Feature Fridays
Celebrating the people behind the work
Every week we feature a service provider's story — their craft, their dedication, and the care they bring to their work and clients.
“Hi, I’m Andrea! I’m an Austin local. I just moved back to Austin after being in Seattle for almost 8 years. I’ve been doing hair since 2010 and specialize in haircutting. I love razor cuts, thick hair, lived-in colors, vivids, and keratin treatments. You can find me at SABA Salon in East Austin!”
“Hello, my name Dr. Clay. I'm a small-town boy from New Mexico living out my big-city dreams in Austin. Chiropractic has been part of my story from the very beginning. My grandfather was a chiropractor, my mother was a massage therapist, and regular trips to the chiropractor as a kid showed me firsthand how powerful natural healthcare can be.”
“Hi, my name is Diana Heinig, and I have been a postpartum doula for the past 12 years. I am now using that experience to also support families as a Holistic Pediatric Sleep Consultant and Newborn Care Educator & Consultant. My goal is to help parents of little ones navigate all the challenges of parenthood and empower them with the tools, skills, and knowledge they need to thrive as a family.”
“I’m Morgan Carpenter, RN, BSN, and a Registered Dietitian. I recently moved to Austin and am so excited to learn more about this city! I currently practice as an RN injector at Austin Aesthetic Couture, where I provide personalized aesthetic treatments with a focus on enhancing natural beauty and helping my clients feel confident in their own skin!”
“I’m Victoria. I own a social media agency called The Social Bodega, and when I’m not doing that, I DJ around Austin as VV. I’ve spent most of my career in social media. I started when the industry itself was still pretty new, and more than a decade later, I’m still fascinated by the same thing: people. What makes us pay attention. What makes us feel something. What makes us want to gather around an idea, a brand, a person, a place.”
“My name is Curtis Whaley, and I've spent the last 20 years training college, high school, and tactical athletes. I specialize in speed and strength development for middle and high school athletes, and one-on-one personal training for adults looking to get in shape or lose weight. I hold CSCS, USAW, and PN1 certifications and offer both virtual and in-person training.”
“I’m Dr. Nolaska Souliotis, a foot and ankle surgeon, athlete, and owner of Elite Foot & Ankle Associates. I provide personalized, advanced care to relieve pain, restore mobility, and help patients return to active lives.”
“My name is Reanna Roxbury. I am a black and gray illustrative, realism, and fine line tattoo artist based in Austin, Texas. I love deeply connecting with my clients, creating a safe space, and giving them a timeless piece of art.”
“Hi! I’m Cynthia Gonzales, the owner and artist of Empowerment Ink. After caring for patients in the operating room, I realized that healing doesn’t end when surgery is over. I wanted to be able to help in a different way—one that focused on restoring confidence.”
“My name is Garry Rippy, and I'm a PGA Golf Coach based at Jimmy Clay/Roy Kizer Golf Courses in Austin, TX. I've been teaching the game since 1978 — and after fifty years, I've found that following basic fundamentals, rather than chasing systems, works best for most golfers.”
“I'm Macie, a tattoo artist based in Austin, TX. I've been tattooing for about five years. I started out hand-poking before transitioning to machine tattooing a couple of years ago. I specialize in illustrative black and grey tattoos.”
“My name is Nataliia Acerra, and I am the founder and photographer behind Acerra Studio LLC, based in Round Rock and serving the greater Austin area. I specialize in brand and portrait photography for businesses, professionals, and individuals who want their images to communicate more than appearance. My work focuses on mood, identity, presence, and creating visuals that feel intentional and recognizable.”
“Hello! I am Mary Joy — a hairstylist whose journey led me far beyond the chair. Though I have a deep passion for creating beauty through hair, I am also a healer, teacher, and guide in the lineage of King Salomon. My true devotion lies in the study of the soul and the mysteries of the universe. ”
“My name is Dr. Jon Podesta, and I'm a chiropractor at Limitless Chiropractic in Austin, Texas. I earned my bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from the University of Massachusetts before completing my Doctor of Chiropractic degree at Life Chiropractic College West.”
“I'm Linh Flores, an immigration attorney and the founder of Tran Flores Law, a boutique immigration firm based in Round Rock, Texas. We help individuals, families, and businesses navigate the U.S. immigration system — from family petitions and employment sponsorships to green cards, citizenship, and waivers.”
“My name is Jackson Li, but I go by the name Jaxon5K. I was born and raised in New York City and now call Austin, Texas home. I'm a barber and the founder of Shear Skill LLC, currently operating out of Kane's Barbershop here in Austin. Beyond the chair, I'm also an instructor at Impact Barber Academy, where I help train the next generation of barbers, and I work as an E-Sports Caster and Analyst — so yes, I stay busy.”
“I'm Jay Tanaka, a personal trainer at FastFit here in Austin. I help people build strength and improve their overall health through 20-minute isokinetic strength training sessions — a science-backed approach that uses responsive resistance machines to deliver a highly effective, joint-friendly workout in a fraction of the time of a traditional gym session.”
“Hi! I'm Jessica Darnell. I'm an artist, lover of nature and all things creative. Passionate about connecting with people and building community. I was born in Canada but my travels brought me to Texas with my amazing husband and children. Over the past few years I've been building a face painting business where I can merge my love of interacting with people and art. I love bringing an extra element of creativity to any event. ”
“My name is Louren Molina, and I am the owner and esthetician behind Simply Aesthetics in Round Rock, Texas. I specialize in results-driven skincare treatments, lash extensions, lash lifts, brow services, and waxing. My goal is to create a welcoming environment where clients can invest in their skin, confidence, and overall well-being.”