A reminder at HOPE Outdoor Gallery (Credit: Adrienne Albregts)

Ask Live a Great Story founder Zach Horvath if he collects anything, and his answer is short and sweet: experiences. “Whether it’s traveling, meeting people or taking a back road in a home town, the more experiences I collect, the better and more well rounded I can make myself.” The mantra-creator speaks in that relaxed, but eager tone many native Austinites seem to have.

If experiences could be collected in a jar, Horvath would need a mason the size of Kilimanjaro. Though they aren’t all his own, he’s learned that almost any experience can be shared through story. If you live in Austin, you’ve probably seen the phrase “Live a Great Story” printed in black, bold font, plastered in the city’s many nooks and crannies. You can trace that mark back to Horvath. [Read more…]

Could you create a successful business with funds found in your closet? How about turn the laundry room into a production facility? What about solve a child’s health problem and find your passion all in one bubbling pot? [Read more…]

Find your next roommate the non-creepy way

As a former relationship advice columnist, I used to get asked this question all the time: “What’s the key to a successful relationship?” My answer was (and still is), “Be a good roommate.” Being respectful of someone’s space and time is a must in any type of relationship, romantic or otherwise. Unfortunately, finding that good roommate can be a big challenge.

Moving to a new town, or even just across town, is one of the most stressful things you’ll do in your life. And with so many people moving to Austin, properties get snatched up faster than free breakfast tacos at work. If you find one you like, you have to act immediately. So what happens when you find the perfect place, but can’t afford it? You get a roommate.

First, you post a status to Facebook, “Hey, I need a roommate!” and then sulk and/or cry a little bit when no one responds. Then you check Craigslist, but shut ‘er down after realizing your best option is the dude who posted a picture of himself in a Burger King crown, playing cards with his cat. [Read more…]

SUAVS Shoes owner, Monxi Garza

While living and studying in Madrid, Monxi Garza, local designer and creator of SUAVS Shoes, couldn’t find a shoe that met her needs. Basically, she wanted a Prince Charming for her feet, a shoe that was missing from storefronts, but resided in her imagination and on graph paper.

She wanted to create a shoe that would check every box on a lengthy list of requirements–a shoe that both men and women could wear. It had to be functional, flexible, breathable and stylish. She wanted a slip-on that didn’t require socks, one that could seamlessly take someone from meandering cobblestone streets to twirling on a dance floor. The shoe’s versatility had to keep up with the demands that often accompany work, while keeping toes happy past midnight tapas. And lastly, Monxi’s perfect foot companion had to be attractive. [Read more…]