Ideas for the Neighborhood

A monthly lecture series present by Wax Space focused on sharing ideas for the neighborhood. Started in 2019 as a way to bring neighbors together and share ideas, learn from experiences and expand the Oak Cliff mind.

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  • Bettina Bennett

    Bettina Bennett

    Bettina Bennett is an Oak Cliff neighbor, OG Wax Space member, entrepreneur, and founder of Kaffeeklatsch, a friendship app designed specifically for women over 50. With a background spanning international entertainment (featured on the front pages of Hollywood Reporter and Variety) and Dallas tech innovation, Bettina has spent her career building bridges between people and communities.

    After moving to multiple countries and cities throughout her life and always finding it easy to make friends, she was surprised to discover something missing in her own friendships. Her research into friendship and loneliness led to startling discoveries about the health impacts of real-life connection for everyone. Bettina will share what she's learned about the power of real friendship and how our neighborhood could lead the way in starting a friendship movement that makes meaningful connection accessible again.

  • Kate McLeod

    Kate McLeod

    Texan native Kate McLeod developed her creative spirit in the heart of Dallas. She initially pursued a professional career in painting and jewelry design before discovering her passion for floral design. Drawing inspiration from the harmony in nature's colors, textures, and movements, Kate considers each floral arrangement a new piece of art commissioned by her clients, resulting in expressive and unique creations. Residing in Oak Cliff with her family and friends, Kate's vibrant and inspired designs mirror the artistic community that envelops her.

  • Richard Ross

    Richard Ross

    Richard Ross is a Dallas-based creative director and entrepreneur celebrated for his evocative visual storytelling and innovative brand development. As the former in-house photographer for Mizzen+Main, Richard was instrumental in crafting the menswear brand's distinctive imagery. Transitioning from fashion to the beverage industry, he founded Holy Water, a Texas-based spring water brand that emphasizes spiritual well-being and positive energy, reflecting Richard's commitment to nourishing both the body and soul. Through his ventures, Richard continues to explore the intersection of art, entrepreneurship, and holistic wellness.​

  • Alexa Mendez and Josh Allen of Create Atelier

    Alexa Mendez and Josh Allen of Create Atelier

    Alexa Mendez and Josh Allen are founding partners at Create Atelier, an Oak Cliff - based architecture and design firm that focuses on quality, purposeful, and transformational design that ultimately enhances the human experience…

  • Brenton Phillips + Hailey Nutt of Tribal and Written by the Seasons

    Brenton Phillips + Hailey Nutt of Tribal and Written by the Seasons

    Hailey Nutt and Brenton Phillips are the co-owners of Tribal Juice and Written by the Seasons. The duo started making cold-pressed juices in 2014 …

  • Crespatrick de los Reyes of C. Patricio

    Crespatrick de los Reyes of C. Patricio

    Filipino American Designer Crespatrick de los Reyes comes from a background in custom denim work and merges his love for workwear and his distinct cultural identity…

  • DJ Sober, Deejay, Producer, Illustrator & Owner of Herby's Burgers

    DJ Sober, Deejay, Producer, Illustrator & Owner of Herby's Burgers

    DJ Sober has left an indelible mark on the city’s music scene over the last decade, from launching the influential soirees The Party and Big Bang! to cooking up remixes and party records as one half of production duo Booty Fade…

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    Let's Overthink Advertising

    On Friday, February 7th, Matt Bull, founder of Kickstand Agency, waxed overly-philosophical about advertising and there was nothing we can do about it.

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    Do Limits Lead to Creativity?

    Do Limitations Lead to Creativity? Being the only Black Creative in the Room. Texas Talks is a Monthly Lecture Series Presented by Wax Space Exploring Creativity & Craft. Free to the public.

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    The Power of Play

    Jeff Rogers gave his Texas Talk titled, "The Power of Play." Jeff is a graphic designer and illustrator with a focus in typography whose work is heavily influenced by a background in music, painting, and fun.

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    Skye McDaniel of La Bodega

    Skye McDaniel is an Oak Cliff native who has cooked at some of the neighborhood’s favorite restaurants, including Boulevardier and Bolsa, and has worked throughout Dallas’ culinary culture for over twenty years. That deep-seated root in her community and heritage has taken her to this point—opening her own concept space that serves house-prepared, seasonally fresh food at La Bodega, inspired by her Italian heritage and travels through the Mediterranean.

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    Hance Taplin of By Way of Dallas

    Hance Taplin is a designer, photographer, and creative director planted in Dallas. After transitioning out of the corporate design world in 2015, Hance founded By Way of Dallas, a streetwear fashion brand that's proudly made in Dallas, for Dallas.

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    • 3/30/23

    How Trompo's Backyard Taqueria Became an Oak Cliff Staple

    Luis is the owner of Trompo Tacos, an award winning restaurant in Oak Cliff with deep roots in the neighborhood.

  • The Tyler Station Origin Story & Gentlefication in Oak Cliff

    The Tyler Station Origin Story & Gentlefication in Oak Cliff

    Monte Anderson is President of Options Real Estate Investments Inc, a multi-service real estate firm specializing in developing sustainable neighborhoods in Southern Dallas and Northern Ellis counties.

  • Growing with Your Neighborhood

    Cindy Pedraza Puente give her Texas Talk titled, "Growing With Your Neighborhood. Cindy is the owner of CocoAndré, a chocolate shop that's operated in Oak Cliff since 2009. She is also opening Olmo Market this fall, a new grocery store in downtown Elmwood Texas Talks is a monthly lecture series presented by Wax Space focused on Ideas for the Neighborhood. Free to the public.

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    The Role of the Arts in Community Building

    Join us Friday, October 7th, as we gather to hear Barak Epstein give his Texas Talk titled, "The Role of the Arts in Community Building." Barak is the owner of The Texas Theatre and Top Ten Records, and co-founder of The Oak Cliff Film Festival.

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    Creating a Neighborhood Philosophy

    We gathered to hear Shannon Neffendorf give his Texas Talk titled, "Creating a Neighborhood Philosophy." Shannon is the founder of Oak Cliff Coffee Roasters, along with Davis Street Espresso, 5 Mile Chocolate, and Candor Bread.

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    Eating with Your Eyes

    Eating with Your Eyes: Joy Macarons Texas Talks is a Monthly Lecture Series Presented by Wax Space Exploring Creativity & Craft. Free to the public.