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Meet South Austin’s Candy Magician
Getting to know my community continues to be one of the major perks I enjoy as a Realtor. This blog allows me to share conversations I’ve had with local business owners and individuals regarding their desired impact on the community and their hopes for the city.
The Sweetest Job In The Whole Wide World
I met Jack Bessudo, owner of Sugarox Candy Studio, while attending a class at CrossFit SoChac. One day we partnered on a workout and I asked him what he did professionally. He said he made candy. My response was of pure awe… “STOP… you make CANDY for a living?” This sounds like the sweetest (pun definitely intended) job in the whole wide world! And it makes sense, because when you meet Jack, you are greeted with a warm smile and a big heart.
The following week, Jack brought me some of his candy creations. The bag was labeled Tamalitoz. According to his website, a customer of his, early on, noticed the shape of the candy and noted that they looked tiny little candy tamales. Or in spanish, “tamalitos”. Jack’s husband, Declan, then suggested the name “Tamalitoz” with a “Z”, and so it was born. Each piece is comprised of a hard candy shell, and inside each candy has a pocket of a chili, lime and sea salt.
This candy has big flavors, and names to suite, such as Peach Slapped, Lip Smacking Mango, and Bite Me Blood Orange. Before I knew it, Tamalitoz was a household staple in my pantry. This addictive, salty, sweet, sour Mexican candy is perfectly complex yet balanced. Here’s a little bit about South Austinite Jack Bessudo and his confectionery journey into the creation of Sugarox Candy Studio USA.
Childhood Photo of Jack
International Beginnings
Me: Where did you grow up?
Jack: I grew up between Houston and Mexico City. At the time, my dad was in his 20’s, working at a soft drink company started by his father in Mexico. My father and grandfather didn’t see eye-to-eye, so my father went out on his own. He joined his cousin in Houston to do real estate development. This was 1978, and little did they know they were heading towards a downturn in the market.
My dad struggled to find his way in that market, and although he tried to get by at a car dealership, he eventually took us back to Mexico. It was very hard on me. I had moved to Houston at age 3, then swiftly moved back to Mexico at age 13 without any notice or say. Being 13 is already hard enough.
Journey Back To Mexico
Me: What was it like returning to Mexico?
Jack: When I moved back to Mexico, I hated it. I could not understand the chaos. The streets looked different from what I was used to in Houston. Everything smelled different. Social relationships were different.
It took some getting used to, but I acclimated. It felt like my life was over, because I was a teenager. But that soon passed. Then I started assimilating again. My Spanish was pretty awful. I had a very heavy American accent. And the kids used to tease me for it.
Childhood Photo of Jack
Me: What did you want to be when you were a kid?
Jack: When I was a kid, an uncle asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I answered “The world’s Number One Roller Coaster Rider”. He still reminds me of this my whole life!’
Finding Joy By Bringing Joy
Me: What was your first career?
Jack: My first job out of college was at an advertising agency. I have a degree in communications. Advertising always seemed like it would be fun. I also had a connection, a friend’s dad who was an executive at a big multinational ad agency. He told me that if I ever wanted to get into the field, to look for him. And I did.
Working in advertising exposes you to a lot of clients in different industries. Every day was different. The challenges were always shifting, one day working with a car company, next day with a chocolate company, next day a bank. It really keeps you on your toes. You have to be a big sponge to absorb a ton of information in order to help your client grow their brand.
After years of working 12 to 13 hours a day, convincing people of one thing or another, I decided I’d rather do something that brought me and others joy. So one day, I decided I was going to find something that let me use my skills in creating brands, but for myself. That is how I started my candy business.
Jack and Declan’s Wedding
Partners For Life
Me: How did you meet your husband Declan?
Jack: I met Declan through a mutual friend. I was going to London on a business trip, and my friend told me I should reach out to him while I was in in town. Before my trip, we started chatting on Facebook. But my trip got canceled. So Declan decided to come to Mexico. This was when I was still brainstorming the candy business. He visited for 10 days, which led to a long distance relationship.
After 15 months, Declan moved to Mexico. Soon we were married. Our wedding was going to be small, intimate. But my mom started sharing the news, and before I knew it, my parents were planning the whole thing, haha.
Sweet Discoveries in Sidney
Me: Where did you first get the idea for your business?
Jack: While working in advertising, one of my clients was Johnson and Johnson. The agency was having a global business review. It was being held in Sidney. I ended up visiting a candy shop there called ‘Sticky’. Seeing how the candy was made, the production, to the shop, it inspired me to do something similar. I hired a great candy maker, Damian Brewer, to teach me how to make candy like I had seen on my trip to Sidney. He was in Mexico showing me the ropes for 2 months until we took off on our own. We opened a brick and mortar called Sugarox Candy Studio in Mexico.’
Jack Making Candy
Surviving The Shutdown
Me: When did you come back to the US?
Jack: I moved back in November 2019. We got to Austin November 1st, wide eyed, bushy tailed, so happy that we were finally in a position that our Tamalitoz had gained enough traction. That Declan and I could move here to operate the business. Little did we know that we were just a couple of months away from a shutdown!
We thought we could operate the business remotely. But it wasn’t as easy as we thought. Then Mexico went into lockdown. We had to close the stores for 6 months, paying salaries during this time so that we didn’t let down our staff. But eventually we have to close our stores in Mexico. We couldn’t keep paying salaries without any income coming in. It was a very hard decision for us.
Jack and Declan, Owners of Sugarox
We weathered the storm, and eventually Sugarox USA gained momentum again. It turns out that in times of crisis, people look for comfort in the little things. And that includes CANDY.
Home Sweet Home
Me: What made you decide to make Austin, TX your home?
Jack: I always loved Austin. Growing up in Houston, we came a couple of times with friends and family. Then also on school trips. Later I would notice that Austin was always topping the lists of ‘Best Places To Live’ and ‘Coolest Cities’ in the USA. So when we decided to move to Texas we just knew it has to be Austin.’
Where To Find Tamalitoz Candy
Me: Which stores carry your candy?
Jack: We are on shelves at HEB, Michael’s, Los Olivos Market in Buda and Wimberley, Royal Blue Grocery, and Big Top. HEB was on our radar from day one. We were persistent enough, and finally we were able to meet the buyer for HEB. She said to us ‘When y’all are ready, and have your business set up here in Texas, you let me know’. As soon as we were set to launch in the US, they let us roll Tamalitoz out, little by little. We started delivering to our local HEB in Circle C which was close to where we lived then.
A Shout Out To Jack’s Favorite Places
Favorite Restaurants: There are so many South Austin businesses that we love. We adore Loro on South Lamar. Bluefin Sushi Bar and Ramen on Brodie makes really great Ramen. IM Thai in Buda makes great Thai takeout. Tarka is our place for Indian. And Gabriella’s in South Park Meadows is also a spot to check out
Favorite Bar: If you’re looking for cider, we always recommend Texas Keeper in Manchaca. Of course there’s the whole line of bars down Menchaca Rd. such as Lustre Pearl, Armadillo Den and Moontower
Favorite Gym: CrossFit SoChac
Favorite Natural Area or Park: Mary Moore Searight Park is a great place to walk the pups!
Look For Jack’s Candy
Jack is a hands-on business owner. Look for him at your local HEB. You may find him handing out samples of his candy and chatting it up with the customers. Support your local economy by buying Tamalitoz. Even the printer that he uses is a local Austin company. Every bag you buy supports a real person, just pursuing his dream to find joy for himself by creating joy for others.
Follow Sugarox Candy Studio USA
https://www.facebook.com/Tamalitoz
New Beginnings With Body Basics Massage
Getting to know my community continues to be one of the major perks I enjoy as a Realtor. This blog allows me to share conversations I’ve had with local business owners and individuals regarding their desired impact on the community and their hopes for the city.
Hive of Independent Business Owners
Owner Amber Smith of Body Basics Massage
I discovered a hidden gem last week. My appointment with Amber Smith, owner of Body Basics Massage had me wandering the halls of SOLA Salon Studios in Southpark Meadows. Walking past each individual studio, the energetic buzz in this hive of smiling, independent business owners was infectious. What a joyous checkerboard of hair stylists, nail, lash technicians and in the back, a massage studio. Reaching the last hallway, emerging from an array of cosmetology choice, your journey’s end takes you to the door of Body Basics Massage.
As an independent business owner myself, I have a soft spot for my fellow entrepreneurial soloists. It’s not enough to just show up day to day. You can make as much as you want, or as little. Pay is 100% performance based. Sick and vacation days are costly, but the freedom of knowing that success is unlimited is the fuel that keeps us going.
Truly small businesses are the key to every city’s unique profile. Tucked between sterile chain brands lie a city’s true finger print in the form of a person with a passion. In this article we meet Amber Smith to hear how she started her South Austin business Body Basics Massage.
The X-rays, The Bones, and Investigating The Biology of The Human Body
Me: Where did you grow up?
Amber: I was born in Dallas, TX. As a child I was always fascinated by the mechanics of our bodies and how the muscles interact with the joints. The only way I thought I could pursue this interest was to become a doctor or a nurse.
Amber – Grade School
On career day I followed a radiologist around to see the job firsthand. The radiologist said, ‘If you ever want to have a social life, GOOD GOD do not go into this field’. At 14 years old, those were powerful words. But I loved the x-rays, the bones, and investigating the biology of the human body.
Me: Did you have a different profession before Massage Therapy?
Amber: I was a loan officer at the age of 18 in a big skyrise, still living in Dallas. The company I worked for was closed down due to a money laundering investigation not long after I started working there. But I always noticed that the owner’s wife was infectiously happy at all times. She was always in a great mood. Constantly fabulous and working as a massage therapist. Always telling me how much she loved her job. That’s when I decided to jump into the profession myself. I moved to Austin in 2003 for massage therapy school and for the abundant opportunities to succeed in the business.
New Beginnings
Amber: I attended A New Beginning: School of Massage. This school is great and the teaching opportunities and internships were very intensive. This really overprepared me for the State Board Exam as well as every scenario I might come across in my practice. The teachers at New Beginnings are also extremely patient, involved and kind.
Amber’s Family
Me: Is there anyone in particular that played a role in the success of your business?
Amber: There are two people: My husband Jose and my mentor Kristi. She taught me so much about patience, healthy eating habits, client relationships, and a variety of elevated massage techniques. Kristi has great compassion and understanding for the people around her. She is an empath and understands the need for family and work life balance. I could not have had a more perfect mentor.
South Austin: A Place Where You Feel Loved
Me: When you branched out on your own, was it difficult finding the right location?
Amber: It wasn’t hard to find the location but it was really hard to wait. I had to be on a year long waiting list before I could apply. A lot of businesses who lease from here don’t leave. There are a lot of really cool, empowered business owners located at SOLA. In my opinion, South Austin is the heart of Texas. I bought my home here, I run my business here, and my kids went to school here. I will never leave South Austin. When you find a place where you feel loved, you stay.
SOLA Salon Studios Southpark Meadows
Me: Do you use other local vendors to create your space or client experience?
Amber: The owner of Articulture, Monique, is making me a living art piece out of succulents for my studio. If you’ve never been to Articulture you must check it out!
Me: Can everyone benefit from the services you provide?
Amber: Yes, absolutely. Everyone can benefit from massage, whether it’s deep tissue, neuromuscular therapy, pressure point, or basic Swedish massage. Most of my current clients are self-aware and proactive in maintaining and managing a regiment of muscular preventative care.
Me: Can you give an example of a transformation you have witnessed after several sessions with you?
Amber: One of my clients suffered from Scoliosis which caused an S curve in her spine. The Scoliosis was causing her muscles to pull towards her right side. Because of this, I worked on her left side. After four years of consistent therapy, I can see that she’s going back to the gym. She’s improving in her career, and she’s unlocking untapped potential with her increased mobility.
A Body In Motion Tends To Stay In Motion – Isaac Newton
Are You Ready To Book Your Massage?
To book a massage with Amber, you can click here: Body Basics Massage Studio BOOKING
Have you thought about Father’s Day which is just around the corner? This may be the PERFECT gift!
Follow Amber on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodybasicsmassage/
If you know of a local Austin business that I should highlight, please let me know! I love providing Austin-native references to my relocation clients! You can email me at Heidi@JBGoodwin.com.
A Shout Out To Amber’s Favorite Places
Favorite Restaurant: Kirby Lane Cafe because you can eat breakfast for dinner.
Favorite Bar: Moontower Saloon, because I love Trivia Night.
Favorite Gym: CrossFit SoChac because it goes back to the whole South Austin vibe. It’s about the encouragement and the friendships I’ve formed.
Favorite Natural Area or Park: Mary Moore Searight Park because you can disk golf, fly RC planes and picnic. I go there at least once a week to hike. I take my kids out there to have some ‘talk time’. They’re teens so we need to have that time.
A Healthier Community: One Habit, One Life At A Time
Getting to know my community continues to be one of the major perks I enjoy as a Realtor. This blog allows me to share conversations I’ve had with local business owners and individuals regarding their desired impact on the community and their hopes for the city.
Just Show Up
The first step to success is simple. Just show up. It is the key to strong relationships and a thriving career. To place yourself on the doorstep of opportunity is just the beginning. But showing up can feel really vulnerable.
Will I say the right thing? What if I fail? Am I good at this?
It took me 35 years to realize that I needed someone to witness me ‘showing up’ to be successful. I wanted change. In the winter of 2017, I saw an ad for CrossFit. I had never touched a dumbbell let alone a barbell. I was terrified. And I signed up. There was a lot that I struggled with, but every time I appeared to give up, the coach would throw me a modification. The excuse to quit was removed. My only job was to show up, and try.
During the 6-week program I showed up for every class. Consequently, it became easier to show up to more opportunities in my life, than to watch them from afar.
As a parent, a Realtor, a human, sometimes I struggle to show up. As a gym member, there are weeks where I sacrifice my workout because I have too many business appointments, I’m buried in paperwork, because of softball and baseball practices, music lessons, etc.
But then a witness, noticing my absence at the gym, sends a text message: Are you coming in this week? Just checking on you. – Coach Heather
Heather Tuley is one of the owners of CrossFit SoChac located in South Austin. She owns this gym with her brother Tim and her mother Carri. Heather hopes to have a positive impact on the South Austin community through promoting healthy practices at her gym.
I Used To Think That Just Because I wasn’t Overweight I Was Healthy
Me: What was your first experience with CrossFit?
Heather: I was 38 years old with three kids. I heard about CrossFit from my brother, Tim. He gave me a Groupon for the gym in 2012. He thought it would be a great idea for me to join. It took 6 months of convincing me. Reluctantly, I went. The workout was brutal, but it lit something inside of me, a fire. I knew there was something here.
Me: Do you think CrossFit has transformed the course of your life?
Heather: It has completely transformed my entire life. From my career path, to my views about myself and how I view fitness today. I used to think that just because I wasn’t overweight, I was healthy.
Growing As A Person
Me: At what moment did you decide to become a coach?
Heather: I didn’t decide I wanted to be a coach until I was already coaching. My path started when I was asked to cover a class while my coach was on vacation. It was Christmas 2015. I look back and realize I had no idea what I was doing or what it meant to be a coach and leader. I didn’t realize the gravity of having people’s well being in my hands. Eventually I started to regularly coach classes while growing as a competitive athlete. My passion for the sport was growing, and I was growing as a person. I was starting to see transformation in my own life.
Me: When did you decide to open up your own gym?
Heather: There wasn’t a defining moment. The gym I was currently coaching at was up for sale, but the numbers didn’t make business sense. While I continued to coach at one gym, I eventually started training competitively at a different gym. The coaches where I trained were more knowledgeable and professional. I knew things could be different where I was currently coaching.
Because I was consistently training at a different gym, the gym I coached at let me go. They cited that it was a ‘conflict of interest’.
I continued to train under Coach Winchester where I grew both as an athlete and a coach. It was the best training I could have ever received. It really prepared me for what lay ahead.
Eventually I ran into my previous employer. It was at HEB, 2017, where all great things in Texas happen. He asked again if I wanted to buy the gym. Needless to say, this time it went through, and the rest is history.
A Place Of Love And Acceptance
Me: What type of transformations do you see as a coach in your clients?
Heather: We see athletes overcome health issues that have plagued them for years. Some come off of medications, overcome addiction, and grow mentally and physically stronger. Additionally, we see athletes overcome themselves and their own limiting beliefs. Athletes find a place of love and acceptance that they may not have in their home or work life. Each athlete walks their own transformation path.
Me: What are some thoughts that you think people have that keep them from joining a CrossFit Gym?
Heather: I think people see the same obstacles in CrossFit that they see with any other change in their life. Some probably believe it’s money, time, worry about the challenge, worry about gaining too much muscle, or worried that they won’t fit in. Some people think that they’ll hold the class back or that they need to be “fit” before starting CrossFit.
Read about some of the members here: Transformation Stories
But it’s all really a bunch of nonsense. Really it comes down to this question ‘Are you ready to make the change?’ I do my best to overcome these objections when new clients come in because I know they could experience real change. I know myself and my staff can have that impact. We are laying the groundwork for overall health and longevity. But you must first want change.
The Way You Do One Thing Is The Way You Do Everything
Me: How do you see CrossFit SoChac impacting the immediate community around you?
Heather: We are making a positive impact, mentally and physically, on our community. If a mother leads a healthier life, her children see that. Hopefully that changes the habits of future generations. In like manner, when someone see’s their friend looking and acting differently, they start to question, ‘Can I do that too?’
When I was training as a competitive athlete, my coach always said ‘The way you do one thing is the way you do everything’. If we are consistently late to class, we are consistently late to everything. If we are unprepared for class, we are unprepared throughout our day. We ask our clients to expect more of themselves in the gym, because if they expect more of themselves in this space, they know they can do even more in all facets of their life.
We are overstressed, under-slept, and over-consumers in a culture with little value on exercise. In the gym, there’s hope to change all of this one class at a time, one habit at a time, one life at a time.
Me: Is gym experience necessary in order to start at CrossFit SoChac?
Heather: Absolutely NOT! The only qualification is that you are willing to put forth effort. That’s all we ask. Give me your best and I will give you mine. We can make the change together.
The Time Is Now
For those who have never joined a gym like this, the time is now. For all of you looking to shake things up in 2022, I highly recommend reaching out to Heather at CrossFit SoChac.
11600 Manchaca Rd #301
Austin, TX 78748
512.851.1626
Follow CrossFit SoChac on Facebook
Nurturing The Whole Child In South Austin
Getting to know my community continues to be one of the major perks I enjoy as a Realtor. This blog allows me to share conversations I’ve had with local business owners and individuals regarding their desired impact on the community and their hopes for the city.
Looking Back With Gratitude
Situated in South Austin, Children’s Discovery Center sits under a dome of oaks surrounded by wood platforms and rainbow playhouses. Most of the structures were made by the hands of the parent community. Half filled paint jugs, tires, costumes, metallic windmills, and donated instruments lay ready to be utilized in a narrative that is child-created and limitless.
Burke and Dahlia
This school is special to me. Sometimes I even get terribly sappy-sentimental, thinking about pick-up time, my kids glowing in a thick layer of sand, paint, glitter, shaving cream, and mud.
Bombarded with electronics, Netflix binging, STAR Testing and weekly Spelling Tests, I realize how extremely fortunate we were to have discovered Children’s Discovery Center at the right time. Those 5 years molded them into the grub digging, tree climbing, messy adventurous children that they are today. And even with all the world’s endless distractions, their foundation is strong, poured at the right time. They’ll navigate life’s greatest challenges from a foundation of GRIT.
I called Lynne Collier, Director of Children’s Discovery School South, to see if we could talk about her program’s philosophy. And because I wanted to tell her how thankful I was that we were a part of it. I asked Lynne to describe the program in her own words.
“If it hasn’t been in the hand, and the body, it can’t be in the brain.” -Bev Bos
Lynne Collier, Director (Left) and Chris Box, Assistant Director (Right)
Lynne: We are a play based, nature based program that keeps the perspective of the young child in mind. We support whole child development.
Me: What do you mean by whole child development?
Lynne: Whole child development means we pay attention to the cognitive, physical, emotional and social needs of the child. We pay attention to each child’s unique strengths, interests and any areas that the child needs support in. We build on their strengths that consequently allow the child to follow their own passion, how they individually want to process new information.
Things are really hands on, and by the child’s preference. In the words of Bev Bos, “If it hasn’t been in the hand, and the body, it can’t be in the brain.”
They have to have too much to know when it’s too much. Kids need to physically go through the motions in order to learn. We are process oriented, be it the creative process, and the learning process. We’re not focusing on the polished product at the end, we’re not focused on milestones, we’re focused on lots of uninterrupted time, to explore new materials, to engineer to the heart’s desire.
But we set up an intentional environment, with thoughtful materials, as closely matched to real objects as possible, real PVC pipes, real tires.
A Future Of Innovation and Critical Thinking
Me: What do you think the finished product SHOULD look like?
Lynne: The ability to have critical thinking skills, integrating the left and the right hemispheres to their approaches as holistically as possible. These are the people creating the prototypes, business ventures of their own.
We’re not trying to put out cookie cutter people, we’re trying to put out the next inventors. Trying to put out social change that appreciates individual human strengths.
We are not trying to get OUR KIDS ready for school, we would like SCHOOL to get ready for our kids.
Lynne: We’ve formed 90% of our brain by age 5. The brain continues to change the neurological pathways as long as you keep giving into new experiences. New synaptic connections change the architecture of your brain. The first 5 years are critical though because it’s around age 3 when you start creating the cognitive ability to empathize.
We hone in on every teachable moment we can. And we don’t AVOID conflict, we DIVE into it. It’s how we scaffold, giving the child as little as they need to achieve it in their own big way. For a 1 year old, this may mean giving them everything. For a 4 year old, we empower them more to use their words and critical thinking skills.
Me: Give me an example of how this plays out in the classroom?
Lynne: If you put a group of children together naturally, conflict will arise. So we are teaching self discipline in our daily routines, activities, transitions between activities. If everyone wants to wash their hands at the same time it’s the perfect time to teach social justice and reestablish the boundaries of respect that you’re trying to reinforce in the classroom.
And mindfulness is a huge component to all of this.
Teaching Mindfulness, Self-Awareness and Self-Care
The Quiet House on one of the many tree covered playgrounds at CDC.
Me: Talk about mindfulness more please.
Lynne: Being present, actively listening to others, knowing your own triggers and individual biases, your composure. Which means you have to have self-care practices in place. Social and self-awareness.
Me: How does your staff practice self-awareness and mindfulness?
Lynne: In the Orientation Process staff goes through Becky Bailey’s Conscious Discipline Program, which sets the foundation. Consequently, it gives our teachers the tools we’re trying to teach our children. We have monthly staff training which covers emotional development, whole brain development, and social guidance techniques.
Furthermore we extend this to our families quarterly so that they can come and learn with us. We’re in a state of continuous self-evaluation. It’s critical in a child’s full educational program that parents feel empowered and informed to be their child’s advocate. It’s critical in elementary school and junior high.
For family night in November we will have Bliss Kid Yoga where we all do yoga together. It’s a big yoga fest and we all get to practice stretching and breathing, a mindfulness exercise together. And then Bliss Kid Yoga comes every Friday for the kids. They are a local nonprofit, founded by Katherine Banker, and they specialize in family friendly yoga practices.
Nature Inspires
Me: How often are the kids outside?
Lynne: Our day is 10 hours long. They’re inside from 1-3 for nap. They’re at least outside 7 ½ hours out of the 10. We leave the class room door open so they have the choice of being outside. NATURE INSPIRES. Any activity you can do indoors you can do outdoors but with more space, volume, time.
Joey and Dahlia
There is still a steady decline in outdoor time these days in daycare. Any time you can be barefoot outside you’re helping your child master balance, allow them to feel the earth beneath their feet.
Proprioception is increased outdoors and by being barefoot. Children have choices and that sets us apart. Therefore, as much as possible, children have choices. We want them to follow the guidelines of safety and respect, and obviously we have a weather policy. But if the weather is nice, the kids have the choice to be in or out of their shoes. We empower them through choice.
Mud, Tears, Paint, Smile Wrinkles
Me: Do you feel this school is for every family?
Lynne: A lot of schools do what’s convenient. It’s convenient to keep the kids clean. It’s convenient to keep everything structured. But here we are covered in mud, tears, paint, smile wrinkles. It may not be for everyone, but we are up front about that. Every family has to take a tour, to see the school in action, and we make it so they have to come back and visit at least once with their child so that they can be really clear on how we learn, how messy we get and the process we have here.
A Well Laid Foundation
The shock of moving from Children’s Discovery Center to public school was extreme. The thought of our kids going from 7 1/2 hours outdoors every day to a 30 minute recess absolutely wrecked me. And there was a lot of fear that they would forget how the awe, wonderment and beauty that naturally surrounds them.
As a result of their time at CDC, I have realized this foundation was laid early and layered with patience and love. It will last their lifetime. Even at age 9, there is still excitement over the simplest creatures in the dirt. And I don’t worry so much anymore.
Here’s The Proof
Dahlia hooking her own worms 2019
A grub found on the CDC playground 2014
P.S. Yes there are no pictures of Oliver in this blog. That doesn’t mean I love him ANY less. If he stood still long enough, I’d have more pictures.
Preserving What Makes Austin
Getting to know my community continues to be one of the major perks I enjoy as a Realtor. This blog allows me to share conversations I’ve had with local business owners and individuals regarding their desired impact on the community and their hopes for the city.
When I explain my love of Austin, there are attributes of this city that have become a mantra for me: Swimming holes, breweries, iconic venues, local live music. Ownership of what makes Austin unique comes out in our every day conversation. Often it’s only partial ownership. The reciprocal relationship between fans and artists, patrons and venues, is necessary for the survival of Austin’s appealing music culture. While we like to point to job growth and the explosion of the tech industry as proof of Austin’s growing success, it’s easy to forget what makes Austin such a desirable destination and home for so many.
An hour before their show at Slow Pokes Brisket Shack, I had the chance to chat with Guy and Jeska Forsyth. While we started off talking about life in general, we ended up on the subject of Austin’s appeal as a music destination and whether it’s a sustainable culture in this time of great economic growth.
The Forsyth Family: Guy, Mary Mae, Bella Jane and Jeska
A Little About Guy and Jeska
Guy Forsyth was born in Denver, CO, but grew up in Kansas City, MO. Guy moved here in 1990 after traveling here as a stuntman with the Renaissance Festival. In his words, “I fell in love with this town, with the music scene.” Soon after, he became an Austin staple, winning several Austin Music Awards as well as the hearts of the locals.
I asked Guy whether his parents supported him as a musician.
“My folks were not musicians but rather fans and record collectors. They taught my brother and I as toddlers how to drop records while other kids were learning how to stack blocks. My mom now lives in Ingram and she comes to my shows.”
Jeska Forsyth is a recent transplant to Austin, TX. She grew up in San Angelo singing and acting at a young age. While a singer-songwriter, like many musicians she pursues other artistic ventures such as acting and voice-over work. Jeska plays a few saved voice-overs for me off her phone. She plays a ‘sexy’ shampoo commercial voice on one recording. She then plays the voice of a child from a cartoon, showing her wide range.
I asked Jeska what it was like singing the National Anthem for NASCAR.
“I was extremely nervous. Because when you have jets flying in at a certain time in the song you have to be very accurate. You have to sing with consistency. You have to time the fighter jets because they were flying from Maryland. So they had me sing the National Anthem 5 times, then they took an average of the time it took me to sing the song. And that was how they timed the jets to leave the base.”
Jeska and Guy’s Wedding
Jeska formerly owned a blues club in San Angelo, TX called Sealy Flats where she originally met Guy. The two were married earlier this year. They make for an incredibly adorable couple.
I asked Jeska what her impression was of Guy the first time they met.
“I thought ‘Yay, he showed up for work’ and then he sang awesome, and I was blown away. I usually didn’t have time to pay attention to the shows, but I remember the exact post I was leaning on. He stopped me in my tracks, and I had to listen… and he had a terrible haircut. A mohawk… and a Hot Wheels button-down shirt.”
Guy Meeting Bella Jane
What We Were
Recently, Austin’s long-time music icon Dale Watson moved to Memphis, Tennessee seemingly in search for what Austin was. In an article by the Texas Standard, Dale is quoted as saying, “I just really feel the city has sold itself. Just because you’re going to get $45 million for a company to come to town – if it’s not in the best interest of the town, I don’t think they should do it. This city was never about money. It was about quality of life.”
I asked Guy what his thoughts are on Austin and the changes he sees as a musician.
“Music and art and culture in general are hard to monetize. I think of Austin in 1990. I think of how it was portrayed by Richard Linklater, who directed ‘Slacker‘. What makes him such a good director is he gave voice to strange and unusual people. He would find unique voices and then put them on film. He had a story to tell. The term ‘slacker’ suggests someone who doesn’t work very hard. But it was all about people who were just obsessed with what they love.”
“Unless Austin takes some action to protect the culture that makes it different, makes it special, it will end up being Houston, Dallas, or San Antonio. And that makes Austin uncompetitive based on the scale of those markets. We can’t lose touch with why people come here.”
“Money is a solvent, it will dissolve things that can’t defend themselves in the market place. I’m one of those things. As musicians, we could make a lot more money doing something else. The value of music is hard to monetize. Nietzsche said ‘Without music, life would be a mistake’ and he’s the biggest pessimist there is.”
The Future of Austin’s Music Scene
The Nietzsche quote resonates with me. What will Austin be without music and art but a colossal, unintended mistake? We can start with supporting the venues that house our artists. We can go further by participating in Austin’s rich music scene, getting out and attending concerts. But we can go one step further by paying attention to issues directly affecting our Austin artists, such as affordable healthcare and housing. By keeping our talent local and our long time venues open, maybe we can preserve that little spark that’s flickering in the heart of Austin, TX.
There is no replacement, no quick fix if we lose what makes us genuine, lovely, exotic, comfortable and damn original. We can talk about how awesome our funky iconic venues are, but if we don’t frequent them they will die. We can proudly tout that we’re the ‘Live Music Capital of the World’ but if we don’t care about the issues that keep our musicians local, we may see more falling in the steps of Dale Watson, leaving in search of what Austin was.
What we have can’t be recreated like a theme park. It can’t be thought up in a board room and pushed out in a nice, clean package. It’s rough around the edges, there’s a well earned rind, it’s seasoned with time, and it’s valuable beyond measure. We as Austinites need to recognize the value now while we can still remember who we are and why we stay. We can embrace the change and the growth as long as we strive to preserve what made us special in the first place.
See Guy’s upcoming shows by clicking here: https://www.reverbnation.com/guyforsythband/shows
Blues, BBQ and Hot Rods
Slow Pokes Brisket Shack
’59 Rambler Marquee at the Entrance
Cruising down FM 1626 through Manchaca, TX there is a chance you’ve blown by this establishment speckled with classic cars, picnic tables and a giant smoker at the center. Slow Pokes unites the bike, hot rod and BBQ enthusiasts in community through the shared love of live blues, cold beer and quality brisket on this historic lot. With the entrance to Slow Pokes boldly stated with a classic ’58 Rambler as the marquee, you quickly get the vibe of this South Austin gem. Pull in and you’re instantly embraced by the sweet, sweet smell of a rich brisket smoke blanket straight from the heavens above.
Family Business
This is a family run establishment, where Josh and Sarah Rodriguez are busting their tailbones in the heat every day that meat is smoking. Sundays are their only off days. Come up here on a weekday night and you’ll see the Rodriguez children Jude, Buddy and Scout taking turns herding two cats in and out of the old cars that adorn this place.
Their youngest child, Scout, domesticated these strays using a piece of brisket, a touch of patience and what I would assume to be the pure stubborn grit of a 5 year old rough-and-tumble girl. Something I know too much about, having one of my own. If you’re lucky you can catch a beloved local Austin favorite like Guy and Jeska Forsyth up here on a Tuesday night, harmonizing as they would if perched on their own front porch, their daughters dancing around on the grass before the stage.
Josh and Sarah Rodriguez
From Hot Rods To South Austin BBQ Haven
Josh Rodriquez is one of those rare native Austinites, born and raised in South Austin. Prior to opening Slow Pokes Brisket Shack, he owned Rodriguez Rod and Cycle where he did custom paint jobs on motorcycles and race cars.
Josh says he’s been painting cars since he was 13 years old. Prior to Slow Pokes, Josh and his shop were featured on a Discovery Channel series called ‘Texas Car Wars’. He didn’t leave his love of hot rods behind, as you’ll see once you make it up here. The entire outdoor area, from the bar to the stage to the Brisket Shack, is made by Josh’s own hand. He went from building cars to building a family friendly BBQ playground that satisfies all ages. From what it seems, Josh hits every challenge head on and without hesitation.
From The Beginning
Me: How did you come up with the name?
Josh: I named it after a character off of the old Looney Toons Cartoons. Speedy Gonzalez had a cousin named Slowpoke Rodriguez. I used to paint that character on race cars as a joke. (Slowpoke is the antithetical character to Speedy Gonzalez, known as the ‘Slowest Mouse in all of Mexico’)
Me: How did you get into the business of BBQ?
Josh: It got really hot one day working on cars in the shop. Driving by, I saw a sign for lease on this land. The lot had been empty for 50 years and there was no septic. Just an empty lot with some history. I had a trailer that I used for events, car shows. And I had a car that I decided to sell for 7K. And that’s where it all started.
The Car Josh Sold For The Start Up
I had experience from watching my grandfather, and my father, who had BBQ joints out near Taylor, TX. BBQ is something that has run in my family. But I’ve taken that experience and done my own thing here.
Community and the Old Austin Culture
Me: What can you tell me about this distinct atmosphere you’ve created with the cars and the antiques everywhere?
Josh: When I had my hot rod shop it was a big building, had every inch covered with this stuff. A lot of stuff I would go find in barns or at swap meets. The community and clientele started adding to it. Everyone gets to leave their mark here.
Me: Do you see Manchaca growing into a haven of sorts for people who miss ‘old Austin’?
Josh: Yeah, I kind of see it as the last frontier. Last standing. Feels like Manchaca is preserving and growing the feeling of the Old South Austin culture. This land is a historic site. Below those old oak trees where that stage is located, people have been singing hymns since the 1870s. This was the site of a black Baptist Church that stood until the 1950’s. People have been making music here for a long time, and now we continue to do so.
Me: What can we look forward to as Fall descends upon us here at Slow Pokes?
Josh: More music throughout the weeknights. Right now we’re a venue Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. But I’d like this to grow and expand to other nights of the week.
Preserving What We Had
Slow Pokes Brisket Shack is exactly what I picture when my heart swells about my home Austin, TX. It falls in line with all of the reasons I never left once I graduated UT. It’s the reason I fell hard for this city. And even though we can all agree the town is growing up, like Peter Pan leaving Neverland to become a big boring adult, there are still pieces of what it was being preserved in these spaces. You just have to look for them, frequent them and keep them alive through your frequent patronage.
By the way, I recommend the Brisket Plate, where you get a hearty serving of brisket, potato salad, beans and sausage. All the things. You get all the things. On one plate.
Austin’s A-Team
A few weeks ago I grabbed a coffee with Sal Bartone, manager of Austin’s A-Team. If you live in South Austin, you’ve most likely driven by one of their many green dumpsters along Manchaca Rd. The offices of Austin’s A-Team are located in the back of the Moontower Saloon.
While you’re sure to run into him talking up the locals at the bar, he’s often decompressing from a very long, early day. ‘I wake up sometimes anywhere from 2 am to 5 am to do paperwork, and then hit the job-site, then my truck drivers come in.’ His day usually starts when most Moontower patrons are hitt’n the hay.
Meet Sal Bartone
In a thick New Jersey accent, Sal greets everyone with a ‘How YOU doin?’, which if you know Sal, you know this is his signature greeting. He goes on to say ‘Lots of people tease me because I’m an Italian from Jersey in the trash business.’ This is followed by a grin.
‘Well, how did you get into the business?’
‘I had a remodel company, and was having a hard time getting dumpsters when I needed them, where I needed them, so I bought a dump trailer. I thought, there’s gotta be a need for it in this area. It took off.’
Sal’s been in construction for 44 years. Austin’s A-Team started in 2016. The owners of Austin’s A-Team, Larry Bumb, Josh Bumb and Richard Veregge are also the owners of the Moontower Saloon, located on Manchaca Rd.
‘In the trash business, it’s not just about going to the landfill. It’s about customer service. And it’s about recycling.’
It’s About Recycling
‘What about recycling?’ I ask.
‘If you are renovating a building over 5,000 square feet, the City of Austin says you have to recycle about 50% of what get’s pulled out. So we take this to five different places to recycle the dry wall, metal, concrete, tile. You don’t have to recycle it all but I’m really into it. For concrete they crush it up and sell it for road base, tires get turned into rubber mulch, shingles get turned into asphalt. Fridges get recycled.’ Says Sal.
According to the City of Austin’s website, ‘construction and demolition debris makes up approximately 20 percent of material going to Austin landfills.’ In an effort to meet Austin’s Zero Waste Goal by 2040, the city is rerouting this debris to recycling centers to find the highest and best use of the materials.
Customer Relationships
Who’s your future customer, reading this blog right now?
‘Oh, you know, builders, real estate investors, contractors, landscape companies and the like. Also homeowners who may be doing their own remodel. We have what is called an Open-Top Container Roll-Off. They come in any size from 20 yards to 40 yards. These units have a small footprint, roughly the size of a single parking space, making them ideal for residential or commercial projects.’
Sal says their 20 yard dumpsters are great for estate sale cleanups and spring cleaning projects. They can run anywhere between 350.00 to 450.00 depending on the type of materials.
Sal says a lot of his business centers in 78748, probably due to the visibility of his branding, but also as a result of the real estate activity in the area. With tiny home communities, small business development, a pool of general contractors and individual homeowners readying their homes to list, he’s got a steady stream of business.
Sal is a family man, with his wife of 15 years KB, and his four children and two grandchildren. Whether you’re in the middle of a remodel or you just see him at HEB, make sure to tap him on the shoulder. Don’t forget to ask him ‘How YOU doin?’
