Did you know? The phrase “Keep Austin Weird” was popularized as a call to action for residents to support local businesses and organizations.
Austinites are so good at supporting local that USA Today named the Capital City the best city in the US to start a business last year. In honor of our many movers and shakers, we’re asking readers to nominate small businesses they love so we can share them with the whole audience.
We’ll be here to share a new batch of small businesses every month, so bookmark this page to come back for more, especially if you’ve enjoyed our Small Business Week and Today’s Best coverage.
Editor Figi’s picks
Shop Slow | Apparel
From the owner: “Slow fashion is not about shopping really, it’s like anti-shopping almost — buying with quality in mind, not quantity. You’re supporting your community.” — Owner + designer Rebecca Wright
This upcycling-centered, approachable studio de couture has made threads for the likes of producer Benny Blanco, musician Leon Bridges, and SNL comedian Sarah Sherman. There are two ways to shop from the boutique: Pick out one of the pre-made designs on display in the store or order something custom-made for your body.
Vinca USA | Jewelry
From the owner: "(My favorite piece is) the Chopped Heart Hoops. They’re really fun to wear and people comment on them.” — Owner Amanda Dimova
From knife hair clips famously worn by Aubrey Plaza to cursor-shaped earrings, Vinca stocks jewelry for fans of all things quirky and whimsy. Vinca jewelry can be found in dozens of retailers in 26 states and counting, plus, it has been featured in magazines like Nylon, Seventeen, and Tribeza.
KG BBQ | Food + drink
From the owner: "(Trying Texas barbecue) was literally a life-changing experience. I was blown away by all of what I was absorbing with my senses. I grew up loving barbecue in Egypt and the Middle East — it’s very different.” — Owner + chef Kareem El-Ghayesh
Helmed by an avid home cook from Cairo, Egypt, El-Ghayesh’s barbecue has earned a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand distinction and been recognized by the James Beard Award Foundation since opening his food truck in 2022.’
Terrazzo Tea | Food + drink
From the owner: “Our drinks are paired with multiple ‘toppings’ — if you look at it, it kind of looks like the patterns in the terrazzo tiles.” — Co-owner Vi Nguyen
This boba shop was born to fill a space the owners felt was missing in the Austin area, inspired by their love of tea, street wear, music, late hours, and Instagrammable drinks.
Psst — if you’d like to see a small business included in ATXtoday, make sure to submit it here.
