to show up when women collaborate with one another.

What have been the most challenging moments throughout your career and perhaps in this year in particular?

The most challenging moments were realizing that some of the people I love dearly wouldn’t understand or support my work. This is difficult when you believe your work is an extension of your identity.

At times, I still struggle with the desire to have loved ones “understand,” but I have to remember that I don’t need validation to affirm my life’s work. Instead, I shift that energy to my God-given purpose and focus on creating spaces for healing and growth.

What's the one thing you're most proud of accomplishing this past year?

Honoring my voice.

Although I’m introverted by nature, I’m not shy when it comes to advocating about certain issues. Yet for some odd reason, I’ve struggled to truly advocate for my personal needs. 2016 has been the year where I’ve seen the most growth in my ability to honor my voice. Regardless of the outcome, I feel free when I allow myself to be authentic by expressing my needs or concerns.

2016 Babe of the Year: Pooneh Ghana

In the first few months of the new year, we're celebrating the babes who helped buoy our community in 2016 with their inspiring ambition, work and success. 

We're kicking things off with Pooneh Ghana, an Austin-based music photographer whose work spans an incredible array of artists and whose clients include everyone from Vans to Tumblr to Billboard Magazine.

In 2016, she continued her hustle in a male-dominated field, photographing the first-ever Sound on Sound Fest and shooting her first-ever music video for Cage the Elephant's "Cry Baby" while on tour with the band in Europe. We can't wait to see what she tackles — and photographs — in 2017.

Here's to you and your new year, babe.

Where does the drive to do what you do — even when the struggle bus pulls up — come from?

Being a freelancer as well as working in a creative field definitely has it’s fair share of ups and downs. I always have to remember that at the end of the day, I’m the only person who can push myself forward and drive my success, and I enjoy being motivated by that. Being my own worst critic helps too, haha. I’m always striving to learn more about photography and get better at what I do. It’s easy to be lazy, but falling behind is not an option. I love every aspect of this career, even when it’s a challenge. I wouldn’t have done this for so long otherwise.

What have been your favorite moments of creative energy this past year?

Day For Night Fest in Houston recently was a blast! It felt like a hyper-sensorial theme park put together by artists from all walks of life. On top of the music, they brought in some incredible art installations and different interactive aspects inside this 1+ million square foot warehouse. It’s definitely one of my favorite festivals not only to photograph now, but just to experience. Sound on Sound Fest was sick too. You can’t go wrong with a Ren Faire-themed music festival put together by Graham Williams and co. There was BMX jousting!

What have been the most challenging moments throughout your career and perhaps in 2016 in particular?

There are always challenges but I believe they’ve only helped me grow. When I first started out, the biggest challenge was just establishing a name for myself and convincing people to give me a chance and, on top of that, pay me, which in the creative field is always a fun process. Haha, er. Then there’s a more personal struggle which is kind of what I mentioned before — just wanting to constantly progress and get better at photography. Pushing myself to find new ways to shoot, practicing new light setups, playing around with camera tricks etc. etc. just helps keep things fresh, as well as keep me on top of my game. Also, being a female in this field can be a challenge because there will be those people who assume you got to your position any other way outside of just being a good photographer that people want to work with. So fighting that stigma is just something that’s always there. Not just for me, but for a lot of women in many fields.

What's the one thing you're most proud of accomplishing this past year?

Oh man, I’m not sure. I suppose off the top of my head, shooting my first music video with Cage The Elephant (for "Cry Baby") was really fun. I jumped on the tour bus with them in Europe for a couple of weeks and we filmed it over that time in different locations. Of course, winning a Boss Babe of the Year award was an awesome way to cap off the year too! :)

Peep Our Spring 2017 Calendar

Mark your cals and stay tuned for more details. 2017's gonna be a great year!

To RSVP for events that have already gone live, please visit our event calendar. **RSVPs for all events on this schedule will be released on a rolling basis.

If you're curious about contributing to event activities, getting involved with production or sponsorship/partnership opportunities, please email thebabes@bossbabes.org.

If you'd like to volunteer with us on an event, please fill out our volunteer form.