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.

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.

If you’ve ever scanned that tiny QR code attached to your seat at a TCU game, you’ve interacted with Digital Seat Media, a homegrown tech company that now boasts the Rose Bowl and AT&T Stadium among its clientele.

Or maybe your college kid has used TimelyMD, a virtual health platform that is addressing the student mental health crisis at 200 colleges and universities. This company, headquartered in the Near Southside, was the fastest growing company in our city last year, according to Inc. Magazine.

But innovation isn’t limited to technology. Innovation is all around us, even in the food we eat. After all, the ice cream drumstick, star of a million summertime memories, was invented right here in Fort Worth.

And innovation doesn’t always require a paradigm-changing, billion-dollar idea. Sometimes it just takes someone who sees a problem differently and dreams up a unique solution.

R – Quentin Crawford
L – Cameron Cushman

Meet Quentin Crawford, the entrepreneur behind Good Jerky, a company that makes jerky out of fish.

Yes. Fish jerky.

Don’t count fish jerky out quite yet. I’ve had it and it tastes like that delicious beef, bison, or venison jerky you might pick up on a family road trip. Quentin has created a great product that provides meat lovers like me with a chewy, smoky, fish-based jerky that tastes just like traditional beef jerky.

Crawford got the idea of turning seafood into a snack when he saw several members of his family struggle with health issues, and he realized that he didn’t want to suffer the same fate. He tried to become vegetarian but found himself hungry, needing to increase the amount of protein in his diet. His health coach told him to explore becoming a pescatarian.

“When you think about eating seafood for a snack, what do you think about?” he asked me on the Innovate Fort Worth podcast that I host. I had nothing. “Maybe canned tuna?” he suggested. But that wasn’t practical for someone who traveled for work and was always on the go.

On one of these work trips, he decided to see if he could bring one of his favorite road trip foods, jerky, to life in a healthier way.

And Good Jerky was born.

According to the USDA, nine out of ten Americans don’t get enough seafood in their diet. “People want to live a healthier life and adding more fish in your diet can help you do that,” Crawford said. Eating two bags of his jerky per week provides your recommended omega 3s for the week.

In 2018, Crawford started making prototypes in his kitchen and passed samples out to friends. Some were terrible, but he kept experimenting until he found the recipes that hit the mark. He started with tilapia, but that made terrible jerky. Next, he tried salmon and trout and found success. Now he’s got big plans to bring a newer fish to the American market – swai – an Asian catfish that is catching on in the United States.

Once he had the right catch, he started developing a sweet and smoky flavor that featured a maple glaze with a hint of applewood smoke. The lineup also features habanero honey, pineapple bourbon, and several other flavors.

“Certain types of flavors complement certain kinds of fish. Salmon tends to go well with sweet flavors, for instance.”

Don’t just take it from me that Good Jerky tastes good. Crawford won the Gold Award at the International Jerky Awards (yes, that’s a thing) in 2021.

Crawford said, “We were born in a land-locked city in a place where people love meat, so we had to adjust our process for carnivores. We created the first fish jerky not created solely for pescatarians. If you’re a hard-core meat eater, this is something that you will grab, and you will love.”

Crawford and his wife and co-founder Lauren have continued to utilize many of the resources that are available to startup companies in Fort Worth to help them grow, including accelerator programs. Good Jerky was a member of MassChallenge, a global zero-equity startup accelerator, and DFW-based Impact Ventures.

Good Jerky is now available at Central Market and in grocery stores throughout the state.

So you may scratch your head when you hear about jerky made from fish, but sometimes that’s what innovation looks like. It is seeing an existing product and thinking, “Could I make that a little better?” Quentin Crawford did, and now jerky made from fish is something we can all catch.

The post The Snack with a Catch first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Simmons Bank recently announced an unprecedented multi-university sponsorship of women’s athletics at ten universities throughout the six states Simmons serves, including Texas Christian University and Southern Methodist University. Unlike traditional athletic sponsorships, this initiative supports ALL women’s athletics at these universities and aims to provide more than just financial support.

I recently sat down with Lori Baldock, President of the Fort Worth Market for Simmons Bank, and Liz Miller, Simmons’ Regional Marketing Specialist, to talk about this unique sponsorship initiative and what it means for women in general and in Fort Worth in particular.

There is a distinct correlation between athletic success and business success. The teamwork, discipline, and leadership skills learned on the field and the court translates into the business world. Baldock said, “What the bank has realized is that when you look… at the kind of leadership skills they develop as athletes… we want to support that.”

Lori Baldock
Photo courtesy of Simmons Bank

In spotlighting all of women’s athletics at these universities, Simmons Bank is showing how important women’s collegiate athletics are. “Women athletes go on to develop into business entrepreneurs, contributors to our communities,” said Miller. “[There is] that linkage between ‘let’s support what these women are doing throughout their collegiate careers’ and ‘how do we develop that into their next phases in life?’”

An important part of Simmons’ partnership with women’s athletics includes mentoring the athletes as they prepare to take the next step after college. “Not all [of the athletes] will move on to professional careers in athletics. Some may be coaches, some may be players, but many will take other routes… into the business community,” said Baldock.

“These women have been focused on their athletic endeavors in college in addition to their academics… I’ve raised three Horned Frogs. [They] need mentorship to land that first job, to negotiate that paycheck because it sets you on a trajectory for the rest of your career,” Baldock said. “[The mentorship] is important to me personally as a female executive in the Bank and as the Market President in Fort Worth…”

Miller agreed. “[The sponsorship initiative] is more than just our logo on a field or on an arena. It’s the development of these students beyond their athletic careers.”

According to the National Association of Women Business Owners, as of 2017, more than 11 million businesses in the United States are owned by women. These businesses employ 9 million people. And these numbers are growing every year.

“We looked at the development of leadership skills [in student athletics],” said Baldock. “As the [student athletes] leave college, some may… start their own companies. Some may become doctors, lawyers, dentists, etc. Maybe some become the heads of their households… [which are] key components of our community… we want all these women to know that there is a banker within Simmons who can help them with their needs.”

To that end, Simmons Bank has five locations in Fort Worth, as well as branches in Arlington, Burleson, Colleyville, Grapevine, Mansfield, Saginaw, and Dallas.

“There are a lot of entrepreneurs in the Tanglewood Moms community,” Miller said. “Lori and her team are right here in Fort Worth to help them get their business to the next level… We have our finger on the pulse of understanding the need of small business owners, entrepreneurs, and women within our community.”

From a remarkable sponsorship initiative for women collegiate athletes to supporting female entrepreneurs in Fort Worth, Simmons Bank has proven their commitment to women and to the communities they serve.

The post Proving Their Committment first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

It’s November, and that means it’s open enrollment for health insurance. Whether you are an individual who needs coverage or a small business that wants to provide the best plans for its employees in 2022, The Shields Agency is ready to help you navigate the complicated rules and regulations of health insurance.

Photo courtesy of Leslie Shields Botvidson and The Shields Agency

Owner and lead agent Leslie Shields Botvidson not only survived but thrived in the traditionally male-dominated world of insurance before opening her own independent agency. After working for several national health insurance companies, the North Texas native and Texas A&M alumna realized it was time to spread her wings. She opened The Shields Agency in November of 2019 to serve the people of Fort Worth.

“Fort Worth is a city that celebrates its own,” Leslie said. “The city fosters a community where a small business owner can make it, and growth came pretty quickly.” Leslie is a long-time sponsor of TanglewoodMoms.com, and she acknowledges that the Facebook group’s role in her success. “The women in the group have been incredibly supportive!” Leslie said.

While it’s true that our city has become an entrepreneurial incubator, nothing could have prepared us for the COVID-19 pandemic. While trying to grow her new business during the shut down, Leslie became pregnant and was due just as 2020’s open enrollment started! But a little adversity wasn’t going to stop Leslie, who was a 2021 Fort Worth Business Press 40 Under 40 Honoree.

“I was doing everything,” Leslie said. “The goal became growth. We needed to grow to service our clients.”

It was time to build a team. The Shields Agency added agents and support staff. The team rallied while Leslie and her husband Chris welcomed a beautiful baby boy on November 5th, 2020.

Leslie said that the reason her fledgling business survived is because she was able to bring on “the right people, which is the foundation for any good business…” The Shields Agency now has four licensed agents.

Photo courtesy of Leslie Shields Botvidson and The Shields Agency

“My goal is to elevate women and help them be successful in the insurance industry because it really is male-dominated.” New mom Leslie understands the challenges particular to working women. “We need flexible careers – ones where women can be successful and still do school drop off and pickup.”

While many of our readers aren’t anywhere near qualifying for Medicare (we’re still doing school drop offs and pickups!), our parents may be. We are, after all, members of the Sandwich Generation, caring for our children and our parents. Leslie says that it’s always smart to have a good insurance agent to guide you through the Byzantine labyrinth that is Medicare.

“As our parents age, having a Medicare specialist on your side is imperative,” said Leslie. “You may not realize the choices you make when you are first eligible for Medicare can impact you forever!” Having a Medicare expert guiding you and your parents can give you peace of mind.

“Open enrollment started on November 1. If you want a policy that starts on January 1, you have until December 15, December 7 for Medicare. My agents and I can help you find the best policy for you, your parents, or your small business,” Leslie said.

If you need coverage for yourself or your small business, if you or someone in your family needs help with Medicare, The Shields Agency is ready to help find you the best coverage possible. Are you ready to take the next step? Click here to get started!

Important Dates for 2022 Insurance Coverage

• December 7 – Last day for changes in Medicare coverage
• December 15 – Last day to enroll in or change plans for 2022 coverage that starts January 1, 2022
• January 15 – Last day to enroll in or change plans for 2022 coverage

The post Making Sure You’re Protected: The Shields Agency first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

How did you find yourself a fabric shop owner?

As a child I spent countless hours in fabric stores with my mom, who was an exceptional self-taught seamstress. She loved haute couture so our home was littered with couture magazines. As a teenager I made some of my own clothes because I had a style I couldn’t buy in stores- think MC Hammer pants, sequined sweatshirts, and funky Chanel cardigans! I always loved sewing and handling rich fabrics. Instead of pursuing my dream of becoming a fashion designer, I chose a career in healthcare. The dreams of becoming a designer are gone, but now I’m perfectly content being surrounded by beautiful apparel fabric and eager to offer these amazing selections to Fort Worth.

Do you import your fabrics?

Yes, I carry unique fabrics from all over the world, including special occasion fabrics from Spain, Italy, and Belgium, tana lawn cotton from England, silks from India and China, and boucle and lace from France. I also source many quality sewing items, like specialty threads and notions from Europe and glass beads from Japan.

Photo courtesy of Alexis Nguyen-Gonzales

For the person who is not crafty but interested in creating something of their own, where do you recommend they start?

There are so many independent pattern companies now who share the mission of encouraging people to learn how to sew. The number of people who sew dropped with the baby boomers, but over the past few years there is a resurgence of people who are very interested in learning this skill. We all have to start somewhere, right? There are so many online courses and tutorials for sewing, you could learn even the basics by watching someone in England or Portland teach each step. There are local sewing classes available too in quilting shops and community education workshops (TCU has a few for sewing) if you prefer in-person learning. I will also be starting up beginner level sewing courses for individualized learning. The first step is getting a hold of a good sewing machine!

What is your most favorite fabric to work with?

I love a high-quality cotton because it’s the easiest to sew and wear. If I know my garment will get a lot of use, I’ll feel better about putting in all the extra time and effort into making it a great piece.

You opened your shop right before the pandemic. What business and/or life lessons did you learn during that time?

It was originally opened at Shop Small, The Collective right as Covid was spreading into the U.S. I realized the importance of having financial reserves in case of an unexpected crisis, one can happen anytime. New businesses didn’t qualify for assistance so that was especially rough. I went into disaster mode and quickly listed everything online. Using Etsy to sell fabric was critical for my business during this time, and I switched my emphasis from only carrying special occasion fabric to offering a broader range of fabric, including cottons and rayons. People from all over the U.S. were buying sewing essentials and fabric online because they couldn’t go out and shop. Sewing helped a lot of people pass this stressful time. I also sold goods that I made, including over 1,000 cotton scrub caps, which healthcare workers were buying. Sometimes you have to be ready to drastically deviate from your original business plan.

What is slow fashion?

Slow fashion is a movement that involves being aware of the financial and environmental effects of rapid cycles of fashion. You become more conscientious of how much fast fashion you consume- where, how, and by whom your clothes are made. Handmaking your own clothes is just one way of being an earth-friendly consumer. If we make efforts to buy fewer mass-produced trendy garments, and choose better quality, lasting garments in sustainable fabrics, it’s better for the environment with less waste and landfill. Buy less, buy better, and buy local if you can.

Where do you find your creativity or inspiration?

I am inspired by all the designers and makers all over the world. The best place to discover their work is social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. It’s amazing to me how someone in Latvia or Russia can share their artistry, whether it’s silk flower making, couture embroidery, or dressmaking. These are just independent makers showing their techniques from their little studios everywhere.

Although she prefers burnt orange to purple, Hannah Bush is happy to call Fort Worth her new home. She began freelance writing a few years ago to break up the monotony of her 9 to 5 and to prove to her parents that she’s making good use of her journalism degree. When she’s not hanging out with her cat, Hannah can likely be found on a patio with her brand new husband, talking about her cat.

The post Worthy Convos: Alexis Nguyen-Gonazales on Illumination and Inspiration first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

How did this ownership transition come about?

When COVID hit, Craftwork pivoted and has been building out their new model over the last year which combines coffee and concierge service in multifamily apartment buildings. As they transitioned to this new model, they recognized the need to consolidate their time and energy on that and to move away from the flagship store model. The Camp Bowie location was the first location of the stores. As changes were starting to be made, Josh was approached by Riley, the CEO of Craftwork, about purchasing one of the shops. This sounded crazy at first but for years and years [we] have daydreamed what it would be like to own our own café.

You are keeping the Camp Bowie shop but changing the name to Fort Worth Coffee Co. Any other changes we can expect?

We’ve updated the space to have more pops of color, more textures, cushions on the bar for a more comfortable visit, and brought back the comfy couches for a little nook we have. Great for conversations, studying and sipping. One thing we know is our most valuable asset is our staff. Our staff have already received and will continue to receive more and more investment on our part. Our head trainer is a nationally recognized barista and judge for the SCA [Specialty Coffee Association].

Tell us more about Fort Worth Coffee Co.’s roasting program. 

We have a rotation of amazing guest rosters (Sweet Bloom and Olympia to start) while still offering the coffee Josh has been roasting for the past 4 years.

What surprising things have you learned as a new business owner?

So many things. The phrase ‘the cost of doing business’ has a much more depth now than ever before. You can never make everyone happy. [And] being your own boss is both great and hard all at once.

In that same spirit, have you found our city to be supportive of small businesses?

Our city has a vast network of small businesses – we love it! So many of our residents love to come out and support local shops. It has been so wonderful to experience it as a shop owner. The small business owners also do such a great job with supporting each other and cheering one another on – so refreshing.

If Fort Worth were a cup of coffee, what kind would it be?

I think old Fort Worth would have been a solid cup of cowboy coffee, but the times are changing as is the city. New and exciting things are happening while still holding on to some of the old traditions. Because of that I would say a solid Colombian single origin pour over. Still black coffee but with a little more of an artistic flair.

How many cups of coffee do you consume in a day? No shame.

Depends on which of us you ask and on what day. Generally, I’d guess two cups a day or less. We’ve found if you use a small cup you can fill it up more.

Although she prefers burnt orange to purple, Hannah Bush is happy to call Fort Worth her new home. She began freelance writing a few years ago to break up the monotony of her 9 to 5 and to prove to her parents that she’s making good use of her journalism degree. When she’s not hanging out with her cat, Hannah can likely be found on a patio with her fiancé, talking about her cat.

The post Worthy Convos: The Tyers of Fort Worth Coffee Co. Talk Cowboy Boots and Caffeine first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Of the $10 million allocated for Preserve the Fort grants, $2.5 million will be dedicated to supporting minority-owned businesses, and another $2.5 million is reserved for businesses located in the city’s Neighborhood Empowerment Zones and Designated Investment Zones – areas of Fort Worth that are predominantly low-to-moderate income, which the city has already identified for revitalization efforts.

Grant applications will be processed with the help of partners at the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce.

Applications for Preserve the Fort grants have been extended. The deadline for business owners to submit their application is now 11:59 p.m. Monday, June 15. Business owners can apply at fortworthtexas.gov/preserve-the-fort.

“These grants are critical to helping support and preserve the city’s small business community, which has helped define so much of Fort Worth’s character,” said Robert Sturns, the city’s Economic Development Director. “As businesses across the state start to reopen, these grants can help offset some of the costs from the recent shutdown and provide a way forward for those small businesses who have been hit hardest.”

“We applaud the City of Fort Worth for developing the Preserve the Fort Grant Program and using CARES Act funding to help our small business community,” said Leah King, President and CEO of United Way of Tarrant County. “The impact of COVID-19 has been devastating to so many small business owners who had to close because of the shelter-in-place restrictions. It is our sincere hope that these funds allow them to get back on their feet and position them for long-term success.”

Eligibility

Grant funds are open to businesses who fit the following criteria:

• Small business (250 employees or less).
• Located within the City of Fort Worth, with a Fort Worth mailing address.
• Registered to do business in the State of Texas.
• Be able to demonstrate a reduction in sales/revenue or employment since March 17, due to COVID-19.
• Business must have been in operation since Sep. 1, 2019.
• Self-employed individuals, independent contractors, sole proprietors, and nonprofits serving the business community are also eligible.

If a business has already received funds from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or an Economic Injury Disaster Loan, they are still eligible to receive these funds. However, priority will be given to businesses that have not received funding through these programs.

For more information about eligibility requirements and other questions, a list of frequently asked questions is available on the Preserve the Fort webpage in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

Funding information

Depending on the number of full-time staff a business employed as of March 17, 2020, the funding levels are:

• Micro-enterprises with less than 5 employees are eligible for a grant of $5,000.
• Level I businesses (with 6-25 employees) are eligible for a grant of $7,500.
• Level II businesses (with 26-50 employees) are eligible for a grant of $10,000.
• Level III businesses (with 51-250 employees) are eligible for a grant of $50,000.

Preserve the Fort grant funds can be used to reimburse the costs of business interruption due to COVID-19 as a result of required closures, voluntary closures to promote social distancing, or decreased customer demand. A complete list of examples is available on the Preserve the Fort webpage.

Businesses who receive grant funding are required to document how the funds are used.

Before applying, business owners can complete the Preserve the Fort funding application more quickly by getting the following business documents in order:

• A completed W-9 form.
• Documentation of Going Concern and Business Verification. This will require one of the following documents: Secretary of State Texas File Number, Employee Identification Number, DBA, 2018 or 2019 tax return (schedules not required), Individual Taxpayer Identification Number or Certificate of Filing.
• Proof of employment. This will require one of the following documents: W-3 form, 941 form, or other document showing payroll expenses, employer insurance expenses, or employer retirement expenses for the first quarter of 2020 (prior to the COVID-19 emergency declaration on March 17, 2020) as well as the most current version of this document.
• Profit & Loss (P&L) statement for 2019.
• Profit & Loss (P&L) as of March 2020 or later, to show loss of income after COVID-19.
• For sole proprietors, applicants are required to provide a 2018 or 2019 Schedule C.

Once business owners compile this information, they can visit Preserve the Fort webpage to begin their application.

All documentation is required for approval. If documentation is not provided with your application, you could be denied funding.

This article was reprinted with permission from the Fort Worth Business Press. 

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