Soul Story: Harol Avila: The Bold Agave Mentor- CEO & Founder of Sierra Vieja Tequila

Harol Avila: The Bold Mentor

Be Bold. Be Alive. Let the taste of happiness fill your life palettes with the craving to go farther than you have to go.

Rather than having a simple chat, Harol lent me the stories of his inspiration, love, and creation that have led to Sierra Vieja Tequila and his charitable lifestyle. Reminiscing with Harol contributed to the intensity of charging up deep seated memories that urged more than wanting to be a participant in conversation.  Our time at Co Lab was the beginning of getting to know how we want to encourage our lives. His words led to an opening of what is beyond what people know about him and into the romanticized experiences that have guided goals. Harol is a  man that is undeniably beyond the tequila that is growing among the tastes of fortunate explorers.

How do you feel living the way you do in this stage of your life?

Alive. More than I ever have than when working the typical corporate job life. The way I live now has brought me closer to real friends. Met a lot of acquaintances--- a lot.  But outside of all of the meetings, promoting, and unusual work schedule, I have been able to secure solid people in my life. I hang out with them more than my family as they have become that important to keep on this ride through business and hard work.

What or who is your inspiration?
My father. He is the reason and the purpose in which I am doing this and to give back to where I come from in Mexico. Though the tequila business can bring the wild party image and other views that it has tied to the culture of it, I have planned to do something better.  Tequila is a part of the memory of my family and cousins. It is a joke of my first taste and about where I come from. They are the reason in which I care about this and to bring whatever I do back to them.   

Define Tequila. Define Purpose.

Tequila: Hated as a kid. As in it (tequila) brought up an early memory of hitting puberty with cousins making fun, but it spoke tradition among us.

Purpose:  I have to do something bold to accomplish something farther than I have to go.

What do you believe to achieve with your Sierra Vieja Tequila business?

3 goals.

Why: To help my hometown. Send more than just money. How much does just money really lead to for the people? Money is not a mentor. So mentoring is a part of what I want to do to help my hometown.  We travel to Mexico with our donations for schools; these backpack trips to these dirt floor schools that need us. My hometown, and others like us, really can benefit from so little while they know that they can’t get but so much. They are truly grateful. They can see that there is more that they (especially children) can do.  

Children with school donations in Mexico

How can I do something great? I want to, I am, more than just promoting my tequila company. I want to cause awareness. Be greater than a product and be bold in giving more to people than just what I know I can give and explore that difference in other ways and be that new image.

All this hard work is happiness. That’s what life’s goal is and should be about when it comes to being able to live the way you want.  Achieve what you really enjoy and to do whatever it is that will give you that happiness daily.

First. Best. Last drink.

Shots of tequila. Amatitan Jalisco. Michelada.

First: Memory with family

Best:  Love of Titans. The romanticized Mexican tale of the 16^th century that traveling explorers saw the native people as such “Titans” and fell in awe of them. The people, the reason, to establish the historic town in the idea of the grand people.

Last: I like drinking what I know about and how it can relate to people no matter what you do or do not know about the name of a drink.

I definitely am going to bring back a traditional Paloma that will bring that home piece into my creation.

How deep is your love for creation?

It’s deep. Deep like creating a weird egg sandwich and putting in strange ingredients to try something new for a new day. Discovering how I can do something different and be more playful. In fact, to spur an event, let’s put weird guys and girls in funky costumes. That’s key. Creativity. Not the typical.

@Paramour

“Soul in the Kitchen. Blues in the Living Room. Rock in the Bedroom.” –Gary Clark Jr.

What’s your poem for living?

 Live life boldly <BE Bold.>

Be smooth with your love.

Why are we here, your choice, in Co Lab? Why are you in San Antonio?  

We’re getting to know one another better in a place where friends are. Less distractions and focus on hearing one another and having a fun time. We are enjoying who each other are here.

San Antonio is home. No matter what I do, my mind is where my home is, and I have found home in this city. It is great to have a place like this for what I am doing. I could be anywhere else and be great, but I am being greater here with real friends and happiness.

Taste what this man is living. From hometown memories to defining boldness that rises to the top of life. Harol has found a way to honor happiness. Like a historic unveiling, discover what a good conversation with heart can serve you.

Seek out Sierra Vieja at spots like the JW Marriott and Halcyon in Southtown and of course even more locations and fine stores around the city. Thanks to Co Lab for hosting in their open artists’ loft on Alamo and 8^th streets.

Salut & Shindig On.

JB

Tasting presentation @ Richter&Colt Wrangler Reveal

Sierra Vieja Tequila: www.sierravieja.com

Co Lab:  www.facebook.com/colab.satx

So what? V day happened. (On to the next please...)

I am not BITTER about not going out on a good date on Valentine's. (In fact, wait for my book, it’s gonna be hilarious about dating.) This post is not the way to go if you think this is a one-sided sort of post-modern V-Day blogging.  Since the beginning of time, well my time, up to the point of hearing both sides I say this, “Love Everyone.” Not telling you go to on the street and ask for hugs or kisses from the world (there are some nasty cooties out there), but try not to limit your knowledge/capability of caring to one person or special holiday.

A lady I study with, and it seems we are actually similar (she’s me in my mature years of cool life), I think nailed me on the head. She said, “This girl knows no strangers.” And I had to think and clap on that. It got me thinking, “Why IS everyone so freaking afraid of getting to know someone when they have nothing to lose when they did not know that person in the first place?” I mean, is the possibility of never knowing that person intimately (though you never knew them in your LIFE to begin with) because they are not interested in hanging with you ,THAT nerve-wrecking that you won’t get your panties(or boxers) adjusted to just say “Yo, how you doing?” (Thanks Joey Tribiani). If they say ‘no thanks’, just move a long cordially.

(Jay Z “On to The Next” Video) *Dance it out*

Valentine’s Day: Me and some really cool peeps took a bike ride out in the city and did something unexpected for the public and gave out flowers. Some were receptive and others, well I won’t kick their booty today for being a lil boogie. As my pal said, “We should do this as a social experiment…”, I was thinking what is holding someone back from just seeing the openness someone is trying to give and seeing that we are not trying to sell something. That we were just being nice to show the love, pay it forward, or just, as the lady friend said, “Just doing something friggn’ nice for ya!” Stranger danger should hardly be a concern after a certain age (with your good  ol' common sense) and so should your attitude towards other humans expectancy. This whole introvert\extrovert labels should go kaput to a black box island and officially be unknown.

As someone interested in finding that luuuuuuuuuuuuv, but not really ‘pressed’ (90s kids know the term) to get twisted out in these streets, finds just the practicality of getting to know someone. By saying “’Sup’”, can be sufficient to leading to a fun that is unexpected. A way to meet people that you never know can turn around for the best for you just because you kept it simple.

KEY: KEEP IT SIMPLE HUMAN.

And that’s just it, we are all HUMAN. Not everyone is in it for the cookie, or cake, or pie and eat chips with dip too. Until a clear statement, like some recent experiences I have encountered have grossly stated, get out of your head and reach your hand out for a cordial response and not a material or super emotional exchange. My guy/gal friends alike have had a crazy time finding love, getting to know folks in a new place, or just finding that similar weird in someone else (we all got something interesting going on).  All just because we’d forced it or didn’t just see that it is okay to just actually get to say 'hello' to a person first before you invest your entire heart and hard earned cash on someone. I have truly been able to confidently invest my heart, mind, and time in friends, networks, and new random peeps and seeing that everyone should have that pal that does not mind the bravery or simplicity it took to just reach out for a common word amongst humans.

Be positive in what may come out of your random chance for smiling. Try a new hobby, play somewhere with strangers, or just calling that new number (rather than texting) to see what can happen. Your results may not happen right away, but at least you are making SOMETHING HAPPEN. Try something, try it now. There is no harm in showing chill love for someone to know there are others out there willing to try something they have been thinking about doing too.

You may become someone’s story and liven up their world.

Without labels.

As human as not expected.

 

Soul Story : Vanessa Gonzalez

 Soul Story:

 Vanessa Gonzalez

People met on this journey to living, rather than surviving, have certainly made me (and many others) smile throughout the times spent with them. Practicing yoga regularly and encompassing new friendships throughout has made going forward that much happier. Ms. Vanessa has certainly brightened what I would have thought a task, into something you can laugh at yourself about, and after falling---laugh through the strength it takes in getting back up. Every time we meet and conjure up a new ideas or just shoot the breeze on love, life, education, and meaningful fun things there is never a doubt you will leave without learning or believing higher about yourself or what ANYTHING can become with a smile (she's radiant!). For the many aspects of life that can change, it is inspirational to hear the wellness and positivity from so much has changed one's life, but is willing to get others out NOW and keep that mind strong.


How did yoga come into your life?

Through sports. I started practicing yoga in High School at a racquetball & fitness class to supplement Track & Cross Country. It gave me the flexibility and mental strength to be a better runner.

 

What allows you to let go and let flow? 

Bring in the present moment and connecting my students. Tuning into what they need as I see them flow.

 

What have you learned about yourself (inside and out)?

Oh, wow! I can tell you a story about that. LOL… Yoga literally saved my life! Practicing yoga and being an instructor has allowed me to bring awareness to my breath, mind, and body. I changed at a cellular level. Not only did yoga help me physically, but it helped me internally. I suffered from epilepsy and with a consistent power yoga practiced, meditation and good nutrition, I healed. It (yoga) also helped shed the lies I had created in my mind that weighed me down and rediscovered my inner light. My new awareness has brought me back to my faith and now I can see my purpose more clearly. I have become more compassionate and loving with myself. Which in turn transfers over to others.

What in your life has changed due to growth?

Everything! As I stated before, it’s a regeneration at a cellular level. My perspective changed and my world changed. Having the new perspective about myself has opened up doors to opportunity within myself. I realized that I have always enjoyed being into Health & Wellness. The difference now is that I want to share how I feel and do with others. Transforming into the real me has changed my relationship and has opened up the doors to opportunity. 

Describe a mindful warrior.

We go through challenges and obstacles and we get through them. Being Mindful is that part we all need to develop. Mindfulness is about waking up and developing consciousness which will raise us to a higher level of consciousness.

Are there any goals in your future you want to conquer with Yoga?
Yes, the goal and vision is to teach our local and global community about Health & Wellness. By collaborating with local organizations and businesses in the future, I would like to take my yoga teaching to a global level and reach out to people in other countries.




Is there any encouragement to those who are new/shy about practicing yoga?

If you think about it you do yoga everyday without knowing it. You BREATH, with yoga you WAKE UP to a different level of awareness.
    The coolest thing I have seen was a person in a wheelchair do Power Yoga. They only had half their body movement. For me, I could not do a Chaturanga for 6 months! Since I only focused on running I had no upper body strength!

The first step is to come onto your mat as you are.

The rest is up to you, to step out of your comfort zone to come into something new, on or off your mat. Anybody CAN do it! Yoga is for all!

Any intentions for the 'Right Now' in your life? 

Yes, I am on my path toward healing and living my purpose. NO MORE HOLDING BACK!

 

Life lessons, what do you teach to your students and friends?

1. Everyone makes mistakes. Be compassionate with yourself.

2. When you let go of PEOPLE'S expectations of who you are meant to be, you realize YOU are the CREATOR of your REALITY.

3. Once you align your mind & hear---your true self comes out. 

4. Everyone has their path. Follow yours and you can’t go wrong. Let go of competition and comparison.

As such an inspiring and joyful teacher how do you intend to inspire others?

I intend to lead by example, and inspire others to embrace and love who they are, and to share their passions with others. When we share what we love we come together and create something beyond our dreams. Just like you, me and Sam, we shared what we love to do and now it’s come to this! ;)

Any tips on building a strong foundation (mindfully and/or physically) that can encourage people to keep going in anything they do? 

Yes, my faith really has set my foundation into everything I do, mentally and physically. That being said, not everyone is of the same faith.  From the yogi perspective, at the physical level, power yoga has allowed me to feel my body and hear my breath. As a result it connected mind and heart into alignment which has paved my path to where I am now. It has highlighted my strengths and weaknesses. So, that is a major part of being MINDFUL. It’s recognizing your strengths and your weakness. When you do that, you will see the areas in which you need to focus on. However, it takes discipline and the, “I can CHANGE and I AM Possible”, mentality to COMMIT to growth and set your roots down. Once you know where you need to root down (set your foundation), your branches will open up!

 

Soul Story: John Moses, Musician

Your City. Your Life. Your Adventure. A place can make your soul want to dedicate more than what is usual to make your existence a passion, and others wanting to be a part of it. For John Moses his passion came from a place of home. Music is his heart and creating for people in his home of Texas, being influenced by ones closest to him proves a Soul Story of influential vibes. 

Check out his Soul Story:

What drew your Soul to music?  

   -My father introduced me to music. He has been a musician all his life. When I was young I was always at his band practices. Our family grew up playing as a worship band till I eventually ventured into my own music.

When did you know?  

   -I knew l was meant to create music after I realized how much I enjoyed the art behind creating music and the joy it brought others when they heard my original work. Besides my son, nothing makes me happier than composing a melody with the lyrics colliding sweetly. 

The first tune you learned?  

    -The first tune I learned was the Jurassic Park theme song on the piano. 

If 3 songs could represent who you are what would they be and why?  

   1. Wheel by John Mayer - I feel like song is speaking right through me. Life is a circle, and when it goes south, it will come right back up again. It is a simple concept that maintains my happiness. 

   2. Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson - I live every moment of my life looking in the mirror and always will. How can I be better and what do I need to do to continue to make my life a happy life.  

   3. Doing It Wrong - Drake - Until recently, I found myself continuously in unwanted relationships.They were built on circumstances versus "love". The lyrics in this song was my thought process for a long time and it is a constant reminder on why I rather wait till the right time.

Right before the curtain rises, what goes through your mind?  

   -I leave my mind completely blank. I allow the moment to happen and embrace the joy. 

Is San Antonio, or another place, the root of why you sing? Why there?  

 -I started singing when I was young. My grandpa is a pastor of a church in Weslaco,Texas and that is where it all began. It was fun and I was horrible. But I did it pure heartedly. 

What is your fondest memory of music and what song brings it home to you?  

   -When I was young my friend Robert took me to a Third Day concert. There was a moment when the lights went out in the climax of there version of "Hallelujah",  my heart stopped. When the music came back on full blast I was mesmerized. 

What are your main impulses to write music? 

   -It varies on melody and lyrics. Some things I have and a melody pops into my head. I think about the mood it puts me in, then develop lyrics to support the mood. Sometimes I think of lyrics and develop a sound to encompass my words. It is such a wonderful feeling when it starts coming together. 

In which way does writing and reading about music change the way it is perceived by the public in San Antonio?  

   -When I am writing my music it is as if I am purging an emotion. I attempt to couple that with vague enough lyrics that will give the listener a chance join in the moment. The perception of the song can be taken multiple ways by the people in San Antonio.  The response is the beautiful part of it all. 

What does your Soul ride on?  

   -My soul rides on the challenges of success and the maintenance of happiness. 

What are you currently grooving to? 

   -I am currently grooving to 311- Amber

Without Exception...our fellow rider of San Antonio has got the Soul the city can vibe to.

Adventure on peeps.
Jess B 

*John Moses' "Without Exceptions" is available worldwide and on Spotify*

Check out John Moses in various venues in the San Antonio Area and check out his music on YouTube and Facebook at:
https://www.youtube.com/user/johnmosesmusic
and
https://www.facebook.com/johnmosesmusic?fref=ts
Instagram: #
johnmosesmusic

Da na. Da na. Da na...Whoa.

I say. I think me and my fellow Weekenders were spared this weekend and breathless from the adventure. I mean c'mon you know you had a time in your life where you experienced that near ending moment when everything FLASHED before your eyes. 
JUST. LIKE. THAT. 
It was insane!!!!! (OK i am exaggerating, a bit)
But leave it to Texas to make EVERYTHING Bigger and Better.

Of course being downtown has its perks and one of them is being closest to everything that happens in good ol' Bexar County.

FIRST FRIDAYS on South Alamo. Tell me fun from Country to Bachata had to happen with Breweries to Boozy Ice Cream. I mean it was crazy fun from the Acoustic vibes of John Moses to the Bachata  and salsa fun at Azuca with the trumpet sounds of Orquesta Tropicante . IT WAS GREAT!!!!! (Check these musicians out)
Every first Friday of the month (when weather is good, which is always) the Southtown neighborhood of SATX has Art museums, open mic, dancing, great food and drink deals, local artisans and vendors with great items on display and for sale. This neighborhood is one of the coolest places to be in the city. 
We listened to the soulful artists at Rosella Coffee that were amazing to check out like John Moses and Sierra Lynn . Swung around the corner to Azuca and The House Boozy Ice cream (my faves), And THEN worked our way around to Blue Star Brewery checked out the Fab painting artists and Riverwalk and nightcapped at Tucker's Kozy Korner for "Soul Spot"
And that was just Friday.

Saturday: You should definitely try if you are into eating FRESH & INTERESTINGLY. Just a good evening at home we created an indoor picnic (blankets and all, plus it was blazing outside) and made our own Farm-2-Table Picnic. It was incredible what everyone brought when challenged. With only fresh ingredients used from local farmers, markets, and sources no more than 30 miles away food was prepped healthy and tasty. Even local beer was on the menu like Freetail Brewery and their great Bat Outta Helles. :)  From stuffed figs with honey to homemade pesto squash and BBQ pork avocados, WE feasted.

And of Course SUNDAY , when you are suppose to rest...we couldn't help ourselves but to go to Alamo Drafthouse Rolling Road Show with "Jaws on the Water"! Dancing sharks, wake-boarders doing tricks,a  great classic film (Jaws), and your coolest buds at Texas Ski Ranch in New Braunfels. 

Oh, and the Bboys at The Paintyard were dope with hip hop and soul for a great Sunday Funday. You gotta check out Sam, he knows his stuff and looking for new artists for a festival coming up soon!

Lets just say this week is playing catch up and I am ready for the next shindig in the city!

Adventure on peeps. 
IG: @paparazziJ 

Belly Happiness Trail

If you are human, animal, or alien you like to eat one way or another. My buddies and I certainly like to adventure wherever the food is popping (occasionally healthy) with classy bevvies to boot. So recently, since we were on break from Grocery Adventures, we trekked the downtown area of San Antonio. Though a heat box while riding and rolling, we hit the city.

Here we go:

Just hop in your AC car or take into consideration of the environment and ride a bike to these spots. All are very close to each other and worth the social ride on a nice day. (not like the 100 degree day we did, whoa) We hopped on our B-cycle banana seats and rolled over to Alamo Beer company on Lamar and got some awesome hospitality with neato pints and great entertainment with board games and witty conversation (the games are hilarious).

As we thought our regular spot to the Pearl would suffice, we gasp at the relief at a cool biker joint at the Alamo Ice House. They had some really good apps and choices of cold cold cold bevs that certainly led to fancy conversation of how to stand up to the man. Yup, we got a good dose of "What you tell that Big Sir" to go sip on while you set the Man straight. Once again very hilarious.

As it was getting ridonkulously hot, that even a mule would kick our butts for being outside in the middle of the day, we biked homeward. Beading up sweat the size of the baseballs and seeking our cold break again we Epiphany the idea of our Icee Major. That would feed our fix. So after our "MAN" talk we race to Big Daddy's by Cevallos.

Talk. About. Major. Ice heaven. (check out photos) this was the papa of all icees if I ever seen. And ones with pickles (yes, you see correct), cucumbers, strawberry, coconut, and gummie bears! This place knows how to do CHILL.

The day was still young, and we were still feigning for super relief, so because we live in a city where there are cool spots on every corner on our way home, we stop again. And the spot was: The House. I cannot explain more than to give them their own feature on here because they are the coolest of cool.

But before I go and you need some places for the weekend to chill, Go to The House Boozy Ice Cream and Bar. One of the many great new businesses to hit the South Alamo stretch. I have been working on this feature for a while because they are truly a family with awesome work and connection values and a great vibe to the city. Check them out.

Back to our riding:
To wrap up our night we get so fresh and so clean for some food trucks, more quirky glasses and new friends along the way. we travel back to Alamo Beer because they are cool for skool and have a lil bit of brew talk with the peeps there and order some crazy tastes from The Box Street Social food truck and order pork BBQ stuffed avocado and a burger with mac n cheese and pork. Just brilliant.
 Shout out as well goes to Big Hops on N Alamo and the food truck of dynomite BLT with apple-wood smoked bacon and cheese galore by food truck Say She Ate and duck fat fries...ommmmmmnononononononononoom

      

And we attacked National Cheesecake Day.

Next up: The House
After that: White Elefant performance at the Alamo Lounge


SATX you rock. And we are still rolling...

Adventure on folks.

J

The Groove of Bike and Soul

Passion is why I do this. Go places and challenge my environment, people around me and the next day to be better and exciting. It is incredible what just "Hey. How are you?" can have on someone. You may not have thought that someone walking up to you and asking whats going on with you may matter but it does. And getting to know folks here in Texas has been nothing short of amazing. 

The person I got to know, through his awesome chica Valerie, is Matt Vasquez and the Soul Spot Crew at Tuckers. They are the real Soul for tonight's Bike and Soul Event in Downtown San Antonio. Hosted by yours truly, I cannot imagine a better way to celebrate with DJs and riders with the passion they hold to keep wheels up and rolling in SATX.

So, I asked how Matt was doing...and see his Soul Story:

How did you start in this DJ game? Once upon a time…

  I started DJing at Tuckers Kozy Korner on Thursday nights in 2012. Having been influenced by JJ Lopez, Founder of “The Soul Spot” and DJ at Trinity Jazz Radio Station KRTU 91.7 FM. The very first time I went to Tuckers was on a Friday night in the summer of 2010, having been invited by a friend. JJ Lopez was there spinning Disco, Soul, and Funk vinyl classics during the very beginning of “The Soul Spot”. From that point on I decided I wanted to share music with others and start DJing. 

What song/melody/mix/artist made you decide, “Music is what I must live through?”

                             The Artist known as James Yancey AKA J Dilla probably influenced me most in music. The “Art Of Sampling” was very interesting to me when I first stumbled upon it and J Dilla was one of the very best in that aspect. Something about the way he put his beats together gave it this very unique dynamic in sound.

1 If there were 3 songs to describe your music story, what would they be?

     1. Tom Browne - Funkin' for Jamaica. I don’t think this “Soul Spot” staple has ever had the dance floor empty. This is also a song that JJ Lopez played, that I knew and loved, the very first time I went to Tuckers. I couldn’t have been happier.
2. The Brand New Heavies – Sometimes (The Ummah Remix) w/ Heavy Jay Dee aka J Dilla production along with the rest of the Ummah production crew. It has such a warm, smooth, chest thumping rhythm that just makes you want to groove... and never disappoints upon repetitive listening.
3. Minnie Ripperton – Inside My Love. This tune resonates with me deeply as it reminds me of when I first met my girlfriend. 

 It’s just perfect.

Certainly is. 

Come out tonight and every 1st and 3rd Friday at Tuckers on Houston St  for Soul Spot in Downtown San Antonio at the Soul Spot. The best hidden jam spot with great people, vibes and changing the music scene one groove at a time. The passion of Texas from gearing up with our cycling crew to keeping the dance floor packed at vintage spots, is happening and growing. This city is going to be beyond out of this world before you know it. I would love to see you out there and being a part of it. 

Adventure on.

Jess

Special Thanks to Bike World, The Rivard Report, mySA, Downtown Highlife Bicycle Club, Blue Star Bike Shop, The House (boozy ice cream), Tucker's Kozy Korner, The Soul Spot DJs, and all the great bicycle peeps of San Antonio. Yall have been awesome! Much luv