Cynthia Aguillón Bernard’s Guide to Austin
Cynthia Aguillón Bernard, founder and CEO of ATX Yoga Girl LLC, has become a leading figure in Austin’s wellness community. A certified yoga and mindfulness teacher with more than a decade of study, she brings a trauma-informed approach to her practice, guiding people through movement, mindfulness and joy. Bernard has led classes at Austin City Limits Music Festival, the Four Seasons Hotel, Commodore Perry Estate and the University of Texas, and her client list has included Camila Alves McConaughey of Women of Today and musician Alanis Morissette.
Aguillón Bernard’s work reflects her deep connection to Austin’s creative and wellness communities. As a TRIBEZA Curator, she joined us for a conversation about her roots, her go-to places and the community that inspires her.
How long have you lived in Austin?
Cynthia Aguillón Bernard: I moved here in 1994 from Victoria, Texas, where I grew up — celebrating 31 years in Austin now! After visiting extended family in Austin several times growing up, I dreamed of the day I’d be old enough to try it on my own. I felt an instant pull to the city. There was always a sense that something was beyond my small-town life (which I now have a profound reverence for) — people I hadn’t met yet and places to discover.
I easily fell in love with Town Lake, the trails, the music and the big-yet-small-town feel. Meeting Cissy Spacek and getting her autograph on the trail was a fun memory. I was able to move here with a job transfer at 19 years old in the cosmetics field — the beginning of my long journey with Clinique and Estée Lauder Companies — and I signed up for a few Austin Community College classes before eventually enrolling at Texas State University.
What do you love about Austin?
CB: There is so much intentionality behind Austin. I love the mix of green space, water, wellness, puppies, people and music! There is a vibration here with an old soul and deep roots. This city allows me to experiment. Inspired by the deeply creative and passionate artists, I love hearing their stories and cheering them on. What grounds me most is knowing there is something here for everyone and that water and nature surrounds me.
From sharing sound baths with the likes of Camilla Alves McConaughey to Alanis Morisette, then to be in the same week on Lady Bird Lake guiding a floating sound bath with Rowing Dock, I’m reminded that this city offers both exciting and grounding experiences if we dare to dream.
What’s your perfect day in Austin—from morning to night?
CB: My perfect day always begins with nature. It could be a walk, an early morning swim at Barton Springs or another watering hole. Then I’m off to teach yoga at some of Austin’s iconic green spaces like Pease Park or Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
From there, it might be breakfast at Casa De Luz, coffee and people watching at Café No Sé, a session at Austin Salt Room to support my immune system, or a visit to Peoples RX to meet with a wellness expert. You can find me at a workout class with Savor + Sweat, or popping in at fun community gatherings like the Tribeza magazine launches or Blanton All Day.
Most evenings are with my pups and husband, and we tend to take it easy with places like Güero’s for Mexican food and live music on South Congress. If the stars align, we are off to listen to more live music (maybe THEBROSFRESH or Folk Uke) or catch a performance at the Long Center. Walking the streets always reminds me of how eclectic, friendly and weirdly awesome this city is. You can even walk into your local HEB and hear live music legends and aspiring musicians during happy hour.
Where do you take out-of-towners to show them the “real” Austin?
CB: Casa de Luz Village, Vespaio Ristorante, Moreno Barbecue, Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Park, Saxon Pub, Veracruz All Natural and Joann’s Fine Foods. A trip to Laguna Gloria and stand-up paddleboarding at Rowing Dock.
Also, Moss Designer Consignment. It’s a place that is woman-owned, local, and has been around for 15 years. I have friends who come into town and love thrifting, but this is more luxury consignment. You get the best of both worlds — a stylist and always a little bubbly to go shopping with.
Are there any lesser-known Austin gems that you’re willing to share?
CB: The Wayback. Tucked away only 15 minutes away from downtown, I discovered this gem shortly after the mother-daughter duo opened it and I began teaching a few yoga classes on the lawn. This charming, down-to-earth collection of cottages and farm-to-table café soon became a favorite spot for fun girlfriend lunches, Sunday brunch with my husband and parents, plus many stops in between. It is my go-to meeting spot and a fun place for a dip in the saltwater pool. I always feel at home and the food is always amazing!
What do you hope never changes about Austin, even as the city grows?
CB: I love being able to meet someone new every day and have something or someone in common. It’s that big city mixed with small–town warmth that makes this place so special.
The way this city comes together, especially in support of people, puppies, places or causes they are passionate about, is truly heartwarming. I hope our community continues coming together as one to celebrate or support our neighbors in times of need — from music, art, food and fashion. And yes, continue to embrace the amazing holistic wellness community and the University of Texas, which makes us, “alright, alright, alright.”
Aguillón Bernard’s Austin Favorites
Favorite music venue: ACL Live, Emo’s and Antone’s
Favorite park or trail? Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Favorite spot for date night: Vespaio, followed by Saxon Pub to see Folk Uke perform on stage.
Favorite place to shop: Moss Designer Consignment is my go-to for “new-to-me” luxury pieces. Women-owned and locally run for 15 years, it’s a sustainable spot where the stylists help curate your perfect style while being conscious of the environment.
Favorite place to unwind and relax: My happy place is Casa de Luz Village. It’s a place where I feel safe, connected with the community and nourished from my belly to my soul. It’s like a retreat in the middle of the city.
Favorite festival or annual event: ACL Festival for many reasons! In 2014, it was my first date with my now-husband, Clay, and my first time to ever attend the festival. We go every year now for the energy, to check out new bands and to celebrate our anniversary. Additionally, for the past three years, I have taught yoga on the ACL Kiddie Limits stage!
Favorite nonprofit: Latinitas