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The DAILY TEXAN (Published by the University
of Texas Press) Local artists Kathleen Grandfield and Russell Reid look to bring a piece of the world to Austin. Their studio "Red Texture," which opens in April, will showcase works by local and international artists. "We want to be more avant-garde than other studios," Grandfield said. "There are so many 'safe' galleries in the community." An exhibit of the duo's art was part of a business conference and panel discussion Tuesday promoting women in business, organized by the Small Business Development Program. The conference, entitled "No Better Time Than Now," commemorated Women's History Month. "Some research shows that 50 percent of the population is women, and most new business start-ups are by women," said Rosalinda Jalifi, assistant director of SBDP's Economic Growth and Redevelopment Services Office. "The business environment is very friendly for women in Austin." Women at Tuesday's conference came from different fields of business, Jalifi said. "We've had a variety of businesses, from craft to jewelry, and we have also had some real estate agents and contractors come here to the conference," she said. The partnership between Grandfield and Reid began in Austin. Grandfield, now a jewelry designer, earned her teaching degree at St. Edward's University. Reid paints murals by commission and has completed 125 murals over the past 15 years. "I was in the fashion industry for a time, working for Chanel in London," Grandfield said. "Meanwhile, [Reid] was in Italy studying architectural design." Grandfield and Reid said they realized the potential for cross-cultural exchange when they returned to Texas. "Many of the people I met in Europe have this idea of Texas, that it's all John Wayne and wide open spaces," Reid said. "The potential for multi-faceted cultural exchange is enormous." Tuesday's panel discussion included women such as Penny McConnell, owner and founder of Penny's Pastries. "I think one thing that's natural for women to do is to congregate," McConnell said. "Hearing entrepreneurs and other people in business gives us renewed energy to create whatever it is we want to create." McConnell, whose cookies have been featured on national TV networks, said women in business sometimes deal with difficult situations. "Women face internal obstacles every day, such as feeling one down from the guy who seems to know what he's talking about," McConnell said. "People are often uncomfortable doing business with a woman, especially when they're used to sitting across from a man." The panel attracted about 50 guests, said SBDP Business Development Counselor Michelle Bledsoe. "Networking opportunities for these businesswomen are wonderful," Bledsoe said. "The participants get to ask the panelists, 'What did you do to get where you are today?'" Along with Tuesday's conference, SBDP has plans for promoting women in business later this year. "We're organizing industry-specific workshops in the fall," said Jalifi. "Speakers will explain the various ways to open and manage a business in Austin." |
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2007 - Kathleen Grandfield |
