There are women so full of passion and purpose, they seem to glow from the inside out. When you meet them, you walk away feeling a bit more inspired. Amber Allen, Dr. Shirat Ling and Rose Smith are three such women.
AMBER ALLEN
Founder and CEO of Double A Labs
What do you love about what you do for work? I love building tools that empower creators to create! By making Double A super simple and easy to access, it bridges the gap across generations and demographics for all people to find ways to connect, have a voice and share their vision. Building the product that helps bridge the understanding of the metaverse is my passion.
What motivates you? I believe innovators will change the world. I’m motivated by being a part of this change and providing a platform that helps millions of people connect with each other and get closer to their personal purpose.
What do you do for self-care? I grew up a gamer girl so play has always been a big part of who I am. As I got older, I integrated more adrenaline-focused, adventurous play into the mix which has become my favorite part of my self-care strategy.
A favorite thing about Austin? Cool Austinites always lead to more cool Austinites. I meet interesting people and they end up connecting me to additional people from all walks of life with no agenda. And, of course the El Arroyo sign - a great representation of the heart of the voice of Austin.
Favorite book? The God Equation - Michio Kaku
Motto you try to live by? Every day that child-like Amber high fives adult Amber, I win.”
Ask you have for readers: Connect with me at LinkedIn @amberallendoublea and share how you’re changing the world.
Website: https://www.doublealabs.com/
Dr. SHIRAT LING
Physician Artist and owner of Innate Beauty
Dr. Ling not only brilliantly performs aesthetic procedures from Botox to fillers and more, but is a national instructor who trains physicians to perform medical aesthetic procedures. Here’s more about Dr. Ling…
What do you love about what you do for work? I create art with people's faces :) I love helping my patients optimize their appearance with natural-appearing enhancements. I am grateful that my patients trust me to sculpt them and bring them joy when they look in the mirror. I originally chose family medicine as my specialty, as I enjoyed solving mysteries...their health still comes up in our conversation, as I create art with their faces. It's relationship-building...not just poking.
What motivates you? Connecting with patients, improving their lives, even in some seemingly small way. Unfortunately, our society still has double standards for women, and there is a lot of pressure to look or be a certain way. It's a balance of bridging self-acceptance with self-improvement.
What do you do for self-care? I love recharging with my life partner, deep tissue massages, regular exercise, cooking, and a good nap.
A favorite thing about Austin? The eclectic mix of chill places to hang out and get a coffee and taco, outdoor spaces for activities and exercise, and overall welcoming attitude. There are still little pockets of weird.
Favorite quote or motto you try to live by? The Golden Rule
Ask you have for readers: Please do your research and trust your face and body health to a trained professional with the eye of an artist, and the knowledge of a physician. Don't go cheap on your face.
Find Dr. Ling at www.innatebeauty.com
ROSE SMITH
CEO & Founder of Black Women in Business
What’s something that brings you joy? Nothing brings me more joy than spending time with my family. My husband, Charles, and I have six amazing children and nine beautiful grandchildren. Anytime we are together it's a good time!
What do you love about what you do for work? As a Business and Success Coach, I love having the opportunity to help others win! I get fired up watching an entrepreneur go from the "birthing stage" of their business to actually making a profit from their products and services.
What motivates you? I am motivated by my ancestors and all the inspiring people who have come before me, the ones I have been blessed to journey with and the potential of the generation that will take the baton. It is the random acts of kindness, the large sacrifices, the knowledge, experiences and wisdom shared between all of us.
A favorite thing about Austin? The resilience of the people.
Favorite quote or motto? Life's most persistent and urgent question is, "What are you doing for others?" -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Ask you have for readers: I would love for the readers to learn more about Black Women In Business. Our goal is to educate, encourage and empower women to excel in leadership and entrepreneurship. We were the first non-profit organization in Austin to pivot our mission at the beginning of the pandemic and provide free groceries to the residents of Travis County. Since March 16, 2020, we have delivered groceries daily. To date, we have provided groceries to more than 83,000 families in Travis County without any governmental funding! Our COVID-19 Food Relief Program is a true example of what we can do when we come together.
Learn more at blackwomeninbusiness.org