Real Women of Bastrop

No More November: Cut One Thing, Make Room for What Matters

This time of year we tend to pile on more events, more spending and more yeses. This November, I’m challenging you to do the opposite: pick ONE thing that isn’t serving you anymore and cut it for 30 days.

In this episode:

• Why our brains go to “add” before “subtract,” and the University of Virginia study that shows it
• Why a 30-day break works, based on Dry January research (even the people who slipped still saw results)
• How to use friction instead of willpower
• What I’m cutting this month: time on my other Instagram accounts. That frees up almost six hours a week for the gym and for getting in front of three new business clients before December 31st.

8 questions to find your ONE thing

• If I got 30 minutes back every day, where are they hiding right now?
• What do I keep saying yes to out of guilt or habit?
• What would the version of me who already reached my goal stop doing?
• What do I always feel worse after?
• What shows up on my screen time or bank statement that I’d rather not admit?
• What’s the first thing I do in the morning and the last thing I do at night, and does it help me?
• What am I doing that someone else could do, or that doesn’t need doing at all?
• If a friend looked at my week, what would she tell me to stop?

Pick the one that frees up the most time, money or energy for the goal you care about most, even if it isn’t the easiest. Then make it hard to do, and tell someone.

Your turn: Comment or send me a message with your ONE thing, and I’ll check in on you mid-month.

Research mentioned:

• Adams, Converse, Hales & Klotz, “People Systematically Overlook Subtractive Changes,” Nature (2021): https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03380-y
• University of Sussex, Dry January research: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/news/features/all?id=50562

No More November. Let’s go into December lighter than we came in. 🍂

Meet the Wild Chickens! Sisterhood, Business & Texas Roots 🔥🐓

What happens when two sisters decide to start a business together? Apparently, they set things on fire! 😂

In this episode of Real Women of Bastrop, I'm joined by Allie and Amanda, the sister duo behind Wild Chicken Branding Co.!

These sixth-generation Texans turned a fun idea into a growing business, landing opportunities with major brands like Ariat, Consuela, and Willie's Remedy in just their first year!

We chat about growing up in Texas, raising their kids together, working as sisters, and juggling motherhood with entrepreneurship. They share the hilarious story behind their business name, the challenges of starting something new, and their dreams of helping other women build businesses of their own.

We also talk about faith, family, giving back, and the importance of passing down Texas traditions to the next generation.

These ladies are full of personality, heart, and ambition, and I absolutely loved our conversation!

🎙️ Tune in for plenty of laughs, a little inspiration, and a reminder that sometimes the best things happen when you take a chance on a wild idea!

Follow Wild Chicken Branding Co. on Instagram and stay connected with Real Women of Bastrop for more conversations celebrating the incredible women in our community.

In this episode of Real Women of Bastrop, Lindsay Kana is joined by Jennifer Blum, school counselor at Adelton Elementary and one of just five school counselors in Texas selected as a finalist for the prestigious H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards!

Jennifer shares her journey from classroom teacher to school counselor, her passion for helping students build confidence, and the challenges today’s kids face, including social media, self-esteem, and mental health.

We also discuss the importance of supporting and retaining great educators, the upcoming Bastrop ISD VATRE election, and what investing in our schools means for the future of our community.

Jennifer’s energy, humor, and heart for children are contagious! This conversation is a reminder of the incredible people making a difference in Bastrop ISD every single day.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about education, community, and the power of showing up for the next generation.

In this episode of Real Women of Bastrop, Lindsay sits down with Bastrop ISD Superintendent Dr. Kristi Lee for a conversation about leadership, education, growth, and the future of our local schools.

Before stepping into education, Dr. Lee spent about a decade in sales and management training in the financial industry and even owned her own business, working primarily with women business owners. She shares what ultimately led her back to the career she originally went to school for, why teaching immediately felt like home, and how the encouragement of others helped move her into leadership.

Lindsay and Dr. Lee also talk about what it’s really like to lead a growing school district, the challenge of trying to be everywhere and do everything, and the changes Bastrop ISD has experienced over the last several years.

The conversation also breaks down an important topic for local voters: the difference between bond funding and the district’s day-to-day operating revenue, and what the upcoming Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE) would mean for Bastrop ISD.

Dr. Lee explains how additional operating revenue could be used for areas including teacher and staff compensation, safety initiatives, balancing the budget, and student instructional programming.

They close the episode looking ahead five years and talking about Dr. Lee’s vision for BISD: stronger student achievement, high-performing campuses, lower teacher turnover, financial stability, and becoming a district families and educators actively choose.

Lindsay Kana sits down with Isidra Kinney, owner of McDonalds in Bastrop, for a conversation about family, work, and community. Isidra shares how a first job at McDonald’s became a lifelong career, how her Mexican roots and Texas upbringing shape her identity, and the realities of balancing business ownership with motherhood and family life. They also discuss the values behind their locally owned restaurants...from caring for employees to showing up for the Bastrop community.

Lindsay Kana talks with Heather Bailey of Bailey Team Real Estate about her path from banking and federal student loans into real estate, plus the community-first work she and her husband are doing through Bastrop Social Club. Heather shares how she and her husband divide responsibilities, why she chose self-employment, and how local networking has helped her business and confidence grow.

For more information about the BNI Bastrop Chapter, contact Heather at Heather@baileyteam.org

Join Lindsay Kana as she speaks with the owner of Plutos Wine Bar, Liz Formica. Learn about what brought her to Bastrop, Texas, why she opened a wine bar, and what sets them apart from others!

Join Lindsay Kana and Cynthia Meyer as they reminisce about the "old Bastrop" and how it is evolving. Learn more about why Cynthia chose to run for Bastrop City Council, and what she is looking forward to with the growth happening in Bastrop, Texas.

One of the biggest reasons I started Real Women of Bastrop is because we so often only see the title. We see the role, the decisions, the public version of someone. But behind every title is a human being with a story, experiences, and moments that shaped who they became. I had the honor of hearing a piece of Bastrop’s City Manager, Sylvia Carrillo’s story…one of resilience and perseverance.

In this engaging conversation, Jazzmyne DeShay shares her journey as a personal stylist in Bastrop, Texas, discussing her passion for fashion and her experiences working with clients, including celebrities and everyday individuals. She highlights the importance of personal connection in styling and her unique approach to helping clients curate their wardrobes.

Jazzmyne also talks about her Well-Suited program, which supports domestic violence survivors and postpartum moms by providing them with styled clothing. Additionally, she touches on her husband's fashion brand, Saint Alexander, and their collaborative efforts in the fashion industry.

Reach out to Jazzmyne here: stylistj.walker@gmail.com

Jazzmyne Karr

Today’s conversation with Veronica Seever was such a reminder of the strength women carry quietly...the kind of strength that doesn’t need an announcement, because it shows up in the work.

We talked about what it means to find your voice around men who don’t hand you respect automatically… and what it means to earn it through grit, clarity, and confidence. We talked about mentors who pour into you, moments that shape you, and the power of knowing you can do the job without asking permission.

This is exactly why Real Women of Bastrop exists, to put real stories behind the women keeping this town moving.

More about Veronica here: https://sheisallthethings.com/

In this heartfelt conversation, Marissa McMillen shares her personal journey towards sobriety, discussing the challenges and triumphs she has faced along the way. The episode delves into Marissa's past experiences with alcohol, her decision to quit, and the positive changes she has experienced since embracing a sober lifestyle.

Lindsay Kana facilitates the discussion, highlighting the importance of community support and accountability in overcoming addiction. Together, they explore the societal pressures surrounding alcohol consumption and the benefits of living a life free from alcohol.

Follow Marissa's journey on Instagram: @momlifesober

Join Lindsay Kana & Sheila Lowe, Executive Director of the Bastrop County Long Term Recovery Team and community leader behind Bridging Bastrop and Bastrop’s Juneteenth celebration. Sheila shares how she found her passion, and what it’s like leading alongside her husband, Council Member Perry Lowe.

Tune in for a conversation full of resilience, service, and heart for Bastrop.

In this episode of Real Women of Bastrop, Lindsay Kana sits down with local lender Brittany Rogers for a conversation that blends career leaps with community roots.

We talk about what it means to dive into the unknown—trusting your gut, and finding the courage to begin in an unknown career path.

But at the heart of it all is community. Both Brittany and I know that Bastrop isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place to belong. We unpack why connection, support, and genuine relationships matter so much here, and how that kind of foundation not only helps you thrive personally but also attracts the right people to our growing town.

This episode is equal parts encouragement and inspiration, especially for anyone facing career uncertainty or looking for a reminder that community is what makes the unknown worth diving into.

MORE ABOUT BRITTANY HERE

Building Community: The Story of Bastrop Girls Night Out

Join Lindsay Kana as she chats with Hannah Steele, the founder of Bastrop Girls Night Out. Discover how Hannah turned a simple idea into a thriving community for women in Bastrop, Texas. From its humble beginnings to a vibrant group of over 900 members, learn about the challenges and triumphs of creating a space for connection and friendship.

Don't miss out on the next meetup! Join the Facebook group to stay updated on upcoming events and connect with amazing women in Bastrop: FACEBOOK GROUP

In this conversation, Lindsay Kana and Kimberly Streuer discuss the evolution of mean girls into mean moms, exploring the dynamics of adult friendships and the impact of bullying behavior. They delve into the insecurities that drive mean behavior, the importance of self-expression through fashion, and the need for supportive communities. The discussion emphasizes kindness, acceptance, and the desire for belonging, while also addressing the challenges of navigating social dynamics as adults.

In this conversation, Lindsay Kana hosts Laurie and Caitlyn Ingram, a mother-daughter duo who share their unique bond and insights into navigating the challenges of growing up together. They discuss the importance of communication, trust, and quality time in building a strong relationship. The conversation highlights how they overcame teenage challenges, built confidence, and adapted parenting styles to meet individual needs. They emphasize the role of Bastrop community support and effective communication in fostering a healthy family dynamic.

Takeaways:

The mother-daughter relationship can evolve from authority to friendship.

Open communication is key to understanding each other.

Quality time spent together strengthens family bonds.

Trust is a two-way street in parenting.

Effective communication helps in resolving conflicts.

Every child requires a different parenting approach.

Building confidence in children is essential for their growth.

Community support plays a vital role in family dynamics.

Navigating challenges together fosters resilience.

Celebrating each other's strengths enhances family unity.

Join Lindsay Kana and Vanessa Lindsley as they delve into personal resilience and health challenges. Lindsay shares insights on community, personal growth, and the freedom to explore multiple life paths. Vanessa opens up about her breast cancer journey during the pandemic, revealing unexpected strength and humility. Together, they discuss the importance of family, community, and planning for life's uncertainties. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on navigating life's challenges with grace and determination.

Dive into an inspiring conversation with Priscilla Ruiz and Lindsay Kana as they explore the power of community, personal growth, and the journey to finding renewed clarity. From Priscilla's early career ambitions to her impactful work in youth ministry, this episode is a testament to resilience and purpose. Tune in to hear how life's challenges can lead to profound insights and a commitment to giving back.

#CommunityImpact #PersonalGrowth #Inspiration

Exploring the World of Writing with Andrea Eames

Join Lindsay Kana as she sits down with Andrea Eames, a talented writer with a fascinating journey from Zimbabwe to New Zealand, and now residing in Bastrop, Texas. Andrea shares her experiences growing up amidst the wildlife of Zimbabwe, her transition to New Zealand, and her eventual move to Texas. Discover how these diverse backgrounds have influenced her writing career, including her acclaimed novel "The White Shadow" and her latest work, "A Harvest of Hearts."

Tune in to hear Andrea's inspiring story and gain insights into the world of writing. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!

More about Andrea: http://andreaeames.com/