a bbatx (#BOSSBABESATX) COMMUNITY MEET-UP
February 27, 2020 from 6:30 to 9:00 PM at Native Hostels in Austin, Texas
Come to network. Come to learn. Come to teach. Come to connect. Come to amplify. Come through. ~
On February 27, we’ll be hosting a special edition of one of our classic bbatx (#bossbabesATX) community meet-ups, in recognition of Black History Month. As our first meet-up of 2020, we’ll be highlighting Black creatives, entrepreneurs and leaders doing big work in Texas.
As always, you’ll have the opportunity to network with new (and old) friends, while sitting in for a curated lineup of storytellers and community announcements amplifying women and nonbinary voices. All people and professions are welcome to attend.
— ON OUR NEW YEAR THEME: REVITALIZE —
revitalize (v.): to imbue something with new life and vitality.
At work and in our lives, we all face seasons of renewal and restoration—and in turn, we all have moments that redefine who we are and where we want to go. Whether we’re facing changes in our career paths, pushing ourselves out of a rut or revisiting old projects, adjusting to life’s pivots can be equal parts difficult and rewarding. So, what do we do when we recognize we need a change? How can we breathe new life into our work? What does it look like to revitalize our perspectives, mindsets and approaches to work, collaboration and creativity?
Throughout February 2020, our events and programs will amplify women and nonbinary creatives, business owners and leaders who are reimagining their work and reshaping our culture. Click here to view our full event calendar.
— MEET-UP SCHEDULE OF EVENTS —
6:30 to 7:30 PM
This is the time to check in and get comfortable for the evening. Browse our makers and tabling organizations. Play some Babe Bingo (our classic networking game). Stop by the #BBATX info table to shop merch and contribute your thoughts around this meet-up’s theme or visit with this meet-up’s sponsor, Imperfect Foods, to thank them for their generosity.. Visit our portrait station for a commemorative snap with one of our guests artists. All while listening to tunes from a set by one of our 2019 resident DJs, DJ Shani.
7:30 to 8:30 PM
We’ll pause on networking to hear stories from three different speakers, as well as our Babe Announcements (which are community-submitted introductions from people doing big and beautiful things).
8:30 to 9:00 PM
Continue mingling! Grab people’s contact information. Explore how to get involved at bbatx (#bossbabesATX). And enjoy. :)
— FEATURED SPEAKERS AND PERFORMERS —
Beyond hearing announcements from our community, at this meet-up you’ll hear three featured stories from creatives, entrepreneurs and leaders in Austin. This month, we’re featuring Austin-raised musician Alesia Lani, creative entrepreneur and eleMINT Skin founder Shauntavia Ward and Dope Creatives Market founder Ericka Barnes. Emceed by bbatx committee member A’nysha Fortenberry, you can submit your own bid to be onstage here.
Alesia Lani (@alesialanimusic) is one of the rising stars of RnB in Austin, Texas. Through a blue-collar work ethic, electric live performances paired with her distinct sound, she has made her presence felt. Currently recording her next project and touring internationally, the sky is the limit for this Austin songbird.
Heavily influenced by the soul, funk and jazz scenes of Chicago’s south side, DJ Shani has a two-decade career in music. She is the founder of The Groove Temple, a radio show that began in 1999 WLUW(CHI), then moved to Soundwave radio (UK). The project is currently based in Austin, Texas and DJ Shani has proudly curated events, sounds and culture for the last 21 years.
A nurse practitioner, licensed esthetician and business savvy new founder, Shauntavia Ward is trailblazing for skincare, entrepreneurship and women's empowerment. Shauntavia is the creative mind behind eleMINT Skin (@elemintskin), a modern facial studio that aims to bridge the gap between beauty and wellness, while inspiring people to love the skin they're in. eleMINT is redefining the facial experience through services that are inclusive, accessible, affordable and impactful—and they’re currently fundraising.
Ericka Barnes (@dopecreativesmarket) founded Dope Creatives Market in 2017, a vendor market where diverse creatives and community connect. As owner/creator of Dope Crochet, Ericka recognized the need for family and community-centered marketplaces where creatives of colors thrive. Her mission is to empower small business owners and cultivate events and spaces that showcase diversity, creativity, and community in her hometown.
— FEATURED MAKERS AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS —
This meet-up’s featured artists, vendors and small businesses will be curated by multidisciplinary artist, designer and educator Coelina Edwards. As a former bbatx committee member and the first-ever curator for our craftHER Market workshops, Edwards will be bringing a badass lineup of creators and makers to this meet-up, and our featured Austin organization is the Austin Music Awards.
See Phillips (@shopseephillips) was established in 2018, by artist/creative Coelina Edwards. What started off as a line of natural dyed silk scarves,graphic tees, handmade jewelry, and fabric dye workshops has now grown to become so much more. See Phillips offers event planning, product design, and now facilitates multiple creative workshops in the community. See Phillips mission is to bring artisits, creative entrepreneurs, and organizers together to build community and promote art as a form of self-care.
Nubian Oasis/ Oasis Haircare (@nubianoasis / @oasishaircare) was founded by Donnet B. Before creating Nubian Oasis/Oasis Haircare Donnet noticed a void in the hair care community that she believed she could fill. As a patron, Donnet realized there was a severe lack of proper customer support in standard hair supply stores.Donnet created Nubian Oasis/Oasis Haircare as a platform for clients to both shop and learn, while feeling empowered to properly care for their textured hair.
Social Justice Jewelry (@socialjusticejewelry), was founded by Alaine Hutson, as an African American, woman-owned business based in Austin, Texas. She specializes in jewelry made with messages of peace and strength.
Awkward Auntie (@awkwardauntie) showcases handmade cement pieces by Sarah Miller. From candles to planters to trays, these unique pieces brighten up any space.
Shavanthe (@shavanthe) is the multicultural ethical brand that creates clothes and accessories for men, women and kids. Our brand is 100% woman owned plus we empower and support women in different communities in Africa, South America and USA.
New Origin Shop (@neworiginshop) was launched by Sierra Lewis in 2017. New Origin Shop is an independently-owned shop that creates minimal, modern, fiber-based wares. Alongside our brand, you can shop curated products sourced from fellow makers and artists that we love.
Kwanzaa Edwards (@empty_holiday) creates artwork that is meant to empower and uplift primarily black women, as well as other POC. Her work utilizes fantasy and whimsical illustration to bring to light issues concerning mental health, and self awareness.
Nina Bailey, founder of The ROSE Project, will be joining us to host a self-love letter-writing station. Stop by her station to learn more about the work she does with Austin youth and celebrate the month of love by appreciating you.
Austin Music Awards: Founded in 1983 by The Austin Chronicle, the Austin Music Awards annually recognizes the accomplishments of local artists and industry professionals who have forged Austin’s international music reputation. At this meet-up, you can learn more about this year’s ceremony on March 11, 2020, which will be hosted by singer-songwriter Jackie Venson (a keynote speaker at our WORK conference in Winter 2020) and comedian Chris Cubas.
Stay tuned for the full lineup announcement.
PS: To have access to vending/tabling at our meet-ups, you must become a community partner or be participating in our programs. Click here to learn more about our programs.
— GET YOUR TICKET —
Online pre-sale RSVPs are $10 and $15 tickets will be available at the door. *All proceeds are contributed toward our nonprofit and the event’s production costs.
— VENUE ACCESSIBILITY NOTES —
Our venues are wheelchair accessible and we always highly encourage utilizing rideshare or carpooling as there is limited self-parking available onsite. ASL interpretation can be provided upon request. If you have any questions about the building's accessibility or want to make sure you have a great experience, shoot us a line at thebabes@bossbabes.org, and we're happy to answer. :)
— MEET THE PRODUCERS —
About bbatx (#bossbabesATX): We’re a Texas-based nonprofit that amplifies and connects women and nonbinary creatives, entrepreneurs and community leaders. We believe that representation, education and intersectionality make for more resilient leaders and communities. We create spaces to share our crafts, find collaborators, learn new skills, seek guidance and provide each other with practical and emotional resources. Anyone interested in our mission, core values, and initiatives are invited to participate—and learn more about how intersectional gender equality can improve their daily lives. We provide 1500 opportunities to women and nonbinary creatives, entrepreneurs and community organizers per year. More than 20,000 community members also annually attend our showcases, markets and dialogues—so, whether you apply to participate in one of our programs, attend our workshops, conferences and dialogues, or come out to a festival or market to support the community we’re building, you’re a member of this movement. All babes, all people, are welcome. :) Learn more at bossbabes.org.