Portrait Gathering Sessions March 14th + March 20th
Mar
14
to Mar 24

Portrait Gathering Sessions March 14th + March 20th

Note: Due to the COVID-19, all portrait session gatherings have been cancelled.

We are offering mini portrait sessions instead outdoors following CDC guidelines and practicing social distancing. Thank you for your understanding.

Portrait Gathering Session—March 14th + March 20th Portrait Gathering Session—March 14th + March 20th
Portrait Gathering Session—March 14th + March 20th
$200.00

Our March Portrait Gathering is finally here—come one. Come all!

Whether you're a bit camera shy, need new portraits of yourself (but just a few!), looking to meet some new, incredible women or just plain wanna enjoy the springtime and have a good time...this is a wonderful opportunity to experience a portrait session whilst being surrounded by like-minded women supporting and encouraging you. If you’ve been looking for a compassionate, creative community, the Woke Beauty Portrait Gatherings brings and celebrates these women together.

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THE DEETS:

  • Time: Choose either a morning or afternoon time slot for Saturday March 14th or Friday March 20th

  • Location: Private gathering details shared after RSVP confirmation

  • Imagery: portraits/head shots, portfolio, lifestyle content, visual branding needs

  • Investment: $200/person

  • Gain: I'll make you feel b-eeaaauuuu-tiful!! And you'll have pictures of yourself you actually love.

    • (Also) 10 high resolution, edited images (minimum) provided within one week's time

Contact riley@wokebeauty.com for more details. Can't wait to see you!! xx

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Woke Beauty Presents: The Beauty in You
Oct
20
1:30 PM13:30

Woke Beauty Presents: The Beauty in You

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Join us for a ‘you don’t want to miss this’ discussion at The Riveter’s Wellness Summit. Keep scrolling to learn why and treat yo’self with a ticket HERE!

Beauty is self created, self defined and self nurtured. So much of who we are is how we think of ourselves. This philosophy is the foundation of our discussion. We will look to explore how each founder has created space for themselves in their respective fields despite saturated markets and naysayers. We’ll dive deeper on what it truly means to provide a brand/business that makes women feel beautiful; really, truly, beyond skin deep beautiful. Amidst rich, reflective conversation, panelists are asked to acknowledge and reflect on topics such as: self appreciation, holistic remedies, personal growth and what it’s like to culture a BRIZNESS (brand + business) that empowers women at large.

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Elise Graham Kennedy

learned about toxicity (in almost all American makeup) after she went through extensive treatment for some crazy illnesses. When she started trying out clean products, dozens of amazing women from the chronic illness community, pregnant/nursing friends, and conscious consumer pals kept reaching out for recommendations. She found that didn’t really have many that were accessible, affordable, and high-quality. She created a clean makeup line that consists of those elements. It’s a love letter to women everywhere, inspired by my beautiful friends and family.

Notable book: A Man Search for Meaning

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Shauntavia Ward

founded eleMINT as a Nurse Practitioner, who after 8 years in medicine, craved a deeper connection with inspiring people to feel good about themselves, in their most natural state, beyond the needle. With an extensive knowledge in skin health, anatomy & physiology, wellness and preventive education, Shauntavia is deeply invested in helping you cultivate healthy skin habits and become your own #skingoals. eleMINT is driven to shift the conversation to highlight overall wellbeing, and make skincare inclusive, accessible and affordable, so every person, of every hue, can put their best face forward; empowering you to look good, feel good and do good in the world!

Notable Podcast: How I Built This

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Jessica Hawkins

brings people together through shared experiences, real food, self-love and high vibrations. As the Founder, CEO & Culinary Artist of Harper & Soul Provisions - her Austin, TX, based company specializing in handcrafted keto, paleo & Whole30-friendly

functional foods - Jess’ real passion is empowering others to create their most joyful, fulfilling lives through deep nourishment of one's heart, soul and physical body. She believes we best cultivate this through finding one's tribe, intentional conversation, vulnerability, owning our “sh*t,"and intuitive, clean eating.

Notable Podcast: Second Life

Notable Book: Inward

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Mariska Nicholson

had a goal to create clean and effective products that a single mom, like herself at the beginning of her journey, could plug into her budget…so she did! Using her culinary background, Mariska began blending plant based formulas in her kitchen — rogue style kitchen chemistry. Four years later, Olive + M was born. Based on the belief that what you put on your body is just as important as what you put in your body, Mariska is very intentional when she formulates. Consciously crafted for all people and all skin types, the entire Olive + M line is all natural, clean, cruelty-free, vegan, gluten-free, and made in the US.

Notable book: The Universe Has Your Back

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Dr. Jessica Wright

, The Face of Anti-Aging and Rejuvenation (Austin Monthly), opened Rejuvenate Med Spa in Texas Hill Country after completing her general surgery residency at one of the busiest trauma centers in the country. Dr. Wright has exceptional discernment combining the benefits of a traditional med spa and the safety that comes with having an in-house doctor. She is obsessed with making her clients feel not only "better" or "younger" but feeling as good on the outside as they do on the inside. She is a Doctor, Wife, Mom, Business Owner, Female Advocate -- an expert by experience in each field.

Notable Book: Girl, Wash Your Face

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In This Skin: An Intimate Evening with Ashley of The Inspired i + Riley Blanks of Woke Beauty
Sep
26
6:00 PM18:00

In This Skin: An Intimate Evening with Ashley of The Inspired i + Riley Blanks of Woke Beauty

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Words from LIVELY: Austin Crew! You're not gonna want to miss this!

We're teaming up with two incredibly inspiring women, Ashley Griffin of The Inspired i and Riley Blanks of Woke Beauty, for an evening of styling and empowerment at The LIVELY Austin Experience Store!

Try on your fave LIVELY must-haves and get styled by Ashley, who will be dishing out her fave styling tips having JUST returned from NYFW (#yaaas) and get your portrait taken by Riley (#bestdayever), surrounded by gorgeous textiles from Apt F.!

Styling and photography will be followed by an intimate conversation with Ashley and Riley that explores diverse representation beyond the surface, focusing on three key areas:

  • Corporate

  • Community

  • Creative

Come check out LIVELY's newest pieces, try on all the styles you've had your eye on, hang with some major boss-babes, get cozy with beautiful Apt F. pillows and blankets -- and leave with new BFFs feeling inspired!

CLICK HERE TO RSVP <3

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An Intimate Discussion with Celebrated Austin Women
Sep
14
2:00 PM14:00

An Intimate Discussion with Celebrated Austin Women

Join us on Saturday, September 14th from 2-4pm at The Riveter as I, Riley Blanks, host a special panel discussion surrounding my glowing and growing business, Woke Beauty; geared towards empowering women to recognize their own inherent beauty through an uplifting photographic experience.

For this event, per usual, I’ll be bringing together women who are in the business of cultivating 'beauty'. Throughout rich, reflective conversation, panelists will be acknowledging and fostering self appreciation, holistic remedies, personal growth and what it’s like to cultivate one’s very own BRIZNESS (brand + business).

Come one, come all, for a one of a kind evening packed with inspiration and hope.

〰 DETAILS 〰

When: Saturday, September 14, 2-4pm

Where: The Riveter (1145 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78703)

PANELIST LINE UP:

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KARA PENDL

Kara Pendl is the designer and artist behind Karacotta Ceramics, based in Austin, TX. Originally a Wisconsin native, Kara grew up exploring in the woods, adventuring in nature, and creating with organic materials - these experiences heavily influence the unique aesthetic and processes in the body of her work. At Karacotta Ceramics, she works to bridge the gap between ‘aspirational’ and ‘possible’. She believes that a beautiful space cultivates creativity and a richer life experience, and that everyone deserves to live and work in a space they truly adore. Building on that concept, she also provides community and coaching to women-owned businesses, bringing their vision of entrepreneurship and independent wealth-building, from dream to reality.

[Image by Woke Beauty!]

MEET KARA

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HEATHER GALLAGHER

Heather is a Chinese American family photojournalist, editorial and commercial photographer and a full spectrum doula based out of Austin, TX. Heather speaks frankly and transparently about her experiences as a multi racial CODA (Child of Deaf Adult) and how this has inspired and informed her work as a witness and emotional support person to individuals and families in all transitions in life. Heathers work serves to make all people from all walks of life feel seen and heard without judgement and to show that at the end of the day, we are all more alike than different.

MEET HEATHER

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SHARON MAYS

Sharon Mays is the Founder & CEO of Baby Greens, Austin’s first drive thru salad restaurant. Sharon launched Baby Greens in 2004, after a brief stint as a vegetarian helped her realize that there were no fast food options for people looking for a quick, healthy meal. Sharon grew up in Austin, so she knew that her hometown was the perfect place to launch a fast food revolution. Under her leadership, Baby Greens has won many awards and honors for its delicious food, including repeatedly being voted “Best Salad & Dressing” in Austin.

In addition to Baby Greens, Sharon owns Embark Coaching + Consulting – a consulting agency that specializes in helping entrepreneurs and soon-to-be entrepreneurs navigate the waters of small business ownership. She is also a licensed realtor and works exclusively with small business owners. Sharon graduated from Texas A&M University, where she studied public relations, marketing, and business management.

Sharon spends much of her free time volunteering with local nonprofits and organizations that work to serve the Austin community. She was appointed to the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board by Mayor Steve Adler. Sharon currently sits on the board of the North Austin YMCA. She has also been on the board of the Metro Austin YMCA and the Austin Food & Wine Alliance.

MEET SHARON

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Portrait Gathering Session - 08/18
Aug
18
8:00 AM08:00

Portrait Gathering Session - 08/18

Come one. Come all!

Whether you're a bit camera shy, need some portraits (but just a few!), looking to meet some new, incredible women or just plain wanna soak up some sun rays and have a good time...this is a wonderful opportunity to experience a portrait session whilst being surrounded by like-minded women supporting and encouraging you.

Click on that pretty image to save your spot. <3

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An Intimate Discussion with Celebrated Austin Women
Mar
10
3:00 PM15:00

An Intimate Discussion with Celebrated Austin Women

In honor of International Women’s Day, we brought together four incredible women who have showcased power and beauty through their very own self-grown businesses.
The discussion focused on entrepreneurship and developing one's very own 'BRIZNESS' (brand + business), going deep on hacks and tricks surrounding topics such as time management, financial literacy, self assurance and dream chasing.

Our lovely panelists:

Riley Blanks (Hostess): Photographer + Founder of Woke Beauty
Miranda Bennett: Designer + Founder of Miranda Bennett Studio
Erinn Leigh: Yogi + Co-Owner of Sukha Yoga Austin
April Kayganich: Hair colorist + Curl Whisperer
Sophie Kwok: Podcast Host of Love Intently + App Designer

Thank you to artisans: Beauty Counter, Alana Cooklin, Nina Berenato and Jowa Shop

…and sponsors: Topo Chico USA, GT's Kombucha, JuiceLand and Tito's Handmade Vodka

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An Intimate Discussion with Celebrated Austin Women
Oct
21
5:00 PM17:00

An Intimate Discussion with Celebrated Austin Women

For this event, Riley brought together women who are in the business of cultivating 'beauty'. Throughout the conversation, panelists went into detail about topics such as: fostering self appreciation, holistic remedies, racial equity and personal growth.

It was a one of a kind evening packed with inspiration and authenticity. Every member of the panel had something unique to offer:

Thank you to sponsors: Juiceland, Tito’s Vodka, Topo Chico, Cava and Urban Outfitters

“I am a planner, like a crippling planner. But the thing is, you can’t plan spontaneity. It doesn’t work like that. And so, in the last few years I’ve realized that I have to be super intentional about creating rest for myself. And that takes form in multiple ways. Learning that ‘no’ is not a reflection of you or a reflection of an individual, cause or organization. It took a long time for me to accept that me saying ‘no’ may mean that I don’t think I’m equipped right now to contribute to the level that you deserve and that I deserve. Maybe saying ‘no’ means ‘not right now’ or ‘I know someone who’s a better fit’. When I say ‘no’ to you I’m going to follow up with three names who can serve in this capacity or when I say ‘no’ to you it’s because I know my limitations. And that has been such a liberating act; to learn how to say ‘no’. I’m gonna learn it in five different languages. Mix it up, you know? Like ‘no’, ‘no’, ‘no’.”
— Virginia Cumberbatch
“I think it all came to a point after I gave birth to my son, Odie. I gained a lot of confidence in becoming a mother; yet, postpartum is real…so there was a lot of emotion around confronting deep parts of myself regarding my own childhood. And so, with that collision between postpartum and becoming a mother I realized how much we need self care and how it’s lacking in this world. My motto is, ‘Self care will save the world.’ That was the inspiration behind bringing together elements that would support something so close to my heart; by making things with herbs from the earth that helped ground me when I was having a hard time…and then offering them back to the world. Part of my process involves being intentional when I’m making my products - I make sure that I’m in a good head space, that I’m feeling good, because I know that my touch transcends onwards. That’s my contribution right now. And I’ve loved watching it grow.”
— Cassie Courtney
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