We’re celebrating this special month by highlighting five inspirational women who persevered with their incredible work ethic, innate talents, and ambition. 

In “SHE (Believed She Could So She Did)” author and photographer Deborah Cole introduces 35 women across all ethnic backgrounds and industries in Texas who have come to create and/or lead successful companies.

These women come from different businesses, ethnicities, religions, sexual preferences, ages, and disabilities, but they all have one thing in common. They had a dream — and the determination to achieve it.

Their collective advice: “If I can do this, any woman can.”

Alta Alexander, Altatudes

Not only is Alta Alexander a brilliant, witty and warm individual, those who know her say she’s the definition of a “tough cookie.” She’s someone who is resilient and is able to rebound after tough times. Alta’s the owner of Altatudes, a boutique located in the heart of historic East Austin, Texas. The shop features high-end women’s apparel and accessories from over 25 international labels, as well as some brands that call Austin home. The high-energy boutique owner was on track to success, until 2020 changed that course. 

As a youngster, Alta was encouraged by her grandmother to dream big and always push through her fear. Fear can be huge when starting a business. Thoughts of not knowing where to start, not being an expert at everything or being considered “foolish” on leaving a good job consistently run through your mind. But Alta was prepared for the unanticipated challenges. She opened her business in 2017 as “the first Black-owned upscale womenswear boutique in Austin,” utilizing personal savings. 

2020 began on a very positive note for Alta and Altatudes. Until, the onset of the pandemic caused her shop to temporarily close. She applied for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans but was denied without explanation. Then, on June 7, 2020, a fire broke out, resulting in smoke and water damage to her entire inventory. Altatudes was again closed. In true community fashion, a GoFundMe campaign was launches and the assistance received helped ease the pain of the tragedy. Alta has had a year of joy as well as loss. She remains optimistic and credits her beliefs in God as well as prayer, mediations and the power of the community to see her through and back into the business once again. 

Nelly Garcia, Rocheli Patisserie

At 15, Nelly Garcia immigrated to Austin from Monterrey, Mexico, going on to become the owner of a thriving French baking business. Nelly has made business magic happen through dedication, hard work, a commitment to learning and above all, by sharing what she has learned and empowering the next generation to follow in her footsteps. 

Nelly credits her mother, who is a chef, for influencing her early career choices. After working in several restaurants as a waitress and cook and completing a cake decorating class in high school, Nelly suggested to her mom that they enroll in a cake decorating class to do a creative activity together. Her sister joined, and they all began to work in what Nelly calls their “side hustle.” Nelly was busy with school, working, and attending Brigham Young University, yet she kept up her study of the fine art of cakes and other confections. 

As part of a workshop in 2013, Nelly earned the opportunity to work in Las Vegas alongside Buddy Vlastro from TLC television’s reality blockbuster show Cake Boss. He was so impressed with the Garcia trio that they were invited back three times. Nelly was honored by Austin Monthly Magazine as a Game Changer in the Under 30 category. This was followed by her inclusion in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 category. 

In 2016, Nelly launched her dream business Rocheli Patisserie, which specializes in novelty cakes that are both beautiful and delicious. Nelly is also aware of the importance of giving back and nurturing the next generation of chefs and woman business owners. In the bakery, interns work alongside Nelly, learning from someone who is invested in their future as well as her own. 

Sheila Hawkins-Bucklew, Hawkins Bucklew Jewelry 

Sheila Hawkins-Bucklew is clear — entrepreneurship equals freedom, especially for women. She has sought that for herself and now provides the same opportunities for others. 

Growing up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she gained considerable experience in retail as a young woman. Moving to Austin, Texas, it was time to be a stay-at-home mom. Soon, though, she was back in the workforce where this diehard achiever found great success because nothing less would do. She was named Rookie of the Year, and went on to be Realtor of the Year and President of the Women’s Council of the Austin Board of Realtors. From agent, Sheila rose to be a broker leading her own firm.. 

Hawkins Bucklew Jewelry designs was born in 2013. Sheila set about to both create a line of unique jewelry and also to continue her commitment to empowering other women to gain freedom through entrepreneurship. Her designs were included in Austin Fashion Week, in Macy’s stores and received press acclaim everywhere from British Vogue to the Austin Chronicle. Sheila’s most notable award, however, is the one that repeats daily — knowing she has done her part to inspire and advance women, like herself, who desire economic and professional freedom. 

Aditi Merchant, Big & Mini 

Business ideas can take years to percolate in the minds of fledgling entrepreneurs, or they can appear to take form overnight. It was the second for Big & Mini, created by Aditi Merchant and two friends. 

Aditi is no stranger to innovation. As a University of Texas sophomore majoring in biomedical engineering, Aditi was well equipped to implement her new idea with her colleagues. While an honor student in her first year at UT, Aditi had designed a symptom-tracking app for children with chronic diseases, and a medical device sterilization tool for low-resource countries. 

Her newest creation, Big & Mini, is an online platform that connects college students and seniors through virtual communication. By matching vetted students and seniors with similar interests, connections are made and relationships are formed. In less than a year, Big & Mini grew to over 1,500 users and 50 states. The “Bigs” and the “Minis” all report successful relationships growing through their virtual interactions. A boost in visibility came in the form of media stories in the Houston Chronicle, Parade Magazine and exposure on the Today show. 

The owners of Big & Mini received a fellowship as well as guidance and mentorship as they began their business. Then, they became plugged in to the prestigious Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute. Aditi was a Female Featured Founder in 2020, joining numerous other enthusiastic women entrepreneurs who are headed for success. For Aditi this is only the beginning. As Big & Mini grows, along the way she will enjoy the support of powerful female role models who have preceded her while growing into one herself. 

Chi Ndika, Luv Fats Ice Cream

Chi Ndikai eats ice cream every day and is passionate about every bite. Although Chi is not vegan, she produces varieties of a vegan dessert she has branded Luv Fats, the most scrumptious frozen treat ever tasted. And it is made with “luv” from start to finish. 

From the outset, Chi was very clear that the fuel that started the Luv Fats engine was love. In 2017, Chi wanted to create a special birthday treat for her mom, who had discovered she had a dairy allergy. What better celebratory offering than ice cream that contains no dairy? As someone who loves baking and cooking, Chi dove into creative mode and began a trial-and-error process of creating something tasty. The birthday arrived, and Mom was thrilled. Chi knew she was onto something, and she continued to experiment with her recipe. In 2018, when friends started to ask her to recreate her dessert for their events, Luv Fats was born. 

Many aspiring entrepreneurs lack passion, and without substantial financial backing, they are not always willing to do the hard work. Some newly minted business owners do not even have a passion for making money. They just like the idea of success. Chi does not fall into either of those categories; she knows that creating new recipes, producing Luv Fats and marketing and selling are all hard work, but she is up for it. She is committed to creating her confection with the best ingredients possible. She sources all of them locally, conceiving new and unique pairings from what is available during each season. Her creativity is endless, and shoppers never know what new flavors will appear at the Mueller Farmers Market or the variety of restaurants and shops where she personally stocks the coolers with Luv. 

With the demanding business of ice cream production and all that it takes to bring the delicious goodness to market, Chi works to take care of herself through yoga, walking, stretching and getting plenty of rest. Being a presence in the local community, she is able to discover other women of color who she can help support. For now, fear of the future does not exist in Chi’s vocabulary; she is enthusiastic, creative, kind and driven. Because Luv is her vision.

Cover photo courtesy Deborah Cole

Leean Vargas is the Highlight Reel newsletter editor at Texas Lifestyle Magazine and an honors graduate of Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations. She is a concert enthusiast who loves traveling, photography, good food, and discovering new hangout spots in her beloved city, Austin, Texas.