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Who Is HOUMade?
Houston Made is a local branding initiative to support small maker and manufacturing businesses producing locally made goods. These can include artisan and craft-based businesses using handmade techniques to high-tech ventures utilizing digital tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines.
We are actively working to establish an innovative partnership network of community organizations, public entities, businesses and industry leaders to bring this initiative to life. Check out our current makers, retailers & community partners or reach out if you would like to learn how your organization can join our network!
stories
Meet Local Makers
We are excited to offer regular community programming to support existing entrepreneurs and make pathways for their businesses. HOUMade offers meetups, help across HCC locations, seasonal pop-ups and collaborations with other partners to raise visibility of Houston made across the Greater Houston area.
chef+bartender+chemist
LaShan Arceneaux
In the aftermath of my partner, Coop's, passing, HOUmade became my unexpected refuge. Prompted by Connie Leon's post in the Houston Latina Bloggers group, I joined workshops at the West Houston Institute, seeking solace and a break from grief. What started as a social and learning outlet expanded into a transformative journey, from makers sessions to workshops on exporting and branding. HOUmade led me to the East End Makers Hub event, where the revelation about Kiva reshaped my business aspirations. Empowered by HOUmade, especially Connie, I secured a Kiva loan, propelling me to enhance production and revitalize my website. The profound impact of these connections has been my unexpected WOW moment, showcasing HOUmade's remarkable influence in fostering growth, resilience, and community bonds.
Raíces Plants & Decor
Kathleen Villela
Hi! I'm Kathleen Villela, a wife, mom, and proud owner of the Latina brand Raíces Plants & Decor. A heartfelt thank you to Ms. Connie Leon for this incredible opportunity to enhance my business knowledge and brand. This workshop has been transformative, teaching me the essence of branding and the dedication required for a business. Under the guidance of exceptional Business Trainers, I even revamped my logo and brand name. They emphasized the holistic importance of our brand, logo, self-marketing, and the resilience to persevere. The confidence instilled in me extends to catering to my supportive audience. Networking with other talented business owners has been invaluable. I wholeheartedly recommend these workshops to fellow entrepreneurs—it's a gain without any loss. Thank you, Connie!
Self Care Curated Products
Samarra Adley
Samarra Adley of Mom Beyond Birth. Her business focuses on curating high-quality relaxing self-care bath and body products that any busy, overwhelmed mom could fit into her hectic schedule. She also aims to educate moms from the 4th trimester and beyond about the importance of self-care through seminars, workshops, and presentations. Samarra has had her LLC for about two years and recently obtained a DBA. First and foremost, she is a mom of 3 young children, and they are the primary inspiration for her business. Samarra has a Neuroscience B.S. and pharmacy experience that she has combined with her real-life mom experience to educate moms and curate self-care products. When she received an email from HCC’s the West Houston Institute about the HOUMade program and the entrepreneurship classes resuming after a small pause. She chose to attend the Business Leadership series at the SE campus because it was near her home, and she had done a previous entrepreneur series with HCC’s the West Houston Institute HOUMade program in the Summer of 2023, which she enjoyed. The Business Leadership series allowed her to address the fears preventing her from fully pursuing her business full-time. It also made her stop blaming others for her failures and obtain the confidence needed to fix the problems in her life personally and within her business. Before this series, she almost closed her business completely; however, after completing the first 4 weeks; she created her logo, bought products, began networking, and sought more opportunities. This series was a life changer. Elva Trevino, Business Coach, and facilitator of the series, proved to be a valuable mentor throughout the classes as well as after the series. Connie Leon, Program Coordinator at WHI, who created the series, has been great at making sure Samarra had the resources needed to further her business. During the series, she built connections with entrepreneurs that have brought her excellent information and outside networks relevant to her field.