Building Relationships Through Small Business
Galveston thrives on small business. The island is full of mom and pop shops, restaurants and creative entrepreneurs. We asked a few of the hundreds of business owners on the island how they’ve built their relationships in the community through their businesses and here is what they had to say.
Hailey Avery was born in Galveston and grew up in Texas City and La Marque. Although she lived nearby, Galveston always felt like home, as she made more money there and felt a strong connection to the island. Hailey loves the freedom that comes with working for herself and building unique relationships with each client. She enjoys serving both locals and tourists, appreciating the diverse and open-minded atmosphere of Galveston. From participating in community activities like art walks and beach cleanups to embracing the welcoming nature of the island, Hailey feels Galveston is an inclusive, vibrant place that offers something for everyone.
Courtney and Gustavo Rodriguez, owners of Get Hooked at Elite Nutrition, have been helping communities get healthy for over 13 years and will celebrate four years on Galveston Island on October 17th. They offer a wide range of healthy options, including protein shakes, waffles, iced coffees, energy teas, and acai bowls. Courtney and Gustavo feel honored by the community support, having won 1st place in the Readers’ Choice Award.
Running a small business on Galveston Island is both rewarding and challenging. While adapting to seasonal shifts and weather conditions can be tough, the connection with locals and tourists makes it worthwhile. The sense of community and the satisfaction of seeing their business grow brings them fulfillment that they wouldn’t trade for anything.
After 20 years in their current careers, the owners of Black Optix Tint decided to move to Galveston, drawn by the island’s charm and cool vibe. While they initially planned to retire, their love of cars led them to start a business focused on automotive tinting. They aim to give back to the community by providing well-paying jobs and technical skills training. They’ve built valuable connections through local organizations like the Rotary Club and are committed to supporting other island residents and businesses. Their goal is to foster a local car community by organizing automotive events, creating a space for people with a shared passion for cars to come together. They offer residential and commercial glass tinting services for all.
The story of Hendley Wine Co. begins with a chance meeting between its owners. One of them, David Martinez previously owned a bar in the same space, and after a business partner stepped away, Jacqueline Castaneda, a regular, expressed interest in continuing the venture. Combining Jackie’s marketing background and the other partner’s passion for wine, Hendley Wine Co. was born. Their goal was to create a space for the Galveston community to gather, relax, and enjoy wine without the intimidation often associated with high-end wine establishments.
They’ve recently completed a remodel and are gearing up for their grand opening. They aim to offer a welcoming environment where people can work, socialize, or just relax. They pride themselves on offering affordable wine and food, including the island’s best muffuletta, and being both kid- and pet-friendly. They emphasize the importance of supporting other local businesses and building strong ties within the community.
Misty of Oceana Healing offers reiki and aromatherapy. She says that Galveston is just a different vibe, once you cross the causeway the vibe changes. Through her work she wants to bring natural healing to the island. She works to bring relaxation to the magical part of the experience of Galveston island.
Her purpose is to bring healing and help people become the best versions of themselves. The island has much to offer and is a great place to meet and connect with people. She recommends that other business owners get out and network because you never know who you will meet!
Amy Overton is a retired nurse after being diagnosed with cancer and was medically retired. She has always loved travel, having grown up as a military brat, and wanted something that would allow her to heal and spend more time with her family. She got involved in the travel industry through an MLM, working as a travel agent for 10 years. However, she found that the industry focused more on recruitment than personal connections or proper training. After a hospital stay, she decided to start her own travel agency, prioritizing agents, the travel industry, and building relationships with suppliers like Carnival and Norwegian. She started the agency in her dining room, and within three months, she had over 100 remote agents.
Eventually, she opened a brick-and-mortar office on the Strand in Galveston, with a beautiful view of the ships docking. She loves how much the community has embraced us. She has created a supportive environment for agents and a welcoming space for clients to book travel. Today, she has over 300 agents. The business support network in Galveston, especially the Chamber of Commerce, has been incredible. The Chamber here isn’t just about collecting dues—they genuinely get to know you, support your business, and celebrate your successes. Many of the members are small business owners themselves, so they truly understand the challenges we face. Their help has been invaluable.
