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.
Browsing: Small business
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.
“I hope that all these families will be prepared, that they will be less stressed and that they know that they have support during unexpected circumstances,” Ritchie said.
“Mary has poured so much of her heart and passion into her clothing brand, Joyful, to spread the same message of the joy that is found in Christ,” Ellsworth said. “I know she has impacted so many people through her brand, and I’m so lucky to have walked alongside her and to see the way that she continues to inspire others.”
Eventually, Baesa transformed her love of art into an online store called “Designs With Jamie,” where she sells various products such as stickers, cards, notepads, apparel and more. Every product is personally designed by Baesa, and she has collections like “Taylor Swift Eras” and “Asian Love.”
Most students focus on grades, their jobs, relationships and more during their years at college. On top of all that, Rockwall senior Laney Sledge runs her very own boutique.
Fifteen minutes outside of Waco, on a back road in McGregor, resides a small local dairy called Mill-King Market and Creamery. Aside from distributing milk and various other dairy products, the dairy also has a storefront on the farm that carries an array of other small business products and organic food.
Since its commencement last fall, the Austin Avenue Art Fair has cultivated community and enriched culture through showcasing artists and musicians. This year, the community will come together from Nov. 1-3 to celebrate and admire the talents of local artists.
Waco, like many other college towns, has an abundance of coffee shops for students to study in. While students often settle for convenience when it comes to their coffee, Dan Moroso, owner of recently opened Italian cafe “Azzurro,” urges them to venture out of the Baylor bubble to Bosque Blvd for a cup of coffee they won’t forget.
Waco has grown to become a prime hub for home goods and decor with the Magnolia takeover in recent years. However despite some overlapping niches, local boutique Lane’s on Austin Avenue continues to find ways to thrive as it extends its lifetime-long existence of over 75 years.
“Don’t even worry about failing,” he said. “Don’t even worry about the logistics, right? You start first. You bully yourself into starting, and then you figure everything else out as it comes.”
The Holistic Fair on Sept. 22, this year titled “Healing Harvest”, featured several small business teaming up to benefit The Phoenix Project, an organization with the goal of providing aid to the homeless.
“I hope that people feel just a sense of a Holy Spirit-filled space that’s just welcoming to all,” Lim said. “It just shows that the heart of our church is within our coffee shop, and possibly, they may want to visit the church.”
Penland Residence Hall — also known as the warehouse of the Fino St. apparel line. With three guys, 150 square feet and boxes full of sweatshirts, it’s a recipe for success.
When TikTok Shop came around, advertisements masquerading as regular videos became even more common. Not only that, but the same products would be advertised again and again in an attempt to pressure users into purchasing via the platform.
The lifeline of the Waco Downtown Cultural District, Austin Avenue is home to many locally owned businesses, both new and old. A favorite among vintage and antique collectors as well as fans of “shabby chic” style is Cameron Trading Co.
“The construction project included reconstruction of everything in the right-of-way on Elm Avenue from MLK Boulevard to Spring Street,” a City of Waco statement reads. “Improvements included sidewalk, streetscape, drainage, waterline, and accessibility updates. New pedestrian lighting as well as landscaping were also added.”
“She has a heart of gold and her mission, honest to God, is to love you, and she is going to do it with these cinnamon rolls,” Cook said. “My suspicion is that the secret to Kimberly’s success has far more to do with how she treats other people than even the quality of her product.”
“Professional brand image is how your reputation is perceived by others,” reads Shiners’ website. “We provide our services so that you can achieve and maintain that reputation.”
When West junior Audrey Holloman joined TikTok in fall 2021, she had no idea it would grow into a platform for a small business.
While neither entrepreneurs envisioned owning a coffee shop as their ‘when I grow up’ trope, they have successfully created a brand that has spread kindness throughout the Waco community.