Once the holidays rolled around this year, Dichotomy Coffee and Spirits transformed into a whimsical festive display complete with life-sized “gingerbread” details, floating presents, Whoville-style décor and this year, an igloo home to plush penguins.

While Sison might be new to the restaurant game, Wacoans have been seeing this business’s smiling taco logo on Ziploc-style bags of horchata and paper trays of homemade tacos at local events for years now.

Customers are greeted with questions about where they’re from and what they’re craving. Introductions to the pitmaster and the cook come naturally, and most leave feeling like regulars by the time they walk out.

What began as a creative pastime during high school has turned into a heartfelt business for sophomore Sivan Katzav, who designs and sells handmade jewelry through her small business, Liana Faith Boutique.

The Junior League of Waco brought holiday magic to the Extraco Events Center with its 19th annual Deck the Halls Holiday Gift Market. Held Oct. 23–26, the four-day event transformed the venue into a festive winter wonderland, drawing crowds from across Central Texas for shopping, celebration and community impact.

Starting Friday, local foodies will have the opportunity to get discounted meals and special menu items from over 50 restaurants, cafes and food trucks across town, all thanks to Waco Restaurant Week.

Webster Market is no longer just a promising idea — it’s now a shopping, dining and community destination in the heart of Waco. This market at 1001 Webster Ave. is showing real signs of becoming one of the city’s quiet, go-to recreational spots.

According to the current owner of the greenhouse, Ashli Robken, Bonnie was a born-and-raised Wacoan and plant lover. Bonnie had originally started the greenhouse as a casual neighborhood shop, later growing her passion into a blooming business and local Waco staple.

Last November, Golden Green made its debut in downtown Waco, and since then, it has taken on many ventures. Between pop-ups, events and now potential new member (PNM) styling sessions, Golden Green is making its mark on the women of Baylor.

In the online fashion community, possessing a closet full of “Pinterest-worthy” outfits has become a coveted status symbol, but not everybody has the skill to bring that style off of Pinterest, and into the real world. Chandler, Ariz., sophomore Audrey Savage has created a business to do just that for the students of Baylor, and beyond.

What began as an entrepreneurial dream for owners Kayla and Ismael Olvera has flourished into a thriving reality known as Mila Café, Waco’s first official Mexican coffee shop.

From funky armadillo paintings to sidewalk chalk masterpieces, Art on Elm turned a quiet Saturday morning at the Bridge Street Plaza farmer’s market into a vibrant block party full of live music, food trucks and local creativity.

From barbecue and tacos to gourmet boba and sweet treats, the showcase gave students a chance to explore the city’s food scene without leaving campus.

On the corner of Washington Ave. and 8th St., next to Tecovas, sits Studio Grocery, a local downtown Waco vintage store run by Baylor alumni Colton Dearing and Michael Davidson.

For Waco Salon Asylum owners, Jesse and Meagan Kruse, hairstyling is not just about a good cut and color: it’s about curating a welcoming environment dedicated to client connections and fostering a nurturing learning space for stylists.

Located on 1001 Webster Ave, Webster Market aims to bring both locals and tourists a place to enjoy local shopping close to downtown.

For florists at Baylor Flowers and Bloomingal’s Floral Boutique, Easter brings an uptick in demand for flowers that embody joy, family gatherings and the fresh start that spring represents. From lilies to tulips, these seasonal staples play a key role in holiday decor and gift giving.

“The Bug Lady” business owner Alaina Michaels grew up watching her peers experiment with questions surrounding their identity and passions. She said her experience was different.

Baylor Flowers, which was previously located at a shopping center on the corner of 16th St. and Speight Ave., now resides on the corner of 11th St. and La Salle Ave. in its new permanent location.

On March 22, Kaptive Kandles will host “The Experience,” an event where attendees can immerse themselves in the art of candle making for $35. Open to participants ages 10 and up, the event invites the community to explore the craft in a welcoming, interactive setting.

The restaurant is set to open on April 1, featuring a variety of European dinner foods such as crab beignets, 12-ounce ribeye and half-bird confit. But the main course Fischer wants people to take away from his restaurant is happiness.

Norma’s Florals has inspired the Cha Community team to focus more on floral teas at this new location, though their signature milk boba teas will still be offered. Jaja Chen said she was excited to show customers more specialty teas, allowing them to be educated in both the preparation and sourcing of teas from a variety of cultures, including Taiwan and Nepal.

Beyond making custom cookies, Keith also enjoys sharing her craft through cookie decorating workshops. She hosted classes in January and February and has another planned for April 12 at McLennan Community College from 10 a.m. to noon for $69.

The store’s main concept is to provide something for everyone and ensure every customer finds something that suits their vision, no matter the price range or style, Cole said.

Tot Talbert, the current owner of Show and Tell Antiques, said the building has a fascinating history, from its original use as Lazenby’s home to its transformation into an antique shop in the ’50s. For decades, the space has been a haven for antique lovers, passed down through generations, and today, Talbert and her family continue to preserve its legacy.

“It is our humble little stand, but it is something that we’re proud of,” DiCamillo said. “It’s fun and it just gives us an opportunity to share with others, neighbors, friends and really anybody that decides to follow along the journey.”

Tucked in a little shopping area on 25th St. and Washington Ave. lies The Carpenter’s Daughter, which opened in October 2024. It is run by an owner who thrives off her community and enthusiasm for her small business.

Between traveling to almost 30 countries and opening her own business at 23, Adeline Camarena has combined her passion for baking with her love of travel in her coffee and dessert shop, Around The World.

Startup Tree is an all-in-one entrepreneurship management software used by universities to connect student entrepreneurs with mentors in the surrounding areas. The company was founded over 10 years ago and has since acquired over 170,000 users, according to its website.

Mortman plans to hold a soft opening for the boutique during the week of Nov. 23 and a grand opening on Dec. 6 and 7. The grand opening event will offer an array of refreshments, discounts and giveaways for attendees.