Meet Eight Community Curators Behind Future Front Texas
From chefs to leaders in tech, we work with some incredible people to bring our program seasons to life.
Each year, we work with a group of community members, aka FRIENDS, to co-curate our showcase lineups and shape the vision of our programs. From chefs to leaders in tech, every FRIEND brings a unique perspective to what we do—and helps us ensure that the 1500 exhibition and commission opportunities we offer each year are community-centered.
Keep reading to learn more about this year’s founding curatorial team.
MEET OUR FRIENDS:
AISHA LEWIS
Aisha Lewis (she/her) is the Director of Strategic Programs at Notley where she launched Beam Angel Network to provide early-stage, women-founded companies with capital and Notley Health to fund health equity solutions that increase access to care for underserved Texans. Her passion for community impact stems from various roles connecting emerging founders to resources to scale their companies and investing in innovative solutions that are solving some of the world's toughest social and environmental problems in Los Angeles, Nairobi, San Francisco, Durham, and Austin. Outside of work, she loves patio hangs, DJ-ing, eating fruit and cheese (sometimes separately, sometimes together), and traveling!
MICHELE MARTELL
Michele Martell (she/her) is a media and technology attorney and entrepreneur, with more than 30 years of experience working with brands like The Muppets, the WWE and My Little Pony. Michele provides business & legal guidance to clients who are makers, inventors, creators and builders, with a focus on the intersection of technology and entertainment. She actively mentors a diverse group via her leadership as President of the Forklift Danceworks Board of Directors, Programming Chair for Women in Toys, Licensing and Entertainment, Vice-Chair of the Entertainment and Sports Law bar of Austin, and Co-Chair of the Austin chapter of the International Association of Privacy Professionals.
What's your vision for your work and life?
As a long-time attorney, I have learned that if I follow my passions and interests, it generates work that is meaningful to me. When I'm doing meaningful work, it feels completely integrated into my life. I love being my own boss, because it makes it easier to balance taking care of myself with taking care of clients.
What do you want the future of Texas to look like?
The Global Majority! Women & BIPOC running everything! Equity & community care, not extractive exploitative capitalism.
What do you love about being a FRIEND? <3
I love getting to play a small part in an organization that I have admired since moving to Austin. Jane & the team are incredible, and the community that has been formed around FFTx is filled with inspirational women.
AMANDA VAUGHN
Amanda Vaughn, PhD (she/her) is a biochemist and science communicator with creative habits of painting, DJing, and zine-making for recharging and overall well-being. She has lived in Taiwan, a tree house, an old bar in Madrid, and aboard a cruise ship, among other locales, and gets great joy from connecting with people from all walks of life via conversation in different languages. She is infinitely inspired and challenged by the goal of animating scientific thought in playful, engaging ways that encourage awe-inducing recontextualization.
What's your vision for your work and life?
My vision of work and life is to always remain curious, and ask all the stupid (and intelligent) questions. I feel that if curiosity is lost, so is a drive to continue to grow and learn throughout life. Surrounding oneself with people, sounds, and images that inspire is essential.
What do you want the future of Texas to look like?
For me, the future of Texas is free range, open sourced, and communal. In order for this to even begin to reach a level of possibility, people will need to shake it up, step out of old patterns, and meet people they otherwise would not have encountered without making an effort. By intermingling communities, Texans can evolve on both a genetic and communal level, while capturing a truer sense of what it means to be from this part of the world. I hope for the future of Texas to reflect this evolved state, all while providing more opportunities for women and queer members of the community. We still have a long road to travel, but we are making and increasing awareness of the current disparity.
What do you love about being a FRIEND? <3
Being a FRIEND gives me a bird eye's view of the org and provides the space for me to offer support as we grow our programming and community. The resilience of this community that has shone brightly throughout this pandemic era is beyond inspiring - it is *instructional* for how we can continue to thrive when our resources are limited.
CHEF JRODI
Most days, Chef JRodi aka Jen Rodriguez (she/her) plays with knives and blends colors of the earth's palette to feed, and serve others. Texas-born, Jen is the executive chef and owner of 3 small plates catering, a contemporary tapas-style catering company, specializing in culinary journeys. The award-winning DoD journalist retired her pen and paper for a knife and cutting board to share European travel through food, one plate at a time.
What's your vision for your work and life?
My vision for my work and life are interchangeable, one does not work without the other. If anything, my work leads my life.
Our vision is to transform everyday ingredients into unique dishes bringing the world of travel to our community, and great conversations back to the table.
Using similar ingredients from different cultural dishes showcases the diversity of these ingredients, and helps us to bridge the gaps between cultures through food.
One day, it’s our hope to have our own creative space (small bistro) to serve others on a larger scale. By having the necessary tools, space and equipment, 3SP would offer classes (cooking, writing, photography and business), event rental space, and pour into other entrepreneurs to help them reach their goals through networking, collaborations, grants, and partnerships.
What do you want the future of Texas to look like?
Together we thrive! I am an advocate for joining forces with other entrepreneurs, and persons of various backgrounds, and cultures to grow and thrive together. By understanding our neighbors, we’re able to connect in various ways without passing judgment first, and understanding later.
I’m Texas born, the Texas of my childhood and now are different. But, Texas doesn’t define who I am or how I engage with others who are not like me. I attribute my openness of engaging with other nationalities to living aboard. Many of my friends aren’t just friends to me, they’re family. We’ve learned a lot from each other’s heritage, culture and backgrounds from spending quality time with one another.
This is why I hope that Texas becomes a melting pot of all nationalities, learning, appreciating and growing with each other.
What do you love about being a FRIEND? <3
Friends help us to connect to each other without judgment. We realize that we are either creatives, artists, entrepreneurs or fighters of injustices. At some point ,we will cross paths to support each other directly and indirectly. Friends allow us to collaborate and help us to learn from one another, support one another and grow in our respective fields. By joining forces, we build and sometimes rebuild the community to what it was essentially meant to be. Then, together we thrive, and conquer the world.
SHANNON ELDER
Shannon Elder (she/her) is a writer, editor, designer, and curator with a focus on art and social justice. She currently oversees documentary photography projects as the Managing Editor and Designer at Native Agency, an organization diversifying the journalism industry. Catch her making collages and eating tacos in Austin, Texas.
What's your vision for your work and life?
Overall I would say to maintain joy, to be in community with and care for others, and to work towards justice. I really enjoy keeping my hands in multiple projects because it keeps me learning, growing, and creatively challenged. I have been on a journey of reshaping my idea of what labor means in our society and what our relationship to labor can look like after reading the book Laziness Does Not Exist by Dr. Devon Price. Right now I'm trying to move a little slower, be more present with myself, and take time for the projects that I've been putting off for too long.
What do you want the future of Texas to look like?
The future of Texas is diverse, creative, and powerful. At a time where we have many coexisting challenges to overcome - whether that's rooting out systematic racism, or ensuring the right to reproductive healthcare, or protecting those who migrate to this country for a better life, or working to address the immediate needs of a dying planet - everyone has a role to take on. This is a big state filled with fierce, radical, loving people doing that work to lead us to the future we all deserve.
What do you love about being a FRIEND? <3
I've popped through different Future Front events since I moved to Austin in the fall of 2017. Over the last few years I've kept coming back because I found a sense of community that is often difficult to come across elsewhere. I love being a FRIEND because it provides a structured way to contribute to Future Front programming, and event curation is something I have always really enjoyed. Beyond that, though, through this role I'm able to connect more deeply with others which is especially valuable to me as someone who has been working remotely.
SHANNON RIVERS
Shannon Rivers (she/her) is a local connection expert with clients featured in WWD, Forbes, and Tribeza. Her ten years of retail experience has led to a pivot into creative strategy, PR, and partnership roles, with various startups at the intersection of art and tech. Her passion for sustainability across industries and co-writing with musicians fills her free time.
What's your vision for your work and life?
My mission has been to assist clients in achieving sustainability in both their business and personal lives — the pandemic has been a lesson for me to take my own advice. Moving forward, I am looking to prioritize rest so I can continue co-agitating in both the creation and demolition of structures.
What do you want the future of Texas to look like?
Organizers in the South to get the support and visibility they deserve. Visible non-profits like Future Front who work to amplify other orgs expanding their reach to include all of Texas has been an important step. As someone who works in media, holding press that's not local accountable for reinforcing harmful narratives about our state is another important step.
What do you love about being a FRIEND? <3
I think especially right now there is a universal feeling of wanting to help and not being sure where to even begin. I'm grateful to be a part of a local social justice ecosystem that allocates volunteers. Being from here, it is an opportunity to give back to an org who has given myself and the community hope.
Tess Cagle
Tess Cagle (she/her) is a photographer and writer in Austin, Texas. Hailing from the Rio Grande Valley, Tess moved to Austin to study journalism and cultural anthropology at the University of Texas. Currently, her work centers around documenting the milestones of her neighbors and community to curate heirloom-level photos that tell stories.
What's your vision for your work and life?
My vision for my work and life can be summed up in one word: Balance.
I’m striving to cultivate a work/life balance that allows me to both create work that creatively nourishes me, but also leaves ample space for life beyond a career. I’ve struggled with hustle culture and burnout for much of my adult life and this year I finally see myself building a business that supports mental, emotional, and physical sustainability.
For my work specifically, my vision is documentarian photography that’s attainable for all. Candid photos that capture the essence of our community. My goal with every client I work with is to make them feel at home in themselves — comfortable in front of the camera and in love with the person they see captured. I want to show the Insta generation that photography is not about making you look a certain way or editing away parts of your body or even manufacturing a moment for the gram — it’s a tool we use to capture a feeling, time, and place. It’s a way to create an archive of your life.
What do you want the future of Texas to look like?
Vaccinated.
What do you love about being a FRIEND? <3
Whenever I feel hopeless about the future, I’ve learned to turn to my direct community and see what I can do to help locally. I love being a FRIEND because it’s a rewarding outlet to channel that need to help. Also, watching small business owners we partner with thrive is one of the most rewarding feelings ever.
TAYLOR DAVIS
Taylor Davis (she/her) is a graduate of UT Austin's Masters of Landscape Architecture program and works for a local design firm in Austin. Understanding that systems of marginalization exist by design, as a designer, it is important that her practice actively attempts to dismantle those systems. She hopes to facilitate and design spaces for communities to utilize, and to thrive in.
What's your vision for your work and life?
I want my work to be influenced by my life experiences and I want my life to be enriched by my work
What do you want the future of Texas to look like?
I want the future of Texas to look like a culture of healing and reparations.
What do you love about being a FRIEND? <3
Connecting with talented and driven people in Austin and collaborating on amazing opportunities!
LOOKING FOR MORE?
You can meet the rest of our team here. Keep up with what we’re up to—from virtual events to membership—here.
Apply For A Booth In The Front Market This Fall
The Front Market hosts digital and in-person pop-up shops, featuring creatives, designers, makers and artists from in Texas.
The Front Market is a creative community marketplace — homegrown in Austin, Texas. Produced by Future Front Texas, The Front Market hosts digital and in-person pop-up shops, featuring creatives, designers, makers and artists from in Texas.
Applications for our fall holiday season are now open through September 10, 2021 at 11:59 PM CT.
Keep reading for how to apply and everything else you need to know:
Application fees are $10, and you can purchase an application through September 10 at 11:59 PM CT.
Here are the two opportunities you can apply for:
OCTOBER 2 AND 3 — We're releasing a digital catalogue and virtual market, featuring vendors from our 2020 and 2021 lineups.
OCTOBER 16 TO DECEMBER 19 — We're hosting a series of in-person pop-up shops on select weekends at The Lakeline Mall in Austin, Texas.
If you'd like a listing in our catalogue or a booth with us this fall, now's your chance to apply. (We will not open applications again until 2022, y'all!)
WANT TO STAY INVOLVED WITH FUTURE FRONT TEXAS?
Keep up with what we’re up to—from virtual events to membership—here.
On Mindful Manicures And Sustainable Business Models: 'Cure Studios
‘Cure Studios founders, Rachel Daily and Kristin Owen chat about their new business, welcoming spaces and why it’s fun to get a manicure at night.
This summer, in light of our own rebirth, we’re catching up with Future Front Texas members and friends to explore vision.
Today, we’re chatting with ‘Cure Studios founders, Rachel Daily and Kristin Owen, about sustainability, creating welcoming spaces in Austin and why it’s fun to get a manicure at night.
Photo by Gaby Deimeke
ABOUT RACHEL DAILY and KRISTIN OWEN
Rachel is a long time Austinite who spends most of her money on the ever evolving food landscape and her bold, multi-occasion collection of jumpsuits. She has spent the past six years working at Stitch Fix where she is a Product Manager and has two dogs and a girlfriend that own her time away from work and 'Cure. In a former life (re: college) she worked as a makeup artist and found a passion in helping people look and feel better through small acts of self care. . She is also passionate about creating visibility, opportunity, and safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community and is on the programming board at StartOut. In her spare time, you will find her attempting a vast array of home construction projects that start small and somehow grow out of hand incredibly quickly.
Kristin was born and raised in Austin and has spent her career working as the Co-Founder and COO of DoStuff, hellbent on helping people find amazing things to do in their cities all over the country. Over the last decade she has spent her time investing in helping people have great experiences and find connection in their communities, discover new bands and artists, off the radar local businesses, and more. When she’s not at live shows or hiking somewhere while listening to a podcast, KO (as her friends call her) serves on the board of the Rainforest Partnership and has a deep connection to education about climate change with a specific focus on preventing deforestation. She also found that getting her nails done was one of her favorite self care exercises but could never fully relax when faced with the waste, chemicals, lack of recycling, and use of high volumes of water that have been the industry status quo to date.
WHAT IS ‘CURE STUDIOS?
‘Cure Studios is a speakeasy-style sustainable nail studio in East Austin that caters to people who want to practice a little self care. While they are starting small, their vision is to stay open late into the evening to accommodate those who can't break away during their busy days. They focus on quality waterless nail services, growing their staff through professional development and collective leadership, and making ethical business decisions.
Photo by Gaby Deimeke
Photo by Gaby Deimeke
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START ‘CURE?
Kristin and Rachel met in 2010 when they both worked at Do512. One night in 2017, when they were both taking a break from alcohol, they realized there weren’t many options for fun sober things to do after dinner. They bonded over loving their jobs but didn’t often have time for self-care due to long hours. Kristin bemoaned that they couldn’t go get a manicure in the moment and ironically, a month prior to their catch up, Rachel had tweeted "Midnight manicures don't exist and that astonishes me" - and thus, the shared vision for 'Cure was born
After doing some research, it became clear this was a need that wasn’t currently being met in Austin. They taught themselves about sanitation and products and found that while many natural nail polish lines were focused on sustainability, most salons were not. They thought: how can we make this eco-friendly, fun, professional, and still keep our day jobs? After four years of planning, research, and real estate hunting they are excited to announce that they are now open!.
WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO FEEL WHEN THEY WALK INTO ‘CURE?
‘Cure is driven by serving the underserved: professionals who are working during normal salon hours, parents whose only time to get a mani is when the kiddos are in bed, and people of all genders who don’t feel comfortable in a typical salon environment.
Many other professional services (think hair, skin etc) allow space for personalized care recommendations tailored to each client, but that isn’t traditionally the case for nail care. Kristin and Rachel are letting the ‘Cureists (nail techs) lead on what trends to follow, which products to use, and which services are best for the customer rather than just what is cheapest or easiest. They value their expertise and want the customer to know that they are coming from a place of caring about nails and providing a quality experience. If the ‘Cureist is genuinely excited about a product or service, then it’s usually a good sign the clientele will be too.
Rachel has lived on the eastside for 11 years and is focused on keeping the space approachable, inclusive, and community-oriented. Kristin, a long time 78704 resident, has built her entire career around helping local people find and experience local places. They acknowledge that their prices are a bit higher than some salons due to the products and services being offered but are expanding their menu to include more accessibly priced options. They also are working hard to ensure that the salon feels casual for clients, so if you come in wearing a suit or sweats you still feel welcome.
WHY IS SUSTAINABILITY IMPORTANT AT A NAIL SALON?
Kristin sits on the board of Rainforest Partnership, and is leading ‘Cure’s focus on the environment. When they bought their space, it wasn’t built out to include water and they realized this was actually a positive. Turns out soaked pedis are not only unsanitary due to waterborne bacteria risk and dry out your skin, but they actually swell your nail beds and reduces the lifetime of your polish. All of their services are soak-less with very limited water only for warm towels.
Most “natural” manicures aren’t known for their durability so ‘Cure is trying to solve the problem of how to have a cool, strong manicure while also being eco-friendly. They found the balance in focusing on efforts like biodegradable tools and polish recycling while still offering the high-quality products that customers have come to depend on.
Photo by Gaby Deimeke
Photo courtesy of Cynthia Munoz
WHAT’S COMING UP NEXT?
They have big hopes and dreams of growing beyond a nail salon but are focused on getting their foundational opportunity perfected first. Eventually, they’d like to focus on becoming a full-service self-care focused collection of studios. Self-care can look like manicures and cocktails but it also means mindfulness, sharing knowledge, and contributing to the community overall. They eventually want to create a space for continued education or yoga classes and create product lines that focus on health and sustainability.
‘Cure is open now for appointments Thursdays and Fridays from 2 to 9 PM, Saturday from 10 to 8 PM and Sunday from 11 to 6 PM.
They are offering FFTX members and readers a 15% discount through october 15 using code FUTUREFRONT.
Want to stay involved with Future Front Texas?
Keep up with what we’re up to—from virtual events to membership—here.
We Have Officially Re-Opened: A Recap Of The Front Market And Festival
As a creative community experience, The Front showcased more than 150+ women and queer artists, designers, small business owners, performers, filmmakers and independent creatives across the state of Texas.
This past weekend, we produced The Front Market and Festival — our first-ever flagship production as Future Front Texas.
As a creative community experience, The Front Market and Festival showcased more than 150+ women and queer artists, designers, small business owners, performers, filmmakers and independent creatives across the state of Texas. With open-air and outdoor daytime markets and nighttime showcases, we saw more than 3,500 guests, raising $2,245 in donations for our Creative Future of Texas Fund.
Keep reading for a full recap of the weekend.
ON AUGUST 21 AND 22, WE EXHIBITED MORE THAN 150 SMALL BUSINESSES AT THE FRONT MARKET.
Love balm. That’s the best way to describe this year’s first-ever The Front Market.
Our vendors came from across Texas to share their work and receive support—and y’all showed up with generous hearts. Thank you for loving on our lineup!
Moreover, we appreciate y’all for rolling with us as we redesigned the market to accommodate for optimal community safety. This year for COVID-19 safety measures, capacity was limited, masks were required and half of our vendors were located outdoors in the steamy and dreamy Texas heat.
If you didn’t catch the market, you can still take a look at all of our vendors here. You can learn more about applying for the next one here.
ON AUGUST 20 AND 21, WE showcased MORE THAN 17 artists, performers and filmmakers, as part of the front fest.
To toast our return, we curated two intimate nighttime showcases, featuring local filmmakers, musicians and DJs that we collaborated with during shutdown. Hosted in collaboration with queer-everybody bar Cheer Up Charlies, every showcase was special and sweet.
If you didn’t make it out, you can still get to know all of this year’s guest artists at thefrontfest.com.
THANK YOU FOR HELPING US RAISE $2245 FOR OUR MICRO-GRANTS INITIATIVES. THANK YOU FOR SHOWING UP AND SHOWING OUT FOR THIS COMMUNITY. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING WHAT WE DO.
We could not have reopened without you. Emerging from shutdown with such a delightfully warm, safe and loving welcome has been a reminder of good times to come. We hope you’ll stay involved!
BEHIND THE FRONT MARKET AND FESTIVAL
The Front Market and Festival has emerged from what was formerly known as BABES FEST and craftHER Market. Active from 2016 to 2020, BABES FEST and craftHER Market saw more than 30,000 guests and supported more than 2000 creatives and business owners.
Now, after a year of shutdowns, pivots and existential realness, The Front Market and Festival will carry that work into the future.
We will continue platforming emerging talent across the state of Texas. We will continue to work cross-collaboratively with partners to host workshops, build community and provide opportunities to creatives and small business owners year-round. Thank you to all of our supporting brands, organizations and collaborators:
As our first flagship production, we are so grateful for your support. <3 If you are interested in becoming a partner in 2022, please email us at hello@futurefronttexas.org.
WANT TO STAY INVOLVED WITH FUTURE FRONT TEXAS?
Keep up with what we’re up to—from virtual events to membership—here.
Meet The Front Market and Festival's 2021 Lineup
On August 21 and 22, we’re officially reopening with a weekend of pop-up shops and performances, centering emerging creatives, artists, designers and small business owners from Texas.
On August 21 and 22, we’re hosting our official reopening weekend with the launch of The Front Market and Festival. 🌍🌵
Keep reading to learn about the women and queer creatives, artists, designers and small business owners from Texas on our lineup.
PS: If you haven’t RSVP’d yet, you can grab tickets to our market and festival here.
OUR DAILY SCHEDULES:
AUGUST 20 — THE FRONT FEST MUSIC SHOWCASE AT CHEER UP CHARLIES — DOORS AT 7 PM CT
Join us from 7 to 10 PM CT on August 20 for intimate outdoor performances by Kam Franklin of The Suffers (Houston), Lorelei K (Dallas) and more.
To close the night, DJ Bragglights (Austin) will spin us out.
Tickets are $15. Click here to get yours.
AUGUST 21 + 22 — THE FRONT MARKET AT FAIR MARKET — 11 AM TO 5 PM CT EACH DAY
Come through to support more than 150 women and queer creatives and small business owners across the state of Texas. Open on August 21 and 22, expect daily DJ sets, art installations and more.
100% free. 100% open-air and outdoors.
Tickets are free or by donation. Click here to get yours.
AUGUST 21 — THE FRONT FEST FILM SHOWCASE AT CHEER UP CHARLIES — DOORS AT 7 PM CT
Enjoy a nighttime, outdoor screening of shorts and features made by local filmmakers, producers and directors. This night will also mark the first-ever in-person screening of GIRLS LIKE US from p1nkstar, which features a selection of trans artists across the state of Texas.
Tickets are $15. Click here to get yours.
MEET THIS YEAR’S GUEST SMALL BUSINESSES AT THE FRONT MARKET:
AUGUST 21 AND 22
✰ White Rhino Bags
✰ NatureTats Temporary Tattoos
✰ Junkmaille
✰ Rancho Sueño
✰ Mochila Mochila By Freay
✰ Tribe and Sol
✰ The Black Daisy
✰ Snugggfit Athletic Wear
✰ Em.Swimwear
✰ Mulle Ceramics
✰ Chantal Strasburger Ceramics
✰ Howdy Ceramics
✰ Fig Tree Pots
✰ Corrie Pocta Ceramics
✰ Flo's Earthship
✰ Sunbeam Succulents
✰ Blue Ink Moon
✰ Calavera Press
✰ Tsz Kam
✰ Jack and Bec
✰ Chloé Gray
✰ Moonhowler Press
✰ Flynn Craft House
✰ Social Justice Jewelry
✰ Soul Rebel Jewelry
✰ Little Love Parcels
✰ Abbstract
✰ YEAR 901
✰ Little Green Press
✰ Plantita
✰ Vida Antigua Vintage
✰ Host Publications
✰ Mycheryl Russ, Your Chak Therapist
✰ Temazcal Life
✰ Pure Skin Repair
✰ As You Are Acupuncture
✰ Redeemer Small Batch
✰ Herban Veda
✰ Rocky Woods Studio
✰ Kathy Phan
✰ Martha’s Contemporary
✰ Lucid Voyage
✰ Kozie
✰ Scentual Enlightenment
✰ The Flower Note
✰ The Little Gay Shop
✰ Womanly Magazine
✰ Yoko Vintage
✰ Laura Clay Art
✰ Las Ofrendas
AUGUST 21 ONLY
✰ Purse & Clutch
✰ Andrea Patin Ceramics
✰ Soy Austin Candles
✰ High Desert
✰ swatcasso
✰ Doodles Bye Sara
✰ Corey Carbo
✰ Ojitos Alegres
✰ Things by Bean
✰ Small Talk
✰ Mimiscurlz
✰ KynKia Natural Products
✰ Mountains of Thread
✰ Mazapan Paper Co.
✰ Pascal NU
✰ omghanners
✰ Fanm Djanm
✰ Origin Pink
✰ Fuerte and Fearless
✰ Serve Pottery
✰ House of Guts
✰ Ricka Made
✰ All That Raaz
✰ Madcramé
✰ Unbeweavable Fibers
✰ Hard Shapes
✰ Cowgirl UFO
✰ Allyson Lea Designs
✰ Love Art Style
✰ dd's pendants
✰ Sweet Cream
✰ KEESHcosmetics
✰ Home With Hound
✰ The Medicinal Melange
✰ Bandana of the Month Club
✰ The Sassy Aunt
✰ LOKA.HAUS
✰ Classic Childhood
✰ LAO Goods
✰ See Phillips
✰ Ivelisse Designs
✰ Stiiickky
✰ Water Carved Creations
✰ LJ Crystal Designs
✰ West of Noon
✰ karmita
✰ Screw Plastic
✰ The Butter Fairy
✰ Avidan Matcha
✰ Jake & Jubi's Snack Co.
AUGUST 22 ONLY
✰ Art Bags by Felisa
✰ groovy kiwi
✰ SoleMate Sox
✰ Katie Ann Clay
✰ Nikki Oh! Ceramics
✰ Ceramics by Tanya Zal
✰ Mocha's Home
✰ Peace and Poker
✰ The Aquariust
✰ Meg Ya Look!
✰ Kno Design by Kemba Opio
✰ Maridad Studio
✰ Chauncey and Coco
✰ Womxn on the Moon
✰ Bodhi Leaf Designs
✰ SewMuchWag
✰ Blackbird Bath
✰ Cale + Simone
✰ Cultura Campaign
✰ Flourish Fiber Art
✰ Annissa & Thread
✰ Streetnik
✰ Mary Claret Studio
✰ Karacotta Ceramics
✰ Kale & Co & Mo
✰ whit_stitch
✰ Dry Garden
✰ Raving Flamingo Flowers & Estate Jewelry
✰ Cara Bella Designs
✰ Allegory Handmade
✰ 2spiritQueer
✰ Erica Prasad Art
✰ Goddess Gatherings Apothecary
✰ Thrive Greenhouse TX
✰ Shape + Form
✰ Ruda by Alejandra
✰ Giving Ray
✰ Amelia Mickelsen
✰ Kosechas
✰ Divine Practice
✰ Terra Stoma
✰ Zip N Zap Crafts
✰ Sister Moon Ceramics
✰ The Forking Vegan
✰ Southern Girl & Co.
✰ Basic Ass Tea
✰ Street Sweets
Want to stay involved with Future Front Texas?
Keep up with what we’re up to—from virtual events to membership—here.
Introducing The Creative Future of Texas Fund
The Creative Future of Texas Fund is an annual Future Front Texas program where we offer $7000 in micro-grants to women and LGBTQ+ creatives, small business owners, community leaders and emerging entrepreneurs in Austin, Texas.
The Creative Future of Texas Fund is an annual Future Front Texas program where we offer $7000 in micro-grants to women and LGBTQ+ creatives, small business owners, community leaders and emerging entrepreneurs in Austin, Texas.
Applications are open now through August 31, 2021 at 11:59 PM CT.
Para una aplicación en español, haga click aqui. Mas información en español abajo, también.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A MICRO-GRANT FROM THE CREATIVE FUTURE OF TEXAS FUND:
1.) DETERMINE IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE.
If you’re a woman or LGBTQ+ creative, entrepreneur or small business owner (with less than 20 employees) based in Central Texas, you’re eligible to apply for $1000 micro-grant from the Creative Future of Texas Fund, as well as a free membership to Future Front Texas.
2.) REVIEW OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
You may apply for all seven grant opportunities. All recipients will only receive one $1000 micro-grant each. This season’s micro-grants will be juried by a six-person community-led curatorial board with an lens designed from our values, mission and vision.
By filling out the digital application below, you verify that all information submitted there is true and representative of your current circumstances.
By filling out the digital application below, you understand that all submissions received after 11:59 PM CT on August 31 will not be scored and sent to our community-led jury*.
By filling out the digital application below, you acknowledge that submitting your application for a micro-grant opportunity in no way guarantees you will receive a $1000 award.
* If you’d like to see our jury’s rubric, please email hello@futurefronttexas.org.
3.) FILL OUT THE APPLICATION FORM BY 11:59 PM CT ON AUGUST 31, 2021.
As an applicant, you will receive one month free of membership to FFTX, which includes complimentary access to our community boards, creative performances and shows, entrepreneurial workshops, networking meet-ups and educational resources.
We will respond to your application via email by October 4, 2021 with your award status.
meet former recipients:
The Texas Latina Project has received a $1000 grant to fund their new feature film anthology.
Myrriah Gossett received a $1000 grant funded by Richelle Ouellette to launch her podcast production company.
Perdita Patrice, founder of Golden Girl Productions, received $500 to continue her documentary research.
Danielle Locklear received a $1000 grant from Curly Executive to invest in marketing for her therapy practice.
Tallullah Breslin received $500 to begin developing gender-affirming voice coaching through her speech therapy practice, Harmonic Speech Therapy.
Catie Lewis received $500 from Curly Executive to start foundational planning for her art business.
BEHIND THE CREATIVE FUTURE OF TEXAS FUND:
Annually, we offer $10,000 in micro-grants to women and LGBTQ+ creatives, small business owners, community leaders and emerging entrepreneurs in Austin, Texas. In the last five years, we’ve re-distributed more than $30,000 to creatives, business owners and community leaders invested in gender justice, racial justice and community health.
Our 2021 funds have been made possible by our members, as well as generous donations from Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Red Bull.
Want to stay involved with Future Front Texas?
Keep up with what we’re up to—from virtual events to membership—here.
How To Pre-Order A Texan Feminist Tee From Future Front
Our Texan Feminist tee is back for pre-order.
Your favorite tee is back with a whole new look. 🔥
Redesigned by Juanita Segovia, our new Texan Feminist tee will be printed on soft, sustainable cotton from Everybody.World.
All proceeds from the tee will benefit the administration of our Creative Future of Texas Fund, which micro-grants money to women and queer creative and business owners in Texas by women.
Because we work with independent and ethical partners to create our merch, our tees take anywhere from four to six weeks to make.
So, in order to ensure that we have a Texan Feminist T-shirt available for you in 2021, please place your pre-order now by August 15, 2021.
Want to stay involved with Future Front Texas?
Keep up with what we’re up to—from virtual events to membership—here.
On Making Music, Producing And Queen Energy: Angélica Rahe
Spanish-American artist and musician Angélica Rahe chats about her upcoming show at Mohawk, producing her own debut album and her experience as a young woman in the Texas music industry.
This summer, in light of our own rebirth, we’re catching up with Future Front Texas members and friends to explore vision.
Today, we’re featuring Spanish-American artist and musician, Angélica Rahe, a current FFTX member.
Keep reading to learn about her upcoming show at Mohawk, producing her own debut album and her experience being a young woman in the Texas music industry.
Photo by Jana Cantua, Design by Alie Jackson
ABOUT ANGÉLICA RAHE
After touring around the world as musical director and guitarist for Kali Uchis on tour with Lana Del Rey, Spanish singer-songwriter ANGÉLICA RAHE (pronounced “ray”) moved to Austin in 2018 to produce her own project.
After recording an EP (Love, Translated) with Adrian Quesada of Black Pumas that year, Angélica focused on her debut album, REINA, which was released on Valentine's Day 2020. Her music reflects her journey of femininity, sensuality, and self-love, and has garnered her comparisons to Sade, Rosalía, Jill Scott and Solange.
Tell us a little bit about yourself — how did you get into music?
I’m a Spanish-American artist and musician. I create things to share parts of myself and my experience that I feel could help others appreciate parts of themselves and their experiences. Sometimes, that is a song and, more recently, that has been painting portraits. I got into music in part because my parents were performers, and music was one of the things that we shared as a family.
Our experiences were of being foreigners in Japan or Spain or America even, so music came naturally to me as it consistently contributed to our shared experience. As I grew older, I started writing songs as a way to consume the experiences of others and share my own, and I’ve been writing songs for 15 years now. Making songs with Adrian Quesada of Black Pumas and being musical director for Kali Úchis on a global tour back in 2018 are, in a way, just extensions of the journey I’ve been able to have by constantly feeding the connection to music I’ve had since childhood.
Photo by Jana Cantua
Photo by Jana Cantua
Proudest milestone?
Creating and releasing my debut album, REINA. It’s the first time I’ve ever written and self-produced a complete body of work. It was a true labor of love and life-changing experience.
Angélica in 3 words?
Woman. Artist. Queen.
What’s your No. 1 muse?
Women. And people who uplift and honor them.
What do you want people to feel when they listen to your music?
Empowered, worthy, felt, and drenched in self-love.
How would you describe your creative and production process?
It’s very rooted in ritual. I do my best work when I give myself time to ease into my day. I have a journaling practice that I do daily while I drink my beloved cup of coffee.
From there, I’ve started incorporating the piano into my practice, and that usually sets the tone of whether I want to start working on a new lyric or melody or a new track, or now, in the last year, start to paint. I taught myself how to paint with oils, and it’s opened up a whole new world for me creatively. I really try to avoid forcing things in any way, both in art and in life. So when I’m not flowing musically as much, I pick up my paint brush. Some days, I’ve realized productivity is not doing any of it.
On days where none of this feels right, I’ll do something that fills my well. Yoga, plants, cooking, hunting for vintage treasures, taking a walk with a friend or a run around my neighborhood, or spending time with my love—all of these things can sometimes be the most productive thing. I make my best art when I take the best care of myself. (And yes, I still have to remind myself of this all the time because I definitely do have perfectionist tendencies.)
You've collaborated with a lot of cool people in the music industry. What has that experience been like?
I spent almost seven years living in LA before moving to Austin and was fortunate to collaborate with a lot of incredible and very successful artists, songwriters and producers during my time there. But I must say my experience coming here and deciding to develop my own personal project has been the highlight of my career so far. Adrian Quesada (Black Pumas, Grupo Fantasma) was the first person I had the honor of working with when I arrived. We recorded a couple songs on my first EP “Love, Translated”—and I remember feeling so overwhelmed by how someone with his talent and track record treated me with so much respect and humility.
As a young woman in the industry environment in LA, I constantly felt the need to prove my worth when I entered a room or writing session, being measured by how many Grammy wins or record deals or Billboard hits I didn’t have and ultimately always having to fill a support role as a songwriter or background singer/guitarist for the artist(s) that had all these things, as a way to “get my foot in the door.”
So, I can’t understate how powerful it was for me coming here and having this experience working with people like Adrian and, later, the incredible musicians that played on my album REINA—namely Nick Clark (Kanye, H.E.R., Demi Lovato), Cleon Edwards (Erykah Badu, Jill Scott) and Jake Sherman (Nick Hakim). I mean, these are literally some of the most talented musicians out there. From the get go, all of them truly were in service of my vision; they let me lead and took me seriously. It was life-changing for me to feel that.
I can’t be more grateful to all of them for giving me that gift, which ultimately lead me to also see myself in this light.
What are you most excited about for your upcoming show?
This show is really important to me because it’s my first time performing with my band in a year and a half; literally since my album release show in February 2020. At the time, I was getting ready for a 26 city tour across the U.S. and Canada scheduled for March/April, which got cancelled due to the pandemic.
Honestly, I was heartbroken because getting things to that point had taken years of planning and hard work. So, I’m super ready and grateful to have the opportunity to be on stage again and share space and connection with this amazing community that has really been integral to my growth as an artist.
You can purchase tickets here.
Photo by Sophia Lawson
Photo by Jana Cantua
Want to stay involved with Future Front Texas?
Keep up with what we’re up to—from virtual events to membership—here.
Introducing The Community Leaders Of Color Mental Health Fund
Presented by Future Front Texas in partnership with Colors of Austin Counseling, The Community Leaders of Color Mental Health Fund is an ongoing therapy fund for Black, Indigenous and non-white leaders of color pursuing racial justice in creative, community, business and work settings.
Presented by Future Front Texas in partnership with Colors of Austin Counseling, The Community Leaders of Color Mental Health Fund is an ongoing therapy fund for Black, Indigenous and non-white leaders of color pursuing racial justice in creative, community, business and work settings.
Through this program, you can apply for up to five pro-bono therapy sessions.
*Nota Importante: Haga click para encontrar una traducción en Español.
☺ We know that BIPOC leaders show up for show communities in times of crisis—often while managing their own trauma and sense of safety.
✰ We also know that BIPOC folks step up to represent their communities in big ways—and that act of collective-care can be overwhelming.
AND That’s where the community leaders of color mental health fund comes in.
Through this fund, we will seasonally grant 15 community leaders of color up to five sessions each of culturally-appropriate crisis therapy with a therapist at Colors of Austin Counseling.
Because we envision a world where mental health is normalized.
We envision a world where our communities are fiercely cared for—and racial justice work is followed by restoration. We envision a world where BIPOC leaders in many community settings—from small business owners to entrepreneurs to organizers to nonprofit directors—receive the support they deserve.
HOW TO SUBMIT A REQUEST FOR SUPPORT:
2.) Submit your request with our form.
This resource has been brought forward due to the organizing work of Colors of Austin’s Director of Equity Sandra Olarte-Hayes (she/her/ella)—a bilingual LCSW, therapist, and circle keeper in Austin, Texas—in collaboration with fellow Black, Indigenous and POC colleagues and therapists from the Colors of Austin Counseling staff.
Once you apply for a session, you will be considered for placement with an available therapist in their network. Your request is entirely confidential. (Responses to your request may take five to seven business days.)
1.) Ensure you are eligible to apply.
You must be based in Austin, Texas.
You must identify as Black, Indigenous or a person of color.
You must identify as a woman, trans, gender-non-conforming or LGBTQ+.
You must be leading or a part of a creative project, community project, work project or business that furthers racial justice.
You must submit your support request by August 15, 2021 at 11:59 PM CT.
BEHIND THE FUND
Throughout August and September 2020, we partnered with activist Sandra Olarte-Hayes and 8 BIPOC therapists to provide 100+ pro bono therapy sessions in Austin, Texas through a program we called BIPOC Therapy Support. Thanks to the volunteer efforts of Sandra, our staff and the therapists that stepped up, more than 25 community leaders were connected to vital mental health support and received at least two to five sessions of pro bono help as they work to actualize racial and social justice for our world.
The Community Leaders of Color Mental Health Fund has emerged from that initial volunteer vision. In its current iteration, the fund has been redesigned through a partnership with Colors of Austin Counseling, to properly compensate therapists for their time, as well as ensure that every applicant is appropriately supported. Thanks to underwriting support from Tito’s Handmade Vodka, the fund was reintroduced in July 2021 and will continue to offer therapy options as more resources and donations become available.
Meet the fund’s founders:
Sandra Olarte-Hayes (she/her/ella) is a bilingual LCSW, therapist, and circle keeper in Austin, Texas.
Her healing work has focused on working with formerly and currently incarcerated individuals, young organizers, immigrant youth and families, and individuals on both sides of domestic violence. She also works with clients undergoing family conflict, depression, personal and intergenerational trauma, and racial and cultural issues. Sandra's work is grounded in anti-oppresive, feminist frameworks and she dedicates much of her energy to healing justice initiatives which bridge the gap between healing work and social change movements. She is deeply passionate about restorative justice and bringing healing to individuals on both sides of violence and strongly believes all change, both systemic and personal, are grounded in relationships, connection, and community.
Colors of Austin Counseling is an intentionally diverse multidisciplinary group practice that provides counseling services in-person and online within the state of Texas.
We are social justice oriented in our practice and inclusive in our work within the community. Our goal is to reduce the barriers that exist when it comes to mental health support and to provide high quality clinical services to all regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, ability and/or socioeconomic status.
Future Front Texas is a 501c3 nonprofit, homegrown in Austin 🌍
We started as a grassroots meet-up series called Boss Babes ATX (bbatx) in 2015. We are run by a four-person staff and a network of amazing volunteers, each committed to cultivating the spaces we want to see in the world.
Alongside our members, collaborators and partners, we nurture creativity, community-building and professional resilience in Texas. We make spaces where women and queer creatives, founders and leaders can grow together.
Currently, we produce an annual festival and market, a year-round learning club, as well as multiple community funds and initiatives.
Meet the fund’s underwriter:
Want to stay involved with Future Front Texas?
Keep up with what we’re up to—from virtual events to membership—here.
On Nurturing Young Women of Color: The R.O.S.E. Project
Nina Bailey of The R.O.S.E. Project chats about her vision behind the nonprofit's new scholarships, the value of a daily mantra and why Texas should mind its own business.
This summer, in light of our own rebirth, we’re catching up with Future Front Texas members and friends to explore vision.
Today, we’re chatting with one of our sponsored community projects, The R.O.S.E. Project. In May 2021, we supported their new scholarship program for girls pursuing STEAM education, The Rosebud Scholarship, by donating tote bags and $20 gift cards to all of the applicants.
We caught up with founder Nina Bailey to learn more about the nonprofit’s new scholarship program, the value of a daily mantra and why Texas should mind its own business.
Photo courtesy of Nina Bailey
ABOUT NINA AND THE R.O.S.E. PROJECT:
I’ve been in Austin for 7 years, and I’m originally from Detroit, Michigan. My background is mainly working with youth and family, as I’ve worked in parole, childcare, and counseling within residential facilities. I started The R.O.S.E. Project because I’ve recognized a lot of gaps within educational systems, where young children of color, specifically Black girls, have almost no representation, nor emotional or mental wellness.
I tried to change this by working within systems, but I’ve realized that we are dealing with systems that are doing what they were created for. I decided to focus on preventative measures so young women don’t have to deal with these things as they grow up. I teach them better communication and guide them through daily issues from something as simple as homework to talking about family, dating and personal challenges.
What compelled you to launch THE ROSE BUD scholarship, and how have you seen it make a difference?
I launched the scholarship to focus on girls pursuing STEAM, trades and entrepreneurship because we often don’t get funding in these areas for girls of color. A lot of the time, parents are busy working and don’t have time to look into scholarships, either. Even if families are actively looking, it’s hard to navigate finding money for your child.
I don’t think girls should struggle through the process of getting funding to go to school. To have that entrepreneurial mindset of doing things, such as making and selling keychains or making your own products, is amazing to me. Who am I not to assist?
The girls who received this year’s scholarships were really appreciative and talked about the things they wanted to do with their money. They’re very talented, and I know it boosted their self-esteem.
We also use the program to show the girls that there are people out there who can help them and that there are women in Austin who would open their arms to them. I want to help the girls start a network at a young age and learn all the things I learned as an adult.
Photo courtesy of Nina Bailey (Gift bags sponsored by us!)
Photo courtesy of Nina Bailey
What’s your day-to-day mantra?
I am worthy. Life happens for me naturally. For a long time, I had been in a victim mentality when things didn't go my way. I now tell myself that whatever happens leads me to wherever I need to be.
You want the future of Texas to look like…
Safe. Texas needs to mind its own business when it’s come to women’s bodies, education systems and mental health. I want Texas to stay in its lane, so we can take care of OUR business and OUR people.
Best advice you’ve been given?
Stop talking. When you’re doing things that feel good, you naturally want to share your ideas and dreams. But that can unfortunately be our own downfall and sometimes a barrier to reaching our goals.
What was your childhood dream job?
Gynecologist. I loved babies and was always fascinated by women’s bodies and the things that we’re able to do. I had the same gynecologist from age 13 until I moved away from Detroit. She guided me through my body changes, and I learned a lot from her.
Then, I wanted to be a chef on the side. I almost went through with it. I went to school for a year majoring in biology, but everything changed when we had to dissect a body. I couldn't stand that.
What does a day in the life of Nina consist of?
I get up, do some stretching, work out depending on how my body is feeling (recently, I’ve been jump roping), do my meditation, make a smoothie and set my intentions for the day.
Then, I work my full-time job. After work, I work on my own business project which usually involves writing, recording, or planning out what I need to do.
I am doing better at balancing my daily living between work and a semi-social life.
The thing you most wish for in the world is…
To do what I love to do, which is working for myself and pouring out into the community. I want to be in a financial position where I can give back to everyone. Money isn’t everything, but money helps. Finances are a huge part of what keeps communities from prospering the way they should be able to.
Photo courtesy of Nina Bailey
Photo courtesy of Nina Bailey
What’s next for The R.O.S.E Project?
Currently, I’m thinking of turning The R.O.S.E Project into a yearly scholarship program or bringing back our school event where we gave out backpacks and supplies, and provided educational panels.
I’m also starting my own business in meditation and healing. I want to provide the tools that young girls may need, and I don’t want it to come out of their pockets, so we also need to do a lot more fundraising.
What are the best ways to get involved and support your work?
We’re always taking donations and collecting supplies such as yoga mats, journals and water bottles, and/or gift cards. If community members would like to donate they can use our link for the scholarship Rose Bud Scholarship or our non-profit link The R.O.S.E. Project.
Want to stay involved with Future Front Texas?
Keep up with what we’re up to—from virtual events to membership—here.