Danette inherited her entrepreneurial spirit from her father, who told her that she could either be “a worker bee or a queen bee, but you can’t be both.” Danette is both. She envisioned a place where spa treatments and therapies would be available to everyone, not just a rarified few. And since 2003, she’s been doing just that.

We caught up with Danette just before she started to move into her booth at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.

Photo courtesy of Danette Wicker

Worthy Convos: First of all, tell us a little bit about yourself.

Danette Wicker: We have lived in Fort Worth for over 35 years. We moved here with our son, Antonio, for my husband, Alphas, to work at TCOM (Now UNT Health). We have seen Fort Worth grow, and we have grown Danette’s Urban Oasis along with it.

MW: What made you decide to open a wellness spa AND gift boutique instead of a wellness spa OR gift boutique?

DW: DUO’s evolution into a wellness studio and boutique started with a vision of being affordable and accessible to all. I am multi-licensed and offer services similar to those at a larger spa, but I offer them so that all can afford to take time for themselves.

My father taught me in business that you must have multiple streams of income. By offering detox and wellness services, I am meeting the needs of those clients. By providing retail goods, I offer gifts for entertaining (indoor and outdoor) and great curated gifts made by my husband and me.

MW: What is the most popular service that you offer?

DW: The most popular service is the full-body red light therapy with a detox ionic foot session and reflex foot massage. I am a multi-licensed wellness studio and boutique in private practice, and I love seeing the joy clients show when they realize the space and time set aside just for them.

Photo courtesy of Danette Wicker

MW: DUO has been in business since 2003. Congratulations! Can you tell us how you’ve succeeded in a competitive field and in a city where new businesses open and close every year?

DW: The foundation of DUO has not changed. We signed our first commercial lease at the Downtown YMCA in 2003. The vision was and is to offer affordable and accessible services to our community. The 60-minute massage started at $30 in 2003 and is now $45. I have worked with clients and families from pregnancy through hospice. We are always sowing and growing. I strive to learn and add new services for my clients. I offer $50 yearly memberships, DUO 50/50, and clients get the Detox Wellness Sessions for 50% off. It’s a way for everyone to access therapy they thought they could not afford.

MW: What are your most popular product lines?

DW: Our most popular gifts are the Drink Handlers from a fantastic, made-in-Texas small business. They are beverage sleeves with handles to keep your hands warm and your drinks cold.

Our stainless steel tumblers feature a dual-chamber design, allowing you to enjoy hot beverages on one side and cold beverages on the other.

Our NeckSips are a fun gift that lets you enjoy and stay hands-free. It is like an adult drink bag with a lanyard. It is excellent for pool parties and wine festivals.

MW: What are your most popular spa services?

DW: Waterless pedicures are gaining in popularity. I wanted to get my nail tech license so that I could offer safe, sanitary, non-toxic nail services in a private studio. It has been wonderful for my mobility-challenged and immune-compromised clients. Our wellness studio is wheelchair accessible, and all are welcome.

Photo courtesy of Danette Wicker

MW: Congratulations on the Stock Show! How long have you had a booth there?

DW: We have been at the Stock Show since 2017. It has transformed our business. We literally have visitors from around the world. It kicks off the 1st quarter of the year and lays the foundation for our success.

MW: And finally, what’s new at Danette’s Urban Oasis in 2026?

DW: I am excited to offer Spa Day for 2 at DUO!

Clients can choose Red Light Therapy, Detox Ionic Foot Session, Detox Infrared Sauna, and Shiatsu Leg and Foot Massage. The Spa Day for 2 has helped grow our business among visitors to Fort Worth. We are on the other side of downtown, an easy walk or a shared ride away. It is also a fabulous spa day for family or friends.

The post Worthy Convos: Danette Wicker of DUO: Danette’s Urban Oasis first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

In this installment of Worthy Convos, we talked with Donna Clark, the owner and creative mind behind Cowtown Twenty-Five, an art studio with the motto, “Make Art, Make Friends, Make Memories” that offers classes and workshops to help us reconnect to our creative, joyful selves.

Tanglewood Moms: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Donna Clark: My name is Donna Clark. I’m a native Fort Worthian, born and raised. Attended Arlington Heights High School, and also TCU – where I majored in communications (radio/tv/film).

My first career was an award winning video producer/writer/director, and I did that for broadcast and corporate projects for over 20 years.

My next entrepreneurial project was creating a non-profit theatre arts academy for kids in Coppell. It was there that my successful, after school “drama club” program was born. That ran for 16 years in schools in the DFW Metroplex (private, public, and charter schools).

Last year, my husband and I decided to embark on an adventure and move to Beaufort, South Carolina. There, I opened an art gallery (in honor of my late sister), featuring works of Fort Worth artists such as Jimmy Joe Jenkins, Amy Young, Mouty Shackelford, and Stacy McKnight. It was here that we started offering art/craft classes, and they were SUPER popular – we sold out every class over the summer months.

And while the gallery/studio was doing well in South Carolina, we really missed Fort Worth…and so this past October, we moved back…because “there’s no place like home.”

But knowing I wasn’t “done” with the art gallery/studio, I launched some “mobile” classes in November and December. We will continue to hold classes here locally, and also offer our DIY Kits online that can be shipped anywhere in the US.

Photo courtesy of Donna Clark and Cowtown Twenty-Five

TWM: What inspired you to open Cowtown Twenty-Five?

DC: My younger sister, Leanne, was a “hobby artist” and loved to create every day. She was an interior designer by trade, but loved dabbling with different mediums, especially alcohol inks, watercolors, and acrylics. She lost her battle with cancer in July of 2024, so this gallery and this art focus, is in her honor.

TWM: Is there a story behind the name?

DC: Since we were in Beaufort, South Carolina at the time of the creation of this gallery/studio, I wanted to pay homage to my own roots. The address of the studio was “25” – so Cowtown Twenty-Five was born. Everything in the studio represented my love for Cowtown, including the artists whose works I represented.

TWM: What kind of classes do you offer?

DC: Right now, we are offering crushed glass and resin classes. These are super popular because not only can you make a beautiful piece of art for your home, but ANYONE can do this.

TWM: I love that you offer DIY kits! What a great present! Can you tell us a little about the kits?

DC: Yes! The kits come with everything you need to complete a crushed glass and resin project. You get the form (the wooden frame), crushed glass, the resin and hardener, protective gloves, contact paper, tweezers. Just everything you need as if you were attending one of our classes. You will even receive step by step instructions on how to complete the project!

TWM: Do you have an artist to take a class or use one of your DIY kits? I’m hopeless at art!

DC: This is the beauty of these classes – anyone can take them. You don’t have to be a skilled artist, or have any experience AT ALL! This is part of our mission/vision…to make sure anyone and everyone can be creative (even if you don’t think you are.) All of our classes (now and in the future) will be beginner friendly. It’s really what our studio is about. Yes, it’s about the art and being creative, but perhaps more important, it’s about coming together in community. : Make Art/Make Friends/Make Memories.

Photo courtesy of Donna Clark and Cowtown Twenty-Five

TWM: What’s in your holiday box for the kiddos?

DC: This is a fun box full of creative inspiration for pre school age kids. It comes with a copy of my children’s book that I wrote (inspired by my after school drama club program), costume accessories, small puppets, and a plush toy so that kiddos can read the story with mom and dad (or grandma/grandpa), then act out the story through creative play with dress up and puppets!

TWM: Speaking of the kiddos, is there an age restriction on your classes?

DC: The classes are suitable for ages 12 and up, although with adult supervision, younger kids could participate (eight and up).

TWM: And finally, what’s your favorite medium for self-expression?

DC: Hmm. This is a good question! For me, I love to journal. Every morning, I bring out colored markers and a journal with blank pages and either write or draw. It’s a great way to start my day with some gratitude and reflection.

Photo courtesy of Donna Clark and Cowtown Twenty-Five

The post Worthy Convos: Donna Clark of Cowtown Twenty-Five first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

We reached out to Leslie Dillon Thomas of Thomas-Walters, PLLC, who has helped countless North Texans plan for their loved ones’ futures.

I chose estate planning as my legal specialty because it allows me to make a direct and lasting impact on people’s lives by helping them protect their families, preserve their assets, and ensure their wishes are honored. Unlike areas of law that focus on conflict or litigation, estate planning is proactive and deeply personal — it’s about guiding clients through some of the most important decisions they will ever make with clarity and compassion. I was drawn to this field because it combines technical expertise with human connection; every plan is unique, reflecting the values, goals, and legacy of the individual. Estate planning also provides peace of mind and being able to offer that sense of security to clients is incredibly rewarding. Ultimately, I chose this specialty because it aligns with my desire to serve others in a meaningful way, helping them navigate complex legal processes while building trust and confidence in their future.

Tanglewood Moms
Let’s start with the basics. Who needs a will?

Leslie Dillon Thomas
In Texas, almost everyone benefits from having a will. You need one if you own property, have children, or want control over who inherits your assets. You might not strictly need one if you have no property, no dependents, and don’t care how state law distributes your estate—but even then, a will avoids confusion and conflict.

TWM
What is the difference between a will and a trust?

LDT
A will and a revocable living trust are both estate planning tools, but they function in very different ways. A will is a legal document that only takes effect after death and directs how your assets should be distributed, while also allowing you to name guardians for minor children. Because a will must go through probate, the court oversees the process of validating it, settling debts, and transferring property, which can be time-consuming, costly, and public. In contrast, a revocable living trust is created during your lifetime and allows you to place assets under the management of a trustee, who distributes them according to your instructions both while you are alive and after you pass away. Trusts generally avoid probate, which means assets can be transferred more quickly, privately, and with fewer expenses. Another key distinction is that a trust can set conditions on how and when beneficiaries receive assets—for example, delaying distributions until a child reaches a certain age—while a will simply transfers property outright. In short, a will is simpler and less expensive to set up, but a revocable living trust offers greater control, privacy, and efficiency in managing and passing on your estate.

TWM
Estate planning can be overwhelming to the uninitiated. How do you help your clients figure out what they need?

LDT
The team at Thomas-Walters, PLLC, and I recognize that estate planning can feel overwhelming, especially for those who are new to the process and unsure of where to begin. Our approach is designed to simplify complex legal concepts and provide clients with clear, personalized guidance so that they can make confident decisions about their future. Rather than offering cookie-cutter solutions, we takes the time to understand each client’s unique circumstances, including family dynamics, financial goals, and long-term wishes. From there, we craft tailored estate plans that may include wills, trusts, medical directives, and powers of attorney, ensuring that every detail is aligned with the client’s priorities.

One of the ways Thomas-Walters, PLLC makes estate planning more approachable is by emphasizing education. I explain legal tools in plain language, helping clients understand the differences between wills and trusts, the role of probate, and how guardianship decisions are made. This educational focus empowers clients to choose the strategies that best fit their needs rather than feeling pressured into a one-size-fits-all plan. The firm also provides peace of mind by addressing potential challenges upfront, such as minimizing estate taxes, avoiding unnecessary court involvement, and preventing family disputes.

Another hallmark of our practice is transparency in pricing. Unlike many law firms that bill by the hour, Thomas-Walters operates on a flat-fee basis. This means clients know exactly what to expect financially, eliminating the stress of unpredictable legal costs. This structure allows clients to focus on the substance of their estate plan without worrying about mounting fees. The firm’s commitment to clarity extends beyond finances; we also ensure that documents are drafted in a way that is easy to follow, reducing confusion for both clients and their families.

I have decades of experience in estate planning and elder law and have been recognized as one of the top estate planning attorneys in Texas. I’ve authored resources such as Estate Planning in Texas, which further demonstrates my dedication to making these topics accessible to everyday families. My philosophy combines technical expertise with compassion, guiding clients through what can often be an emotionally charged process with patience and care.

Ultimately, the firm’s mission is to provide clients with peace of mind, knowing that their wishes will be honored and their loved ones protected.

Photo courtesy of Thomas-Walters, PLLC

TWM
What is probate and is there a way to avoid it?

LDT
Probate in Texas is the court-supervised process of validating a will, settling debts, and distributing assets after someone dies, and while it may sound straightforward, it can quickly become burdensome. Probate often requires multiple filings, hearings, and attorney involvement, making it both time-consuming and expensive. Depending on the complexity of the estate, probate can last anywhere from six months to several years, especially if disputes arise among heirs. Costs vary widely but can include court filing fees of $400–$500 or more, executor fees, appraisal costs, and attorney’s fees that sometimes reach tens of thousands of dollars, draining money that would otherwise go to beneficiaries. Beyond the financial strain, probate is a public process, meaning your estate details become part of the court record, which many families find intrusive. Fortunately, probate can often be avoided altogether in Texas through proactive estate planning. Strategies include creating a revocable living trust, designating beneficiaries on accounts like life insurance and retirement funds, holding property in joint tenancy with right of survivorship, and using transfer-on-death deeds for real estate. By taking these steps, Texans can ensure their assets pass directly to loved ones without court involvement, saving time, money, and stress while keeping family matters private.

TWM
Okay, we’ve got my estate in order. How often do I have to update everything?

LDT
Once you’ve created your estate plan, it’s not something you can just set aside forever — it should be reviewed and updated periodically to make sure it still reflects your life, your assets, and your wishes. A good rule of thumb in Texas (and generally) is to revisit your estate plan every three to five years or sooner if you experience a major life change. Significant events that usually trigger an update include marriage or divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, the death of a spouse or beneficiary, acquiring or selling major assets like a home or business, moving to a new state, or changes in tax or estate laws. Even smaller shifts, like changes in your financial accounts or beneficiary designations, can make an update worthwhile.

The reason for this is that estate plans are living documents—they’re only as good as how current they are. If your will or trust doesn’t reflect your present circumstances, your estate could end up in probate disputes or distributed in ways you didn’t intend. Regular updates also ensure that powers of attorney and healthcare directives still name the right people to act on your behalf. By keeping your plan fresh, you avoid surprises, reduce stress for your loved ones, and maintain control over how your legacy is handled.

TWM
And finally, what made you choose estate planning as your legal specialty?

LDT
I chose estate planning as my legal specialty because it allows me to make a direct and lasting impact on people’s lives by helping them protect their families, preserve their assets, and ensure their wishes are honored. Unlike areas of law that focus on conflict or litigation, estate planning is proactive and deeply personal — it’s about guiding clients through some of the most important decisions they will ever make with clarity and compassion. I was drawn to this field because it combines technical expertise with human connection; every plan is unique, reflecting the values, goals, and legacy of the individual. Estate planning also provides peace of mind and being able to offer that sense of security to clients is incredibly rewarding. Ultimately, I chose this specialty because it aligns with my desire to serve others in a meaningful way, helping them navigate complex legal processes while building trust and confidence in their future.

The post Worthy Convos: Leslie Dillon Thomas of Thomas-Walters, PLLC first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

For more than 40 years, David has built some of the area’s most beautiful custom homes—projects defined by craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a genuine love for creating spaces where families can live and make memories. From restoring historic ranch properties to collaborating with top architects on new builds, his passion for quality shines through in every project. We caught up with David to hear how he got his start, what he’s learned along the way, and what keeps him excited about the work after all these years.

Tanglewood Moms: How did you first get started in the construction industry?

David Lewis: I started in the construction industry pretty much as a child, at the age of around 15. After many years of pushing wood into a molding mill for my dad, I decided I’d rather be out in the field, bringing construction projects to life.

Photo courtesy of David Lewis

TWM: What inspired you to start your own building company?

DL: I have worked around a lot of people who didn’t share my commitment to quality execution or attention to architectural detail, I started David Lewis Builder to deliver bespoke homes for clients who wanted more than just a place to live. We construct dwellings that inspire families to gather, connect, and make memories.

TWM:  What have been the toughest lessons to learn as both a builder and a businessman?

DL: This process, of course, comes with many challenges, and I went through the trial and errors of learning how to be a businessman, which proved much harder than the building process itself. After 40 years of consistent progress, we’ve assembled a team of the right people and luckily, the Lord was good to me, and I was blessed with people who could help me along the journey in establishing a successful company. It’s a difficult business that we try to make look easy, but I enjoy the challenge.

TWM: How would you describe David Lewis Builder’s reputation and the types of projects you take on today?

DL: I think we’re in the top three-to-five builders in this area. We’re fortunate to have deep roots in this community with long-term clients who trust and recommend us. I feel honored to be able to pick and choose projects that excite us. With a commitment to meeting clients’ needs and delivering uncompromising quality in construction and design, David Lewis Builder’s design process includes collaborative work with industry experts. Recently, I was lucky to work with a couple from Dallas who hired the architectural firm, D Stanley Dixon out of Atlanta, Georgia. It’s been a fabulous project to work on and Stanley and his team are very talented. I’ve learned a lot from Stanley’s perspective in terms of scale and proportion.

Photo courtesy of David Lewis

TWM: Tell us about your prestigious project, Lambshead Ranch.

DL: That property is steeped in history with a rich family heritage. We really invested in the preservation of the history of the property, and kept it true to the original form. The ranch dates back to the 1850s, and some of the structures we renovated were from the 1890s, so we had to keep the history and legacy of the property in place, while at the same time modernizing it so that it can survive another 150 years. We worked on the main house, created motel pods and additional cottages, installed solar power systems, and rainwater harvesting systems to create a sustainable off-grid property. We had to ensure we used the right materials that would minimize maintenance caused by abrasive winds and high UV exposure.

TWM: You’ve mentioned the importance of your team—how would you describe the relationships within your company?

DL: Working at David Lewis Builder is like being part of a family. While we all know we have a job to do every day, the most important thing is that each of us supports the other and we’re genuine teammates. The team members strive to be good mentors to each other, helping with any difficulties, whether personal or professional.

TWM: What keeps you motivated and involved in the business after so many successful years?

DL: I’m 68, so I’m at the stage where I’ll continue to stay at the forefront, selling projects, meeting with architects, and supporting my team. My philosophy is to do it right no matter what it takes. We always try to grow and adapt to challenging circumstances and find opportunities to learn from adversity. Our purpose is people, and our process puts each client’s vision and satisfaction at the center of the project. When you trust David Lewis Builder to take your dream home from conception to construction, you receive our fullest commitment to a process marked by integrity, communication, and quality.

TWM: What are your plans for the future—both personally and for the company?

DL: In five years, I plan on taking a bit more of a back seat and allowing some of the team around here to run things. I’ll be 73, still here God willing, and I enjoy working, so I don’t think there’s a rule that says when you must stop. The team here is great, they enjoy what they do, and I try to help them pursue their passions and talents, whether that’s managing projects or designing, or building. It’s a collaborative effort from all of us here at David Lewis Builder, now and for the future.

The post David Lewis on Construction, Commitment, and Collaboration: A Worthy Convo first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

However, setting aside time to think about and plan for the future you and your future children will tackle future life is imperative. What happens to the kids if something happens to you? What happens to your income if something happens to your job or company? Thinking about these things can be unsettling.

Helping create plans that address these often scary questions is what The Cleverly Law Form does. James Cleverly has developed a unique process to help families find peace of mind while working through tough questions.

Photo courtesy of Jeremy Cleverly

Can you give a brief rundown of your legal education and background leading up to starting your firm?

First and foremost, I am a husband, father, brother and son. These titles mean the most to me and drive me to do what I do. For over twenty years, I’ve used my law degree to help make a difference in people’s lives, and I believe there is no greater reward than to provide people with the peace of mind of knowing that their family and loved ones will be taken care of should something happen to them. Most attorneys and firms commonly refer to this as “estate planning,” but we think a better term would be “life planning.”

I attended Stephen F. Austin State University for my bachelor’s and attended law school in New England. Upon graduating from law school, I worked for a mid-sized law firm with offices across Texas and later a litigation boutique. I was the Ellis County Bar President for four years, an adjunct professor of business law, a member of Cowtown Angels, and a board member of the SFA Alumni Association; I volunteer with the Aledo Education Foundation and serve on the finance committee at my local church.

I am also one of only a few attorneys in Texas to start, scale, and sell two companies: one to a private equity-backed buyer and a third company through a venture capital-backed incubator. While the majority of our practice focuses on wills, trusts, guardianships, etc., I draw upon my personal experience and devote a portion of our practice to assisting a select few companies with exit planning, succession planning, and/or brokering the sale of their company.

What made you decide to start a firm specializing in estate planning? Why that specialty?

I had two large life-changing moments within just a few short months of each other; my daughter was born, making me a dad for the first time, and my father passed away unexpectedly.

When my father died, he left behind a twenty-five-year-old will and a notebook with passwords for accessing accounts should something happen to him. But that was all: a bare-bones will his employer had paid to have drawn up decades ago, some passwords, and a single saved voicemail that I cherish.

I quickly came to two realizations:  One, that having a boilerplate will that most firms prepare is woefully inadequate and would fail to accomplish what clients truly wanted – to protect their loved ones in the event something should happen to them; and secondly, that estate planning that leaves your family monetary assets is the absolute bare minimum, and even that was not being done correctly by most attorneys.

At my law firm, we emphasize ensuring our clients not only convey their financial assets but also pass along their values, insights, guidance, and family history – which is just as, if not more, valuable to their loved ones.

In opening my firm, I wanted to change the dynamic of estate planning and business law and bring back a true trusted advisor relationship with my clients. To put it quite simply, we do things differently.

We start with the end in mind – determine your goals and concerns and then work backward into an estate plan specifically tailored for your family. We don’t cut corners and are probably more detail-oriented than most people anticipate.

At the end of the day, we see ourselves as being paid not for the papers we create but for the results we produce for our clients and their families. Lastly, nothing we do is based on an hourly rate basis. Everything is billed as a flat-rate fee, agreed upon in advance, so there are no surprises. You will know exactly what it will cost to work with us.

Photo courtesy of Jeremy Cleverly

What does your typical client profile look like? Have you seen changes in that since you started your practice?

My typical client is usually a couple or an individual in their mid-thirties to mid-fifties, with children still at home or young adults. As a father myself, we place an emphasis on ensuring minor children are protected should something happen to their parents.

Most people’s thoughts usually think of what happens to their kids when they die, but that isn’t always the case. For example, my wife and I were out on a rare date night not long ago. As we were heading home, waiting at a red light, the car directly in front of us was t-boned by a drunk driver. We stopped and rendered aid until EMS arrived, and I believe everyone was going to be “okay”, but they were all transported to local hospitals.

I bring this story up because if you only had a simple will and this happened to you, the police would show up at your home. They would find your kids with a teenage babysitter – someone who cannot take legal custody of them, and CPS would be called. You’re not coming home, and your kids are headed to CPS – that is the worst of both worlds for a parent.

At our firm, we provide all of our clients who have minor children with a “Children’s Protection Plan.” This includes both long-term and short-term guardians. Short-term guardians are friends, family, or neighbors who can be at your home quickly in an emergency. We also provide a sheet to leave with your babysitter listing those they can call and who have legal authorization to take custody of your children should there ever be that dreaded knock on the door. Lastly, we also provide our clients with an ID Card to keep in their wallet that says you have minor children waiting for you at home, and please call these people listed in this order.

What typically brings new clients to your firm? Are there specific life events that trigger clients to seek out the type of expertise you deliver?

We are fortunate that many of our clients come from referrals from other professionals or, most commonly, from former clients. Occasionally, someone has experienced a life-changing event – be it an accident or the death of a loved one that brings them to us; other times, it is much happier events – such as a marriage or the birth of a child.

I like to tell people we are an estate planning firm – or as we call it “life planning” law firm. So, what does that mean, or what is it we do exactly?

We help families get all those documents they know they should have in place but always seem to put off doing:  wills, trusts, healthcare directives, guardians for the kids, etc. However, your “assets” are more than just numbers on a balance sheet or bank statement; they represent the fruits of your hard work and the key to a secure future for your loved ones.

Photo courtesy of Jeremy Cleverly

Why is it important for people to be thinking about these things in their 30s and 40s?

As I referenced above, estate planning shouldn’t be something you only consider when you’re older; it is just as, if not more, important to have in place when you have young children still at home.

If you have one or two simple pieces of advice for our readers that everyone should be doing or thinking about, what would they be?

The best way to give advice might be by example. Take a moment and ask yourself – if something were to happen to you and your spouse, who would be the person who would arrive at your home to help handle things? Maybe it would be a sibling, close friend, or parent? Now ask yourself – does that person know where you bank? Do they know if you have life insurance? A 401K? Who your mortgage company is? How to access your computer? Where your birth certificate, passport and other important papers are stored? If the answer to these questions and more is “no,” then I’d encourage you to start to work on selectively sharing that information.

Of course, we would be happy to help get your readers organized and provide those important people in their lives with the legal documentation they would need to handle whatever may arise.

The post Life Planning with Jeremy Cleverly: A Worthy Convo first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Eating right, exercising daily, and making sure to see your doctor regularly covers a huge portion of it, but there are some things that require extra attention. Dr. Cindy Zimmerman of Eyes Fort Worth strives to make sure her patients’ eyes are also well cared for. Taking a one-on-one, patient-centric approach to eyecare and eye health, along with offering a unique eyewear selection and cutting edge technology, Dr. Zimmerman has quickly become one of Fort Worth’s premier eyecare providers.

Courtesy of Cindy Zimmerman

Can you give a brief account (including timeline) of your background and what led you to go out on your own and open Eyes Fort Worth?

I graduated from the University of Houston College of Optometry in 2008. I spent the first year out of optometry school as a “fill in” doctor to learn the style of practice that fit me best. It didn’t take long to realize that Private practice was my passion. I purchased an established private practice and changed the name to Eyes on Camp Bowie! I was able to add an associate doctor who is amazing and works a lot with our pediatric patients. We have enjoyed 10 years of growth and caring for the Fort Worth community. The practice has expanded our services and has grown out of our current space. We recently rebranded to Eyes Fort Worth in preparation for the move to our new office! We are excited about our location change and anticipate moving in early 2026!

What should our readers know about Eyes Fort Worth and what differentiates your practice from other FW vision care providers?

We at Eyes Fort Worth pride ourselves most on customer service and personalized care, every patient, every time. We provide preventative eyecare and love to cultivate meaningful relationships with our patients. We strive to be mindful of our patient’s time and communicate expectations effectively. Oh, and we have AMAZING eyewear!

Let’s talk glasses. Not only are they a useful medical device, but they are also a great way to accessorize and show our individuality. What are some of the brands and styles that you carry and are excited about that help your patients/clients do that? 

Where do I start? We are well known in Fort Worth for our amazing opticians and unique independent eyewear brands.  We carry luxury eyewear brands that are curated from all over the world. First and foremost, you want a lens for your eyewear that has superior optical quality and minimizes glare and distortions to help you see your best! We are really excited about our newest Jacques Marie Mage, Masahiromaruyama and Press Eyewear Collections!

For parents, vision issues aren’t always obvious in our kids, because we can’t see that something is wrong. What are things we should be looking for and talking about when it comes to our kids’ vision care?

Early detection is critical. Even if your child gets regular vision screenings, it is amazing how kids with vision problems can still go undetected.  Excessive eye rubbing, an eye or both eyes that turn in or out, watering or discharge coming from one or both eyes, avoiding near work, holding print extremely close when reading, closing an eye, and squinting are just some of the many things to work for.

Screen time is another topic that should be addressed. Excess screen time can lead to worsening myopia or nearsightedness. There are also studies that point to near work association with dry eye due to the decrease in blink rate. Having your kid go outside and play for an hour a day can help combat this.

Courtesy of Cindy Zimmerman

What about caring for aging adults? Whether our parents or ourselves, how do we best ensure we are recognizing and addressing issues early on, or even before they present?

Get annual examinations, even if you don’t require prescription glasses and just use reading glasses.

These preventative eye checks help to detect glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, and also some systemic diseases.

Potential things to look out for include eyelid redness & matting, growths on the whites of the eyes or eyelids, difficulty seeing in dim light, difficulty driving at night, running into walls, tripping over furniture, excess tearing.

Finally, what are some simple things we should be doing regularly to ensure the health of our eyes?

– Get annual examinations.

– Follow the 20/20/20 Rule: After 20 minutes of reading, look 20 feet away and blink for 20 seconds. This allows the muscles of the eyes to relax, and the blinking encourages a more stable tear film which is essential for both clear vision and meibomian gland health of the eyelid.

– Eat more vegetables and fish, less fried foods.

– Be selective with cosmetics, eye creams, lash enhancing serums, and false lashes. Ingredients in certain formulas can be irritating to the ocular surface and can contribute to dry eye symptoms.

– Wear a hat and sun wear when outdoors. UV exposure can contribute to cataract formation and skin cancers around the eye and eyelid.

The post One-on-One Patient Care at Eyes Fort Worth: A Worthy Convo with Dr. Cindy Zimmerman first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

On your website’s About Us page, you say you and your husband always wanted to start a business together. What did you both do before and what finally made you take the leap?

Yes! We’ve both always thought entrepreneurship was intriguing – the pride in building something that’s your own is an unmatched feeling and sense of accomplishment. One of the things we love about getting to work together is that Stephen and I have complementary skill sets; throughout his career, he’s held roles in supply chain, operations, sales, and financial planning and analysis in various industries (oil and gas, home building). I’ve worked for the same firm for almost 15 years and have a background in strategic human capital, risk management, management consulting, and compliance. I love that I get to spread my wings in our Fort Worth community to network and leverage resources like Tanglewood Moms, being guests on local podcasts, Google, and Yelp to execute our marketing and social media strategies.

You also describe yourselves as “light geeks”, which seems like a pretty niche interest to geek out on. How did that come about?

Simply put, we love lights and technology. Lighting can set a mood and help to celebrate a season, a holiday, or other special occasions. For us, it sparks joy when you see areas of your home – both internal and external – quite literally brought to life with lighting. We have a lot of fun LED lighting products in our home, from fun lamps to an LED-lit Christmas tree that spins – we “geek out” on this stuff. Spreading joy is one of the main reasons we love what we do at LUMI Outdoor – seeing our customer’s kids’ faces light up as they’re running around the front yard with LUMI lights in the background is such a wonderful feeling. To add, If you’re around Stephen when he gets to share that he “worked at Radio Shack” as a response when he completes a project or fixes something at our home that was not an easy feat, this is usually his response. He’s pretty funny and definitely has some dad jokes up his sleeve. He’s pretty handy, and his happy place is when he has a project to work on at home – so this was a perfect fit for us to marry up the lighting with his artistry. Stephen also completed our first several lighting installations himself and still lends a hand to our install teams.

When did you start Lumi Outdoor, and how have things progressed?

LUMI Outdoor became a concept in March. We officially launched our website and commercial in September and became more active on social media channels then. We love our Fort Worth community and how much friends and family have helped to not only personally support us by having our premier lighting system installed on their homes, businesses, and other outdoor spaces, but also spreading the word in DFW to support our small business. Our competitors are headquartered out of state while we’re right here in Dallas/Fort Worth, and we also install in Austin – we really pride ourselves on being located in Fort Worth, a city we fell in love with and had our daughter in. And we love to support small businesses in our community, as well. In fact, we’re setting up funding channels to give back to local communities where we install.

Things have been progressing nicely – more than we could have imagined in our first four months of operation. We’ve picked up a lot of traction through supporting local ourselves and becoming Tanglewood Moms sponsors, as well as learning about and activating Google and Yelp ads/campaigns. These have all been so impactful for us. We’re so grateful and can’t wait to see what the new year has in store for LUMI Outdoor as we look to prototype and bring other home and commercial lighting solutions to our customers.

The holiday season is likely your busiest time of year. However, with the development of LED lighting options and controls, have you found more people interested in year-round lighting solutions?

It’s been quite busy, and scaling our business to meet the demand has also gotten us to think about our business model for the future. It’s been an exciting time to dig in and continue to plan for the future of our business. Yes, we’ve found that people are really thinking about the investments they’re making in their homes – not just with lighting but with other home and business features. We believe we’ve started our business at the right time, personally for us and with our entry into the market. We’re cost competitive, and we can reimagine the possible with outdoor lighting solutions to make it a solution that works for a home or business – so it’s customizable. Through surveying friends and family, we found that people don’t want the risk of their family members getting on ladders and potentially hurting themselves during the installation, they don’t want to store lights in their home only to be used for one season during the year (and sometimes they don’t own the lights), and rather more people want durable lighting solutions that will last for years to come.

What are some modern LED lighting solutions that most people don’t know about or haven’t considered?

Lighting isn’t just about fun colors and the seasonal holidays. Lighting can set a mood, accent your home, or help provide security when taking out the trash in the evenings. Our LED app-enabled lighting solution is customizable, so you don’t have to choose colors and stick with them through a season. With our outdoor lighting system, you can celebrate any holidays or birthdays, show your school colors, turn on security lighting, and use the everyday accent lighting features or customize your own, so the benefits are many. If you want a rainbow or special effects or to use one of our many presets, you have those options. For our daughter’s carnival-themed birthday, I controlled the color of each individual lightbulb on our home – it was so fun to see the reactions of the children who came to her party. With our Cloud-based app, you can control your lighting from anywhere.

What are the most popular solutions you are installing these days?

We launched our flagship lighting system for homes and businesses, which includes holiday lighting, everyday accent lighting, security lighting, and features to suit your taste. We love that there’s a daily timer you can set, and you can brighten or dim. We have some customers who love all the colors and others who use everyday accent lighting and security lighting settings for the most part. We’re finding that the businesses we’ve installed are getting more traffic, including foot traffic, which has been great to hear. We’re looking to add some other “tools to our belt” for residential and commercial uplighting where our customers want to work with us specifically but may not want the downlighting effect on their business. We have other products and services we’re planning for as well!

What should people anticipate regarding upkeep, maintenance, and repairs of modern outdoor lighting solutions, and is that part of your offering?

What a great question. Our premier lighting system is built to last, and our lighting tracks are custom-matched to the color of your home or business. We guarantee a three-year warranty on our products. Our tracks are aluminum and weatherproof. Because of the efficiency of our LED lights, you can get 50,000+ hours of “lightspan” on your system, which should last 20 – 25+ years if you have them on for four hours per night every night. There’s no upkeep, and this is why we’re seeing people flock to our solution: there’s no installation or take-down on the part of the home or the business owner. We have maintenance plans that can be purchased, and repairs would be a one-off housecall or virtual call, depending on the issue.

The post Combining Artistry with Cutting-Edge Technology: A Worthy Convo with LUMI Outdoor first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

You said in a recent newsletter that The Lovely is your home base.  What do you mean by that?

In my first newsletter back after taking a six-month unexpected hiatus from publishing, I stated that The Lovely was going to be my home base. For me, as much as I enjoy writing blog posts and creating content for social media, the real place of connection between me and my audience, and the most valuable, vulnerable work I produce is housed inside The Lovely. I send it out on Sunday evenings to my email subscribers, and if I had to choose one place to show up creatively in the world, this would be it. The Lovely is where I create meaning from big feelings, share what I am experiencing and learning and look for ways to model hospitality through the lens of my life. Writing The Lovely feels like home.

How do you define lovely living?

Lovely living is the art of blending form and function, vulnerability and decorum, practicality and elegance. It is caring well for yourself so that you can care well for others. It is creating beauty is small spaces and holding space for joy in big moments. Lovely living is never perfect, never without pain, but always focused on learning, growing and evolving as a person.

As a business owner, blogger, and mom, I imagine life can be overwhelming. How do you maintain order and peace?

Yes, life is overwhelming, order is not always possible, and peace can be crowded out by anxiety, but I do my best to value both in my life. In my experience, order is easiest to maintain when we live within our limits. Whether those limits are the amount of space we have in a closet, the amount of time we have in a day, or the amount of emotional bandwidth we have to give to others, limits are there to protect our resources. Chaos ensues when I step outside of my limits and overextend myself. Not enough sleep, saying yes to too many commitments, bringing more stuff into my life than I have space to hold—all of it forces me outside of my limits and ultimately creates chaos. I am my most ordered self when I am living squarely inside my limits in all areas. And oddly enough, for me, order ushers in space for creativity and freedom. As for peace, well, that can be more complicated. Sometimes we cannot control the stressors of life, and we have to manage our resources and tend to our wounds as best we can, always with kindness and patience. I have learned to listen to my gut and intuition. I know and can feel in my body when something is out of alignment with my values or prevents me from showing up as my true self. Whenever possible, I remove myself from situations that ding my internal alarm system. Peace is being able to lay my head on my pillow each night knowing I have protected my sense of well-being and safety so that I can show up as my most wholehearted, aligned self. It’s not easy, and not always possible, but it is the only way I want to live.

What drew you to hospitality?

Belonging is what initially drew me to hospitality. My life has been a series of circumstances that have delivered the message that I don’t belong. In an effort to find a place where I felt like I belonged, I began to create that for other people, using my own experiences of rejection and pain as a place to create home and family for others. I learned to cook so I could invite people over for dinner. I figured out how to be present at my own parties so that I could connect with other people instead of stressing out and missing the fun of the event. I dug deep from a well of sorrow to create spaces where people would feel loved and cared for because in doing so, I found a slice of home and belonging for myself.

What small changes can someone make so that their home feels like a sacred space?

Sacred spaces in our homes are so important. I think the best place to begin is in the bedroom because it is the most intimate, personal space we occupy. A bed that welcomes you at the end of a long day, embracing you in layers of warmth and coziness. A closet that feels full of joy and acceptance because it only houses articles of clothing that fit well and reflect a sense of personal style. A bathroom full of small yet significant ways to care for your physical body. A collection of items that remind you of who you are and where you come from. These are the ingredients for a space that pours into you instead of draining you. Once you establish a place for yourself that you return to at the end of the day and step into each morning, you can learn what works for you and begin to create that same feeling of sacredness in other areas of your home.

Where do you feel most inspired?

I feel most inspired when I consume the creative work of others. Movies, songs, television shows, beautiful rooms, delicious meals, interesting architecture, magical performances, well-written books, even a stunning pair of shoes…I love things that make me feel something. The feelings are where my work begins, and the things I create always originate from an emotion I feel very deeply. I have learned to listen to what moves me, without any judgement of the source. Being open to feeling in response to something moving is vulnerable work, and judgement will only snuff out the flame of inspiration. Admitting that a Taylor Swift song, a sublime cheeseburger, a high school band concert or a perfectly appointed guest bathroom can be the birthplace of inspiration can sound silly, but I am willing to be silly for the sake of living a creative life. So what if an episode of The Bear made me weep? What’s important is looking closely at what the art unveiled in me, discovering why I am feeling what I am feeling, and then using those feelings to create something of my own.

Any summer trends on your radar?

My favorite summer trends aren’t really trends. I tend to gravitate toward the classics, particularly in the kitchen. Stocking the freezer with homemade ice cream. Eating garden-fresh tomatoes with grilled sourdough and homemade ricotta. Lemonade, watermelon, peaches. I also adore the slower pace of summer and try to absorb every drop of ease I can find. As for fashion, my current favorite is a summer sweater, which I know sounds bizarre, but is oddly satisfying. The blast of AC indoors can create the need for a loose-knit layer to throw over my shoulders, and while I do not need it the second I step outside, the sensory experience of the summertime sweater is top-notch in my book.

Describe your perfect day or evening.

A perfect day? Waking up rested without an alarm, followed by coffee and an easy breakfast while I feed the kitten, listen to music, and check my phone. I love my work, so chipping away at a project would feel good and productive, requiring me to expend some creative energy and perhaps collaborate with others.  A lunchtime trip to the grocery store (my happy place) buying ingredients for an upcoming meal, followed by an afternoon resting and being alone sounds ideal. And then, finishing the day by getting dressed in something fun for an evening with friends, enjoying a meal, lingering over drinks, talking and laughing and feeling seen. These are the kind of evenings I adore. Finally, returning home for a long bath, a cute pair of pajamas, a few pages of a good book or a few stitches of needlepoint, and then falling into my bed and turning out the light. It’s the simple things that make the perfect day and having them all in one day would be magical.

The post Worthy Convos: Katherine Sasser and All Things Lovely first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Responses by Sadie Funk and Sara Redington of Best Place for Kids!®

Let’s start with the mission and origin of Best Place for Kids. How did this movement come about? 

In 2015, The Miles Foundation began hosting quarterly convenings with leaders from business, philanthropy, education, healthcare, nonprofit and government to discuss how we could come together to build a “whole community” approach to education in Tarrant County. This initial vision evolved into The Best Place for Kids!®, a public-private partnership that focuses on connecting local families with local education opportunities, events and community resources to help them thrive.

What was the reason for developing the Parent Pass app?

Parent Pass was developed in response to local families sharing that they spent too much time searching for and connecting to resources – and to community partners who said they struggled to find and connect with every family they wished to serve.

We saw an opportunity to leverage technology to help address this need and ensure every family could have access to the plethora of opportunities and resources available in our community. We engaged with 10 local Fort Worth neighborhood community organizations and 100-plus parents across the city to begin to build, from vision to execution, an app that would help local families connect to one another, events across the city and the amazing community resources that we have here in Tarrant County.

The app has been in development for two years. What was happening during that time? 

Our Best Place for Kids!® team and more than 100 Fort Worth families spent a collective 2,200 hours over the past two years co-designing and co-developing Parent Pass. This included bi-monthly meetings with those families to set the initial vision, brainstorm and iterate on the design and detail how the app would function.

Parent Pass had a soft launch in March of 2022 and over the next six months we continued our partnership with parents to pilot the app. They provided feedback and guidance on each iteration, tweak, and update to ensure Parent Pass was easy to use, relevant and, most importantly, helpful to them.

Parent Pass officially launched to the public in October 2022 with a community-wide celebration at the Dream Park.

We continue to make updates and upgrades on a regular basis with an eye toward ensuring the app is even easier to use and more customizable for families’ individual needs. This past fall, we hosted a Parent Pass Birthday Bash which attracted thousands of attendees and over 25 community partners at Fort Worth’s iconic Dream Park. We are growing rapidly and have big plans to reach even more families in 2024.

Today, Parent Pass exists as a hyper-local app for parents and caregivers that provides instant access to vetted social services, neighborhood events, and local education resources, as well as a larger network of parents in their community. Due to user demand, we recently expanded to all of Tarrant County with more than 8,000 families using Parent Pass to ease their parenting journey.

As a parent, what feature do you find most beneficial or exciting? 

I love the parent-to-parent chat and the daily events. Having a network of thousands of parents and caregivers that I can ask about eczema creams or potty-training tips just lessens my mental load – letting me be part of a parenting village versus an island of one.

I also love the events section. It makes weekend planning quick, and our actual weekends better as we explore new parks, discounted museum features and festivals I wouldn’t otherwise have known about!

Looking ahead, I’m really excited about an upgrade we’ll be adding to our childcare search tool that will provide customized support to our local families in finding child care that works for them AND that will incorporate after school and summer camp options.

What role did community partners play in launching this program? 

Our 70-plus community partners have played an instrumental role in the growth and success of Parent Pass. They continue to help spread the word about this one-stop-shop resource for Tarrant County parents, and they make sure we have the most up-to-date resources and events listed on Parent Pass every single day. They also provide free activities, educational programming, and other key resources for families at our Parent Pass events across the community.  In short, we couldn’t have Parent Pass without them!

Why is Fort Worth the perfect city for something like the Parent Pass App? 

As the 13th largest city in the nation where more than 36% of our households have children, Fort Worth ranks second across the U.S. for the number of families with children in a large city – and that is for a reason. Fort Worth has some of the best educational opportunities, entertainment, neighborhoods, outdoor recreation options and employment opportunities in the country. The problem was that too many parents didn’t know about the amazing resources that were out there waiting for them and their families.

In addition, Fort Worth is a city with an innovative, collaborative spirit. We have an active, engaged Mayor (Mattie Parker) whose vision is laser-focused on economic growth through being THE Best Place for Kids. With her support, alongside that of the city government partners like the library, local non-profits, Fort Worth families, and community partners, Fort Worth has all the ingredients to be able to build and sustain a first-of-its-kind, all-in-one app that walks parents through each step of their parenting journey.

This love for community has enabled Parent Pass to thrive in Fort Worth, and we look forward to continuing our growth in Tarrant County.

We live in a digital world and are sometimes more trusting of technology than we should be. How is the app providing safeguards and protecting sensitive information? 

Parent Pass was built to respect the safety and privacy concerns of parents.  User information (and that of their children) is never sold or shared with third parties. Parents can choose their own display name for use in the chat.

Built into the app are safeguards against inappropriate content, language, or pictures being posted. Also, users have the ability to report anything within the app that may find inappropriate. Additionally, our Parent Pass manager monitors the app daily to ensure content and conversations are relevant and appropriate.

We also understood that parents were looking for more than just Google or Facebook. They were looking for a place to seek information across vetted resources. Parent Pass provides this vetted experience through the Parent-to-Parent Chat section where parents can talk honestly and learn what worked for other parents, learn from vetted resources developed by experts about your child’s development, and also get local reviews on key community resources. Even better, it hosts a community calendar of events happening across the city from partners we know and trust like Boys and Girls Club and the Fort Worth Library.

How does a community change when we start focusing on kids and parents? 

Everyone reaps the rewards. When families are put at the center, diverse partners in a city can come together to build a comprehensive and innovative solutions like Parent Pass that benefits our families of today and lays the foundation for a brighter future. When we focus on supporting a thriving workforce by embracing policies that work for parents and businesses, such as our sister initiative Best Place for Working Parents®, it creates a home for increased economic growth and development, and a sustainable strategy for attracting businesses, families and leaders to places where they can thrive.

The post Worthy Convos: Parent Pass App Is the Ultimate Resource for Families first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Sunago opened just in time for the new year. What do you hope to offer the remote workforce of Fort Worth?

We are the friendliest coworking and private offices community, where high-performing and productive professionals thrive. We offer more than just a place to work – we foster a sense of community and networking. Our modern and thoughtfully curated workspace is ideal for individuals and teams looking to elevate their work experience.

What makes a coworking space more appealing than simply working from home? 

Coworking spaces are appealing because they provide a professional environment, networking opportunities, and a sense of community. Plus, you get to leave your house, which means fewer battles with the cat over the keyboard or dogs insisting on joining every Zoom call. Which is fun but maybe not all the time or when you are just trying to get some work done.

Sunago is located in the River District. Why did you choose this location?

If you haven’t been over here lately, I invite you to come take a look at the redevelopment that has taken place. You won’t be disappointed! It is one of a kind in Fort Worth anchored by the Trinity River. It’s just outside downtown so you are close enough but not right in the middle of traffic and hard to find, expensive parking. We have some great neighbors including Heim BBQ, Salsa Limòn, Lettuce Cook, Gemelle and Pearl Snap Kolaches.

How does a membership work? And what are the different options?

Membership gets you access to all amenities, plenty of coworking spaces, use of conference rooms or any unused office. Starting with a 10 day a month pass for $150, full-time membership for $200 & dedicated desks for $350. Our private offices range from $750 – $1100.

Amenities are important. What can people expect?

Thoughtfully designed conference rooms, team meeting spaces, green spaces, high-speed internet and a coffee bar with coffee provided by Ampersand. We offer fully furnished offices that include adjustable standing desk, chairs, cabinets and monitors if needed. We have a new networking group “The River District Round Up Group” that meets every Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. We also offer virtual mail and a private mailing address.

We live in a virtual world which has changed office/work culture. But are there some traditional values that Sunago feels people still value when it comes to their 9 to 5?

The importance of community and collaboration remains strong. Despite virtual settings, individuals appreciate a culture that fosters collective achievement. Here, you can still accomplish that without committing to long-term, expensive leases. Membership provides flexibility and a ready-to-use professional environment. We like to think of it as plug and work; we take care of everything else- utilities, cleaning, insurance and maintenance.

What is the 3-day pass promotion Sunago is offering?

Try our different offices, a new coworking space and meet our Founding Members. We are just getting started so we would like you to join us in building this new community. The 3-day pass lets you do just that without any cost or commitment.

The post Worthy Convos: Serenity, Productivity, and Collaboration at Sunago first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.