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's note: Some quotes may have been edited for clarity and brevity.

Editor Figi's picks

This bright, shiny face is passionate about making sure you have new jewelry any time you want it. | Photo by Marshall Tidrick, courtesy Nina Berenato

Nina Berenato | 3200 Palm Way, Ste. #152

"I started this business to put my art into the world. All of the jewelry in the stores are my creations and I wanted the world to see it. I also wanted women to use it. Use it to feel beautiful, use it to remind them that they aren't alone and to honor some of the collective experience that we have as women." — Owner Nina Berenato

Figi here. As a proud owner of two Nina Berenato bracelets, there are few things I enjoy more than taking people to get zapped with some new jewels customized to their wearers. It's a great place to take a friend, buy a heartfelt gift, or treat yourself. Plus, Nina Berenato sells jewelry that doesn't need to be welded on to enjoy, and there are locations in Houston + Dallas.

KG BBQ | 3108 Manor Rd.
"(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.

Behold, the "Taro-zo" with strawberry heart jelly. | Photo by ATXtoday

Terrazzo Tea | 1923 E 7th St., Ste. #150
"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.

Expect to find media surrounding fashion, art, sports, and trinkets at TOMO Mags. | Photos by ATXtoday

TOMO Mags | 411 Brazos St.

"(TOMO is) an opportunity for anybody in Austin to come into the space and feel like they went out of town. I feel like we deserve that in Austin.” — Owner Vico Puentes

Looking to slow down and sit for a spell? TOMO is just the place to go. The brand new magazine shop, bookstore, and cafe is now open on Brazos Street. Opened by Vico Puentes, the shop sells products like art and stationery from around the world. When you stop by, know that inventory changes frequently, and grab a pastry from Cielito Lindo before you leave.

Vinca USA | Online
"(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.

Food + Beverage

We're dying to try the squid tentacles sando or the roasted tomato sando. | Photos by @choo_sando_omakase

Choo Sando | 5222 Burnet Rd., Ste. 535
"We focus highly on quality, making it our goal to keep grab-and-go meals made with love and fresh ingredients. All our food is made fresh daily and will be first-come, first-served." — Owner Jamie Choo

You've likely seen this business's milk bread sandos — with fillings ranging from pork katsu to strawberries and whipped cream — on social media, garnering huge lines to taste their fare. The shop also specializes in sushi and bowls, so there's a little something for everyone.

Merfolk’s Specialty Coffee | 4930 S. Congress Ave., Ste. 304c
"Merfolk’s is a summation of my passion for coffee and storytelling. It has one main mission: to keep creativity alive." — Owner Justin Monroe

Monroe said Merfolk's — a mystical, themed coffee shop — was born out of his interest in Dungeons + Dragons after getting sober. Each month has a themed menu (think: cryptids and "whimsigoth"), so you'll want to stop in often to try them all.

You can find this coffee truck at southeast Austin's Drinks Backyard and at The Lawn off South Congress Avenue. | Photo by Drew Elaine Photography

Later Gator Coffee Co. | Multiple locations
"Later Gator was created in loving memory of my late grandmother (MawMaw) Betty Sue Chance after she passed in February 2024. Later Gator is proud to be a 100% woman-owned and operated business." — Owner Jenna Griffis

Whether you're looking for seasonal sips or beignets, this Louisiana-themed shop is known for its colorful drinks. Try this: "The Pelican," a bananas foster flavored latte named after the state bird of Louisiana.

Health + Wellness

Invictus Martial Arts | 9800 N. Lake Creek Pkwy., Ste. 140
"Invictus isn’t just another gym offering club but a transformational resource for the community in health, wellness, and protection." — Owner Selynda Garza

This gym offers MMA, kickboxing, Muay Thai, jiu jitsu, and self-defense for everyone ages 3 and older. Try this: Invictus offers complimentary MMA classes for first-time patrons.

Jump! Gymnastics | Multiple locations
"We teach real gymnastics in a positive, non-competitive environment, using skill deconstruction and a proprietary level system so every child is challenged appropriately and advances through achievement." — Owner Natalie Egan

Voted the best gymnastics gym and best camp in Austin by Campity Camp, Austin Fit Magazine, and Austin Family Magazine, this gym gives children an energetic and confidence-building place to grow and develop healthy ways to engage their bodies.

Let a new type of exercise sweep you off your feet. | Photo courtesy Laché Movement Co.

Laché Movement Co. | 8868 Research Blvd., Ste. 701
"The word 'Laché,' commonly used in parkour, means 'to let go.' And this is what Laché Movement Co. encourages: to let go of fear, let go of doubt, let go of excuses, let go of the preconceived notions of what your body can and cannot do." — Co-owner Cali Thompson

If your typical exercise class isn't cutting it, explore the art of aerial arts, pole, and parkour while guided by professionals. Plus, you can try three classes for $60 to get started.

LeBody Spa And Wellness | 14001 ShadowGlen Blvd., Ste. G, Manornew
"Your body is a work of art, (and) we maintain the masterpiece. When you look good, you feel good. We are confidence builders." — Spa Director Kendra Siewe

Whether you're looking for laser treatments, body sculpting, facials, or massage therapy, this spa can do it all for you under one roof. Psst — the owner recommends trying one of the Korean skincare facials first.

Man Flow Yoga | Onlinenew
"I started Man Flow Yoga because this was the yoga I wish I had when I first got started. I was a college lacrosse player at the time, and I knew yoga could help me feel stronger and move better. It exposed a lot of weaknesses I didn’t know I had, but I couldn’t relate to the way traditional yoga was presented." — Owner Dean Pohlman

An on-demand platform teaching yoga tailored to men, Man Flow Yoga offers an "Absolute Beginner's Challenge" for men who are brand new to yoga, and a "Strength Foundations Challenge" for a more intermediate challenge.

Meet yourself with compassion at one of Open Form Yoga's intimate classes. | Photo by Likeness Studio

Open Form Yoga + Wellbeing | 2900 E. 12th St.
"Rather than approaching the studio with a 'growth above all' mindset, we set out to create something softer, more thoughtful, and true." — Owner Jasmine Mobasseri

Classes at this local studio are capped at 15 people, so they're small enough to emphasize personalized attention on your yoga practice. Try this: $65 two weeks unlimited for new students.

OutWellness | 211 E. Alpine Rd., Ste. 100
"I started this business to better serve the queer and trans community. I wanted to make sure that our community had access to the best care possible, without the emotional labor that often comes with going to healthcare appointments." — Owner Syd Young

This inclusivity-focused gym offers personal training, physical therapy, financial literacy classes, health classes, and free weekly workouts.

Instructors at Pure Pilates can help you make the most of your workout. | Photo via @purepilatesaustin

Pure Pilates Austin | Multiple locations
"Positive encouragement and helping people feel strong is the name if the game. I just want people to have a spot to do hard things and feel supported from the moment they walk in the door with the best instructors in Austin leading the way." — Founder + CEO Allison Slapnicka

There are three boutique Lagree studios — where trainers recommend starting with a class on the Megaformer — to visit where you can take 45-minute classes to strengthen and tone your body. Psst — try two classes for $34 or 10 classes for $180 if you're a first-timer.

Personal services

AllClean ATX | Online
"I started the business because I know how the condition of where we live impacts our whole life, from daily tasks, to mental health. I believe everyone deserves a clean space." — Founder Gabriel Jamison

Home cleaning services from this local business are set apart by the use of eco-friendly products and add-on services that include refrigerator + oven cleaning.

Austin Shoe Hospital | Multiple locations
"(Using these services) saves the environment and all articles are custom repaired by hand the same way we have been repairing shoes and boots for over 100 years." — Owner Carroll Kelly

With over a century's worth of experience caring and repairing for the items you use most in everyday life, Austin Shoe Hospital also works with bags, belts, luggage, and all kinds of leather goods. Figi here — Austin Shoe Hospital is where I take all of my purses when they need a little TLC.

Bougie Bougie Tattoo | 520 E. Oltorf St.
"We started this studio because we believe tattoos deserve the same level of intention and excellence you’d expect from a three-MICHELIN Star experience. Tattooing has always been more than an art form — it’s a way for people to express their stories, mark their growth, and carry something meaningful for the rest of their lives." — Owner Ihor Kaika

Artists at this studio specialize in fine-line, micro-realism, cosmic-inspired work, and even host artists from around the world in their space. If you visit, try and spot the disco balls displayed around the studio.

Queen of To Do | Onlinenew
"Queen of To Do was founded to solve a problem we saw everywhere: capable, successful people overwhelmed at home. Busy professionals were carrying invisible labor that drained their time, energy, and relationships. We built a service that provides consistent, proactive support so our clients can focus on their work, families, and lives without the constant mental load." — Co-owner Heather Snaman

If you thought personal assistance was just for celebrities, think again. This company, which has been serving Austin since 2011, helps with home organizing, in-home laundry, running errands, meal prep, house checks, and more so you can relax when you get home.

VLS Hair promises a warm and welcoming environment when you come in for your style. | Photo courtesy of Maigan Pearson

VLS Hair Braided Beauty Studio | 2700 W. Pecan St., Ste. 301, Pflugerville
"I wanted to create a space where women could not only receive quality protective styles but also feel empowered, confident, and cared for. Hair braiding has always been more than a service to me, it’s a cultural art form, a way to preserve healthy hair, and a means of building community." — Owner Vandy Vanderhorst

Professional stylists and braiders at this salon specialize in protective and beautiful styles, hydration treatments, silk presses for men and women's natural hair.

Retail

Shelves at Clover + Maven show where each piece comes from to help you discover a new favorite maker. | Photo courtesy Elizabeth Hyman

Clover + Maven | 1023 Springdale Rd., Bldg 6D
"This isn't a shop that happens to carry some local goods — it is entirely built around the makers. Every artisan has a stake in this space. Our consignment model means that when a maker's work sells, they feel it directly." — Co-owner Elizabeth Hyman

Candles, jewelry, art, books, stationery — if you can name it, you can probably find it at Clover + Maven. The artist collaborative is a great place to get gifts or find a joyful art piece to add to your home.

This is a sign to expand your jewelry collection with this shop. | Photo by Devil’s Details Boutique

Devil’s Details Boutique | 1628 S. 1st St.
"It’s a place of connection. Women sell their older jewelry and younger generations shop for style." — Owner Rebekka Adams

Visit this boutique to play dress-up with vintage costume jewelry from the 1900s through the 1980s.

Estilo | Multiple locations
"Before founding Estilo, I worked as a child and family therapist. Combining a love of people with a passion for fashion, Estilo was created to make shopping fun—like stepping into your best friend’s closet." — Owner Stephanie O'Neill

Shop women's, men's, and children's clothing for all occasions at this local store that has been in business since 2005. Try This: Ask one of the stylists to pull the perfect look for you.

Colorful rugs of a wolf and a giraffe laying flat. — Figi here — I would be delighted to receive one of these whimsical rugs from Joy Gift Shoppe. | Photo courtesy @joygiftshoppe

Joy Gift Shoppe | 3706 Kerbey Lane
"We try to blend both high design and Austin/Texas specific brands together in a coherent way. We love showcasing Austin talent and ingenuity." — Owner Christine Mattsson

If you're looking for a nice, locally made gift without having to scour the internet, Joy Gift Shoppe has already curated home decor, items for kids, stationery, clothing, games, books, jewelry, candles, and more that are guaranteed to spark joy.

Psst — you can also take flower arranging classes at La Fleur. | Photo via @lafleurflowermarket

La Fleur Fresh Flower Market | 10401 Anderson Mill Rd., Ste. 106

"I love fresh-cut flowers and I like doing it myself, so I came up with the idea for La Fleur, where people can create their own expression of joy. This makes us unique — there is nowhere else that you can choose by the stem." — Owner Kimberly Hume

Take a stroll through the walk-in flower cooler to take in the fresh scents and vibrant colors of nature when you visit this flower shop, which offers both ready-made bouquets and a DIY table where you can make your own arrang

You can even convert your charm into a necklace or bag charm later for a $5 fee. | Photo by Rachel Furnish

La Looma Loca | Online
"I started La Looma Loca because strangers kept commenting on my earrings! They would tell me how the subject of my jewelry reminded them of someone in their life - they have an aunt who collects umbrellas, or a sister who loves pigeons. I realized that what I wore could create community and I wanted to share that experience with as many people as possible." — Owner Rachel Furnish

If you're looking to give a gift that shows you really listen, this artist-owned business creates tiny little beaded tapestries to wear as earrings, bag charms, necklaces, and bracelets.

This local boutique makes fashionable clear bags for every occasion. | Photo courtesy of Margo Paige

Margo Paige | Online
"When I couldn't find stylish, affordable, clear handbags that actually lasted (especially for game days and concerts!), I decided to create them myself. What started as a search for the perfect clear bag evolved into something bigger — a brand committed to delivering sustainable, approachable fashion that doesn't compromise on style or values." — Founder Margo Perkins

Gone are the days of bland clear handbags. This boutique’s flagship product puts a stylish spin on clear bags + totes. New customers can get 10% off their first purchase. Plus, bags from this brand are made using thoughtfully sourced materials, minimized impact on the environment (through initiatives like the product takeback program), and supply chain transparency. New customers can get 10% off their first purchase.

Parker + Scott | Multiple locations
"We started Parker + Scott because we wanted to create the kind of shop we wished existed in our own neighborhood—a place that felt like home, reflected our values, and made it easy to shop more sustainably." — Co-owner Ian Haisley

Sustainability is at the forefront of this colorful store, which offers goods from 250+ women-owned brands, 190+ Texas-based companies, and a plastic-free refill bar.

Paws on Chicon | Multiple locations
"We started this in 600 sqft, and it was just a place to take my dogs to work with me. As a certified pet nutritionalist, I wanted to spread my knowledge." — Owner Keith Zeiler

This local pet supply shop is best known for its soft-serve dog/cat froyo, but it specializes in helping pet lovers help navigate allergies and nutrition needs.

Whether you're new to plants or have a veritable green thumb, there's something for you at The Plant Society. | Photo by Drew Elaine photography

The Plant Society | 1912 E. 12th St.
"There’s something deeply therapeutic about being surrounded by greenery — caring for a plant and watching it grow. I wanted to create a space where I could share that joy, inspire others, help newcomers feel confident in becoming plant parents, and offer seasoned plant lovers access to an affordable and unique variety." — Owner Casey Buckingham

Step inside a little shop of floras (including some rare specimens), ceramics, supplies, and gifts. Don't miss the “mystery propagation wall,” where you can get a random cutting for $5.

Step inside Austin's mod paradise with enough color to make a rainbow jealous. | Photo by John Pesina

Pop Vintage | 2505 E. 6th St., Ste. Cnew
"I started this business with my sister because I am obsessed with vintage clothing and the art of self-expression through dressing. Our shop is unique because we focus on two specific decades of vintage (1960s + 1970s) and the funnest wildest prints and colors we can find." — Co-owner Linda Harrold

If bright colors, bold prints, and statement pieces are what you seek when looking for clothes, Pop Vintage is a must-shop destination to add to your list.

Sunny & Shady Designs | Online
"What makes my business unique is that everything is handmade in small batches, so no two pieces are the same." — Owner Clarissa Perez

One-of-a-kind, colorful cement planters from this independent maker are a perfect piece for lovers of plants, but Sunny & Shady also sells ring holders, catch-all dishes, and more.