Skratch Labs, Austin Film Festival, and Barton Springs Pool may seem like three unrelated ideas, but they share a common thread: a commitment to authenticity and community.
Skratch Labs, founded by endurance athlete Dr. Allen Lim, is a sports nutrition company that focuses on using real food ingredients to fuel athletes. Their philosophy is that “food and drink should contain only what’s necessary and be free of anything artificial.” This commitment to authenticity has earned them a loyal following among athletes who value natural, wholesome nutrition.
Similarly, the Austin Film Festival (AFF) is dedicated to celebrating the art of storytelling in film. They prioritize authenticity in every aspect of their festival, from the films they select to the guests they invite. As AFF co-founder and executive director Barbara Morgan says, “We want to be a festival that is true to the craft of storytelling and to the artists who are making those stories.”
Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed swimming pool in Austin, exemplifies the community aspect of this shared commitment. For over 100 years, locals and visitors alike have gathered at Barton Springs to swim, sunbathe, and connect with nature. The pool has been described as “a gathering place for the city” and is beloved by Austinites for its natural beauty and sense of community.
So what do Skratch Labs, the Austin Film Festival, and Barton Springs Pool have in common? They all value authenticity and community. By staying true to their principles and fostering a sense of connection among their followers, they have each created a unique and meaningful experience for their respective communities.
As Dr. Lim says of Skratch Labs’ approach to nutrition, “It’s not just about what’s in the product, it’s about the experience that people have with it.” Similarly, AFF’s Morgan emphasizes the importance of “building a community around the ideas we care about.” And at Barton Springs, visitors come not just for the refreshing water but for the opportunity to connect with others and enjoy a shared experience.
In a world where authenticity can often be hard to find, these three organizations offer a refreshing reminder of its value. By prioritizing real food, true storytelling, and genuine human connection, Skratch Labs, the Austin Film Festival, and Barton Springs Pool have each created something truly special for their communities.
Sources:
– Skratch Labs. (n.d.). Mission. Retrieved August 11, 2021, from https://www.skratchlabs.com/pages/mission
– Austin Film Festival. (n.d.). About. Retrieved August 11, 2021, from https://austinfilmfestival.com/about/
– Wray, D. (2018, July 2). The Barton Springs Experience. Austin Monthly. https://www.austinmonthly.com/the-barton-springs-experience/