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

Murry & Karen Penner, Owners, M PENNER

How did you get where you are today? We’ve stayed true to the vision of the store’s founder, Morris Penner, who relentlessly sought out unique product, with exceptional quality being a key element. Morris always used to say, “The fastest way to lose a customer is to bore him” and we agree. A percentage of every season’s budget is allocated to something new and unique. While product is key, it’s not enough. Having an excellent staff and discipline in business practices is also critical.

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Bianca Bucaram, founder of The Bucaram PR Group and BXM Music

Get to Know Bianca:

Bianca Bucaram, founder of The Bucaram PR Group and BXM Music, is a dynamic force in the public relations industry. She is known for her tenacity, empathy, and bilingual communication skills. As a local publicist with national reach, she blends local insights with broader impact, telling compelling stories that foster business growth and create opportunities.

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