Austin Way Magazine - GreenGale Publishing - There is a place beyond the crowds, beyond the ropes, where dreams are realized and success is celebrated. You are invited.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/367813
photography by paige newton The Sweet Life renowneD promoter LOUIS MESSINA works with the biggest names in country music, anD his wife CHRISTINE has turneD the canDy Jar into an irresistibLe stop for kiDs anD parents aLike. BY KATHY BLACKWELL With her husband, legendary concert promoter Louis Messina, constantly on tour with some of country music's biggest stars, Christine Messina puts a spe- cial value on family time. A trip with their daughters, ages 5 and 8, last year inspired Christine to open The Candy Jar, a whimsical store and party space marking its first year in the Hill Country Galleria. She and Louis saw how fami- lies f locked every day to a candy store in Rosemary Beach, Florida. "Why don't we have a place like this in Austin?" he asked, and she knew right then she wanted to create a similar experience back home. "The area is full of young families. The growth is unbelievable," says Christine. Instead of a paintbox explosion of primary colors, Christine, who has a business degree from the University of Texas, chose a French Country theme, accented by chandeliers, carousel horses, and tasteful but welcoming displays. "A lot of candy stores give you heart palpitations when you walk in; they're like circuses," she says. She wanted a space more inviting to parents. "Everything she described became reality," recalls Louis, his upbringing in New Orleans apparent in his cadence. (The New Orleans-style Snoball machine in The Candy Jar was his inf luence.) The 40-year music industry veteran in 1975 cofounded Pace Concerts, which eventu- ally became part of Clear Channel. As founder of The Messina Group, he represents artists like Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney, and, for 20 years now, George Strait. The Messinas, who married in 2005, moved to Austin from Houston four years ago to give their daughters a safe, nurturing environment (three of Louis's grown sons also live here). "It's a real life," Christine says. "For us, every- thing is about the children. The kids who slip through the cracks always tug on us." With that in mind, charities they support include the Dell Children's Medical Center as well as its Surgical Global Outreach program, Caritas of Austin, SafePlace, Austin's Children Shelter, and Zach Theatre. Louis recently wrapped up the record-breaking, two- year Cowboy Rides Away Tour with Strait. After a family trip to Hawaii, he is preparing to travel for months yet again as Swift, Chesney, Ed Sheeran, and Eric Church all embark on or prepare for big tours. Meanwhile, Christine is focusing on the store's first birth- day party; on Sugar Rush, her packaged collection of curated sweets; and on ensuring The Candy Jar is ready for Halloween through Easter. She hand-selects merchandise and supports three local vendors: Maggie Louise Confections, Laura Atlas's Kiskadee Chocolates, and Naked Fox dessert bars. Naked Fox made custom treats for all of the guest stars at Strait's final show in Dallas, including Faith Hill, Chesney, Martina McBride, Vince Gill, and Sheryl Crow. "My artists are always looking for the hookup," Louis says. "They'll look right through me and search for Christine." The Candy Jar, Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave, 512-402-1177, thecandyjartx.com AW Louis and Christine Messina relish their time together at their West Austin home. "My artists are always looking for the [candy] hookup. they'll look right through Me and search for christine." —louis messina 76 AUSTINWAY.com PEOPLE Dynamic Duo