Real Women of Bastrop

In this episode of Real Women of Bastrop, Lindsay sits down with Bastrop ISD Superintendent Dr. Kristi Lee for a conversation about leadership, education, growth, and the future of our local schools.

Before stepping into education, Dr. Lee spent about a decade in sales and management training in the financial industry and even owned her own business, working primarily with women business owners. She shares what ultimately led her back to the career she originally went to school for, why teaching immediately felt like home, and how the encouragement of others helped move her into leadership.

Lindsay and Dr. Lee also talk about what it’s really like to lead a growing school district, the challenge of trying to be everywhere and do everything, and the changes Bastrop ISD has experienced over the last several years.

The conversation also breaks down an important topic for local voters: the difference between bond funding and the district’s day-to-day operating revenue, and what the upcoming Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE) would mean for Bastrop ISD.

Dr. Lee explains how additional operating revenue could be used for areas including teacher and staff compensation, safety initiatives, balancing the budget, and student instructional programming.

They close the episode looking ahead five years and talking about Dr. Lee’s vision for BISD: stronger student achievement, high-performing campuses, lower teacher turnover, financial stability, and becoming a district families and educators actively choose.

Lindsay Kana sits down with Isidra Kinney, owner of McDonalds in Bastrop, for a conversation about family, work, and community. Isidra shares how a first job at McDonald’s became a lifelong career, how her Mexican roots and Texas upbringing shape her identity, and the realities of balancing business ownership with motherhood and family life. They also discuss the values behind their locally owned restaurants...from caring for employees to showing up for the Bastrop community.

Lindsay Kana talks with Heather Bailey of Bailey Team Real Estate about her path from banking and federal student loans into real estate, plus the community-first work she and her husband are doing through Bastrop Social Club. Heather shares how she and her husband divide responsibilities, why she chose self-employment, and how local networking has helped her business and confidence grow.

For more information about the BNI Bastrop Chapter, contact Heather at [email protected]

Join Lindsay Kana as she speaks with the owner of Plutos Wine Bar, Liz Formica. Learn about what brought her to Bastrop, Texas, why she opened a wine bar, and what sets them apart from others!

Join Lindsay Kana and Cynthia Meyer as they reminisce about the "old Bastrop" and how it is evolving. Learn more about why Cynthia chose to run for Bastrop City Council, and what she is looking forward to with the growth happening in Bastrop, Texas.

One of the biggest reasons I started Real Women of Bastrop is because we so often only see the title. We see the role, the decisions, the public version of someone. But behind every title is a human being with a story, experiences, and moments that shaped who they became. I had the honor of hearing a piece of Bastrop’s City Manager, Sylvia Carrillo’s story…one of resilience and perseverance.

In this engaging conversation, Jazzmyne DeShay shares her journey as a personal stylist in Bastrop, Texas, discussing her passion for fashion and her experiences working with clients, including celebrities and everyday individuals. She highlights the importance of personal connection in styling and her unique approach to helping clients curate their wardrobes.

Jazzmyne also talks about her Well-Suited program, which supports domestic violence survivors and postpartum moms by providing them with styled clothing. Additionally, she touches on her husband's fashion brand, Saint Alexander, and their collaborative efforts in the fashion industry.

Reach out to Jazzmyne here: [email protected]

Jazzmyne Karr

Today’s conversation with Veronica Seever was such a reminder of the strength women carry quietly...the kind of strength that doesn’t need an announcement, because it shows up in the work.

We talked about what it means to find your voice around men who don’t hand you respect automatically… and what it means to earn it through grit, clarity, and confidence. We talked about mentors who pour into you, moments that shape you, and the power of knowing you can do the job without asking permission.

This is exactly why Real Women of Bastrop exists, to put real stories behind the women keeping this town moving.

More about Veronica here: https://sheisallthethings.com/

In this heartfelt conversation, Marissa McMillen shares her personal journey towards sobriety, discussing the challenges and triumphs she has faced along the way. The episode delves into Marissa's past experiences with alcohol, her decision to quit, and the positive changes she has experienced since embracing a sober lifestyle.

Lindsay Kana facilitates the discussion, highlighting the importance of community support and accountability in overcoming addiction. Together, they explore the societal pressures surrounding alcohol consumption and the benefits of living a life free from alcohol.

Follow Marissa's journey on Instagram: @momlifesober

Join Lindsay Kana & Sheila Lowe, Executive Director of the Bastrop County Long Term Recovery Team and community leader behind Bridging Bastrop and Bastrop’s Juneteenth celebration. Sheila shares how she found her passion, and what it’s like leading alongside her husband, Council Member Perry Lowe.

Tune in for a conversation full of resilience, service, and heart for Bastrop.