Behind the Pints

The Houston Ice Cream Makers Redefining the Frozen Dessert Game

Patra Lee’s Kitchen, Milk & Sugar, and Underground Creamery are changing what ice cream can mean.

05/13/2026 By Brittany Britto Garley

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

Go in Peace

Casa Ramirez, Houston’s Beloved Mexican Folk Art Gallery, Will Close After 41 Years

The Heights institution that helped popularize Día de Muertos and champion Latin American artists will close next spring, but its legacy lives on.

10/31/2025 By Meredith Nudo

Bayougraphy

Mused Houston’s Melissa Richardson Banks on the Labor of Art Marketing

From Los Angeles to Houston, she’s spent three decades championing artists and the organizations that support them.

10/17/2025 By Meredith Nudo

The Classics

Dessert Gallery Marks 30 Years as a Houston Sweet Spot

From carrot cake to Cosmic Birthday Cake, Sara Brook’s Kirby bakery has been serving up Houston’s favorite desserts for three decades.

09/19/2025 By Sofia Gonzalez

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

Houstonia Magazine

Small Business