Small Biz

Our Favorite Independent Shops in Houston to Support Local Makers

There’s a new wave of community-minded small boutiques in town where you can feel good about spending your dollars.

09/20/2023 By Geneva Diaz

Giving Season

Houston's Best Holiday Markets for Gift-Giving

Houston’s holiday markets serve up local makers, festive bites, Santa sightings, and unexpected finds for every name on your list.

12/03/2025 By Erica Cheng and Houstonia Staff

Made in Houston

A New Wave of Local Makers Has Arrived in Houston

There’s never been a better time to support local.

12/01/2023 Edited by Emma Balter

Shop ’Til You Drop

Where to Spend a Fun Day of Shopping in Houston

From historic streets to new shopping centers, here's where to go for retail therapy.

07/24/2024 By Claire Anderson and Sofia Gonzalez

Shop Local

Our Favorite Locally Owned Toy Stores in Houston

Shop for the newest toy trend or something more nostalgic.

08/03/2023 By Anna Rajagopal

Greetings from Houston

Write Your Holiday Cards on a Houston-Made Creation This Season

Spread the love, one locally designed card at a time.

11/28/2023 By Geneva Diaz

Plates to Pottery

Lori Muñoz Turned Her Lockdown into a Thriving Ceramics Brand

The colorful, nostalgic Houston brand Lorita Makes was born after Muñoz's restaurant job slowed during the pandemic.

12/01/2023 By Geneva Diaz

Sticking Power

Houston’s Resin Artists Are Preserving Beautiful Memories

These locally made goods showcase everything from flowers to Taylor Swift concert tickets.

11/30/2023 By Emma Balter

Performance Grade

How Houston’s Rubén Isaza Became a Fashion Designer to the Stars

Just a few years ago, he was a dishwasher at a restaurant. Now he dresses celebrities like Lizzo.

11/29/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

A Solid Impression

Making Art from Concrete Is a Family Tradition for This Houstonian

Before cementing herself as an expert in all things concrete art, local artist Myrna Hagelsieb spent her childhood learning from her father in Mexico.

11/27/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

Quarantreats

These Pandemic ‘Pivot’ Foods Are Still Being Made Today

Once a lifeline during COVID-19 restaurant shutdowns, these packaged goods became so popular that Houston chefs continued selling them.

11/29/2023 By Emma Balter

Slow Fashion

This Houston Fashion Designer Wants Your Clothes to Actually Last

Bobbie Johnson’s Béyu brand is all about sustainability.

11/28/2023 By Uvie Bikomo

Time Out

These Houston Makers' Goods Are All about Self-Care

From scented candles to cosmetics, we love these locally crafted products.

11/30/2023 By Uvie Bikomo

Festive Foraging

Visit These Local Farms to Pick Your Own Christmas Tree

No better way to really feel the joy of the season.

11/20/2024 By Uvie Bikomo

Oldie But Goodie

Find Your Next Vintage Item at These Houston-Area Antique Shops

Hunting for second-hand gems never gets old.

08/24/2023 By Geneva Diaz and Emma Balter

El Legado de los Muertos

Casa Ramirez’s Ode to Latino Culture Is as Vibrant as Ever

More than three years after Macario Ramirez’s passing, the Mexican folk art store in the Heights is a testament to the enduring power of art, love, community, and his wife, Chrissie Dickerson Ramirez.

09/05/2023 By Geneva Diaz

Supernatural

Houston’s Best Witchy Shops Are Full of Magic

Embrace your inner witch by diving into the spellbinding world of these local metaphysical stores.

10/04/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

Reina de las Tamales

How Momma’s Tamales Handles the Holiday Crunch

Inspired by her mother’s recipes, Ana Soria turned the Bellaire tamale shop into a beloved business that grinds nonstop around Christmas.

11/10/2023 By Geneva Diaz

Houstonia Magazine

Houstonia's Holiday Gift Guide