Understanding the Numbers: Substance Abuse in Austin

In the midst of the vibrant culture and energy that defines Austin, there’s a quiet struggle that many face – substance abuse. It’s a challenge that transcends demographics and affects individuals, families, and friends.

According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, nearly 14% of American men, 18 and older, acknowledge their struggle with alcohol abuse. Here in Austin, we find ourselves at the forefront of a national challenge. Statistics reveal that one in every six residents battles with drugs or alcohol use.

Breaking The Cycle

Exploring the UT Austin’s findings, you can quickly uncover some concerning trends:

• Methamphetamine use is on the rise, surpassing other drugs at a stifling rate.
• While cocaine and benzo use is down, a surge in overdose fatalities demands attention.
• Travis county, by far, has the most fentanyl deaths than any other county in Texas. Primarily white men ages 25-35.

The journey to sobriety is a profound one. It’s marked by courage, resilience, and a commitment to healing. If you or someone you know is grappling with substance abuse, it’s crucial to move past denial and shame. Seek support, whether through local resources, counseling, or community groups. Men in Recovery and Alcoholic’s Anonymous are two we highly recommend.

Beyond Dry January

Addiction is not recreational. It’s not a desire. It’s a physical and psychological dependence. For those that struggle with substance abuse, sobriety isn’t just a month-long commitment. It’s a life-altering decision that yields both short and long-term successes. It’s about regaining control, showing up for your loved ones, and rebuilding your sense of integrity.

In Austin, the road to sobriety is a collective journey. Let’s come together and support one another in overcoming the challenges of substance abuse. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength. There’s a community here ready to stand by you. The next time you come in for a cut, we’d love to grab you an alcohol-free Hop Water.

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This is a short sentance. We like these a lot. It’s beause it’s easy to read. Reading can be hard. You love challenging yourself. Big words are scary though. It’s okay to be scared sometimes. Get clean and be good.st.
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Was It A Good Year?

In 2023, we started the year off by making big changes so we could grow and hit our goals. In February, we said goodbye to our iconic Holly location. For the first time ever, our Bouldin and Hyde Park locations are open 7 days a week and thriving. We welcomed 3 new barbers into the shops and added new services. Of course, we could not have made it through another wild year with you.

 

Resolutions & Goals

Setting goals isn’t just for the hustle aesthetic; it’s a psychological powerhouse that shapes our mindset and impacts our well-being. Lock and Latham have conducted over 1000 studies which consistently show that setting high and specific goals results in increased persistence and motivation. 

Sure, you might think New Year’s Resolutions are kind of pointless, but let’s face it – we all have goals. So, why not harness the energy from our year-end reflections to blueprint our 2024 goals?

What Do The Experts Have To Say?

Gail Matthews, psychologist and career coach, gathered empirical evidence that people who planned their goals, made a public commitment and allowed others to hold them accountable achieved significantly more than those who didn’t.

In the book Your Best Year Ever, Michael Hyatt addresses the most common reasons people fail to meet their goals. One reason being that most people don’t know how to properly choose a challenging, yet attainable goal. Second, once a balanced goal is identified, it must be defined in a quantitative way.

Instead of a goal to “save more money”, a proper goal  would be to “Save $5,000 to invest in international opportunities.”

Additionally, milestones are an integral part of achieving a goal and should be included in written plans, as well as celebrated. 

It goes without saying, 365 days is a long time. Brian Morgan and Michael Lennington advocate for a 12 week year. This is a strategy that replicates a “crunch time” to achieve your goal. Most people are familiar with procrastinating till the “11th hour”, alternatively Parkinson’s Law suggests that work will expand to fill the time available. Why take 365 days to do what you can accomplish in 90? While this isn’t the solution for everyone, it’s a great option for those who are ambitious enough to set a high-risk or multi-faceted goal.

Visual Resources

What Is Your Goal?

As we stand on the brink of 2024, understand that goals are not a trend or a singular resolution. Goals are the result of our daily habits. Our habits and focus are powerful forces that, intentionally or unintentionally, shape our lives. Remember to share your goals with friends, family or your barber. Embrace the challenge, relish the milestones, and celebrate the victories along the way. So, whether you’re outlining your goals for the year or adopting the 12-week approach, know that each step forward is a triumph. Here’s to a fulfilling, joyful, and mentally strong 2024.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Years.

It’s that magical time of year again. When the cold weather starts to roll in,   shopping skyrockets and you finally drop that coveted Spotify Wrapped you’ve been curating all year.

Not only are we exposing our Spotify Wrapped for the first time, we’re also unveiling the first ever SHED Wrapped – Check it out!

 

Oh, You Actually Wanted Our Spotify Wrapped?

Okay.

We’ve been letting the crew and the clients pick the tunes for the better part of a decade. Times have changed, tastes have evolved (questionably), our old heads are at our new shop in Hyde Park and we’ve got new money at our OG Bouldin location. Let’s see how well you know your barber…

Bouldin‘s 2023 Spotify Wrapped

Hyde Park‘s 2023 Spotify Wrapped

Put a Bow On It

Now, who saw that coming?

Not us.

Honestly, we love that our shops are the quintessential “same same but different”. Your barbers can wear whatever makes them comfortable, they can cough up their hot takes and listen to any genre that gets them through another year. 

TLDR: Tell us you listen to Death Cab and we’ll hire you.

Thanks for jammin’ with us this year.

The clock is ticking and the pressure is on. Just kidding, it’s not that deep.

Navigating through a sea of ads and sales can drain the enchantment from what should be the most magical time of the year. Crafting personalized presents and juggling travel plans on top of our already bustling lives can turn the joy of giving into a festive chore, usually left to the last minute. We’ve all been there but this year we’ve got a new game plan.

First things first, put those Old Navy slippers down – they are on exactly zero people’s wish lists. Instead, discover authentic inspiration and support local Austin makers at these upcoming markets:

Dec 2-3 Austin Maker’s Market

Dec 16 Big Ole Queer Market

Dec 12-23 Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

 

Skip The Shopping

Just in case time gets away from you this December, here are 3 last minute gifts that won’t  feel  like last minute gifts.

Artful Experiences

For the art lovers in your life, give them a year of culture with a membership to the Blanton Museum of Art. It’s not just free admission – think exclusive tours, early exhibit access, and events. Museums are a beautiful third space for communities like ours where we can gather, put our screens down and embrace old and new cultures. 

Nurturing Passions

Classes aren’t just for textbooks – they’re the ultimate gift for nurturing passions. Forget the tricky in-person class logistics; Masterclass is a solid and vetted virtual option. You’ll find classes from culinary arts to the intricacies of business, all led by icons like Gordon Ramsay and the intellectual powerhouse Noam Chomsky. Individuals can navigate at their own pace, embracing the freedom to chart their learning journey on their own terms. The beauty lies in the flexibility to revisit classes, ensuring mastery before venturing into new horizons. 

Experience a Performance

Step beyond the ordinary with the gift of tickets to a live performance. The beauty of these gifts lies not just in the performance but in the shared moments and in the excitement of new experiences. Consider the preferences of the person you’re gifting, whether it’s the elegance of ballet, the drama of theater, or the excitement of their favorite musician. This is a flexible and unique gift that can be easily tailored – even last minute. 

 

The Joy of Thoughtful Gift Giving

This year, let’s trade in the stress for cheer, redefining gift-giving with thoughtful experiences that support our community’s artists. Because, let’s be honest, while everyone appreciates a good candle or a cozy blanket, it’s those sentimental gifts that craft genuine, fulfilling memories. Remember, the most cherished presents create moments of joy and connection that last a lifetime. If the stress of the holidays start sneaking up on you – just remember you got options. You got us <3

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Arrive Grateful

We’ve survived the thick heat of summer just in time to watch the trees start to shed. It’s now that we find ourselves on the cusp of Thanksgiving – a time most of us will gather, eat and hopefully rest. The holidays can be exciting and challenging in many ways. Traveling, hosting and navigating intimate social settings just to name a few. Whether you’re hosting or preparing to be a guest this Thanksgiving, we’ve made a short list of eats that will help take some stress away from your preparations.

 

Local’s Guide to Thanksgiving

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Small Business Saturday

Don’t forget to  book your haircut soon – our chairs are filling up fast.

You’re also not going to want to miss our Small Business Saturday Block Party! Join us, Golden Mean, and Heat Bootcamp for a spicy little soiree on November 25th at our Bouldin location. A portion of our parking lot will be reserved for food, drinks, vintage and vinyl!

We might also have a super secret, limited edition merch drop idk.

 

Navigating the Holidays with Compassion

While the holiday season is often painted as an assured celebration, it’s essential to recognize that for some, this time of the year can cast a shadow of challenges and emotional turbulence. It’s common for many individuals to grapple with feelings of loneliness, loss, or the weight of unmet expectations. Especially in the diverse and itinerant communities of Austin. The holidays are an inescapable reminder of life’s complexities – joy, grief and their co-existence. It can be hard to acknowledge the struggles of others and extend our compassion when we are overwhelmed ourselves. This holiday, we will continue to share resources that allow you to shed some stress of the season and maybe support a few small businesses.

This November, prepare for some dynamic energies and completely unpredictable weather. Here are the essentials that you absolutely need in your calendars this month.

 

Celebrating 30 Years of Art in Austin

Firstly, Austin Studio Tour is celebrating 30 years of fostering connection, artistry and craftsmanship. Over the years, Big Medium has adapted with the city’s every development, providing a commendable platform for artists. Austin Studio Tour’s success is certainly a testament to our city’s thriving creative community, supporters, and volunteers.

Mark Your Calendars!

Sadly, we are not partnered with Austin Studio Tour this year but you can still catch us supporting local artists these weekends:

• Weekend 1: November 4-5 (WEST of IH-35) 12 – 6pm
• Weekend 2: November 11-12 (WEST & EAST) 12 – 6pm
• Weekend 3: November 18-19 (EAST of IH-35) 12 – 6pm

 

Your Voice, Your Vote

Tomorrow, November 3, marks the last day for early voting. Election day, where you can make your mark on the future, is this Tuesday, November 7th. Texans, we’re talking to you – You have the opportunity to vote on 14 proposed amendments to the state constitution. From property taxes to judges’ retirement age, these decisions impact our everyday lives. KXAN has put together a super simple and easy to digest voter’s guide – Check it out. Don’t miss another chance to have your say, y’all!

 

Thanksgiving, Duh

Finally, we roll through November, one thing’s for sure – Thanksgiving’s on the horizon. On November 23, we’ll be closed, enjoying good food and quality time with loved ones. Let us help you plan your next cut around the holidays, work and traveling. We got you. Black Friday, our Bouldin location will be open from 12pm – 8pm. For all of our Hyde Park homies, reach out to your barber directly to see what their upcoming schedule is like. You can also find their preferred contact information on our website. Catch all of Bouldin’s holiday hours HERE. Stay tuned for updates on Small Business Saturday.

 

47 Days Until Christmas

So, there you have it, the November scoop from yours truly! Overall, make your vote count, savor those Thanksgiving bites, and let’s all pay our respects to traditions that bring us together. We’re thankful for each and every one of you, and we can’t wait to see you at the shop.

Stay A While

xx

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Austin Music Takeover

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Alright, Austin. This one goes out to all of our music and concert lovers. The Live Music Capital of the World® might just be a trademark but the next 3 weekends are gonna live up to the title.

Firstly, it’s The Austin Record Convention, hitting the scene this weekend, September 30th and October 1st, 2023. Over a million records, CDs, and music collectibles displayed across 40,000 square feet. It’s vinyl paradise, and early shoppers even get a head start.

 

The Austin Record Convention is definitely on for this weekend but we’re handing out album recs RIGHT NOW!

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Speaking of ACL

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Finally, you already know what time of year it is. For the first two weekends of October Austin City Limits Music Festival is taking over for its 22nd year. The weekends of October 6-8 and October 13-15, expect heavy crowds, heavy music and also heavy traffic. It’s two weekends, nine stages, and over 100 performances. Basically, you either love it or hate it. Above all, stay safe, drink water and we’ll see you at the Shania Twain set, brother.

On Repeat

xx