Giving Season

Local Holiday Markets to Find Gifts Anyone Would Love

Make your seasonal shopping a breeze.

11/04/2024 By Uvie Bikomo and Houstonia Staff

Paying It Forward

Truth BBQ Doesn’t Just Offer Great Food. It Gives Second Chances.

The acclaimed Houston restaurant has been quietly helping houseless and formerly incarcerated people for years.

04/25/2024 By Sofia Gonzalez

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spectrum Fusion

This Houston Nonprofit Is Helping Autistic Adults Succeed in the Workplace

Spectrum Fusion's all-autistic media team helps create a sense of community and belonging for autistic adults.

04/26/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

BOBA FEST

A Taste of the High Life in Houston

Wife of Playboy founder’s brother brings a touch of Hollywood glamour to her new cafe.

03/06/2023 By Jake Whitney

WINNING BIG

3 Houston Entrepreneurs Just Won $30,000 for Their Start-ups

This year’s competition gave a whopping $10,000 to a diverse and promising group of entrepreneurs in Houston.

11/11/2022 By Rosemary Akpan

SHOP LOCAL

Support Houston Makers at Mala Market in Montrose

This female-owned nonprofit has everything from home décor and eco-friendly cleaning supplies to clothes and upcycled accessories.

06/08/2022 By Geneva Diaz

SHOPPING WITH PURPOSE

This Eco-Conscious Market Is Changing the Way People Shop

The Asch Building has everything, from home goods and clothing to fresh coffee and community classes.

06/01/2022 By Geneva Diaz

NOW OPEN

Brother-Sister Chef Duo Launch East End Café

The duo’s creative synergy is evident all over Café Louie’s menu.

05/12/2022 By Daniel Renfrow

Yelp for joy

Actress Brooklyn Decker and Yelp Announce “Make It Happen Day” to Aid Small Businesses

In response to the many disasters in Texas, Yelp answered the call to action to bring relief.

08/24/2021 By Shivani Parmar

Southern Hospitality

Need a Hand? Industry Vet Forms Food-and-Beverage Consulting Firm

Laval Hospitality looks to help restaurants and bars needing guidance after a tumultuous year.

06/18/2021 By Timothy Malcolm

What a Rush!

Love Those Cotton Candy TikTok Videos? This Business Is Bringing the Sweet Treat to You

Sugar Swirls is whirling up tasty, homemade, pastel-colored joy in Pasadena.

04/07/2021 By Meredith Nudo