Nature’s Treasures, an Austin staple, is rooted in community, guided by change, and always offering a touch of something beautiful.
20 New Horizons Icon, an Austin-based construction technologies company, is reimagining how homes are built using 3D printing.
24 More Than Just a Barbershop With a deep connection to community, Floyd’s 99 Barbershop is creating a lasting impact that goes beyond just haircuts.
PUBLISHER’S NOTE Just Around the Corner 8 WHAT’S NEW March Into Spring
MEET ME AT THE MARKET A Tail of Tasty Treats
PERSPECTIVES Being Held
PHOTO OP Spring is Near
Left to right: Reed Johnson, CRPC® | Angelina Jammal | Nicholas S. Carlin, MSFP, CFP®, ChSNC®, ChFC®, APMA®, MPAS®, CRPC® | Brittany Garcia, CRPC®
fJUST AROUND THE CORNER
AFTER A WINTER of weather whiplash, one of the warmest on record followed by sudden cold snaps and of course ice, it feels especially good to turn the page to March. If nothing else, we’ve earned a fresh season.
March is a delicate, in-between month. The trees aren’t quite in full bloom yet, but spring is unmistakably in the air. It’s a quiet prelude to the reawakening just around the corner, and a reminder to slow down and notice what’s beginning to emerge. And emerge we are. I am happy to share that our website has been redesigned with exciting new content. It reflects the fresh new energy of the magazine, which has
grown and evolved over the past three years. I encourage you to check it out at www.muellermagazine.com. Peruse the articles and spend some time enjoying all of the information there. And please do reach out and let me know what you think of the new look! In this issue, we spend time with the team at Floyd’s 99 Barbershop. More than a place for a great haircut, Floyd’s has built an experience rooted in creativity, individuality, and community. That spirit comes to life in their newest project, Floyd’s Music Series, an extension of their long-standing love for music and the neighborhood they call home.
We also highlight Nature’s Treasures, longtime Mueller neighbors who have recently relocated to a larger space now filled wall to wall with stunning minerals, fossils, and geological wonders that continue to inspire curiosity and connection. Have you been following the construction of the 3D-printed homes on Tom Miller? Now complete, these environmentally conscious homes offer a fascinating glimpse into what sustainable living may look like in the future.
And to round out the issue, Carmen Gray introduces us to Wuuf Dog in her market story. The lineup of eager pups waiting patiently for treats each Sunday says everything you need to know about their popularity.
As we ease into longer days and warmer weather, we hope you take a moment to enjoy this month’s issue, our new website, and the promise of spring ahead.
Liz Reingold Publisher
www.muellermagazine.com @muellermagazine
Editor & Publisher
Liz Reingold
Writer
Carmen Gray
Photographer
Margarita Garcia Acevedo
Marketing Coordinator
Nicole Higgins
WAINSCOT MEDIA
Chairman
Carroll V. Dowden
President and CEO
Mark Dowden
SVP, Group Publisher
Thomas Flannery
VP, Content Strategy
Maria Regan
Creative Director
Kijoo Kim
Art Director
Rosemary O’Connell
Executive Editor
Elaine Quilici
Associate Editor
Sophia Carlisle
Advertising Services Director
Jacquelynn Fischer
Operations Director
Catherine Rosario
Production Designer
Chris Ferrante
Print Production Manager
Fern Meshulam
Advertising Production Associate
Griff Dowden
Mueller magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Mueller, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. Copyright 2026 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.
Petting Zoo
Visit Austin Sleep & Airway Health for a family-friendly petting zoo with gentle animals kids will love.
Kids Passport Adventure
Stop by Parkside Family Vision to pick up a Kids Passport, then visit each participating business to collect stamps and earn a prize.
Giveaways & Prizes
Enjoy fun giveaways and surprises throughout the event.
Exclusive Grand Opening Offers
Access exclusive coupons and grand-opening-only promotions from participating businesses.
Proudly Presented by:
DIRECTORY OF SPONSORS
Many thanks to our committed sponsors, who make it possible for us to bring you high-quality local stories each month. Shopping and doing business close to home are excellent ways to support our community. When you visit our sponsors, please tell them Mueller magazine sent you!
Alite Laser
Austin’s locally owned, family-run laser clinic for over 30 years. Offering expert laser hair removal and electrolysis, ethical treatments, real results, and payas-you-go care. Look good, feel great, be confident. 512-328-1555 | www.alitelaser.com
Dish Society
Dish Society is a Mueller neighborhood favorite for locally sourced food, everyday feel-good meals, good vibes, and great company 512-623-1498 | www.dishsociety.com @dishsociety
Floyd’s 99 Barbershop
Floyd’s 99 Barbershop offers expert cuts, shaves, and color for everyone—set in a fun, family-friendly space with our iconic poster wall and lively music. 325-268-5906 | www.floydsbarbershop.com @floyds99atx
Nature’s Treasures
Explore the beauty of Nature’s Treasures, your iconic rock and crystal shop since 2000, and invite nature into your daily life with home and garden décor, jewelry, sage and pocket stones. 512-472-5015 | www.ntrocks.com @naturestreasurestexas
Carlin Wealth Management
Carlin Wealth Management Group helps families optimize the efficiency of their finances. It also introduces Empowered Café, creating opportunities and inclusion for a staff with Down syndrome. 512-688-7414 | www.carlinwmg.com
Empowered Cafe
Empowered Café is a full-service coffee house, also offering juices, soup, sandwiches, and pastries from a friendly staff of individuals with Down syndrome 512-855-1222 | www.empoweredcafeatx.com
Crane & Holtzman
Crane & Holtzman is a boutique, full-service accounting firm providing tax, consulting, and accounting services to individuals, businesses, and trusts. 512-215-0057 | www.craneholtzman.com
European Wax Center
European Wax Center is the numver one safe place to start removing hair safely and effectively at an incredibly affordable price. First Time Guests can try it for free. 512-617-9157 | www.waxcenter.com/pages/first-wax-free @europeanwax
Kuper Sotheby’s
A distinguished real estate advisor and proud Mueller resident, offering expert guidance whether you’re buying, selling, or exploring the neighborhood. 512-831-6577 | www.sotheybysrealty.com @soud_twal
Origin Hotel
Discover Origin Hotel Austin, blending Texas charm with modern comfort, stylish rooms, and all-day dining from Blue Lacy right in the heart of Mueller. 512-861-1140 | www.originhotel.com @origin_austin
Mueller Silent Market
Since 2008, the Mueller Silent Market Team has specialized in Mueller and Central Austin real estate, offering expert guidance on both public and private listings. 512-913-8642 | www.muellersilentmarket.com @muellersilentmarketteam
Parkside Family Vision
Parkside Family Vision provides comprehensive, family-focused eye care in Mueller offering routine exams, advanced myopia management, and stylish eyewear with warm, personalized service to help your whole family see their best. 512-276-6117 | www.parksidefamilyvision.com @parksidefamilyvision
CATARINA SANTA
Mexican Restaurant
Santa Catarina
Santa Catarina is a boutique family restaurant with homestyle cooking from South Central Mexico. Our bar features 100% Agave tequilas and Mezcales. All of our juices are homemade: no sugar added. 512-291-7154 | www.santacatarinarestaurant.com @santacatarinatx
The Herb Bar
The Herb Bar, Austin’s oldest apothecary, has served the community for nearly 40 years with teas, tinctures, organic body products, and holistic workshops focused on wellness and connection. 512-444-6251 | www.theherbbar.com @theherbbar
St. Austin Catholic School
Since 1917, St. Austin has partnered with families to form Christ-centered, academically strong, moral community leaders through faith, service, scholarship, and a nurturing Catholic environment. 512-886-1756 | www.staustinschool.org
Texas Mutual
As the state’s leading workers’ compensation provider, Texas Mutual Insurance Company is dedicated to protecting employees, supporting local communities, and fortifying the state economy. 512-224-3800 | www.texasmutual.com @texasmutual
Vaura Pilates
Vaura Pilates fuses reformer precision with athletic training in a sensory rich studio. Energize your body, elevate your mind, and awaken within. 512-481-2795 | www.vaurapilates.com @vaura-mueller
The Salty Sow
At Salty Sow, we serve up bold, farm-sourced Texas comfort food with a Southern twist— bringing people together for unforgettable meals and good times. 512-391-2337 | www.saltysow.com @saltysow
Thinkery
Thinkery, a nonprofit children’s museum and home to Little Thinkers Preschool, sparks joyful, playbased STEAM learning so ALL children cultivate a lifelong love of learning. 512-469-6201 | www.thinkeryaustin.org @thinkeryatx
VIO Med Spa
Feel great, look amazing at VIO Med Spa. Our medical professionals specialize in skin rejuvenation, Botox, cosmetic injectables, skin care, weight loss and body contouring. 521-900-1051 | www.viomedspa.com @viomedspa.mueller
March Into Spring
Get outside and usher in the beginning of spring with outdoor activities all month long.
IT’S MY PARK DAY
Join Friends of Mueller Greenways for an invigorating morning of pulling invasive plants, reseeding with native wildflowers, and picking up litter. 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 7. Volunteers receive a free t-shirt. Register at www.austinparks.givepulse.com/event/826133.
LEARN MORE
The Mueller Neighborhood Association is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit building a strong, inclusive and connected community through events, activities, advocacy, and outreach. To learn more about Mueller, visit www. muellerneighborhood.org.
ROCK THE PARK
KUTX’s free family-friendly Rock the Park concerts will have their first spring concert on March 26, 6:45 p.m. at Mueller Lake Park. Visit www.kutx.org for more information.
HONK!TX
This free threeday Community Street Band Festival features exciting, original, and talented radical marching bands playing in the streets and parks of Austin from March 27 to 29, including all day Saturday at Mueller Lake Park. Find more information at www.honktx.org.
RACE TO CURE
The Race to Cure Sarcoma Austin is sponsoring a 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk fundraiser at Mueller to celebrate, honor, and remember those affected by this rare disease. March 21, 2026, at 4550 Mueller Blvd.
Register at www.runsignup.com. Packet pickup and same-day registration begins at 7 a.m., and the opening ceremony is at 8 a.m. Tickets for adults are $35, and children ages 6 to 12 are $10. Ticket price includes a race t-shirt and finisher medal.
A Tail of TASTY TREATS
Wuuf Dog Natural Treats and Chews offers something sweet for pups.
BY CARMEN GRAY
ON SUNDAY MORNINGS at the Mueller Farmers’ Market, you’ll see it all: Neighbors catching up over coffee, kids tugging parents toward the open field, and plenty of dogs soaking in the attention, too. Maybe you’re the kind of pet parent who brings your furry companions along for the fun. Or maybe, like me, you leave them at home because the sights, smells, and crowds can all be a bit too thrilling for sensitive souls. Either way, a stop at Wuuf Dog Natural Treats and Chews ensures your pets don’t miss out on something special.
You’ll find the Wuuf Dog stall on Philomena, right in front of Chuy’s, and it’s the kind of booth that draws you in even before your pet gets a vote. The display is full and inviting, and every item promises exactly what pet owners are increasingly looking for: healthy, natural treats made with care. While the brand name might suggest it’s all about dogs, and it largely is, cat parents shouldn’t walk by too quickly. Wuuf Dog offers enticing options for felines as well.
PAW OF APPROVAL
On my most recent visit, I picked up freeze-dried chicken hearts and salmon bites. Both have become part of our morning routine at my house, and my two fur babies greet them with excited enthusiasm. There’s something deeply satisfying about offering treats you can recognize at a glance—just honest, single-ingredient goodness.
Behind Wuuf Dog are Doug and Amanda White, compassionate pet owners who turned their love for animals into a thriving local business. Their journey began in 2018 under the name Chow Hound Raw, starting with an unexpected crowd-pleaser: doggy ice cream. They purchased a black delivery van and with plenty of determination, they sold their frozen treats at Red Bud Isle, the beloved 13-acre off-leash dog park tucked into Lady Bird Lake just below the Tom Miller Dam. It was the perfect testing ground, surrounded by happy dogs and devoted owners. But their reach also expanded to events all around Central Texas, including the
Weiner Dog Races in Buda, the Cedar Bark Festival, and Yappy Hour in Pflugerville. The response was clear: Pet parents love these treat options for their animals. The Whites grew their product line to include meat treats and chews and began selling at farmers’ markets across Austin and the surrounding region.
Community has always been central to their mission. In October 2019, they participated in the book launch of “Austin Brown Dogs: The Shelter Dogs Who Rescue Us” by local author Sarah Welch at Batch, and over the years they’ve donated portions of their proceeds to many organizations, including Divine Canine, and local animal shelters. Supporting pets, after all, goes beyond treats alone.
NEW BEGINNINGS
In September 2022, the business evolved into Wuuf Dog, a new name that reflected their expanded vision while staying true to their roots. Every product remains single-ingredient, thoughtfully sourced, and carefully prepared. At their Mueller Market stand, you’ll find an impressive variety: collagen sticks beloved by heavy chewers, natural food toppers for picky eaters, rabbit ears, and freeze-dried treats ranging from turkey gizzards to whole sardines.
Their growth continues. In April 2025, Wuuf Dog began stocking products at The Gathering Place in Seguin, a charming homesteader’s haven known for artisanal goods, canning classes, and herbalism workshops. You can also spot Wuuf Dog at markets throughout the Austin area, from Chaparral Crossing to Buda.
If you’re searching for healthy, homemade treats crafted with heart, Wuuf Dog is well worth a visit. The next time you’re wandering the Mueller Farmers’ Market, whether with a leash in hand or not, stop by and bring something home that will have tails wagging and whiskers twitching with delight.
Carmen Gray has lived in Austin since 1992. She is a retired teacher, published author, and freelance writer.
Hidden Gems
Nature’s Treasures, an Austin staple, is rooted in community, guided by change, and always offering a touch of something beautiful.
BY CARMEN GRAY
OONCE UPON A time in the early 1990s, I remember popping into an Academy Surplus store filled with classic army and navy supplies. It sat just off I-35, across from Hancock Shopping Center. Eventually, that store relocated and, in its place, appeared something entirely different: a quirky shop selling rocks and crystals. What I didn’t realize then was that this unusual new store had already lived another life, having relocated there from a tiny space in East Austin where it first took root. Over time, it grew into one of Austin’s most
beloved places to shop: Nature’s Treasures. As the years have passed, Austin’s neighborhoods have transformed. The airport moved. Skylines rose. Long stretches of familiar road changed shape and direction. Through it all, few local businesses have navigated these shifts as gracefully as Nature’s Treasures. Over the past 26 years, this iconic Austin institution has grown alongside the city expanding, adapting, and reimagining itself while remaining firmly grounded in its mission and identity.
BEGINNINGS
Nature’s Treasures began in 2000 as a small, unassuming shop created by founder and owner Karen Richards. Located on East Fifth Street, the store featured a modest display of amethyst crystals that caught the attention of passersby, drawing in interior designers, spiritual seekers, and the merely curious. It quickly became a gathering place, known for its welcoming atmosphere and staff whose warmth and deep knowledge made newcomers feel instantly at home.
As word spread, so did the store. By 2005, Nature’s Treasures had expanded into three locations, each cherished by rockhounds, lapidaries, fossil enthusiasts, educators, and collectors. In 2011, Richards consolidated the business into a single 14,000-square-foot flagship space at 4103 North Interstate 35, the very site where the old Academy Surplus once stood. The new home included a retail showroom, outdoor rock yard, rock depot, event center, and online store, earning recognition at the time as the largest metaphysical retail space in the country.
MOVING FORWARD
In January 2025, Nature’s Treasures celebrated its 25th anniversary by stepping confidently into its next era with the completion of a major relocation to a new campus at 11055 North IH-35. The move marked both an ending and a beginning, shaped by Austin’s rapid evolution and the store’s enduring commitment to growth and community.
The decision to relocate was driven by necessity rather than ambition alone. The IH-35 Capital Express project, a sweeping infrastructure effort aimed at reshaping one of Austin’s busiest corridors, required the acquisition of Nature’s Treasures’ Rock Depot and Yard, along with more than
100 other businesses forced to close or relocate to make way for the massive highway expansion.
With support from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Nature’s Treasures was able to make a relatively smooth transition. Much of that success came down to mindset. Rather than resist change, the business approached the upheaval with collaboration and resolve. Working closely with their landlord and TxDOT, the team navigated the complexities of property acquisition and relocation. It was a challenge emblematic of Austin itself: growth demanding flexibility, vision, and cooperation.
The transformation of a 23,500-squarefoot warehouse into the new Nature’s
Treasures was a two-year endeavor, and it culminated in a Grand Reopening on Aug. 8, 2025, celebrated in partnership with the Austin Chamber of Commerce. City officials commemorated the milestone by declaring the date “Nature’s Treasures Day,” a fitting acknowledgment of a business deeply woven into Austin’s cultural and creative fabric.
The new space offers more than additional square footage. If you haven’t yet visited the new location, it’s worth the trip. Standing at the front doors, I looked out onto a green space filled with lawns, mature trees, a flowing creek, and visiting wildlife. Despite the proximity of I-35 just beyond the tree line, the setting feels calm and restorative, intentionally so.
WELCOME IN
Inside, sustainability is clearly a priority. Existing lighting has been retrofitted with energy-efficient LED bulbs, and the company plans to participate in Austin Energy and Austin Water programs to further reduce its environmental footprint. Throughout the store, sound therapy instruments, incense, herbs, and an extraordinary array of crystals, agates, and fossils engage the senses. During my visit, managers Michael Kallstrom and Amanda Journeay pointed out that the retail space is thoughtfully organized and color-coded by chakra, reflecting a holistic worldview centered on balance and wellbeing.
Another reason customers continue to return is the remarkable accessibility of the inventory, Nature’s Treasures offers everything from small stones priced at pocket change to museum-
scale specimens, including the iconic, monumental amethyst geode (valued at $125,000) that greets visitors upon entry. For years, even those who never stepped inside the shop recognized it from the towering billboard that once loomed over I-35.
Beyond retail, Nature’s Treasures functions as a true community hub, hosting astrology workshops, tarot readings, full moon celebrations, and author talks that encourage reflection and connection. In an increasingly digital and fast-paced society, the store offers a reminder that wellbeing is rooted in balance, presence, and a meaningful connection to nature.
TRUNK SHOW
If you’ve never attended one, be sure to mark your calendar for the 20th Annual Spring Trunk Show, running from
March 28 through April 12. Formerly known as the Tucson Truck Show, the event features newly sourced treasures from the International Gem & Jewelry Show in Tucson, Arizona. Once unpacked directly from an 18-wheeler and sold straight from shipping boxes, the event has evolved into a refined yet still thrilling showcase of rare and limited finds. Subscribers to the store’s email list receive preview messages highlighting special arrivals, limited quantities, and occasional exceptional deals passed directly along.
As Austin continues to grow and transform, Nature’s Treasures remains a steady presence rooted in stone, guided by nature, and shaped by community. In its new home, the store stands as a reminder that while Austin evolves, some of its most beloved places evolve right along with it.
Carmen Gray has lived in Austin since 1992. She is a retired teacher, published author, and freelance writer.
New Horizons
Icon, an Austinbased construction technologies company, is reimagining how homes are built using 3D printing.
OON A QUIET STRETCH of land along Tom Miller Street, something extraordinary has been taking shape layer by layer. At first glance, the homes look modern yet warm, with gently curved walls and textured surfaces that beg a second look. But it’s how these homes are built that sets them apart. Instead of traditional framing crews and stacks of lumber, Icon is using robotics and 3D-printing technology to construct the walls of these houses, marking a new chapter in homebuilding.
NEW TECHNOLOGY
Icon, an Austin-based construction technologies company, is reimagining how homes are built by combining robotics, software, and integrated design. The company’s proprietary Vulcan construction system, which includes a 3D printer, an on-site delivery system, and CarbonX, a cement-based building material, allows Icon to print a home’s wall system faster and with less waste than traditional construction methods.
When construction begins, the printer is set up directly on the concrete slab on precisely leveled rails. CarbonX is mixed on site and pumped into the printer, which pushes out the material layer by layer based on a digital design file. The design directs the printer where to start and stop, allowing windows, doors, plumbing, and electrical systems to be seamlessly integrated into the walls as they’re printed.
Speed is one of the most obvious differences between 3D-printed construction and conventional homebuilding. Icon can print the full wall system of a 2,000-square-foot, singlestory home in about seven days. With typical daytime working hours, a more traditional process generally takes 14 to 20 days. In Mueller, the homes feature 3D-printed first floors, with second stories constructed using traditional methods. Once the wall system is complete, roofs, windows, doors, and interior finishes are added, blending this advanced technology with familiar building practices.
Beyond efficiency, 3D printing creates new architectural possibilities. Curved walls, rounded corners, and textured surfaces which can often be cost-prohibitive or impractical with conventional construction are easily achieved through robotic printing. In the Mueller homes, that freedom is on full display in details like the basketweaveinspired design near the front of each house, that has quickly become a favorite among homeowners.
FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability is central to Icon’s approach. CarbonX was developed to reduce the environmental impact of residential construction while delivering exceptional durability and resilience. By replacing multiple traditional building components such as framing, insulation, drywall, vapor barriers, and exterior finishes with a streamlined wall system, Icon reduces material use, labor, and construction waste. The concrete walls also provide increased thermal mass, helping regulate indoor temperatures and reduce heating and cooling costs over time.
“By automating construction and reducing material waste, we’re able to build homes that are not only faster to deliver, but more energy efficient and resilient over their lifetime,” says Brooke Bauguess, SVP of marketing and communications at Icon.
That focus on efficiency and longevity made Mueller a natural fit for the project. The homes occupy some of the final undeveloped lots in our community. Icon also partnered with the Mueller Affordable Homes Program, with select homes priced starting around $195,000. “Mueller’s blend of walkability, green space, and sustainability aligns closely with our values,” Bauguess says.
Community response has been overwhelmingly positive. Icon hosted
a neighborhood gathering during construction, inviting residents to watch the printing process and ask questions. Passersby routinely stopped observing the printer in action, and several buyers of the new homes already lived here in Mueller, so they were able to watch the progress as it happened.
For many visitors, the biggest surprise came when they stepped inside the homes. Despite any preconceived notions about concrete construction, the interiors feel warm and inviting. The visible layers of the printed walls and the gentle curves create a softness that brings character and comfort to the space.
Looking ahead, Icon envisions a future where thousands of robotic printers are building tens of thousands of homes each year. With plans to release a new multi-story printer and expand access to its technology globally, the company sees 3D printing as a powerful tool in addressing housing shortages worldwide.
For now, the focus remains local. “We’re grateful to be bringing these beautiful, resilient homes to Mueller, one of Austin’s most beloved communities,” Bauguess says. “Handing over the keys and welcoming new homeowners into the neighborhood is what makes this project especially meaningful.”
More Than Just a Barbershop
With a deep connection to community, Floyd’s 99 Barbershop is creating a lasting impact that goes beyond just haircuts.
FFROM THE MOMENT you walk into Floyd’s 99 Barbershop, it’s clear this isn’t a typical barbershop. Music fills the space, posters line the walls, and the energy feels lived-in rather than styled. It’s part barbershop, part creative hub, part neighborhood hangout, and that blend is intentional.
“Floyd’s has always been a hybrid of artistry, culture, and community,” says owner Dan Spiranac. “We’re not just cutting hair; we’re creating an experience.” Dan and his brother and business partner, Dave, have truly created a welcoming atmosphere in their shops that customers genuinely enjoy.
That experience is rooted in authenticity and music. Floyd’s stylists and barbers aren’t cookiecutter, and neither is the shop. Individuality is encouraged at every level, from how the staff express themselves to how clients are welcomed in the chair. The goal, Dan says, is simple: “Come as you are and leave feeling like the best version of yourself.”
ROCK-AND-ROLL ROOTS
That philosophy shapes the brand’s cultural identity. With deep rock-androll roots, Floyd’s is bold, colorful, and slightly rebellious without ever feeling unwelcoming. It’s edgy but approachable, confident, but inclusive. Dan describes the vibe as “like a cool older sibling energy. The kind of place that feels instantly familiar, even on your first visit.
What Floyd’s wants people to feel when they walk through the door is immediate and lasting: welcomed, inspired, and comfortable being themselves. A haircut here isn’t just another errand. It’s an outing. Something social, something that feels like being part of a bigger culture rather than a quick transaction.
That sense of connection is exactly why Mueller felt like the right fit to open a location.
“Mueller has this really special mix of creativity, diversity, and community,” Dan says. “It values local businesses that actually want to be involved, not just set up shop.” The walkable layout, shared courtyards, and strong relationships between neighboring businesses made the location in the Mueller Regional Retail Center a natural extension of Floyd’s values. The goal wasn’t just to open another storefront, but to become part of the neighborhood’s rhythm.
That intention became a reality when Spiranac fulfilled a personal dream of his own and launched the Floyd’s Music Series.
The idea has been nearly 10 years in the making and is deeply personal for Dan. Inspired by outdoor concert experiences from years ago and reignited by the challenges musicians faced after the COVID-19 pandemic, the series represented a long-held dream finally realized. “This is very much a
passion project for me,” Dan says. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and it felt really meaningful to bring it to life.”
Music has always been central to Floyd’s identity. Inside the shop, it sets the tone, fuels creativity, and connects generations through shared nostalgia and discovery. Posters, playlists, and band-inspired aesthetics aren’t just décor; they are part of the brand’s language. Taking that energy outside the shop felt like a natural next step, especially in Austin.
“There’s no better way to bring people together,” Dan says. “Music crosses ages, backgrounds, and styles. It creates emotion and connection, which is exactly what we want Floyd’s to be about.”
The Floyd’s Music Series kicked off this past November right here in Mueller, featuring a free live concert
by
The James Speer Trio. The response from the community was immediate and enthusiastic. Residents embraced the concert and made it clear that they want it to become a new neighborhood tradition. Musicians are grateful for the platform and exposure. Nearby businesses are eager to collaborate.
“We’ve had so many people tell us, ‘Mueller needed this,’” Dan says.
Designed to spotlight local artists and create shared experiences, the concerts intend to transform familiar neighborhood spaces into gathering places. These aren’t one-off events, but the beginning of recurring cultural moments and something residents can look forward to and claim as their own.
Looking ahead, the Music Series is set to become a long-term part of Floyd’s identity. Plans include seasonal programming that will rotate locations throughout Austin and surrounding
locations. The potential down the road is to create larger, festival-style events that bring multiple communities together. There’s also room for deeper partnerships with local organizations, charities, and artists.
At its core, the project is about rebuilding connections, something that felt especially fragile after the pandemic. For Dan, it’s a way to support both musicians and service workers while strengthening the neighborhoods that Floyd’s calls home. “Floyd’s thrives when people feel connected, creative, and supported,” he says.
With its open energy and engaged residents, Mueller has proven to be the perfect place to launch this project that has been nearly a decade in the making, and one that’s only just getting started.
For more information, visit www.floydsbarbershop.com.
PERSPECTIVES
Being Held
BY KATHERINE VANDER VENNET
MY FIRST WORDS are gagagoogoo and whathaveIgotmyselfinto. I’m held warm and cozy against my papa’s chest. His tenderness belies his strength. I rest my head into his kiss upon my forehead and feel the breath through his nostrils fill my hair. His left hand pats my back one, then two, then one, then two, while his right hand holds me close so I can relax in his embrace. I have just been bathed by my mama and feeling plump and clean and soft and pampered. I am wearing cotton flannel plaid blue and red pj’s from my auntie and swaddled in a soft golden baby blanket with a Van Cleef & Arpels motif.
I chew on my hand beneath my sleeve while listening to the deep inhale and exhale of my dad so focused on me.
We are happy in this moment. He reclines on the new floral sofa picked out by my grandma while my papa was in detention for forgetting to stow his green card in his pocket before going to work and then getting picked up on the street by ICE. Grandma and Grandpa were trying to make my mama feel normal, like everything was going to be alright. Not only
did my papa get picked up by ICE in our town, two blocks from our house in New Jersey, but he was immediately and without notice to anyone sent to the detention center.
Where?! I don’t know and neither did my family. We were never able to visit in the five months of his detention. Especially because the detention center continued to move his “court date” from one month to the next to the next until they finally sent him back. He had no clothes besides the uniform they gave him and had to spend three dollars for every one-minute phone call home. Some friends of friends of acquaintances in Austin, Texas brought him money every weekend to pay for his “extras” and even more kindly, gave him someone to talk with because no one spoke English other than the guards. My papa is originally from Nigeria and for 15 years has lived, worked, and had all us girls while married to my mama here in the U.S. Did I mention that he has his green card? I might add my mama is a U.S. citizen born and raised.
What is it about his black skin that caught the attention of masked
officers? Was it his dark parka and working man’s shoes? Did he glare at them in frustration for being in our neighborhood bothering—no, traumatizing—his friends? We still don’t know the answer to that because he’s unable to tell us now that he’s back. I was just a newborn when he disappeared. He sure smells good, but I don’t know him. He is calm and silent, looking at me closely while trying to get acquainted. I am focused on the wall past his broad shoulder and am too comfortable to turn and search for mama, even though I’m not completely sure what’s happening here. Everyone thinks I know him and love him and I DO. At least, I want to experience the love and trust that this man has given my sisters. Will I learn how?
Did he always have that fine watch that I hear jingling as he pats me? Or did grandma give it to him as a welcome home gift? A tear falls out of his eye and wets my cheek. I start to cry.
Katherine has lived in Mueller since 2009 and has recently began writing fiction to express her thoughts.
PHOTO OP SPRING IS NEAR
By Jacob Stambaugh
IT’S ALMOST SPRING on the calendar, and this friendly Mueller bird is reflecting on another winter in the books and the warm weather to come!
Jacob Stambaugh captures compelling visuals that tell stories, inspire, and connect. Explore his perspective and vision on Instagram: @Jstam_photography.
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