Life + Culture

Where Giants Roam

From Rwanda’s Gorillas to East Africa’s Iconic Safaris, an Extraordinary Journey Awaits Article and Photography by Kristen Meckem Few travel experiences genuinely alter your perspective. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is one of them. Combined with a safari in Tanzania or Kenya, it creates one of Africa’s most compelling luxury itineraries, blending outstanding settings, adventure, and extraordinary wildlife encounters. Most journeys begin in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, where first impressions are...

Finance + Legal Services

Compassionate Leadership

Financial Services Entrepreneur Leads by Example Article by Julie Fustanio Kling | Photography by Iris Castro Sam (not his real name) was in his 40s when he decided to increase the premium on his life insurance policy. Business at the restaurant was going well and his family ranch had a mortgage with a favorable interest rate. Less than a year later, he passed away suddenly.    “His wife always thanks me because she never imagined they needed so much,” says Gabriel Tovar, Austin native and...

Travel

Lockhart Vibes

A Small Town with Big Austin Style Personality Article by Julie Kling | Photography by Lisa Hause/City of Lockhart Lauren West has seen a huge transformation in her historic hometown, which she describes as part hipster and part honky-tonk. As a kid she used to take daytrips outside of Lockhart. Now that she’s a mom, Lockhart’s charm has been discovered. There’s always something to do in town. “A lot of people compare Lockhart to the old, old Austin,” says West, the business development...

Home + Design

Life's Better Poolside

Where Family and Friends Come Together to Overcome Challenges and Celebrate Article by Julie Kling | Photography by April Rankin & Tiffany Baird Now that school’s out, pools are in. Pools are the best way to stay cool in the summer. When you have a pool in your backyard, there is so much more to explore. For extraverts – games, parties and backyard barbecues become weekly activities. For introverts – quiet time underwater is soothing, a way to prepare for your day, reset, or put your worries...