ProDerm Skin & Surgery to offer medical, cosmetic dermatology in Northwest Austin
A new dermatology clinic called ProDerm Skin & Surgery is set to open in Northwest Austin this fall.
The details: Led by Dr. Sydney Proffer, the clinic will offer a variety of medical dermatology procedures for conditions including:
Skin cancers and precancers
Rashes, acne and chronic skin conditions
Hair and scalp issues
Nail disorders
Pigmentation concerns
Pediatric dermatology
Cosmetic procedures will include lip and face injections, dermaplaning, chemical peels, hydrafacials, bodysculpting, microneedling and hair removal.
The clinic will also offer medical and cosmetic surgical procedures such as cyst and mole removals, skin biopsies, scar revision, mini facelifts and leg vein treatments.
FinTech company Wise expands office space by 200% in North Austin
International money transferring company Wise announced in September it will occupy three floors in Domain Tower 2, which Austin leaders say will reinforce the city's reputation as a "launch pad for innovation and investment."
The details: Wise was founded over a decade ago in the United Kingdom. It first expanded into Austin in 2022, and has been headquartered in the city since 2023.
The company will now span 90,000 square feet in Domain Tower 2, which increases its current office footprint by 200%.
Wise CEO Kristo Käärmann said the company is still in the beginning of its journey as a money-moving service, aiming to grow from moving 5% of money—less than 1% of which is small and medium sized businesses who make international payments—to 10-20%.
In similar news: The Domain area is continuing to see growth in the technology sector, such as IBM's relocation to Domain 12 building next year and the city's first Google retail store at Domain Northside, which opened in May.
New Worlds Conference returns to Austin, taking attendees through the future of space
Austin locals and visitors alike can venture to space with EarthLight Foundation’s annual New Worlds Conference, combining all things science, exploration, technology, art, music and literature and their connection with space exploration.
What to know: From Oct. 23-25, community members can engage with a variety of interactive activities, speakers and more while learning about space exploration and connecting with like-minded individuals.
The three-day event will feature a mix of TED-style sessions showcasing topics from national space policy and space biomedicine to private space stations, cloud cities on Venus, farming on the moon and the ethics of artificial intelligence-human partnerships.
What else?: In addition to the conference’s presentations, attendees will have the chance to get to know 10 early-stage NewSpace startups as well as visionary university students competing in Space Tank, a showcase for emerging ventures to gain visibility, mentorship and community.
The finale: After two days of learning and building community, participants will enjoy an evening of ceremony, costume party, concert and fundraising at the conference’s Space Cowboy Ball.
FOODIE FRIDAY Check out these new restaurants and bars opening across the Austin area.
Persian pop-up Roya is set to open its first brick-and-mortar restaurant in North Austin this fall.
Roya is owned and operated by chef Amir Hajimaleki, who also owns Austin restaurants District Kitchen + Cocktails, Oasthouse Kitchen + Bar, Keepers Coastal Kitchen and Daisy Lounge.
Hajimaleki has served Roya's Persian cuisine at exclusive pop-up dinners across the Austin area since 2018, and the new restaurant will take over the former Shortie's Pizza + Grinders space, located above Hajimaleki's District restaurant.
Southwest Airlines eyes 18 new gates in Austin airport expansion
Southwest Airlines has laid claim to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, pursuing a lease agreement with the city for up to 18 gates in the planned Concourse B.
“This is really important for us, because this is a pivotal moment to be that airport with what I call ‘Southwest 2.0’. The company is going through a lot of changes, and it's really great to have them invest in [Central Texas],” ABIA CEO Ghizlane Badawi said.
The details: On Aug. 28, City Council approved an agreement allowing the Department of Aviation to move forward with negotiations and lease agreements with commercial airlines and cargo carriers for future facilities. That same day, Southwest told Community Impact it’s aiming to add more gates at ABIA.
“Southwest is eager to be the anchor tenant of the new Concourse B, with up to 18 leased gates upon execution of the new agreement,” a spokesperson said.
Delta Airlines is also expanding in Austin, opening a permanent flight attendant base in October.
Gov. Abbott issues executive order prohibiting THC sales to Texans under 21
Gov. Greg Abbott issued a Sept. 10 executive order aimed at prohibiting hemp-derived THC products from being sold to minors, which he called “safety for kids, freedom for adults.” The order comes one week after a special legislative session ended without Abbott and state lawmakers agreeing on legislation to ban or restrict THC sales.
The details: Abbott’s order directs the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to “immediately begin the rulemaking process” on new THC regulations, including:
Limiting THC sales to people 21 years and older
Requiring THC retailers to check all customers’ IDs
Expanding testing and labeling requirements for THC products
Raising manufacturer and retailer licensing fees to cover costs of enforcing the new rules
Enhancing monitoring by state and local law enforcement
What they're saying:“Governor Abbott has shown that Texas can protect children without turning back to prohibition,” Heather Fazio, director of the Texas Cannabis Policy Center, said in a statement. “While we have some concerns, this is a win for safety, freedom and free markets.”
