Future Front Texas 5/14/21 Future Front Texas 5/14/21

21 Questions On Kawaii Dessert, Ice Cream And Inspiration With Sarah Lim

Read our recent interview with the founder of OMG Squee, Sarah Lim, about vision—in life and in business.

What’s your vision for work? For life? For your community?

This spring, we're touching base with our members and friends about the meaning of vision. ✰ ꩜

And today creative, reformed photographer and baker Sarah Lim shares the story behind OMG Squee, her macaron shop in Austin, Texas.

Photo courtesy of Sarah Lim. — *Photo courtesy of* *Sarah Lim*.

ABOUT SARAH LIM AND OMG SQUEE

Sarah Lim is the co-owner, founder, and lead arthritic hands of OMG Squee, a gluten free, Asian inspired dessert shop in East Austin. Burnt out by 10+ years as a freelance photographer, she decided she needed a new career. Commercial agencies often found her work too “quirky” to sell to their clients.

So instead of trying to convince them, she created a vision for her own brand, took a self-taught crash course in baking, and started OMG Squee out of her tiny home kitchen in 2017.

While the business has evolved in a short time, her work at OMG Squee still echos the same fun, quirky, and colorful sentiment as her work as a photographer, while also paying homage to her Asian-American culture.

21 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FROM SARAH LIM:

1. What’s your day-to-day mantra?

To get shit done. Everyday is a big hustle.

2. Sarah Lim in 3 words?

Creative, hardworking and a little crazy. But, I think a little crazy can be good. You have to be a little crazy to wake up every morning and have the audacity to spend your days doing something that no one's asking or expecting you to do.

3. What is your vision for OMG Squee?

Building on my photography career. I've had a vision for this business, since before I started it.

I’m also heavily influenced by my experiences as a mixed-race Asian American and third-culture kid. 90’s animes and PBS cooking shows flooded my Saturday mornings before my family visited our local Hong Kong Supermarket, where I'd stare at both the snack aisle and cute stationery vendor until it was time to leave. Food, pop culture, and art have always had a big influence on me.

4. The thing you most wish for your world is…

Immediately—a day off. 😅 Over time, I want to get back to running the business and developing new ideas. I enjoy the creative, problem-solving aspects of growing the business most.

5. What would you love to see more of from small businesses like yours?

I’d just love to see MORE small businesses, in general. Small businesses tend to put more money back into local communities than big businesses, who tend to take money away from local communities.

I also think there's a lot more space for variety and creativity with smaller scale businesses versus larger corporate entities. It's easier to move a smaller ship.

The strong support from the Austin local community in favor of small business makes it possible for small businesses like mine to thrive. But I hope that doesn't change with how rapidly Austin is changing.

6. Favorite macaron design that you’ve made?

Even though they're finicky, time consuming, and give me arthritis, I generally enjoy making pop culture, portrait macarons. It's really satisfying to see people get to enjoy their treats with both their eyes and tastebuds. I’ve done quite a few over the years, including: Janelle Monae, The Fab 5 and The Obama's (to name a few).

7. Why is collaboration important to OMG Squee?

Nothing happens in a vacuum, and collaboration generally makes ideas better. But finding the right collaborators can be really difficult. It's good to have people to bounce ideas off of, who both challenge and inspire you. By the end, hopefully everyone will have a million million-dollar ideas.

8. No. 1 muse?

I’m always reading or watching videos, so I'm constantly learning new things and gaining inspiration from a variety of sources.

9. You can never leave your house without…

A shirt, since I forget a lot of things, like keys, phone, wallet, water….

10. What have you let go of this year that’s made a positive change in your life?

I'm starting to let go of a lot of physical things I don't need anymore. It's forced me to evaluate what I want my life to look like from here forward. My life is different than it was even a year ago and VERY different than where I was 5 years ago.

Marie Condo-ing all that extra stuff is helping me look forward and focus on the path my life is currently headed and where I want it to go from here, instead of holding me back in the past of where I thought I was going.

11. You want the future of Texas to look…

More diverse.

12. What’s one thing you learned about yourself recently?

I’m endlessly surprised by how much I handle. Sometimes I think I’m taking on too much. Sometimes I manage to get things done. But I've definitely reached a few personal thresholds in the last years, and I'm learning to listen to the voice inside me that says, "OK, you've had enough for now."

13. Something you treasure?

My friendships and relationships with people. It’s special to find people you can trust and admire.

14. CURRENTLY READING…

5 different cookbooks, including one Hong Kong cookbook, two by pastry chef Dominique Ansel and a book about eggs.

15. How do you stay inspired?

I’m constantly reading, learning, talking to people. I get inspiration from all over the place and love fresh ideas.

16. How would you describe your creative and production process?

My creative process is an organized mess consisting of little piles of things in my brain (and often my desk), that don’t make sense to anyone else, except me. If people stick with me to the end, though, I think I eventually make sense to outside people.

But when it comes to production or doing the work, especially with baking, the process is all very particular and technical, so it all requires lots of planning and working clean.

I'm constantly running two programs between organization and chaos, so the two combat each other a lot.

17. Best advice you’ve been given?

There's sort of two things that work together that I think of often:

One photography professor said, “If you’re still doing this in five years, there’s no way you can’t keep doing it if you want to.” It inspired me to do photography work for at least five years. And then I gave another five.

Another piece of advice that has carried me throughout the years is from an acting workshop I was shooting, hosted by Arrested Development’s Jeffrey Tambor, who said: “Don’t let people fuck with your confidence. If something fucks with your confidence, cut it out of your life or address it." I remember I stopped shooting the workshop and started listening instead. So, I’ve just been plugging away at work over the years, as confidently as I can.

17. What does a day-in-the-life of Sarah consist of?

Lots of stuff. The early part of the week consists of planning, prepping and all the logistics. By the end of the week, we start full production to open for the weekend.

I generally work about 12-15 hours a day, at least 6 days a week right now.

19. Proudest milestone?

I just finished paying off our buyout of the coffee shop business that was here before us.

20. What are you most excited about in life right now?

I’m excited to get our shop fully operational and have more people working here. Right now, there are just three of us. We've been slowly renovating our space all last year part time, so we're excited to finally get that work done this month.

I’ll be happy to start moving forward—professionally and personally—after a hard year in pandemic survival mode.

21. What do you want people to feel when they buy/use your products?

I just want people to be very happy and feel excited about what the dessert looks like and how it tastes. We named our business “OMG Squee” partly because we had an old dog named “Squeegee” aka "Squee." But also, because “SQUEE” is an onomatopoeia for the sound you make when you’re very delighted.

We always say we're going to "double rainbow happiness." There’s an older viral video of the double rainbow guy, who's screaming tears of joy about a beautiful double rainbow. We want our customers to feel like that guy.

Want to stay involved with creators like Sarah Lim through Future Front Texas?

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Future Front Texas 5/10/21 Future Front Texas 5/10/21

21 Questions On Business, Collaboration And Making Things With Chantal Strasburger

Read our recent interview with the founder of Chantal Ceramics and Read Receipts, Chantal Strasburger.

What’s your vision for work? For life? For your community?

This season, we're touching base with our members and friends about the meaning of vision. ✰ ꩜

So, we’ve invited former craftHER vendor Chantal Strasburger, who runs Chantal Ceramics and Read Receipts, to share the collaborative vision behind her two businesses, her favorite collaborations, proudest milestones and vision for the future of Texas.

Photo courtesy of Chantal Strasburger. — *Photo courtesy of* *Chantal Strasburger*.

ABOUT CHANTAL STRASBURGER, chantal ceramics and read receipts

Chantal Strasburger is a native Austinite, multi-media artist and proud craftHER Market vendor! While her professional background is in editorial writing (working previously for Teen Vogue, Nylon Magazine, and Snapchat) she’s returned to her first love—art—and now splits her time between her businesses, which include Chantal Ceramics (@chantal_ceramics) and Read Receipts (@read_receipts).

Chantal Ceramics produces a mix of functional and sculptural handmade, small-batch pieces in her home studio. Recent highlights include having a special-edition ring dish in Boss Babes’ first CraftHer Box, a collaboration with fellow vendor New Origin Shop to make mugs for Sweetgreen’s Austin launch, and branded mugs for Austin-based Siete Foods.

Read Receipts, her embroidery business, has grown from custom messages between friends to capturing the latest internet memes and political trends. She’s also created capsule collections for labels such as Club Monaco, designed merch for companies including Netflix, and collaborated on designs for brands like Phenomenal. Through Read Receipts, Chantal has been able to donate thousands of dollars for voting rights and social justice organizations that speak to her products’ messaging.

She has a few other projects up her sleeve—so follow along on Instagram @chantagold to stay tuned!

21 ANSWERS ABOUT CHANTAL:

1. What’s your day-to-day mantra?

My work allows me to live the life I love.

2. Chantal Strasburger in 3 emojis?

🤠🧋✨

3. What is your vision for your work? Your life?

For work, I want to continue making pieces that are beautiful and have purpose.

For life, I want to travel the world and create things that bring me joy.

4. The thing you most wish for your world is…

A beautiful studio space with a lot of natural light, plants, and more shelves than I could even dream of filling.

5. What would you love to see more of from small businesses like yours?

I would love to see more meet-ups where we can share knowledge and swap ideas. It takes so much to run a business, and we’re all learning as we grow—but we don’t have to reinvent the wheel!

6. Who are your style icons?

My mother, who finds some of the most fascinating and outrageous statement pieces from all over the world. I’m also constantly inspired by my three sisters. We all share clothes and send each other fashion inspiration and learn from each other.

7. Why is collaboration important to your businesses?

Collaboration opens my eyes to new ideas and opens my brand to new audiences. It’s a way for me to rethink how I'm doing something and learn from other makers’ experiences. My favorite part is seeing how our voices and visions come together to create something new.

8. First thing you think about in the morning?

“Do I have any computer work to do today, so that I have an excuse to sit outside and enjoy the glorious weather?” Pretty much the only reason I’m ever excited to read my emails.

9. Craziest thing on your bucket list?

I’d really love to get a grant to study ceramic traditions in a country like Japan or Indonesia or India. Completely immersing myself in the local arts and culture (and food!) while learning another language and new techniques sounds like an incredibly challenging but fulfilling adventure.

10. What have you let go of this year that’s made a positive change in your life?

I’ve given up worrying that I'm not doing enough. With everyone seemingly learning new skills in the pandemic like baking bread and writing novels, I was stressed that I wasn’t being “productive” enough—but now I simply remind myself that I’m doing plenty.

11. You want the future of Texas to look like...

BLUE. I want fellow Texans to work on educating themselves about issues like social justice and climate change. I’m tired of Texas having the reputation of being ignorant and backwards. It’s time for a change.

12. What’s one thing you learned about yourself recently?

When it comes to being social, I’ve realized how happy I am with just staying at home. I now know the full extent of my introverted-ness and how little I miss going out to parties and bars.

13. Something new you’re trying?

Audiobooks! I stopped having time to read books when my sales picked up and so I’m now exploring the magical world of listening to books while I'm working. Life-changing.

14. CURRENTLY READING…

Zillow. Everyday I browse listings to day dream about potential future studio spaces and think about where I might go next.

15. Currently listening to..

I watch a lot of Tik Tok (specifically #booktok), which convinced my sisters and me to get deep into the Fantasy Fiction genre. It’s not exactly highbrow...but I’ve been listening to the audiobooks for the series A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas. Very smutty, very addicting.

16. How would you describe your creative and production process?

My process involves a lot of flipping through magazines and perusing Pinterest for inspiration. I love being in beautiful spaces and interiors and seeing what speaks to me. For ceramics, I’m constantly looking for new colors for glazes, and for Read Receipts, I scroll through Twitter to see what people are talking about and what meme my next design might riff off.

17. Best advice you’ve been given?

To make sure you take breaks when you need them! I’m someone who can get very wrapped up in fulfilling orders or planning the next Big Idea and work forever. My boyfriend Ian is always like, “You need to take a break or you’ll get burned out!” So definitely prioritizing myself and my well-being.

18. What does a day-in-the-life of Chantal consist of?

Wake up and work out (I’ve recently started jump-roping every morning), have my coffee and work on my book of logic puzzles, go through my emails and Instagram DMs and spend the rest of the work day making and packing orders.

The evening ends with a trail run with my boyfriend, dinner, and, ideally, a movie or a game of Bananagrams or Settlers of Catan.

19. Proudest milestone?

One of my proudest milestones so far is making mugs for Sweetgreen in collaboration with New Origin Shop (another one of our craftHER Market vendors). Sweetgreen was my favorite place to splurge on salads when I lived in Brooklyn, so them asking me to make mugs for their opening in Austin and having it come full circle was just an extremely cool moment.

20. What are you most excited about in life right now?

I am fully vaccinated, so I’m excited to start seeing family and traveling again. I’m heading over to England next week to see my grandmother for the first time in well over a year and I can’t wait. We’ll have to quarantine for 10 days when we get there since the pandemic isn’t over yet, but fingers crossed the end is near!

21. What do you want people to feel when they buy/use your products?

With my ceramics, I want my pieces to add a sense of calm or delight to their everyday lives—when they drink out of my mug or use my soap dish. As for Read receipts, my shirts and designs hold messages that are important to me, and I hope other people feel empowered when they wear them, too.

Want to stay involved with bbatx?

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Future Front Texas 5/3/21 Future Front Texas 5/3/21

On Visioning Anti-Racism: Behind Austin's Stop Asian Hate Rally

Meet the six organizers behind STOP ASIAN HATE—a rally in Austin, Texas to denounce racism again AAPI communities, while supporting organizations building change.

On April 17, 2021, our team joined the rally to #StopAsianHate in Austin, Texas.

Alongside 1,000 community members, partners and friends, we stood on the lawns of Huston-Tillotson University to hear from leaders across Central Texas on their vision for anti-racist communities—each calling on us individually and collectively to work toward a culture that actively condemns anti-Asian hate and racism of all kinds.

Leading up to the rally, we took a minute to touch base with some of the organizers (many of which are bbatx friends and collaborators!) about their goals, what supporting the AAPI community can look like and the vision they have for our collective future.

꩜ Here’s what the organizers had to say about the purpose of the rally—and what we can all do next.

Photo via Spectrum News — Photo via *Spectrum News*

1. What's your vision for anti-racist culture in our communities?

Anti-racist culture should look like everyone realizing they have a stake in this fight. Anti-racism begins when we can recognize that white supremacy relies on the divisions between communities of color to remain in power. It's up to us co-laboring, co-agitating and collectively dismantling racism.

2. How can we continue to support the AAPI community post-rally?

You can continue to support the AAPI community in these four ways:

Contribute to mutual aid/ support groups for Asian seniors.
If you speak another language, training to be VDRs and have voter registration drives in your local AAPI community.
Digital literacy training with new immigrants or older Asians so they can access city systems.
Supporting AAPI makers and businesses.

3. What do you want the future of Texas to look like?

There are a lot of elected officials and activists who want to just show up and look like they're doing the work, we'd like to see a future where our leaders and elected officials DO the work and actually support our communities. It's about caring after the rally even after it leaves your timeline.

Say hello to the organizers behind the rally, too. ✰

Meet Ashley Cheng, Lily Trieu, Pooja Sethi, Rio Renaud, Saatvik Ahluwalia and Sabrina Sha.

who: ASHLEY CHENG

Ashley Cheng grew up in Austin, on the floor of her parents’ Chinese restaurants. Currently, she’s the co-founder of Rouser, a creative civic engagement company, named a 2019 Organization of the Year by the Travis County Democratic Party. In 2020, she was their Anne McAfee Rising Star and a Tribeza Magazine Person of the Year.

In addition to working as a communications strategist and marketer for the movement, she co-hosts The Rabble (@TheRabbleTX), a Texas politics podcast leaving a trail of cupcake crumbs to the pearly gates of civic engagement. While completing her master's in social work at the University of Texas at Austin, she volunteers with Hospice Austin, Asian Family Support Service of Austin, Asian Pacific Islander Public Affairs, and the performance art organization Fusebox.

She also serves as a National Committeewoman of the Democratic National Committee and beloved dog mom to Eleanor Roooosevelt.

who: LILY TRIEU

Descendents of Vietnamese refugees, Lily Trieu grew up in the diverse community of Houston, TX and has been an Austin resident for over four years—not including her stint as a student at UT Austin. After spending nearly ten years in the private sector, she has rededicated her career and work in the space of K-12 education, nonprofits, and civic engagement.

Lily currently works as the Director of Public Affairs at a national education nonprofit, working to support education policy that will enhance equity and opportunity for all Texas students. She currently serves on the City of Austin’s Library Commission and is an active volunteer for youth and arts organizations across Austin. Lily also serves on the board of New Leaders Council, Asian Democrats of Central Texas, and the Ballet Austin Guild.

who: POOJA SETHI

As the daughter of immigrants, Pooja Sethi learned the importance of hard work early on. In 2012, Pooja founded the non-profit South Asian Austin Moms (SAAM) because she wanted to help women who faced discrimination at work. Pooja also started an immigration law firm in Austin where she did extensive pro bono work for immigrant women who experienced family violence and domestic assault. In 2018, the Syracuse College of Law awarded her the Frank Morris Racial Justice, Civil & Human Rights Award and in 2020 Lone Star Victims Advocacy Project gave her an award for her work on immigration issues and family separation.

She has served on the Mayor’s Task Force on Racism and Systemic Inequities, Office of Police Oversight Task Force, and the City of Austin Climate Plan Steering Committee. Pooja also currently sits on the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission (AAQOL). She was part of the planning committee for the 2020 Austin Women’s March. The community recognizes her unwavering voice for change. In 2019, she was the first Asian woman to receive the YWCA Great Austin Woman of Color Leading Change Award. She was also recognized as 2019 Activist of the Year by both the Travis County Democratic Party and the Capitol Area Democratic Women, and a nominee for DivInc Community Changemaker award in 2020. In 2021, Pooja was nominated for Activist of the Year by the Austin Chronicle and awarded Champion Attorney Serving Minority Communities by the Travis County Women Lawyers Association. Finally, Pooja serves on the Institute of Diversity and Civic Life Board, the Texas Gun Sense Board, and has been featured on Fox News, PBS, and KXAN speaking about immigration and women’s rights. In her spare time, Pooja enjoys baking cookies with her son Jai and her husband Vivek.

who: RIO RENAUD

Rio Renaud is a visual designer specializing in graphic design, typography, direct mail development, and social media content creation. Rio grew up an army brat, moving from state to state throughout the U.S. When her family was stationed in Ft. Hood, she took her first ever high school trip to Texas’s Capitol and was captivated by Austin’s vibe.

She earned her BFA in Design at the University of Texas at Austin, and has been working in the creative and political scene in central Texas ever since. She loves branding, beaches, and boba. When outside the office, you can catch her trying to maintain her DuoLingo streak.

who: SAATVIK AHLUWALIA

Saatvik Ahluwalia is an award-winning digital marketer who is the Digital Strategist at Progress Texas and Austin Asian Communities Civic Coalition. Saatvik is also on the executive boards of Asian Democrats Central Texas, New Leaders Council Austin, Indian American Coalition of Central Texas, and the Community Advancement Network's Community Council.

Saatvik was born and raised near Boston, Massachusetts, and moved to Austin for his wife's pediatric residency program. They might be having their first child as you read this! He has won a Platinum MarCom Award, received public-speaking awards through Toastmasters International, competed in multiple Bollywood dance championships, and you can read about his work in the Boston Globe, Austin American-Statesman, and other publications. He was also profiled in the book "Those Immigrants!: Indians in America: A Psychological Exploration of Achievement" by journalist Scott Haas.

who: SABRINA SHA

Sabrina Sha is the daughter to Taiwanese immigrants. She’s a Houston transplant who’s lived in Austin since 2018. A former public auditor and anthropologist,Sabrina’s professional and personal objective is to help those who don't have a seat at the table get one, by helping them build the resources they need to amplify their voice to tell their story.

She is presently a political fundraiser having previously worked for almost every race up and down the ballot. She is the president of Asian Democrats of Central Texas, the precinct chair for Cherrywood neighborhood, current Finance/ Fundraising Co-Chair for the Travis County Democratic Party and a former bbatx Committee member. In her spare time, find her scheming with her familiar, Binx.

LOOKING FOR MORE RESOURCES?

The APAPA (Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs) is a grassroots organization that serves Austin through civic engagements and community services. You can learn about and support them here.

You can also read our resource guide on personal and professional next steps for anti-racism work here.

become a member

support what we do at bbatx

Future Front Texas 4/6/21 Future Front Texas 4/6/21

21 Questions With Kirti Kana And Conscious Culture

Read our recent interview with Kirti Kana about starting a sustainable coffee community.

As part of our ongoing craftHER Market, we recently launched 21 Questions—a series of short and fun questions designed to spotlight the stories, missions and personalities of our featured vendors.

In conversation with bbatx Communication Design Intern Eunice Bao, Kirti Kana, founder of Conscious Culture, chats about creative flow, cultivating community and her favorite coffee roast.

Photo courtesy of Conscious Culture. — *Photo courtesy of* *Conscious Culture.*

ABOUT KIRTI KANA AND CONSCIOUS CULTURE

At the heart of her design, Kirti Kana is a visionary. She unites entrepreneurs, change-makers, and thought leaders to champion a positive movement, for the purpose of fostering community and sustaining Earth.

This vision is spoken through her online intentional community, Conscious Culture, which is two-fold. The first aims to bring awareness to different sectors of one’s life, through a variety of assessments, themes, workshops, learning experiences, and themes. The second is an ethically sourced coffee project that introduces new flavor profiles from around the world which rotate monthly.

Ultimately, Kirti envisions sustainable autonomous beta-cities of the future, with the structure, ethos, and integrity of Conscious Culture weaving its way into this movement for the people and planet.

HERE ARE KIRTI’S 21 ANSWERS:

1. What’s your day-to-day mantra?

Momentum—this simple word reminds me of the simplest action that motivates me and pulls me forward no matter what mental state I am in.

2. CONSCIOUS CULTURE in 3 WORDS?

Community, wellness, coffee

3. Why did you start conscious culture?

Conscious Culture stems from a project I’ve founded, Itopia Project, which involved regenerative autonomous beta cities of the future. Before the pandemic, I was living in LA close to sealing a deal for our first beta city outside of Santa Barbara, CA. Then, life happened.

The pandemic hit right when I was at home in Texas visiting family. I decided to stay and take a new and different approach in being able to transform people's lives without having the physical transformative environment. That is when I decided I’d start an online community centered around empowering individuals who are on the self-healing journey or the journey of transforming our world into a better place.

Coffee has just always been a part of my life, and it’s my way of giving back to farmers around the world that are doing it right. We’re planting the seeds of our larger products with coffee beans.

4. Craziest thing on your bucket list?

Motorcycle trip from Mexico to the tip of South America

5. The thing you most wish for the world is…

For people to have the option of living fully, authentically and happily with all of their basic essential needs met

6. What would you love to see more of from small businesses like yours?

Since we’ve just started (and I haven’t run any ads), I’d love to see more gals who are excited to change their social media diet and be a part of a community that is here to support their dreams and health and wellness goals.

7. No. 1 Muse?

Tulsi Gabbard, because this woman in politics makes me excited for our future.

8. First thing you think about in the morning?

Well, I don’t really think… I reach for my morning pages journal and write down my vivid dreams. From there, I do a whole page of lucid writing of whatever comes to me or through me.

This way, I’m able to see where my mind is and guide it consciously through the first moments of being aware of where my energy is, where my thoughts are and how to self-coach myself through the good and bad.

9. Best compliment you’ve ever received?

“You’re 25 and and got funded to build a beta city? No way that’s true.”

10. What have you let go of this year that’s made a positive change in your life?

I’ve let go of the part of me that had been craving social connection and feeling depleted. Instead of pouting around, I put myself out there (safely) and am now growing a community here in Austin that fills my cup every single week.

11. You want the future of Texas to look like...

Less diesel and more eco ;)

12. What’s one thing you learned about yourself recently?

I only noticed this while I was sitting at a traffic light yesterday… my mind constantly wanders thinking of innovations, re-creations and visions of the future of humanity and our planet.

13. Something new you’re trying?

If I don’t complete my goals and tasks of the month, my best friends have my Netflix and Prime account password where they’re allowed to lock me out until it gets done.

14. Favorite coffee roast?

Recently our Sidama, Ethiopia hits so good in the soul early in the AM.

I love to french press this one, add around ¼ of oat milk (Planet Oat because I don’t support Oatly’s connection to deforestation in the Amazon). I don’t even froth it. I stir it with a spoon—and voila. It’s my own version of a perfect cup of coffee early in the morning.

15. Currently listening to..

Anjunadeep 12 and KIDS album by Noga Erez (a Tiktok find that is GOLD)

16. How would you describe your creative and production process?

There’s this beautiful thing called “flow states” from Steven Kotler. I have triggers around my flow state creativity and rules. I don’t wake up every morning full of desire to create sometimes or even have the desire to output client work or my own work for my company.

My happy triggers are five minutes of momentum into the project or task (undivided attention even if I don’t want to do it), and I get into it with the understanding that I don’t have to complete the creative process. I just have to get it started.

Anjunadeep Youtube Set is always playing. I’ve got an essential oil diffuser to awaken or relax me, and I set a timer to break for the next project or task.

17. Best advice you’ve been given?

The biggest projects take the longest to be fully created.

18. What does a day-in-the-life of Kirti consist of?

Morning routines, booked out daily Google calendar, 1.5 hr gym sessions, nature time when I have the time, and work sessions into the late PM hours. I always reward myself with one episode of a show to unwind. I’m currently watching The Expanse (Holy bananas is it good!).

19. Proudest career milestone?

My biggest failures. Without them, I wouldn’t be pushing to my biggest dreams.

20. What are you most excited about in life right now?

The ability to finally be able to make friends in Austin, create community and share my smile with strangers in passing

21. What do you want people to feel when they buy/use your products?

The true essence of ethically sourced coffee, where someone can connect to the culture of where the coffee is coming from and actually appreciate it for its true form.

CONSCIOUS CULTURE is part of craftHER Market—our creative community marketplace nurturing homegrown artists, small business owners and designers in Texas.

Want to know more about our vendors? Our digital catalogue, crafthermarket.com, is open through April 30. You can browse 120+ vendors there online 24/7.

Some of Kirti’s favorites on the lineup are:

Want to stay involved with bbatx?

Keep up with what we’re up to at bbatx—from virtual events to membership—here.

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Future Front Texas 3/30/21 Future Front Texas 3/30/21

21 Questions With Erika Aldrich Murga and Temazcal Life

Read our recent interview with Erika Murga and Temazcal Life.

As part of our ongoing craftHER Market, we recently launched 21 Questions—a series of short and fun questions designed to spotlight the stories, missions and personalities of our featured vendors.

In conversation with bbatx Communication Design Intern Eunice Bao, Erika Aldrich Murga, founder of Temazcal Life, chats about walking her new pup, bathing rituals and treasuring solitude.

Photo courtesy of Temazcal Life. — *Photo courtesy of* *Temazcal Life.*

ABOUT ERIKA MURGA AND TEMAZCAL LIFE

Temazcal Life is inspired by Pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican rituals meant to purify the body and the mind. We believe simple self-care rituals have the power to renew our entire self.

Temazcal Life was founded in 2016 by Erika Aldrich Murga with the purpose of helping people slow down, reconnect with themselves and prioritize their wellbeing, through cherished self-care rituals and goods, while making self-care accessible to disadvantaged communities.

HERE ARE ERIKA’S 21 ANSWERS:

1. What’s your day-to-day mantra?

Progress not perfection

2. Temazcal Life in 3 emojiS?

🧘🏻‍♀️ 🛁 💆🏽‍♀️

3. Why did you start Temazcal Life?

To share with others the experience of feeling cared for and caring holistically about wellbeing–addressing mental, emotional, spiritual, physical, and social wellness

4. Craziest thing on your bucket list?

Bathe in as many baths as there are cultures with bathing rituals

5. Drink of choice?

Agua de Tamarindo

6. What would you love to see more of from small businesses like yours?

More collaborative projects

7. No. 1 Muse?

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

8. First thing you think about in the morning?

Coffee. I think I need to smell it and taste it more than my brain needs it to run.

9. Best compliment you’ve ever received?

A customer, who found the soap through a magazine gift guide, let me know that their sensitive and eczema-prone skin had not been irritated by Temazcal Life soap.

10. What have you let go of this year that’s made a positive change in your life?

Financial security in exchange for autonomy and creative freedom

11. You want the future of Texas to look like...

Diverse, inclusive and artistic AF. I want to see people from all regions feeling welcomed and exhilarated about experiencing Texas. I’d like for people to have more ways to experience art in galleries, museums, public places or theater.

12. What’s one thing you learned about yourself recently?

I like things being packed neatly more than I like things being clean.

13. Favorite soap bar/scent?

Manjar and the lemongrass aroma is something that really energizes my morning and puts me in such a good mood.

14. Currently listening to…

Afrobeat essentials

Baila Reggaeton

NPR Invisibilia

15. Currently reading…

Clean by James Hambli

16. How would you describe your creative and production process?

I research A LOT. I immerse myself in the material I'm working with, such as botanicals, oil extraction, infusions, chemistry, perfumery, native American and Mesoamerican rituals and ancestral practices. I just read a lot.
Then, I design experiments, and this involves having many conversations with my mom (she is my chemistry consultant). We have a lot of fun bouncing ideas and she gets a kick out of educating me on chemistry.
I also write a lot. Documenting my experiments and tracking data is a way to manage my product development cycles, measure my progress and improve my product often.

17. Best advice you’ve been given?

Being ruthless about respecting my R&R time. The more rested I am, the better I can be at showing up for whom and what I care about.

18. Favorite daily routine?

Walking our new pup and stretching at the end of the day

19. Proudest career milestone?

Finding the vocation to help others no matter what skill I apply to my day-to-day activities

20. Something you treasure?

Solitude. The time I spend with myself reflecting and enjoying silence replenishes me.

21. What do you want people to feel when they buy/use your products?

Deserving of the time invested on themselves without feeling guilty or selfish. Dignified and worthy of better—a balanced life, good opportunities, positive relationships, freedom to reclaim their time.

TEMAZCAL LIFE is part of craftHER Market—our creative community marketplace nurturing homegrown artists, small business owners and designers in Texas.

Want to know more about our vendors? Our digital catalogue, crafthermarket.com, is open through April 30. You can browse 120+ vendors there online 24/7.

Some of Erika’s favorites on the lineup are:

Want to stay involved with bbatx?

Keep up with what we’re up to at bbatx—from virtual events to membership—here.

support our work

become a member

Future Front Texas 3/22/21 Future Front Texas 3/22/21

21 Questions With Elizabeth Ryan and The Medicinal Melange

Read our recent interview with Elizabeth Ryan and The Medicinal Melange.

As part of our ongoing craftHER Market, we recently launched 21 Questions—a series of short and fun questions designed to spotlight the stories, missions and personalities of our featured vendors.

In conversation with bbatx Communication Design Intern Eunice Bao, Elizabeth Ryan, founder of The Medicinal Melange, chats about her current reads, favorite tea flavors and having a grounding connection to the earth.

Photo courtesy of The Medicinal Melange. — *Photo courtesy of* *The Medicinal Melange*.

ABOUT ELIZABETH RYAN AND THE MEDICINAL MELANGE

Elizabeth Ryan (She/Her) is the sole proprietor of The Medicinal Melange, a holistic vegan apothecary in South Austin. Elizabeth has been working with plants her whole life, but felt called to herbalism and aromatherapy when her daughter was diagnosed with PANDAS and total healing wasn’t happening with prescription medicines. The Medicinal Melange is focused on introducing herbal healing to the community and cutting out harmful byproducts often associated with western medicine. Elizabeth is a prideful South Austinite, skater, wife, the mother of an unschooler, co-runs CIB Austin, and works closely with local mutual aid organizations while finding creative ways to give back to the community.

HERE ARE ELIZABETH’S 21 ANSWERS:

1. What’s your day-to-day mantra?

“As we work to heal the Earth, the Earth will heal us.” - Robin Wall Kimmerer

2. Describe THE MEDICINAL MELANGE in three WORDS.

Accessible. Sustainable. Healing.

3. Why did you start THE MEDICINAL MELANGE?

To create valuable, accessible medicine for all

4. Craziest thing on your bucket list?

To form relationships with herbalists across the world and learn about their herbal traditions

5. What would you love to see more of from small businesses like yours?

To cut out the waste and plastics

6. No. 1 muse?

60’s Girl Garage groups

7. You want the future of Texas to look like...

A large community garden for all

8. First thing you think about in the morning?

I need to brush my teeth ASAP.

9. You can never leave your house without…?

Tranquillium, my anti-anxiety tincture. “Fight or Flight” mode sneaks up on ya.

10. What have you let go of this year that’s made a positive change in your life?

Saying yes when it takes up time I can't spare

11. Favorite small businesses in Austin?

Dempsey’s Official (BEST. SAUCE. EVER.)

12. Current favorite tea flavor?

Holy Basil and Lemon Balm

13. Hardest lesson learned?

I have to ask for help from time to time.

14. Something new you’re trying?

Qigong (life changing!)

15. Currently reading…

Re-reading the Hellbore zines

16. How would you describe your creative and production process?

Methodical research with a splash of Magik

17. Best advice you’ve been given?

“Everything happens for a reason.” - My mom whenever it doesn't work out in my favor

18. What does a day-in-the-life FOR ELIZABETH consist of?

Sleeping in, learning through experiences, working until 2am

19. Proudest career milestone?

Selling out at my first market

20. What do you want people to feel when they buy/use your products?

A grounding connection to the Earth

21. What’s next for The Medicinal Melange and yourself?

Mutual aid, in person shopping, and buying more land to grow and share

The Medicinal Melange is part of craftHER Market—our creative community marketplace nurturing homegrown artists, small business owners and designers in Texas.

Want to know more about our vendors? Our digital catalogue, crafthermarket.com, is open through April 30. You can browse 120+ vendors there online 24/7.

Some of Elizabeth’s favorites on the lineup are:

Want to stay involved with bbatx?

Keep up with what we’re up to at bbatx—from virtual events to membership—here.

support our work

become a member

Future Front Texas 3/17/21 Future Front Texas 3/17/21

21 Questions With Jasmine Cormier and Soy Society Wellness

Read our recent interview with Jasmine Cormier and Soy Society Wellness.

As part of our ongoing craftHER Market, we recently launched 21 Questions—a series of short and fun questions designed to spotlight the stories, missions and personalities of our featured vendors.

In conversation with bbatx Communication Design Intern Eunice Bao, Jasmine Cormier, founder of Soy Society Wellness, chats about her No. 1 muse, favorite candle scent and proudest career milestone.

Photo courtesy of Soy Society Wellness. — *Photo courtesy of* *Soy Society Wellness.*

ABOUT JASMINE CORMIER AND SOY SOCIETY WELLNESS

Pleasure to meet you! I'm Jasmine, the owner of Soy Society Wellness.

I am an avid health enthusiast. I am not afraid of trying the unusual. I went from managing apartment complexes to working full-time in the fitness health industry. Creating Soy Society Wellness came from piecing all of me together versus trying to keep all my interests and values separated.

In 2015, I was struggling to manage my anxiety and depression. With no treatment, I began to have anxiety attacks at home and at the workplace. Anti-Depressants were more of a way to get me started on better managing my mental health and not an end-all-be-all means of fixing the issue. In my soul search, I became a certified RYT- 200 Vinyasa Yoga and Yoga Sculpt teacher. The mind-body connection strengthened who I was from the inside out.

Shortly after, I began my hand-poured candle collection to allow me peace through working with my hands. Creating aromatherapy candles grew my knowledge of essential oils, not only in my yoga practice but also their benefits in everyday home-life. Slowing down to hand make each candle keeps me grounded in my work and journey of mindfulness and wellness.

My vision for Soy Society Wellness is to offer you resources for a content and grounded life. With our candles we believe in room-filling fragrance, and candles that do good to your mind, body, and soul. Our candles have intentions which can inspire hope and support you on your journey. As we expand on our candle collections, we also offer Sip & Wick candle-making classes and a YouTube channel focused on helping entrepreneurs.

Here are JASMINE’S 21 answers:

1. What’s your day-to-day mantra?

All things are working for my good.

2. Describe SOY SOCIETY WELLNESS in three emojis.

🕯👌✨

3. Why did you start Soy Society Wellness?

As a way to help people on their journey through intentions with candles

4. Craziest thing on your bucket list?

Zip line through the rainforest (I did get to zip line a jungle in Costa Rica 😆)

5. The thing you most wish for the world is…

That we could be happier with less and to care for the environment

6. What would you love to see more of from small businesses like yours?

I’d like to see them keep pushing and trailblazing and supporting one another.

7. No. 1 muse?

Rihanna—she’s such a boss and totally 💯 percent herself.

8. First thing you think about in the morning?

I need coffee first and then I do the work.

9. You can never leave your house without…?

My clear lip gloss and eyelashes

10. What have you let go of this year that’s made a positive change in your life?

The idea that I need to do more or be more; I have everything I need.

11. Favorite small businesses in Austin?

Bruja, Dosí Blends and A Dose of Resin

12. Hardest lesson learned?

There will always be something on my to-do list, and that’s okay.

13. Something new you’re trying?

To be fully present in the moment and get to know people deeply so we both feel seen

14. Favorite candle scent?

It will always be WELLBEING, but I do love CONFIDENCE.

15. Currently listening to..

Anderson.Pak. Love 💕 his Malibu album.

16. How would you describe your creative and production process?

My creative process is intuition-based. My production process is system-driven.

17. Best advice you’ve been given?

The best advice is my sister always saying “Go for it!” when I tell her my ideas.

18. What does a day-in-the-life FOR JASMINE consist of?

My day consists of working as a dance teacher, working on Soy Society and finding time to just be Jasmine.

19. Proudest career milestone?

That my candles are in WholeFoods

20. Something you treasure?

I treasure my family, my dog Evie and my gemstone rings 💍.

21. What do you want people to feel when they buy/use your products?

I want them to feel encouraged and supported, but also hype because the candle smells so darn good!

SOY SOCIETY WELLNESS is part of craftHER Market—our creative community marketplace nurturing homegrown artists, small business owners and designers in Texas.

Want to know more about our vendors? Our digital catalogue, crafthermarket.com, is open through April 30. You can browse 120+ vendors there online 24/7.

Some of Jasmine’s favorites on the lineup are:

Want to stay involved with bbatx?

Keep up with what we’re up to at bbatx—from virtual events to membership—here.

support our work

become a member

Future Front Texas 3/12/21 Future Front Texas 3/12/21

21 Questions With Redeemer Small Batch CBD

Read our recent interview with Bailey Weickum and Jahna Martell, founders of Redeemer Small Batch CBD.

As part of our ongoing craftHER Market, we’re launching our first set of 21 Questions—a series of short and fun questions designed to spotlight the stories, missions and personalities of our featured vendors.

In conversation with bbatx Communication Design Intern Eunice Bao, Bailey Weickum and Jahna Martell, founders of Redeemer Small Batch, chat about their childhood career choice, day-to-day mantra and their provisioner’s production processes.

Photo courtesy of Redeemer Small Batch — *Photo courtesy of* *Redeemer Small Batch*

ABOUT BAILEY WEICKUM, JAHNA MARTELL AND REDEEMER SMALL BATCH

Redeemer is a women-owned, small batch CBD provisioner (fronted by Bailey Weickum and Jahna Martell) based deep in the heart of Austin, Texas. Our full-spectrum CBD and CBG comes from one farm and one farm only—our family’s—using a patented, ZERO-chemical extraction process that holds more of the plant’s power. Take Care and take often.

Here are Bailey and Jahna’s 21 answers:

1. What’s your day-to-day mantra?

Take care

2. Describe Redeemer Small Batch in three emojis.

💚🤠👨‍🎤

3. Drink of choice?

Dosed Desert Bird (which will be featured in our pop-up shop this Sunday)

4. Why did you start Redeemer?

To spread the good herb

5. Craziest thing on your bucket list?

Shark diving. Save the Sharks!

6. What would you love to see more of from small businesses like yours?

Collaborative consciousness

7. No. 1 muse?

#FreeBritney

8. First thing you think about in the morning?

CBD Coffee

9. You can never leave your house without…?

#MaskUp

10. What have you let go of this year that’s made a positive change in your life?

The familiar

11. Favorite small businesses in Austin?

Nixta Taqueria

12. Hardest lesson learned?

Saying no is self-care.

13. Something new you’re trying?

New wellness ritual with Temazcal soap

14. What was your childhood career choice?

Airport security guard (sweet belts)

15. Currently listening to..

Supplier by Kari Faux on REPEAT

16. How would you describe your creative and production process?

Pure chaos

17. Best advice you’ve been given?

We’re all here to help each other. - Mom

18. What does a day-in-the-life of Redeemer consist of?

Mostly laughing at our dogs

19. Proudest career milestone?

Making it to Redeemer’s first birthday in quarantine

20. Something you treasure?

The West Texas desert

21. What do you want people to feel when they buy/use your products?

Better

REDEEMER is part of craftHER Market—our creative community marketplace nurturing homegrown artists, small business owners and designers in Texas.

Want to know more about our vendors? Our digital catalogue, crafthermarket.com, is open through April 30. You can browse 120+ vendors there online 24/7.

Some of Bailey’s favorites on the lineup are:

Want to stay involved with bbatx?

Keep up with what we’re up to at bbatx—from virtual events to membership—here.

support our work

become a member

Future Front Texas 12/15/20 Future Front Texas 12/15/20

What Kept You Grounded In 2020?

Today, we’d like to introduce you to eight of this year’s team members—and the mindsets that held them down throughout this pandemic.

We survived this year, thanks to our team. And, because most of our events were in little Zoom rooms this year, you may not know who they are.

Today, we’d like to introduce you to eight of this year’s team members—and the mindsets that held them down.

So, what kept you grounded in 2020?

Photo of A'nysha Aileen. She has brown skin, shoulder length brown curly hair, and is wearing a "support women artists" white t shirt with black letters and a black and white polka dot skirt.

WHO: A’NYSHA AILEEN

bbatx committee member

“Digital drawing has definitely become the primary creative outlet to keep me grounded and bring me joy. I started with daily completed drawings, but I noticed I wasn’t having as much fun. Eventually, I moved to doing whatever felt best for the day. Outside of my drawing practice, I find joy in taking care of my office palm tree. Checking in on her and making sure she has all she needs is a reminder to do the same for myself.”

WHO: AMANDA VAUGHN

bbatx committee member

“2020 has brought about much change, and in a sense I feel it was needed for my personal evolution and growth. As a highly extroverted, self-proclaimed Renaissance woman, I generally tend to fill my space fully with a “the-more-the-merrier” approach. These times existing during a pandemic have signaled a shift in both daily ritual and creative release. I have pivoted my venue-based DJ practice to an at-home mixtape recording studio, play daily backgammon games with my partner, utilize free time for hikes in the hill country, and have opened myself up to embark on new styles of painting. My film camera has provided space for leaving my phone at home sometimes. Overall, this year has slowed down enough to allow me to listen more deeply, so that when it’s time to speak, I actually have something to say.”

Black and white photo of Amanda Vaughn. She is wearing a black and white printed dress and is smiling.

Photo of Liz Whitington. She is wearing an orange beanie and a leopard print sweatshirt. She has light skin, red hair.

WHO: LIZ WHITINGTON

bbatx committee member

“My children have kept me grounded and have made me see beauty in the chaos. I have used this time to lean into the times and experimented with everything and anything to figure out what works for me and my wolfpack (what I call my family.) I stripped everything down to the basics and layered back the things that give me happiness. I have figured out that I am my best when I am a balance of routines with a touch of a chaos to keep me on my toes. The best routine for me is hot tea and face mask before bed while reading or journaling. It's my quiet time and sometimes the only quiet time in my day, as my mornings are full of music to get the family dancing and grooving for the day.”

WHO: DIVINA CENICEROS-DOMINGUEZ

bbatx communications design intern

“Soon after quarantine began, I started planning a blog series (@calienteboss) on Latinidad that I released on September 15—the start of Latinx Heritage Month. I thought that doing it all would help me stay grounded and alert amidst the chaos, but I was wrong. I learned *the hard way* that taking breaks, being patient with myself, and just surviving is what's most important for me right now. I don't have to do everything all at once, especially when it comes at the cost of my joy. So now, I'm doing a lot more Netflix-watching, investing in pretentiously-good coffee, and (despite the chaos) trying my best to live my best, hot girl summer life.”

Photo of Divina Ceniceros Dominguez. She is wearing a black tube top with black pants, red heels and red sunglasses. She has light skin, and brown hair in a ponytail.

Photo of Sarah Colby. She has white skin, red lips and has her hair in a slick back updo. She is in a bath full of sparkles.

WHO: SARAH COLBY

bbatx committee member

“I planned to leave my career in tech at some point in 2020 but was scared and stalling. I'd previously left a career in arts nonprofit management to join tech, so I felt quite lost. When the pandemic hit, I was forced to leave my job, slow down, confront, and heal from burnout as I sought new passions that aligned with my creative values. I enrolled in film production and acting classes, explored photography, watercolor and drawing, needle-felting, cross-stitching, hand-balancing, gardening, tarot, candle-making, you name it. I wish I had answers to conclude this spiel, but I am still exploring. :)“

WHO: DIAMOND HAWKINS

bbatx committee member

“During this WILD time, I've taken my energy to build a company focused on inclusive beauty, Pothos Beauty! It really brings me joy! When I am not building the company, I spend time painting, reading, learning and connecting with friends digitally. I've also have taken my cooking skills to the next level (P.S: I think I am restaurant-worthy!) Playlist curation has also been such a vibe for me!!”

Photo of Diamond Hawkins. She has brown skin and long straight dark hair. She is wearing a black tank top.

Photo of Hali Martin. They have brown skin, curly brown hair in an updo and is wearing a blue denim jacket.

WHO: HALI MARTIN

bbatx committee member

“At the beginning of the quarantine, my partner and I started walking all the neighboring streets from our home. Then we started driving to new neighborhoods and walking two or three miles. These walks helped give us time outside of our home, now the 'everything place'. We continued this when we got a dog in September, now getting to know the neighborhood dogs and their families. We also started reading Crazy Rich Asians out loud in the evenings. It helped make reading, a solitary activity, into one that both has us laughing until we are crying and rushing through dinner to read the next chapter together.“

WHO: JEN RODRIGUEZ (aka Chef JRodi)

bbatx committee member

“My faith keeps me going, ‘I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength,’ which feeds my current mantra, 'trust the gift.' I've chosen to disconnect from the chaos, it does not feed me but distracts me from accomplishing my goals and passions. When not in the kitchen, I'm creating new menus and recipes, writing novels (hope to finish one—one day), reorganizing a room or taking Sunday drives to see the changing seasons. Routines aren't my strongest suit (haha), my mind goes in too many directions at once to stay on track, but that's what makes me unique—that I can create a menu in one breath, then decide to redesign a room or read old novel excerpts to 'hey, should I build a garden?' moments. Each never-ending road expands my creative world and opens the door to new possibilities to keep growing, blossoming my soul.“

Photo of Jen Rodriguez. She has short curly hair, brown skin, and is wearing a mauve chef shirt.

See you in 2021.

You can learn more about how to get involved with bbatx next year here.

Future Front Texas 12/14/20 Future Front Texas 12/14/20

An Austin Gift Guide: 50+ Creative Small Businesses To Support This Holiday

This year’s annual bbatx gift guide of things from 50+ of the Austin-based creatives and small business owners we worked with in 2020.

Featuring everything from books and scarves to tattoos and arepas (we got you!), this year’s annual bbatx gift guide includes a selection of things from over 50 of the Austin-based creatives and small business owners we worked with in 2020.

Enjoy—and happy holidays.