From the Editor: September 2015
Lucky 13! You heard me right, lucky 13! I always like to go against the grain and, for some reason, I have always thought 13 was a lucky number (even though I am respectfully cautious of all things on Friday the 13th). Forget the superstitions and naysayers. Have no triskaidekaphobia. (Look it up.) I am not alone in this. Mary Kay Ash, the ultimate female entrepreneur, so believed in the number 13 that she founded her mega company Sept. 13, 1963, and she built her headquarters with 13 floors served by 13 passenger elevators. There were 13 original states, are 13 stripes on the flag and 13 stars in the great seal of this land I love. It’s a prime number and the karmic symbol of upheaval so new ground can be broken. The 13th amendment to the Constitution forbids slavery, and in Italy, they say, “fare tredici,” which translates “to do 13,” meaning to hit the jackpot! These are all good things.
So on this, the 13th anniversary of Austin Woman, in my best Sophia Loren accent, I say, “fare tredici!” and assure you that we have indeed hit the jackpot. We live in one of the most exciting cities in the world, and we get to bring you the stories of accomplished women, the innovators and creators who are making incredible things happen, and the fearless risk takers out to make a difference and not only make Austin a better place, but to make changes for the better of the world as a whole. How much more exciting can it be? Forget Vegas. For me, I hit the jackpot every day when I read a press release, hear from old friends and our cover women about new adventures and the success of their ventures, and share the dreams of budding and hopeful entrepreneurs. I feel such joy when I get to bring their stories to you.
Many articles in this issue feature women near and dear to my heart, but none makes me more proud than that of Sally Jacques, founder of Blue Lapis Light aerial-dance company. Her incredible 10-year journey is inspirational and symbolizes the determination to succeed, no matter what, and the desire to share a creative vision with the city from which it sprang. As for innovation, look to another woman dear to my heart, Korey Howell, who trusted her gut when she had an idea she thought would work for her and went for it without hesitation. She is now booked solid in her latest incarnation, a mobile photography studio. Our cover woman, Andra Liemandt, has a story that will not only inspire, but also make you smile as you are reminded that you are enough and that it is never too late to pursue your dreams.
We definitely hit the jackpot when we selected three of our most talented, creative and versatile cover women for this year’s anniversary panel. The panelists, along with our beloved moderator, Judy Maggio, share the 13 things they cannot live without. And I assure you, AW cover women, all of them are also on my list of things I cannot live without. We mined our list and asked our former cover women to share their favorite books, destinations and accomplishments to bring you up to date on their lives and interests. AW April 2006 cover woman, Quincy Adams Erickson, shares her secrets and her favorite recipes for throwing a great cocktail party. Finally, we asked long-term AW staffers to share their most memorable stories, the ones that touched their hearts, minds and souls.
If you are fortunate to attend the anniversary celebration, then— ding, ding, ding—you will also hit the jackpot when you attend Ingrid Vanderveldt’s workshop in a box. Vanderveldt was our March 2014 cover woman and is an amazing source for all things inspirational for entrepreneurs. Do you have the next great idea? Lucky you! Walk away from Vanderveldt’s workshop with a path to securing business cash f low in 30 days.
I think one reason I am not a gambler is that I don’t have to be. I am fortunate to have so many sure bets each month: JB Hager’s Memo From JB column always makes me laugh, AW February 2006 cover woman, Deborah Alys Carter, leads me in the right direction with her horoscopes, health writer Jill Case keeps me healthy and in the know on the latest innovations in the health field, Publisher Melinda Garvey and our staff are extraordinarily supportive and collaborative, while visionary Creative Director Niki Jones always brings together the most dedicated and amazing crews for our photo shoots. Sure, I roll the dice each month, but they must be loaded because they always come up winners.
On a personal note, let me say luck was a lady when Associate Editor Molly McManus walked in the door of the old offices of AW. She had recently arrived from Seattle with a smile that made me laugh and ambition to become a writer and learn the business. She achieved both goals in spades. Molly began as an unpaid intern, became a freelance contributor and I hired her as associate editor—twice! She has been by my side for most of my tenure as editor, and I will miss her greatly. There are so many things I never could have done without her. It is with great pride that I wish her the best in her new position as city editor for CultureMap. They have hit the jackpot, and I hope they appreciate her talent and dedication as much as I have. Please read her offering this month in the Last Word column.
As we at AW close out our 13th year, here’s wishing you all the luck 13 can bring. Here’s hoping you hit the jackpot, and when you do, please let us know. We would love to write all about it!
Deborah Hamilton-Lynne photo by Korey Howell.
From the Editor
From the Editor
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