Links I Love
If you love what I’m doing here… thank you! The fact that this site even exists is thanks, in part, to the inspiration I’ve received from these great artists, writers, and creatives over the last few years. These are brave people who took a chance on themselves and made the leap to do what they love. The influence and impact on me by those listed below are beyond measure and the best gift I can give these fabulous people in return is a referral.
I hope you love them as much as I do!
Blogs
LD is the first blog I ever wrote for. The founders, Katie & Hope, gave me a chance when I had no professional writing experience. Not only am I incredibly grateful for the opportunities LD has given me, but I also love their writers, their content, and their perspective.
This wonderful blog is written by my boyfriend’s mom, Karen. She writes about her personal life, adventures, and opinions. The title and tagline for her blog says it best, “The afternoon knows what the morning never suspected… Finding joy and relevance in the second half of life.”
The things that Sheryl talks about on her self-help blog are so, so important. She tackles a range of tough topics, but her main focus is relationship anxiety and how past trauma and fear of true intimacy can manifest itself in negative ways.
Anne is a former boss turned close friend who, like me, wanted to find a way to turn her life and interests into a way to connect with others. On her blog she covers topics like motherhood, cooking, beauty, and navigating life from Houston to Austin and back again.
This one’s not technically a blog, but Brene Brown changed my life so she gets honorable mention. Her work as a researcher is rooted in the idea that vulnerability is courage, and that embracing vulnerability is, in fact, key to being the happiest, healthiest, and most successful versions of ourselves.
I met Beth online through Literally, Darling, and her personal blog is to die for! She creates amazing desserts, takes gorgeous photos, and inspires me to create more beautiful, delicious food.
Jenny is not only an NYT bestselling author, but she also happens to be a cousin of Mitch’s mom, Karen. Knowing her work (which is incredible and hilarious) as well as her story and her family, I am so inspired by what she does. Seeing someone battle with depression and still manage to create and make a difference with words gives me hope.
Christy’s blog focuses primarily on self-care, something that has made a huge difference in my life. She gives readers tangible steps on how to implement self-care into their everyday lives.
Products & Services
Dusty, the owner of Influence Beauty, is my best friend, and she is an absolute artist, in the truest form of the word, when it comes to both inner and outer beauty. She is dedicated to making women feel beautiful with or without makeup. I am so proud, honored, and grateful to call her my “Gir”.
Keene Studios is home to my acting family. Owner/instructor Step Rowe has been a great friend and mentor to me for many years, and I am so appreciative to have found her and her acting method. She taught me how to truly connect my real emotions to each and every scene I tackle. I feel so proud to be a part of her studio and be surrounded by such talented artists.
Nico is an amazing photographer and dear friend of mine. She’s taken practically all of the photos of me you’ll see on this site, and I cannot recommend her enough. She’s a visionary talent and a wonderful person. In addition to her own photography company, she also runs Obsidian + Blush, an Austin-based photography team, with a group of great artists.
Beth Sepko Casting & Third Coast Extras
In addition to being a talented, Austin-based casting director, Beth Sepko is another mentor and friend who’s made a huge difference in my life and career. Working for her and Third Coast Extras taught me so much about the industry. Her support of my pursuit of acting was instrumental. Stacey Rice, who is climbing the ranks of casting alongside Beth, is a trusted friend who I wouldn’t have met if not for my time there. I recommend their Facebook for anyone in the Austin area looking for extras work.
I’ve known Jessica since high school, and aside from a love of Grey’s Antomy and Aaron Tveit we have always shared ambitions of achieving great things. She’s achieved those things by becoming an amazing wedding photographer, and I’m so proud! She continues to inspire me to follow my big dreams.
Sam and I went to high school together, and I have been so inspired by her commitment to her business. She crafts handmade, natural bath and body products in Austin and is a testament to what a big difference small business can make.
YouTube Channels
Yes, I am a TIU girl! I love Karena & Katrina. They are fitness trainers with excellent workouts, an amazing brand, and an approachable, friendly, loving community of women who follow their program. I love their free workouts and interview videos. I also love their site for recipes and info!
I discovered Shelbey’s channel recently as I’ve been trying to expand my beauty knowledge and skills. I think she’s great, because she does honest reviews and attainable tutorials. She’s super down to Earth and is always upfront about whether pricey products are worth it or not. She also recently launched a new blog that will feature beauty as well as lifestyle.
GentleWhispering ASMR & Sassy Masha Vlogs
ASMR is a form of relaxing sound therapy that is only recently gaining popularity. I definitely recommend it to anyone with sleep troubles and anxiety. Maria has one of the most popular ASMR channels, and it has helped me sleep more times than I can count. She also has a great personal channel for vlogs!
Amber’s cookie decorating is so inspiring! Not only are her videos relaxing and amazing to watch, but her online store offers great and affordable tutorials and products to help you make wonderful cookies, too!
A fellow Austin actress, Adriene offers so many amazing, free yoga videos. She has a video for everything- beginners, sleep, depression, you name it. She inspires me to believe that a girl from Austin can change the lives of so many.
