Madeworthy: Tell us a little about yourself. (Where you’re from, educational background, art, work prior to Art Tooth, pets, anything you really want to share!)

Shasta Haubrich: I mostly grew up in Cleburne, but we lived in Japan until I was four and I was born in Washington state. Now I have technically lived in Fort Worth longer than I have lived anywhere. I received an Associate’s Degree from TCC and then worked at The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth for ten years so I consider that part of my education. I have two adult (barely) children, Aurora and Apollo, a few porch cats and my son has a bearded dragon.

Amira Balmashkan, Shasta Haubrich, Jessica Beatty

MW: Your Patreon says that you create “pop-culture focused art.” Can you tell us a little more about that?

SH: Growing up in the country as an only child, I spent a lot of time watching TV. So I like researching sitcoms and tv shows and movies in various ways. For my most recent project I watched every episode of Golden Girls and tried to catalog every time they say some version of “What are you doing up?” and then I painted those scenes in three large canvases. I am also about to start selling prints of various favorite scenes from tv and movies and hopefully will start selling zines.

MW: Congrats on 10 years of Art Tooth! Can you tell us a little about the idea behind the founding of it?

SH: I started Art Tooth with six other artists from various backgrounds with a mission to create more opportunities for artists in Fort Worth. In many ways it is difficult for artists to show their work if you don’t have a relationship with a gallery. So we decided we would start creating our own art shows. Our first show was at 76102 gallery and then BRIK and we moved on to collaborating in various ways with different businesses and groups including Hotel Dryce, The Pool at Near Southside, FWSSR, Mayfest, and more.

MW: When did it become clear that Art Tooth wasn’t just a collective of artists, that it was evolving into a nonprofit with a real mission?

SH: I think we figured out pretty quickly we could make a difference as a non-profit vs a collective. We had our first gallery show in August of 2016 and we established ourselves as a nonprofit by March of 2017. Our methods have evolved so I try to work with several artists throughout the year. For example, In 2025 we worked with 70 artists and held 19 events. 25 of those artists were people I had never shown before.

MW: For those who are not aware of Art Tooth, what is your mission?

Art Tooth was founded with the intention to create more opportunities for artists in Fort Worth and to build relationships between artists, collectors, and art patrons.

By making contemporary art accessible to an increasingly broad and diverse public, we strive to continue to strengthen Dallas-Fort Worth’s reputation as an arts destination.

MW: A lot of art-based nonprofits are not run by artists. How does being artist-run make a difference in what Art Tooth does?

SH: I think it makes it easier for us because I can anticipate what makes it hard for some artists to get their work out there in the world and try to eliminate those barriers, because I have the same issues trying to show my art. I also think it’s easier for me to talk to artists directly and get their feedback on what they need.

MW: I’m not sure if Art Tooth could exist anywhere else. How does Fort Worth contribute to Art Tooth’s mission?

SH: I think there are several people who have helped us make it to ten years because people see us as a needed entity in Fort Worth. I feel like we are known for having access to several artists and we have the ability to reach out to artists easily.

MW: Conversely, how does Art Tooth contribute to Fort Worth’s role as a leading center for contemporary artists – especially new and mid-level artists?

SH: I don’t think we are reinventing the wheel by partnering with businesses to show art but I think/ hope we are trusted partners to artists and businesses and help eliminate some of the stress for artists trying to show their work for the first time or to a new audience.

MW: Art Tooth is committed to supporting artists from underrepresented communities. Why are inclusivity and equity in art representation so important?

SH: I personally think art should reflect society and we wouldn’t be reflecting society if we just showcased art from white dudes. Statistically, it is more difficult for non-white artists to get their work in galleries, so if we are truly supporting all artists we need to contribute to helping mitigate those barriers.

MW: How does Art Tooth ensure inclusivity and equity in your works?

SH: I think we have generally just tried to see who we have worked with and find a balance, but we are about to start implementing a process of surveying our past artists and getting a clearer picture of where we need to make improvements.

MW: Do you think your efforts have led to more diversity in the contemporary art scene in Fort Worth?

SH: No, I don’t think we can take any credit for that. I think we could probably be doing more.

MW: What do you think are the biggest challenges that artists face in Fort Worth today, both as an artist and as Executive Director of Art Tooth?

SH: I think that Fort Worth wants to be seen as art focused, but when you ask some businesses or leaders to actually support artists by paying them what they are worth they don’t want to contribute or they try to cut corners.

MW: How do you juggle your work as an artist with your job as Executive Director of Art Tooth?

SH: I am actually pretty bad at it. I think sometimes I sign up for stuff with my own art just so I have a deadline I have to make and then I get my art work done at the last minute.

MW: How does your career as an artist influence the way Art Tooth supports artists?

SH: I grew up in a small town and put myself through school while raising two kids so I have had my own hurdles to face trying to get my art out there including imposter syndrome and feeling like I am not educated enough. So I know what fears and hopes artists have and I know that sometimes getting that first chance is everything to keep you going.

MW: Where you see the contemporary art scene in Fort Worth going in the next five years?

SH: I hope we keep going and expanding but these rent prices are a big issue and I think there is a plateau for some artists where they have to leave or show their work in Dallas or move to Austin or Houston because we need more support once artists get to the point where they can sell high dollar pieces. If we can establish more residencies where artists get free studio space and get paid to work that will help significantly.

MW: Where do you see Art Tooth going in the next five years?

SH: We tried to have studio spaces and that didn’t work out but it would be great to have a permanent office and find funding for studios in the next five years and to expand how we work to collaborate with artists in new ways.

MW: Where do you see your art going in the next five years?

SH: I just hope it gets weirder.

Lightning Round: Fort Worth Favorites

• Coffee shop – Black Coffee and Avoca have my favorite match lattes and Cherry has my favorite drip coffee
• Breakfast/brunch place – Montgomery Street Cafe and Cafecito
• Hangout with friends – Chat Room and Boiled Owl
• Place to relax and recharge – My house
• Artist or musician (if this isn’t too political!) – Can’t pick one artist as a favorite but Son of Stan, Spring Palace and Hotel Satellite are my current fave local bands
• Yearly event or festival – Arts Goggle
• Favorite museum – The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth obs
• Thrift or consignment shop – Doc’s Records
• Best bartender, cocktail, or mocktail in town – Oh this one is definitely too political for me
• Best hamburger joint – Gusto’s
• Best barbecue – ok it’s like FW adjacent but Smoke’N Ash
• Mexican restaurant – I have done very little research in this category, but San Luis is probably the one I visit the most.

The post Community Member Spotlight: Shasta Haubrich first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

From the laughs that the Jolin family Christmas cards provided to their lucky recipients to the wonder experienced by the hundreds of children who were fortunate enough to have a visit from “Santa Brian,” Brian made sure that the season was merry and bright for so many of us.

For years, Brian created amazing Christmas cards to send to loved ones. With intricate sets and costumes, Brian, his wife Jennifer, and son Thomas would recreate scenes from movies and pop culture. Favorites include Elf, Star Wars, Angry Birds, and A Christmas Carol.

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Jolin

So popular were these Christmas cards that the Jolins’ take on A Christmas Story, complete with a pouting Thomas as Ralphie in his bunny costume, Brian (wrapped in bubble wrap) as the “Fra-Gee-Ley” box, and Jennifer as it up as the vampy leg lamp, made the front page of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram in 2015. The Star-Telegram article resulted from the reporter’s post on Facebook in the Tanglewood Moms group, asking who still sent Christmas cards and who had interesting stories. So many people responded, “The Jolins,” that the reporter, Sarah Bahari, had to check out the cards for herself.

Brian started volunteering as Santa for neighborhood gatherings, and that’s when lightning struck. “He had the perfect personality to be Santa and truly loved bringing happiness,” Jennifer said. “Brian loved appearing at people’s homes, and he really enjoyed participating in clients’ parties and celebrations.”

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Jolin

Brian volunteered throughout the year in addition to running his promotional products and printing business, but he truly loved being Santa Brian. Santa Brian visited medically fragile children in their homes as part of the Secret Sleigh Project. He worked with the Ability Connection to let people with intellectual and developmental disabilities visit Santa. Santa Brian often appeared at events held by local nonprofits, such as the Welman Project, Fortress, and Kids Hope.

And he took his role as Santa Brian seriously. “… he would shave his head so no brown hair poked out of his hat. He wanted to be REAL,” Jennifer said. “He bought progressively nicer Santa suits through the years and began growing his beard out months in advance.”

When Covid precluded Santa Brian’s in-person visits, he arranged online visits. Can you imagine how special those kiddos felt to be in a Zoom with Santa? And he arranged for a masked, distanced visit to one little girl. Vanessa Barker’s daughter, Joey June, was struggling, so they met at Stir Crazy for a talk.

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Jolin

“He never asked her what she wanted for Christmas,” Vanessa said. “Instead, dressed in that suit, he asked her about her friends, learning to ride a bike, and if I was driving her crazy. He knew what she really wanted and needed was to believe that Santa was legit a good dude.”

Santa Brian was legit a good dude.

Of course, every good story must end. Brian was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer in 2020, and he died in 2022.

”Brian had appeared at several holiday events at FWAFA,” Jennifer said. “After he died, FWAFA staff reached out to find out if I would sell his suit to them. I donated it, of course, and a special label was sewn in honoring Santa Brian.” Santa Brian lives on.

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Jolin

Vanessa was a speaker at Brian’s memorial service. She brought Santa hats and challenged us to perform an act of kindness every August 13, Brian’s birthday. It’s now Santa Brian Day, so if you see someone in Fort Worth wearing a Santa hat that day, ask them about Santa Brian.

“I’m not good at endings,” Vanessa said in her remarks at Brian’s service. “Endings suck. But then I thought, ‘What if we just keep going?’ Keep being the people Brian saw somewhere in us – kind people, people who stand up for each other, people who celebrate each other? Creative people, people who don’t just hear but actually listen?”

Let’s face it, we could use a Santa Brian right now. We need a reminder that there are people who embody the generosity, compassion, humility, and humanity that is the Christmas spirit.

In her eulogy, Vanessa said it best. “Santa is real. And, for way too short a moment, we all were in the presence of the really real Santa. Thanks for making us all believe again, Brian.”

The post We Need a Little Christmas, Right This Very Minute 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.

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.

Edward Brown and James Talambas co-founded Panther City Pass with two goals: to help local businesses reach new customers and to provide a trusted source for Fort Worthians to keep up with the best eats, drinks, and entertainment options our city has to offer. After a soft launch in January, the co-founders plan to release a complete 16-bar Cocktail Guide to the public in February 2024. Other cities may offer passport programs, but Panther City Pass will provide something new — exclusive events at area bars and private spaces where guidebook purchasers can enjoy complimentary offerings and access to curated cultural events spotlighting local artists and artisans. Brown, an award-winning journalist, and Talambas, owner/founder of New Media Contemporary in Dallas, plan to expand their program with subscription options, smartphone apps, and, of course, new guidebook launches. (Taco guide, anyone?) Follow Panther City Pass on Instagram @PantherCityPass and PantherCityPass.com.

Husband-and-wife team Brian and Jennifer Kieta are proud to announce the vision that is UNION Cycle + Strength. Fitness guru Jennifer was a spin instructor for eight-and-a-half years at ZYN22 before it closed its doors in August of 2023. Husband Brian is a Fort Worth music producer, songwriter, and worship leader. UNION Cycle + Strength will be a place where people of all fitness levels will find community. Through this community, we will fight to find a stronger version of ourselves, inside and out. The Kietas plan to offer indoor cycling classes, strength training classes, and a unique combination of cycling and strength training, which will be the best workout experience in Fort Worth. Opening in August of 2024.

Being a new parent is amazing. It’s incredible. It’s also exhausting. Certified sleep consultant and mother of two Cristina Pilcher understands that. She knows that when the baby isn’t sleeping, no one is sleeping, so she founded 40 Wink Revolution to help new families get a good night’s sleep. Pilcher takes a collaborative, whole-family approach to sleep training. Instead of using a one-size-fits-all, cookie-cutter sleep training method, Pilcher works with families to customize their experiences. She stated, “It’s my goal to empower parents to make informed decisions about their baby’s sleep, schedule, and routines that will help them form healthy sleep habits that will last a lifetime.”

Former Fort Worth ISD teacher Dr. Jessica White’s life’s work is to inspire students to achieve their greatest potential regardless of their circumstances. That’s why she founded college and career consulting service EduSail in 2023. Using an innovative, collaborative approach to college and career counseling, Dr. White and the rest of the EduSail crew help middle and high school students find what’s best for them. EduSail wholeheartedly believes that every student should have access to the resources they need to become successful, and they pledge to advocate for equity while teaching their students to advocate for themselves as well.

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but Alexandra Rohloff is ready to help. Rohloff founded Happy Day Events, a full-service wedding and event planning and coordination service, so you don’t have to stress and can enjoy your engagement and wedding. From coming up with a concept for the wedding to helping the couple manage their budget and track RSVPs to being on hand to coordinate the rehearsal, wedding, and reception, Rohloff uses her passion for planning and her superb organizational skills to make sure that each and every couple has a truly happy day.

Licensed esthetician Alexa Rogers and nurse injector Samantha Reinsel, R.N., wanted to create a community of beauty providers to nurture a culture of innovation and collaboration. Serene Beauty offers everything from facials to fillers, lash extensions to hair extensions, permanent jewelry to permanent brow microblading. They also offer skinbetter science skincare products. Enjoy a full day of beauty pampering or come in for a medical weight loss consultation. The staff of Serene Beauty is ready to help you feel your most confident best.

In February of 2023, Laurie Birko opened Your Best Home Ace Hardware on Camp Bowie. While we all know that Ace is the place with the helpful hardware man, you might not know that this particular Ace is the place with the helpful hardware woman! That’s right. This is a woman-owned business. Your Best Home Ace Hardware is an anchor for the ongoing revitalization of the West Camp Bowie area, and Laurie is a proud member of the Fort Worth business community. With more than 70 years of family hardware store experience, a visit to Your Best Home Ace Hardware is like a visit to your neighbor.

Opened in 2023, La Palmilla Boutique Resort & Gardens offers an escape from the everyday. Founded by a group of friends with a vision of an extraordinary resort experience, La Palmilla provides luxury accommodations, as well as facilities for corporate, nonprofit, and church retreats and events. Casa del Rey, a beautiful Spanish Colonial chapel with stained glass created by Granbury artisan Cody Stromberg, is the perfect place for an intimate wedding. Located less than an hour from Fort Worth, La Palmilla offers a unique, personalized experience for every visitor.

With over 27 years combined experience, speech therapist Kim Dillon and feeding therapist Mary Breznik opened The Speech Source to help parents and caregivers of children who struggle with speech and feeding advocate for their children. They also recognize that professionals need support, and so through workshops, teacher training, professional coaching, and a podcast, Mary and Kim offer practical advice, strategies, and insight into child development, as well as support and understanding. They also offer preschool screenings and direct speech, language, and feeding therapy.

While owning your own home is the American dream, all the upkeep on that home can be overwhelming. Recognizing this, Rita McWaters founded Main + Tenacious to help homeowners learn how to take care of their most valuable investment. Main + Tenacious is a unique course that will teach you to tackle the projects you keep putting off and budget your time and money; you will also get a newsletter full of tips to help you build your home maintenance skills and be part of a community of other home maintainers. You’ll get everything you need except the wrench!

After moving back to DFW, TCU alumna Bri Waldrop launched her design company, Bri Lindsay Interiors, in June of 2023. Using her flair for incorporating your pieces into her designs, Bri offers services tailored to your needs and budget. If you’re not in the market for a full-service redesign, Bri Lindsay Interiors offers E-Design. Simply upload dimensions and photos of the space you would like to design and fill out an easy questionnaire, and Bri will provide you with a custom design concept board, a floor plan, and a list of shoppable links customized for your budget. The perfect way to liven up a room!

Jordan Heddins doesn’t think of herself as a photographer. She prefers to think of herself as a storyteller. And that’s why she started Jordan Heddin Photography. Jordan uses her skills with the camera to help you tell your story. She can help you document your journey from the engagement to the “I dos” to the arrival of your babies. Your senior will love celebrating their upcoming graduation with a senior portrait photoshoot. (Who doesn’t like a little glamor?) Most importantly, Jordan understands how important it is to document your family’s story.

Burst water popes. Broken sewer pipes. Flooding. The stuff of nightmares, right? Caleb and Casey Dill understand. They started The Dry Guy Restoration to help you restore your home and life after a disaster. Even the smallest amount of standing water can cause damage to the foundation and allow mold to grow. The Dry Guy is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They will give you an estimate for the work and will bill your insurance company directly. Their motto is “Making bad days better,” and while dealing with water damage is difficult, the Dry Guy will make it better.

It’s funny how the right outfit can completely transform your attitude. Betsy Beaman understands this, and she started B. Beaman Stylist to help you transform your wardrobe into a statement of your style that will show the world who you really are. She will reboot your style, helping you curate outfits tailored to your needs and lifestyle. Betsey believes that style should support and enhance your individuality. Forget fashion dos and don’ts. Fashion should make you not only look good but also feel good.

Led by triple board-certified facial plastic and cosmetic surgeon and TCU alumna Emily Johnson, DO, 817 Surgical Arts offers an array of aesthetic procedures and plastic surgeries focusing on prevention, helping patients age gracefully, and empowering them to look and feel their best at every age. The practice offers chemical peels, skin resurfacing, radiofrequency microneedling, Botox®, fillers, and other non-invasive cosmetic services. Emily tailors each cosmetic treatment to meet, and often exceed, patients’ aesthetic goals. She welcomes her patients to 817 Surgical Arts and looks forward to helping them live their best life.

Together with her husband, Ashley Lilavois started Blind Tiger Bartending Company in 2023. From weddings to corporate events to birthday parties, celebrate with custom cocktails. Blind Tiger provides experienced bartenders who know how to make the latest yummy cocktails; they even take care of the setup and clean up. From the initial consultation to the end of the evening, Ashley and her team will guide you through the party so that you and your guests don’t have to do anything but have fun.

Lauren Manolescu is proud to announce that she is The Tie-Dyed Doula. This mother of five will help you through your pregnancy and post-partum experience, regardless of the outcome, with love, compassion, and support. She’s your sister, your best friend, your biggest fan, and your advocate all tied up in tie dye. She can teach a private childbirth class in the comfort of your home and offers unlimited support via phone, email, or text throughout your pregnancy and beyond. We’re not born knowing how to be moms. Lauren can help you make the first steps on this journey of a lifetime.

Is there anything more uncomfortable than an ill-fitting bra? No. There’s not. That’s why it’s so important to get fitted for a bra. Grace Grubic opened Wildflower Intimates to help women find the perfect bra. Our bodies change, girls, and the same bra you wore in college probably won’t fit you now that you’re in your, ahem, more mature years. Having children, gaining and losing weight, and that darned gravity all work to change our figures. Having a professional like the ones at Wildflower Intimates help you find your correct size and the best bra style can be a life-changing experience. Trust me on this, ladies.

Dying is as natural as giving birth. This is why lifelong friends and death doulas Taylor Bell and Lacy Buynak created The Art of Dying as a way to offer end-of-life education, guidance, and companionship within their local community and beyond. Just like a maternity doula supports and advocates for you throughout pregnancy and the birth experience, Lacy and Taylor offer a variety of services to support and advocate for you or your loved ones at the end of life. From pre-planning to sitting vigil, Taylor and Lauren help you and your loved ones at a time when help is most needed.

Glen Rose girl Nöelle Overturf is preparing to open her new art gallery, Nöelle Grace Designs. Nöelle always loved creating art, but it wasn’t until after the birth of her second child that she decided to start sharing her art on Instagram. Nöelle specializes in mixed media abstract and is best known for her bold brush strokes, unique color combinations, and texture. No two pieces are alike, and each piece is made with purpose. Her gallery on Park Lane will open in 2024.

Jenya Feldeer would like to introduce you to Jenya Renée, a luxury handbag line featuring beautiful, limited-edition designs crafted from exotic skins and premium leathers. Each handbag is created with a focus on quality and quiet luxury in a variety of beautiful, eye-catching colors. Jenya Renée will consist of six different handbag collections and accessories, all sure to grab the attention you deserve. Each design blends wearability and sophistication, is ready for any occasion, and adds a beautiful pop of personality to every outfit. “Let’s celebrate life’s every occasion with elegance and confidence, one handbag at a time.”

Katie Higgenbotham boasts that she has a decade of design experience, a passion for storytelling, and the talent to reheat her coffee for the third time – all while keeping up with her three little adventurers. She uses these skills to help you tell your brand’s story with Katie Higgenbotham Design. No matter what you need to make your business stand out, Katie can help with website design, logos, curated color and font palettes, social media cheat sheets, and more. Katie will guide you through the process and ensure your company stands out from the crowd.

What happens when three friends decide they need more space than their homes to work? If you’re Kelsey Sheets, Brandi Wood, and Catherine Cartie, you start Poppy House. The friends renovated an old house in downtown Aledo to serve as their studio and showroom. Although not a retail store, the Poppy House Ladies host pop-ups and events to showcase small businesses. So, follow them on Instagram to keep up to date on the latest events and support local artists and artisans.

Many small business owners need additional help but cannot take on the additional overhead. Ashley Duwe understands and created Escape Virtual Assistants to help. Ashley and her people use their organizational talents to help you with the day-to-day tasks essential to starting and running a business so that you can focus on growing and expanding. While virtual assistants aren’t a new concept, Ashley feels they are underutilized. Escape Virtual Assistants can help you find the balance between your work and your life that was missing.

The post New Businesses to Watch in 2024 first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

A 25-year marketing veteran with agency, corporate and nonprofit experience, Freer joined Balcom in 2009 and has led large accounts, strategy work and strategic communications projects for 14 years. Prior to moving to Fort Worth, she held marketing, communications and public relations roles at BlueLinx Corporation, Atlanta History Center and Ogilvy Public Relations. She is an award winning professional recognized by the local and regional chapters of the American Advertising Federation (AAF), the International Association of Business Communicators, PRWeek, the Fort Worth and Atlanta chapters of the Public Relations Society of America and others. In addition to agency leadership, Freer served as the 90th president of the Junior League of Fort Worth, has been a director on national and regional nonprofit boards including Mayfest and Fort Worth Sister Cities International, and is a member of Leadership Fort Worth’s 2015 class. She has been named to Fort Worth Inc.’s annual list of 400 Most Influential People in the city since 2020. In her new role, Freer will build agency business, nurture client relationships and support client strategy, as well as drive agency growth and operations.

left – Ashley Freer; right – Carol Glover
Images courtesy of Balcom Agency

Since joining Balcom as its first creative director in 2004, Glover has transformed the company’s creative abilities, championed excellence and developed award winning work in branding, advertising, multimedia, video, web/digital, social media and content development. With 35 years of experience, she is a recognized creative leader honored with more than 400 local, regional and national Addy Awards, including dozens of Best of Show, Best of Broadcast, Best of Print and Special Judges awards as a writer and creative director. Glover has served on the board of AAF Fort Worth, is often chosen as a speaker at various industry and client events, and has been featured in Adweek, Communication Arts, Print Regional Design and more. She taught as an adjunct professor at Texas Christian University for 13 years while working at Balcom full-time. She was awarded an American Advertising Federation (AAF) Silver Medal in 2013 for outstanding contributions to the profession, including her position as vice president and creative director at Witherspoon Marketing Communications prior to joining Balcom. In her new role, Glover will steer all creative output through the agency, along with key strategy and culture work.

Both Freer and Glover have been partners in the organization for more than five years, alongside principals Steve Cantrell, Toni Stuard and Chief Executive Officer Stuart Balcom who founded the agency.

“I’ve worked with Carol and Ashley for many years, watching them outwork the competition and out perform for clients, time and time again,” said Stuart Balcom, CEO. “They are each transformational, powerhouse leaders and mentors, and I could not be more proud and happy to appoint them to these two crucial new positions at Balcom. I’m immensely proud to call them our future.”

As a full service agency, Balcom puts the power of “and” to work for brands, using expansive thinking to deliver exponential results. The agency combines powerful insight, creativity and technology to craft compelling stories that move brands forward.

The post Balcom Agency Promotes Freer to President, Glover to CCO first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

I step into the truck and enter the world of owner and head chef Jonathan Arguello where everyone has the opportunity to experience something extraordinary. Arguello is pushing boundaries and redefining the very essence of what a burger truck is.

“We want to create this awesome workforce,” says Arugello, “A lot of times restaurants are not owned by people that work in them… we’ve always worked in restaurants, so we know the struggle… at the end of the day, of course, we want to provide for ourselves and our family, but we want to create an environment where people can come in, have their part-time job but also work on their passion projects.”

GUSTO’S does not just sell burgers. Every day, Arugello shares his zest for life and love for his community through his truck.

I thought I knew what a scorching Texas day felt like. I am proved wrong the minute I hop into the back of the truck, with orders coming in at a pace I struggle to keep up with.

Photo credit: Anna Parker

Sporting a black logo t-shirt, a well-worn black apron, and a red rope hat, Arguello persuades me, after just a brief moment, that he can talk as he handles orders with ease. He flips patties at the speed of light while dodging flying grease bullets. The truck is a well-oiled machine, and the smile never leaves his face.

As he serves customers, he tells me how he got started. Working in marketing, Arguello yearned for more. He decided to leave and bet on himself. During the pandemic, he rented out a gas station kitchen for $400 a month.

He got the affirmation he needed to fully pursue on his business when he was cooking at a music festival. Australian singer-songwriter (and former vegetarian!) Courtney Burnette tried one of Arguello’s burgers and said it was the best she had ever had. It was a moment he had dreamed of. He went all in on the business, bought a truck, and relocated it to the Hotel Dryce, where he flourished before moving the truck to its current location.

Arguello said his biggest challenge has been keeping faith that he could truly thrive in the culinary business. Not only has he kept the faith, but he’s managed to stand out from other food trucks with his personal touches and charisma.

Aruguello says, “We’re trying to create simple menu items that are cooked correctly every single time and served with hospitality for a good value.” While hungry customers wait in line for their meal, Arguello keeps a positive and calm attitude. He’s thrilled to be where he is.

At last, the anticipated moment of my visit arrives. It’s time to taste the burger.

The patty with its gloriously crispy edges rests on a buttered bun. Best Maid pickles, ketchup, and mustard compliment Gusto’s special sauce. Arguello hands me napkins. I don’t use them. Grease drips down my wrists. This is a recipe I will forever strive to replicate.

Within a few bites, Gusto’s burger skyrockets to the top of my “Best Fort Worth Restaurants” list I keep in my notes app. Arguello has earned himself a dedicated fan.

Photo credit: Anna Parker

As I end my visit, Arguello shares with me his goal for the future. He wants to open multiple stores, all serving the same simple-but-damn-good food with his signature top-notch hospitality. “I’m just trying to create something that I wish someone created a long time ago that I got fed into. If we could create something where everyone gets paid, everyone gets to save a little, and everybody gets pumped up to do their thing, you would create the most loving space in the world.”

[Editor’s Note: Arguello is opening a brick-and-mortar just off Magnolia soon. Stay tuned!]

As I squeezed through Tulip’s alley, excited for what I might find on the other side, I never imagined I’d leave loving this person even more than the food he makes. But Arguello is a joy to be around. He has created not only the best smashburger I’ve yet to have, but he’s made a place filled with love and fun.

Gusto’s motto is, “You got to have fun, baby. Life is too short.”

After a trip here, I think I agree.

Anna Parker is a student in Sarah Angle’s feature writing class at TCU. 

The post You Gotta Have Fun, Baby! first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

This fall, the Amon Carter Museum of American Art (the Carter) is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Ruth Carter Stevenson on October 19, 1923. The daughter of Amon G. Carter Sr., Ruth was the founder and guiding light of the Museum, dedicating decades of her life to shaping our internationally recognized collection of American art. Under her leadership, the Carter opened to the public in 1961, and the Museum expanded its collection to include the best examples of American creativity across centuries.

Ruth Carter Stevenson exploring the galleries at the Carter in 1963

“This fall, we are thrilled to be celebrating what would have been 100 years of Ruth” said Andrew J. Walker, Executive Director of the Carter. “A champion of the arts in her community and beyond, Ruth was the guiding light of the Museum, and we are excited to continue to follow in her footsteps as we look to the future. Like her father, she left behind a magnanimous legacy, one that will continue to bring joy and fulfillment to many future generations.”

Ruth Carter Stevenson in 2006

 

The creation of the Carter would not have been possible without Ruth’s devotion and vision. Under her leadership, the Museum’s historic building was constructed by architect Philip Johnson and the Carter’s collection flourished to include the best examples of American art. Ruth established a board of trustees made up of luminaries in the museum world who helped guide the Carter in its first decade of operation, and she appointed the first director, Mitchell A. Wilder, to expand acquisitions beyond her father’s original collection of western art. In addition, Ruth collected contemporary art for her time and recognized the pioneering visions of artists such as Stuart Davis, Louise Nevelson, and Georgia O’Keeffe. Ruth also understood the value of arts access and education, laying the foundation for the Museum’s educational initiatives and fulfilling her father’s wishes ensuring free access to the Museum for all.

Ruth Carter Stevenson in front of the Carter in 1965

In Fort Worth, she spearheaded artistic development in the city and expanded the Cultural District to become a hub of internationally renowned art centers. Beyond Fort Worth, Ruth served on the Board of Regents of the University of Texas and played a key role in the full desegregation of the university. In addition, she championed the arts on a national scale through board positions with the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Trust for Historic Places, and the American Federation of Arts and served as the first woman appointed to the board as well as the first chairperson of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC.

The post Happy Birthday, Ruth Carter Stevenson! first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

You are quickly becoming the coffee queen of Fort Worth. Is this surprising to you, or has this been the plan from day one?

That’s the first time I’ve been called that. Over the last several years, I have been working incredibly collaboratively with other coffee and tea shop owners who continually pour into me, and that has created the success you see at Cherry. I by no means consider myself the queen of coffee. My intention has been to provide a welcoming experience, a safe space, and to engage the community and explore the curiosity of coffee.

photo by Rebekah Ballesteros

Your newest acquisition puts you in a totally different market. What intrigued you about this opportunity?

Representation. There is a lot of diversity at the cafe level of coffee, which is awesome and so encouraging, but once you cross over to roasting, importing and the equipment side of coffee, it looks like a traditional Fortune 500 board room. Different perspectives and life experiences bring tremendous value to any organization and industry, and I want to help strengthen and grow the coffee world by helping diversify it.

I also want to control more of my own supply chain – vertical integration is intriguing, and I look forward to seeing how my TCU Supply Chain Management coursework comes in handy.

Will Novel Coffee Roasters keep its name, or will it go through a Morris rebranding?

Novel Coffee Roasters will remain. For the last 10 years, Novel has built an amazing product, a loyal community, and a niche in the lighter roast, clean profile realm of coffee, and I’m excited to continue that legacy.

Over time, we will be adding a Cherry brand of roasted coffee to the business. While Novel is known for its light-medium roast and clean profiles, Cherry will dive a little further into the experimental and curious side of coffee, working with more naturals, anaerobics, co-fermented processes – the funky stuff.

From working in a coffee shop to owning and operating a coffee shop and roastery, what business advice do you have to offer budding entrepreneurs?

Stay curious and keep moving! I’m constantly reevaluating our processes at Cherry. We’re always making incremental changes to bolster our efficiencies, make processes easier for the team, and we’re trying new things. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t – but that’s how we get better.

What are the daily functions of a roastery?

It’s been so fun discovering this process. Each position has a different start time because the whole operation depends on when the first batch drops from the roaster. So, our head roaster, Marisa, shows up first, usually around 6 a.m. to get the machine powered on.. it takes about an hour to warm up. Around 7:30 a.m., our director of production, Leslie, and production assistant, Brandon, arrive to begin getting orders organized, get the production schedule sorted for the day, set up the team cupping, and then we’re off to the races. The day is then filled with roasting, packaging coffee, and sending out shipments.

Meanwhile, in the office, it’s me and Abbey, our director of business operations. We spend our time evaluating and documenting processes, overseeing the construction happening at the warehouse, engaging with customers, and Abbey is a wizard on all things technology. We’re looking at ways to optimize our website, improve our processes so we don’t get blindsided when we begin a marketing campaign, and overall make the most out of our resources.

Novel is served all over the country. Do you plan to make the footprint even bigger?

Yes, we’d love to! I did an analysis, and in 2022, Novel shipped out to 44 different states. Our goal this year is to hit all 50. We’d love to have more cafe partners as well, and we will be hitting the ground soon to build up our wholesale partners.

Cherry launched in 2021. What has surprised you the most in two years of operation?

The way our community has accepted and loves Cherry. I wanted to create a space that feels like a cozy hug when you walk in, and the community has embraced that hug.

When you aren’t drinking coffee, what are you drinking?

Water, lots and lots of water! Then you can find me at The Holly, drinking some natural wine.

The post Worthy Convos: Katherine Morris on Diversity in the Coffee World first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Katrina Carpenter, owner of Carpenter’s Café and Catering in the Near Southside, considers herself to be in the people business first. And it’s this attitude that is the not-so-secret ingredient in Carpenter’s success in establishing herself and her business as fixtures in the community.

We first interviewed you back in 2020. It was the year Carpenter’s Cafe opened its brick-and-mortar and the same year the pandemic hit. How have you grown since then, both as a business and as a business owner?

Since opening our brick-and-mortar, Carpenter’s has collaborated with 15 other local businesses and entrepreneurs in many facets. Carpenter’s acquired a food truck that was first launched summer 2021 in partnership with the Magnolia Wine Bar. We’ve gone from subleasing [our location] to full acquisition and fulfilling expansion plans. As a business owner, I’ve discovered growth in fully accepting the influence I’ve had among other small businesses and owners. I’ve embraced opportunities to lend a voice by joining committees such as the Small Business Task force for the City of Fort Worth.

You intentionally started Carpenter’s without loans or investors. Why was that important to you?

Carpenter’s was birthed from a Big Idea that tapped on the heart strings of many. It was important for us to stay grounded in our faith and lean into what we could do on our own without taking on any debt. Now three years in, having accomplished so much, we are positioned to accept the capital to further scale and grow our business.

Right now, the cafe is operating at minimal capacity while you enhance the space. When can we expect the big reveal?

We are hoping for late summer [or] early fall at the latest for full completion. However, in the coming weeks, customers will be able to order take out and access online ordering platforms like Grubhub and Uber Eats once again.

Carpenter’s is centered around community. What responsibility do you feel you have to your city?

To continue to be the pioneer and change agent that I am. Over the past couple of years, I’ve discovered that so many people in my city, all over my city, have kept up with Carpenter’s journey. I love that I can be an inspiration to others just by being who I am. I owe it to my community to stand ground and to continue to advocate in spaces that matter.

What is the best business advice you have received since starting this journey?

Build a solid network! Be strategic in your thinking and movement. Do not be afraid of change. In fact, embrace change. And lastly, create the grandest vision possible for you and your business because you become what you believe.

How do you define success?

The ability to triumph and genuinely making a difference in the lives of others while doing what you love to do wholeheartedly.

What’s next for you?

My philanthropic soul has motivated me to launch a foundation titled “A Collective Hand.” I’m excited to join forces with other brilliant and like-minded community leaders and advocates who are on the move and have a heart for real equitable change. I believe change starts with meaningful relationship building, grounded in purpose-built communication. I’ve also been working on a Community Merch Corner that will feature some new merch items from the Carps Cafe brand along with a few other offerings from local makers.

The post Katrina Carpenter on the Definition of Success first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.