In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, we want to shout out all the #BrooksBossBabes who are taking the booming South Side business community by storm. Whether you’re the CEO or have the corner office in your sights, Brooks is the kind of supportive environment that you can thrive in.
Female business owners to watch
Linda Lazo
Owner of Linda’s De Novo Hair Design
Linda left Nicaragua when she was just 18 years old for a new life in the United States. After first settling in Houston, Linda moved to San Antonio in 1993 and opened her own hair salon on the South Side. This year, Linda opened her brand-new salon in the Embassy Suites at Brooks, and she couldn’t be more ecstatic.
“Everybody has been so welcoming since the very beginning. The support on the South Side and at Brooks has been amazing, I couldn’t have done it myself,” she said. “Having come from so far to achieve this now is a dream come true. I’m so proud to be one of the small, local businesses serving this community.”
Get a new ‘do from Linda
Dr. Robyn Phillips-Madson, DO, MPH, FACOFP
Founding Dean of University of Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine
Not only has Dr. Madson made a name for herself in the field of osteopathy, but in higher education, as well. After receiving a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Washington, Dr. Madson went on to receive her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Michigan State University. Before being appointed as Founding Dean and Associate Professor of the South Side’s only medical school, Dr. Madson practiced medicine for 27 years.
Dr. Madson has a heart for service, too — she co-founded Reach Beyond Borders and has led outreach efforts in Guatemala.
“The University of the Incarnate Word has a long and rich history of educating health professionals to be enlightened citizens who value diversity, community engagement, and service to the underserved,” she said. “UIWSOM is a place where students are encouraged to explore the holistic care of their future patients’ minds, bodies, and spirits, and have the freedom to grow in these areas personally.”
Discover opportunities to get involved
Beatrice Briseño
Real Estate Agent and Owner of RE/MAX Unlimited
As the owner of the first, and only, RE/MAX office on the South Side, Beatrice Briseño has helped hundreds of families purchase a home — her passion is working with first-time buyers. With more than a quarter century of real estate experience, the South Side Native knows this area in and out and has won many awards to prove it. Just last year, Beatrice was honored by the South San Antonio Chamber of Commerce during their 2019 Legends Gala.
“I started out in real estate as a single mother to three small children. They grew up in the business, and now I’m blessed to have them all working with me,” she said. “They’re going to take it to the next level.”
Aspiring homeowners welcome
Make your dreams come true on the South Side
As Brooks and the surrounding area continues to grow, so does the list of opportunities to grow your business and make some money moves. If you have a goal to reach and you need to hunker down, these are our top four spots to post up to get it done.
Embassy Suites lobby or meeting rooms
The Embassy Suites at Brooks boasts a gorgeous and spacious lobby with enough room for you, your laptop, and several cups of coffee (conveniently purchased from the lobby coffee bar). If you need more privacy, consider booking one of the meeting rooms.
The Greenline
The sun is out, but you’ve got work to do? Get the best of both worlds at The Greenline. With free public Wi-Fi and plenty of comfortable seating along the linear park, The Greenline offers a beautiful spot to get some work done. Need a break? Just take a walk and get refreshed in no time.
Folklores Coffee House
Need some java for some creative fuel? Visit Folklores, San Antonio’s first South Side coffee house. Chef/Co-owner, Joel “Tatu” Herrera, says his artisan coffee drinks and cozy decor provides a unique coffee experience for his customers. Open Tuesday-Sunday, Folklores makes for a great place to be productive.
Mission Library
A large reading collection, plus 24 public computers, two courtyards, a large community meeting room, two quiet study rooms, a playground, and exercise equipment? That all adds up to become your new favorite work spot. Open seven days a week, the Mission Library is a free and convenient way to avoid distraction and check some items off your to-do list.
Your small business support team
Founded in 1982, the South San Antonio Chamber of Commerce has been the catalyst for bringing our area’s business leaders together as advocates for change and further development of our area. By joining the Chamber, you get unbeatable support services, including:
- Access to membership events
- Placement in online directory
- Job postings
- Advertisement on the Chamber’s website and social media
