Lifestyle

Relocating To Austin? Tips for a Safe and Successful Move

Published

4 years ago

February 28, 2021

Whether you’re pursuing higher education, accepting a job offer, moving closer to loved ones, or simply want a chance of scenery, relocating to Austin, Texas, is a fantastic choice. As excited as you are to embark on this new venture, you can’t help but think about the stress of moving. From finding a place to stay and tying up loose ends to packing your things and getting adjusted, there’s a lot that needs to be done. To top it off, you’ll have to handle these things in the middle of a pandemic.

Is it safe to move right now? If so, what precautions should you take? Chances are you’ve thought about things like this and more as you prepare for your move. Before panic sets in, causing you to give up on the idea altogether, consider these steps to make relocating to Austin a bit smoother.

Get The Facts

The country’s status in the fight against the coronavirus changes every day. Therefore, you must keep up with current events. Before deciding when you’ll move to Austin, you need the facts. Review the city and state’s official sites for the latest number of cases and any rules or regulations for relocating to the area. You should also reach out to the moving company to find out what requirements they have to follow. Knowing this information ensures that you are in compliance and, therefore, safe.

Look Into Temporary Housing

Finding a home or apartment in the middle of a pandemic is daunting. If you’re scheduled to move soon but haven’t secured a permanent residence, there are other options. If you have friends or family in Austin, you can ask to stay at their place until you iron things out. Another idea would be to look at furnished apartments in Austin. If you’re a college student waiting on housing or you’re due to start your new job in a few weeks, the flexible leasing options give you a roof over your head while you figure out what’s next.

Take Advantage of Online Services

Transitioning from one place to another goes beyond packing your boxes. From turning off utilities to changing your address, there are several steps to getting adjusted to your new town. As a measure of safety, you should take advantage of online services. Many tasks can now be completed online to save you time and reduce your exposure to the coronavirus. You can request health and educational records to be transferred digitally, change your address with the US postal service, and even schedule for utilities to be shut off or on without leaving your home.

Moving Precautions

There are several risks associated with moving. As such, you should take precautions. For starters, hire a moving company that has taken steps to safeguard their customers. You should also avoid using recycled boxes, sanitize your belongings before packing them, and wear PPE when interacting with movers. Once you arrive at your new place, clean and sanitize the entire space before unpacking.

Quarantine

You might be excited about exploring Austin once you’ve arrived, but you’ll have to put those plans on hold. The best thing for you and everyone else is to quarantine for a few days to ensure you haven’t contracted the coronavirus. This is especially true for individuals that reside in heavily impacted states. Though it will be hard, do your best to stay indoors. Use this time to unpack and create a comfortable living space. If you’re not experiencing any symptoms after a few days, schedule an appointment to get tested. Once you’ve been given the all-clear, then you can explore the city any way you’d like without putting yourself or anyone else at risk.

There are so many wonderful things that make Austin the perfect place to call home. Whatever your reason for making a move, you must take precautions. As the national pandemic continues to wreak havoc, you want to ensure that you remain safe. From educating yourself on current pandemic news to quarantining for a few days after you arrive, each of these tips will help make your new venture easier to manage.

Lifestyle

Kristien Surya Jewelry: A New Standard in Affordable Luxury Jewelry

Published

2 days ago

December 19, 2024

Michelle Langton

Photo credit: Kristien Surya Jewelry

Byline: Sarah Kingston-Powell

Kristien Surya Jewelry combines cultural heritage with contemporary design from its Newport Beach headquarters. Launched in November 2023, the brand draws from Western, Indian, Chinese, and Islamic design elements. The signature pieces include the Hamsa hands collection with natural gemstones and the organically shaped Sunyata series, both crafted in sterling silver, solid 14K, and 18K gold.

“Each piece tells a story of cultural connection through carefully selected materials and meaningful symbolism,” says founder Kristien, who bootstrapped the company as its sole angel investor.

Social Impact Through Accessible Pricing

Despite its recent launch, the brand experienced significant early success, reflecting strong consumer interest. With global shipping and plans to expand its reach, Kristien Surya Jewelry is poised to attract an international audience that values culturally meaningful and socially responsible luxury.

While fine jewelry typically commands premium prices, Kristien Surya offers installment payment options and competitive pricing without compromising materials or craftsmanship.

A portion of sales supports the National Pediatric Cancer Association’s Sunshine Project, which develops non-toxic cancer treatments for children. Proceeds also help fund education and fair wage initiatives for women and children facing economic hardships.

Sustainability and Customization Focus

The brand’s ECO-LOVE Program incorporates lab-grown gems alongside natural stones, addressing growing consumer interest in sustainable luxury goods. Market research from McKinsey indicates that 73% of millennials are willing to spend more on sustainable brands.

“We select natural gemstones and crystals not just for aesthetics, but for their unique properties that promote emotional and spiritual well-being,” Sun explains. Customers can personalize their amulets by choosing specific gemstones, creating individual meaning for each piece.

Market Strategy and Growth

Currently serving North America through its e-commerce platform, Kristien Surya plans to expand to additional online marketplaces. “Our goal is more than about selling jewelry—we’re building a brand that celebrates diverse cultural heritage while making fine jewelry accessible to more people,” says Kristien. The company maintains a strong social media presence on Instagram and Facebook to engage with customers and showcase its cultural influences.

Kristien Surya Jewelry sets itself apart with its focus on cultural inspiration, sustainability, and social impact. Leveraging digital platforms like Instagram and Facebook, the brand aims to foster a vibrant online community. Special promotions, such as Blind Box Gifts for early followers, enhance its engagement strategy.

Design Philosophy and Production

Each collection draws inspiration from specific cultural elements: Western philosophical traditions, Indian spirituality, Chinese harmony concepts, and Islamic artistic patterns. The manufacturing process combines traditional craftsmanship with modern production techniques to maintain quality while achieving competitive pricing.

The Hamsa hands collection features double gemstone settings—an innovation within its price category. Production standards match luxury specifications: all pieces undergo multiple quality control checks and come with authentication certificates.

Future Developments

Kristien Surya plans to introduce new collections quarterly while maintaining its core design philosophy. The company’s near-term objectives include expanding its online presence and developing additional customization options for customers.

The brand recently began developing partnerships with retail locations in major U.S. cities, though specific details remain private. Current data suggests strong market potential for culturally-inspired fine jewelry at accessible price points, particularly among millennial and Gen Z consumers who prioritize meaning and value in their purchases.