We caught up with Kate Austin this week! She shares a bit about the evolution of her business, Advokate, an ode to the amazing Glens Falls arts scene, her favorite downtown restaurants for vegan options, and more…
Tell us about yourself!
I'm a mom, a community member, an activist, an entrepreneur, and a big fan of Glens Falls. After working at The Chronicle newspaper and managing The Shirt Factory, I started my business, Advokate, LLC, in October of 2010, without a clear direction.
At first, I thought I'd help artists hang up posters for their art shows or mail out postcards, and Advokate has now evolved into a design, marketing and communications agency with a team of twelve, plus three interns.
I am also co-founder of the Arts District of Glens Falls, a board member with the Glens Falls Business Improvement District, and involved with the Jackson Heights PTA. Last year, New York State Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner named me a Woman of Distinction!
My kiddos are Ellie (6), Danny (8), and Henry (11). We have a dog named Sasha and a cat named Jones. I'm divorced and live part-time with my partner, Jeremy. We were high school sweethearts!
On Life In and Around Glens Falls
I grew up in Killington, Vermont, and went to high school in Woodstock. I kind of landed here quasi-accidentally but fell in love with Glens Falls and put down roots. Now my parents live here in Glens Falls! They are a huge help with the kids.
Once upon a time (back in 2001, if we're being precise) I wrote down a wish list of everything I wanted out of a place to live. I wanted cafes, lots of things going on, a downtown scene, to feel safe, public transportation, and for it to be an hour away from Rutland, Vermont. Who knew!? I had never heard of Glens Falls back then. But it's right here, the city I always wanted.
I have lived in Glens Falls since 2006 or 2007. My former husband Cory and I bought our house on Morgan Avenue in 2009. I bought a house on Ridge Street last November and I adore it. I miss my old neighbors but I'm just around the corner. When I walked in, it just felt right. It has soapstone counters and an attic, and so many windows. There is a little brick side porch that I plan to use as an art studio. And most importantly, each of the kids has their own room. I love the houses in Glens Falls that are Tudor-style. I feel like I'm living in a fairy tale!
On Banding Together
There is so much to love about Glens Falls. I think my number one is the community, closely followed by the arts scene.
I have seen neighbors taking care of neighbors in so many instances. Folks are welcoming and kind here. They collaborate. They work on seeing alternative perspectives and embracing diversity. I think the "group hug" (that's Glens Falls Director of Tourism and Business Development Amy Collins' catchphrase) philosophy is super strong here. We know how to band together, work as a team, and support one another. We respect one another even when we disagree. There are a number of volunteer-run organizations doing super important work. Such a small handful of people are doing so much for the greater good. I think that spirit of community is extremely strong in Glens Falls.
On The Arts
The arts scene is like no other. The fact that we have three museums within walking distance of one another in a city with a population of less than 15,000 is astounding. The galleries, the theaters, the cultural organizations. We're the smallest city in the country with its own Symphony Orchestra. And now we have murals and public art so you can tell that Glens Falls loves the arts without even setting foot indoors!
A Perfect Glens Falls Day
Some of my most idyllic Glens Falls days were when the kids were young. I'd walk them downtown, pushing a stroller, and we'd start our day at the Farmer's Market, then head to Crandall Public Library to get a stash of books. We'd relax in City Park, grab a snack from Rock Hill Bakehouse Cafe (back when it was downtown), and walk around the shops to see all of our friends out and about, maybe visit the World Awareness Children's Museum, and finish the day with Outdoor Cinema, watching a movie under the stars.
These days, the kids are bigger. We like to go to the events the Glens Falls Collaborative puts on, especially Take a Bite. I just love when the whole city is hanging out together downtown on a beautiful sunny day. Henry likes to grab sushi from Sweet Rice around the corner with his friends. I order from Juicin' Jar and Alif all the time. Ellie and Danny love Downtown City Tavern's fries and slipper bread. I do almost all my shopping at Finders Keepers.
On a date night, I'm usually found at Farmacy, because every week they have a different vegan option. I love their cocktails and it's so fun to try something new. I like the intimacy of the Bourbon Room, too, and Morgan & Co. is always a winner. I always end up at Fenimore's after a show at the Wood Theater. And I am loving the Golden Monkey for their vegan options and specialty drinks. The vibe there is so laid back and classy. Oh! And can't forget about Mint on Warren Street, which has awesome plant-based choices as well.
On the Past
I have met most of my favorite people in one of three places, all before like, 2010: At an art show at LARAC, NorthCountryARTS or at The Shirt Factory; at Rock Hill Bakehouse's Open Mic; or at Wallabee's Jazz Bar. Thursday nights were THE nights, back in the day. I think those moments early on were responsible for forming my foundational impression of Glens Falls.
You'd make friends just by being in the same places over and over again. Everyone was creative and talented. And funny, and a good time. And so incredibly welcoming. The folks who hung out there were a real community of musicians, artists, writers and poets, and the atmosphere was hip, comfortable, and easy. I formed some core friendships in those years.
On the Future
Okay, so I'm super proud of the fact that the City of Glens Falls is running on hydro power through Northern Power & Light. (Full disclosure: NP&L is a client of Advokate's). Renewable energy is cool, and I hope more people sign up for it.
I think we could use more public art, for sure. I would love to see interactive sculpture and bespoke playground equipment around downtown for my children who love to climb on stuff.
I think a refill/zero waste store is something we need. I would love to see more people shopping at Pure N Simple to take things to that level.
And I think there's plenty of room for more vegan eateries in town, and a broader spectrum of plant-based options at the awesome restaurants we do have. I dine out kind of a lot and there are so many hungry vegans who do, too!
