Friday Five: South Congress Edition

Today we took a stroll down our block to visit some of our favorite South Congress locations. If you've never been to Austin, this is one of the first districts people will tell you to visit as a tourist. South Congress is a renowned shopping district located in South Austin, and we're lucky to be located on this street!

1. When in Texas...
Austin is the only city where I've seen a cowboy riding a horse down a busy street, so I had to include this image. Plus, we have a great skyline. You can see our Capitol Building from any spot on South Congress.

2. Cup of Jo's

Ask any SoCo Sales Associate where to get a cup of coffee and they'll tell you Jo's. Not only does it have a great outdoor patio for people watching, but it is also home of the Belgian Bomber and Iced Turbo (for those who really need a jolt). You won't have any trouble finding Jo's, it's the one with the line of tourists taking "I Love You So Much" photos (see the guy below), and everyone should have an "I Love You So Much" photo. 

3.  Not So Secret Garden

Hotel San Jose has got to be my favorite hideout on South Congress. Even if you're not staying in the bungalow-style hotel, be sure to swing by their magical courtyard for a kickass happy hour. 

4. Quickie Lunch

When it's a busy day at the store, we're thankful for the many food trucks that grace the SoCo and SoFi neighborhoods. One of my favorites is Burro Cheese Kitchen. I had their Brie and Balsamic Apricot Fig spread on Easy Tiger Beer Bread and then I was hooked. A quickie Gourmet Grilled Cheese from an unassuming food trailer in the middle of your shopping day -- what more could you possibly want from life? 

5. But I want to sit down... 

Ok, so when you'd like to enjoy your coffee and lunch from a cozy booth or counter, then head on over to South Congress Cafe. For me it's more than their mouth-watering Carrot Cake French Toast and Belinis; a lot of my love for South Congress Cafe is because of the staff. The have some of the friendliest servers and bartenders in town. 

And hey, if you've made it to that neck of the woods, stop by next door, we'll be happy to see you!

March FE | NOM: Anne Rutt-Enriquez, Owner of Limbo Jewelry

Name: Anne Rutt-Enriquez

Age: 33

Sign: Gemini

Occupation: Co-Owner of Limbo Jewelry Design, Operations, Janitor :)

1. What's a goal you recently achieved? We opened a retail space on South Congress!

2. A Few of Anne's favorite things: Food, Wine, Travel with my husband, the beach, my kiddos (three dogs and one cat). 

3. What's that about travel? Anne and her husband visit his family in Mexico at least once per year and live in Chicago during the Summer. Throughout the year, you may see them in different cities across America selling Limbo at large festivals, like Pool Tradeshow in Las Vegas. 

4. Favorite piece of Limbo Jewelry: Cadena Solo Bracelet, I wear it everyday.

5. Favorite Austin Hangout: I love Elizabeth Street and the San Jose Hotel.

6. What's it like building a business with your husband, Edson? Fun for the most part, challenging sometimes. I couldn't imagine building a business on my own; I truly believe you need your partner in life to build something together. I do want to mention we aren't perfect, we fight like everyone else, but running a business with my spouse makes our relationship stronger because we get to experience more than most together. I love it!

7. Favorite Cocktail? Woodford Reserve Manhattan on the Rock in the Winter, Gin Gimlet Up in the summer

8. What do you want to be when you grow up? I refuse to ever be a grown-up.


Any advice for young entrepreneurs? 

Do what you like, if you love your job you will never work a day in your life.  Here are the top reasons I feel Edson and I work well together in building our brand, Limbo Jewelry Design: 

1) We have the same goals and aspirations. We want the same things from life. We want a successful company for the freedom to travel, get our foodie kicks at our favorite restaurants and take care of our families.

2) We have a similar work ethic, but our strengths and weaknesses are balanced. We are not afraid of hard work, but when he likes to pull all-nighters, I make us stop, eat and sleep. He's great at details and I am able to look at the big picture.

3)We say please and thank you. Not always, but often. Nobody likes to feel under-appreciated, I always try and acknowledge his hard work and talent.

4) We don't allow any work talk at the dinner table. It's not always possible, but it is important to just be home when you are home.

5) I put EVERYTHING on our sync-ed Google Calendar with reminders, this way every morning we know exactly what needs to go down for appointments & deadlines to happen and be met.

6) We laugh together - how serious can this all be?

Limbo Jewelry Design's SoCo Grand Opening is on April 11th, 6-9pm, stop by for music, food, spirits and jewelry! Visit www.limbojewelry.com, follow @limbojewelry or like Limbo on Facebook for more info!