Houston Strong: Ways to Shop Small and Give Back

Houston Strong: Ways to Shop Small and Give Back

AFTER AN ALREADY tough year, small businesses in Texas are banding together to give back to the community following last week's disastrous winter storm. Here's a rundown of some of the feel-good gear and great goods you can score, all while benefiting recovery efforts!


Fifty percent of proceeds from the sales of Em Gems Creations' Texas Strong bracelets will go to Kids Meals Houston. Each bracelet is $20, which means every sale funds five meals.

Now through Feb. 28, 100 percent of proceeds from limited-edition pressed-flower prints from Designs by Andrea will go to winter-storm recovery efforts.

Texas-based illustrator Emily Griffin designed a t-shirt — size-inclusive, and in five colors! — with all proceeds going straight to the Houston Food Bank.

While not a Texas-based biz, Alabama's Lolly Crayons has created red, white and blue Texas-shaped crayons for $3 each, with all proceeds benefiting Kids Meals.

Here's another tee, designed by Yami Mufdi and released via her Levavi athleisure brand. Sales benefit four organizations across the state: Feed the People, Para Mi Gente, Austin Mutual Aid and Mutual Aid Houston.

Dallas-based gift shop Sprinkled with Pink launched a new Texas-themed collection, and all proceeds go to Genesis Women's Shelter, providing shelter and resources for women and children who are victims of domestic violence. Genesis was forced to close its doors last week for the first time in its 35-year history.

La Vie en Rose floral boutique will be donating 10 percent of all proceeds to Kids Meals through March 5.

People + Places
Leadership in Action: CEO Theresa Roemer Credits Mother, Mentors and Mindset for Accomplishments

How did you get to where you are today? My journey to where I am today is built on a foundation of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Every step along the way, I faced obstacles, but I approached each one with determination and a “never give up” mindset. Instead of being discouraged by challenges, I used them as opportunities to grow and improve. Consistency was key—I committed to showing up and giving my best effort every day. I also learned not to take “no” as a final answer. Instead, I saw it as a chance to push harder, adapt, and find another way forward. It’s this combination of persistence, resilience, and unwavering focus that has brought me to where I am today.

Keep Reading Show less

Christopher Salazar stars as troubled-genius chef in the Alley's 'Seared'.

ONE OF HOUSTON'S favorite theater makers — Alley Associate Artistic Director Brandon Weinbrenner — has gotten some delicious news about his latest show. The run of his Seared, a sometimes-funny and sometimes-intense tale of life in the kitchen at a suddenly hot New York restaurant by playright Theresa Rebeck, has been extended beyond its original schedule and will now be up through March 9.

Keep Reading Show less
Food+Travel

Flora Choy, Vanitha Pothuri and Blanca Beltran-Robinson

IT WAS A memorable evening for art lovers, to be sure. Connie Kwan-Wong and her independently published CKW Luxe magazine hosted an elegant event amid priceless works of art at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties