Ever wanted to eat all you could…and then share those elevated culinary experiences with the world? Welcome to the world of Austinite Lesa Rossick, founder of the must-follow epicurean destination Keep Austin Eatin’, and all-around MVP non-profit volunteer and philanthropist. Her championing of so many causes has made a difference in plenty of organizations. Here, with her dear friend, and our own Lance Avery Morgan, she shares some of her stylish resources and lifestyle secrets to inspire you for the warmer months ahead.
Three qualities that got me where I am today are…Discipline, enthusiasm, and gratitude.
Easiest career decision I ever made is…Working for Johnson & Johnson Medical. It was my dream.
I love supporting the Center For Child Protection (CCP) because…Its main mission is to protect Austin’s kids. Since my husband Bill and I do not have children of our own, we’ve always thought of the children in the community where we live are like our own. The abused kids of Austin are some of the most vulnerable in our community. So, to be able to help in any way is a true honor.
Due to my ongoing involvement with CCP, I have found that…Abuse can happen to anyone and it doesn’t have a boundary on who it can affect. Being aware, and empowering adults and children to know that prevention starts at home is an important message to remember almost daily.
Donating my time to philanthropic organizations means that I…Can focus on others. Bill and I love being able to help in any way we can, especially for the children in Austin. When I find myself becoming self-centered, I think about all of those people in need in our own community. It only takes a few seconds to put things into perspective. Life is too good and too short.
I started Keep Austin Eatin’ because…I wanted to have a blog to share with friends about where to eat at local restaurants, and then, where to hang out for dessert or live music, shopping, or whatever your heart desires afterward. While living in NYC, we wouldn’t just go out to eat…it would be a whole experience. I wanted to carry that same mentality to Austin. There are so many amazing spots to discover.
The Austin food scene is…Hot, hot, hot. I think we can hold our own against any other big foodie city like NYC, LA, or Las Vegas. I am truly so proud of all of our local chefs and what they’ve done to make this city a foodie mecca.
How I made my first dollar…Was by babysitting neighborhood kids at age 12.
Last thing I binge/marathon watched…Was Schitt’s Creek. We didn’t watch it when it first came out, and we laughed until our bellies ached. We couldn’t stop with just one–it was a legit binge.
Book that left a lasting impression on me…Forever Strong by Gabrielle Lyon. I love to read about wellness, and I love science, so this is a book that combines both. I learned so much and have incorporated it into my daily lifestyle.
On that note, my favorite fiction character is…Celie from The Color Purple. To read about someone who overcame such tragedy was inspiring. Especially because it’s a true story for far too many, even today.
My real-life hero has got to be…Jesus. That is the quickest and easiest answer, by far.
If I could live in a foreign city it would be…Sydney. We used to live in Melbourne and loved every second. Sydney would be close to all our friends, yet with sunnier weather and better flights around the world.
What everyone/woman should try in her lifetime is…Volunteer at a soup kitchen. It is humbling, and soul-filling to be able to serve others. It quickly puts things into perspective if I’m having a bad day.
If I could compete in an Olympic sport it would be…Triathlons. I love being able to train in 3 different sports, running, biking, and swimming.
If I weren’t doing what I do I would be a…Doctor. That was my dream for most of my life. But I ended up doing medical device sales for my career, so it was a perfect fit that I loved.
First music I bought…This shows my age – a Bee Gees vinyl record.
My hidden talent that most people might not guess is…I play piano. It’s in our bedroom, so few people see it or know that I play.
If I had a superpower, I’d want it to be…Able to cure diseases.
A simple way to get people to laugh is easy. Just…Make fun of yourself.
I phrase I might overuse would be…That’s amazing.
My motto? Easy. It is…Live every day like it’s your last.
Favorite scent these days is steak, because…I crave protein.
The beauty essential you’d have to pry out of my cold, dead hands is…Christian Dior Lip Glow Oil. I can go days without using makeup, but this lip oil is a must. I am obsessed.
A celebrity I would prank phone call and what I would ask them is…Heidi Klum. “Please tell me all your beauty secrets.” I’ve read that she hasn’t done any fillers and is aging naturally. She’s 50 and gorgeous.
My personal style signifier is… My opal ring I wear from my parents. It’s my most treasured piece of jewelry besides my wedding ring.
The classic movie star style I most identify with is…Audrey Hepburn. I can’t thank her enough for bringing the LBD into a cultural necessity.
Classic designer I wish was still designing today (and why) is…Claire McCardell. She was a tomboy, so her designs were simple, yet chic and easy to wear.
An artist whose work I would collect (or like to collect) is…From the different Maasai Mara tribes.
In my fridge, you will always find…Meat, cheese, and macaroons for a charcuterie board. It’s a perfect impromptu party platter if someone pops in for a visit.
My favorite beverage these days is…A Fairlife protein shake. And they didn’t sponsor this statement, ha! It’s 30G of protein, and they are delicious.
If I had to limit my shopping to one neighborhood in one city…Prati in Rome.
On my tombstone, it will likely say…Died, from not forwarding that email message to 20 people. Just kidding.
My perfect day would end…Eating, drinking, and laughing around the table with loved ones. That is pure Heaven on Earth.
What can I say! This pretty much wraps it up! This is so u! That little girl I babysat 🥰 who had so many dreams and was infatuationed with life. Finally grew up into such a successful, beautiful woman inside and out! I am so very proud of who u are and where you have gone.
We so agree, Terri!Thanks for sharing…