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Alexis Contos is a multi-hyphenate Breadwinner mother who launched The Breadwinners following the success of that first dinner at SXSW 2025

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Episode 2 | The Art of Devotion with Aileen Fitzgerald

In this episode, Alexis sits down with Aileen Fitzgerald, an Austin-based landscape artist who embodies “the art of devotion.” After eight years as an ICU nurse, Aileen made the bold decision to pursue her childhood passion for painting while raising her daughter Lilah.

From overcoming early discouragement to choosing emotional richness over financial security, Aileen shares how she navigates the tension between scheduling for freedom, presence and productivity. Learn about her commitment to seeing life in pure colors (literally – she won’t wear sunglasses), her belief in physical connection as a love language, and how she’s modeling authenticity for her 2 daughters while building a thriving artistic practice.

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Breadwinners Stories, Multi-Hyphenate Life, System Redesign

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Alexis Contos is a multi-hyphenate Breadwinner mother herself who created that first SXSW dinner that sparked a movement.

As someone living the reality of financially leading her family while being deeply present for them - and wearing multiple other hyphens in the process - Alexis recognized the need for a platform that celebrates rather than apologizes for women's multi-dimensional ambition.

Hi! I'm Alexis

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