Jan26DIGITAL

JANUARY 2026, Vol 5, Iss. 12

ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT Small business owners share their stories

Jamielizabeth

Behind the Success

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THIS ISSUE

JANUARY 2026, Volume 5 l Issue 12 Happy New Year Seguin!

This month, we dive right into hard work and grit with our stories of small business success from around Guadalupe County.

It goes without saying that there are tons of small businesses in our community making a difference every day, and that’s why this month we wanted to highlight some of that hardworking Seguinspirit for our readers.

First, you’ll read first hand accounts from local small business owners sharing their stories of success. We’ve got stories of small bakeries, shirt makers and more to help inspire your goals for the new year. Then, you’ll dive into the story of Jamielizabeth jewelry and learn how she took her small brand to a household name in the Seguin area.

All that and more in this month’s Seguin Today magazine!

Lizz Daniels Creative Director

facebook.com/KWEDradio kwed.seguindailynews @kwed SeguinToday

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COVERSHOT

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Pictured are two different styles of Jamielizabeth earrings, both hand crafted in Guadalupe County.

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Photo by Lizz Daniels

SEGUIN’S ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT Sharing stories of local success

AS UNIQUE AS YOU The Jamielizabeth story

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EVENTS CALENDAR Community events happening this month

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT KWED Holiday Food & Toy Drive success

JANUARY 2026, Volume 5 l Issue 12

GENERAL MANAGER Darren Dunn

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lizz Daniels

ADVERTISING MANAGER Nick Spence

WRITERS Cindy Aguirre-Herrera Chris Austin Lizz Daniels

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Laurie Ann Heideke Linda Duncan

OFFICE MANAGER Priscilda Rodriguez

Seguin Today is published once a month by: KWED, Seguin Daily News in Seguin, Texas. www.seguintoday.com

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Seguin’s Entrepreneurial

SPIRIT Sharing stories of business success

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ith the new year upon us, Seguin Today wanted to explore the entrepreneurial spirit within the Seguin community. To share this, we’ve rounded up some small business owners to share their stories in their own words with our readers.

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Sparrow Garden Homestead

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y name is Charlene McCulloch Stout. I am the owner and operator of Sparrow Garden Homestead. I am a lifelong Seguin resident, with roots going back several generations. I am the mother of seven amazing children, three of whom are young adults now, plus a son-in-law and a beautiful granddaughter. These people are the inspiration for everything I do.

A couple of years ago, I was looking for an activity to do with my daughter and sisters, and I found a sourdough bread class offered by Circle 5 Sourdough. I knew Kelly Coffman would offer a great class.

In this class, I found myself intrigued by the process of turning simple ingredients into nourishing bread. However, I had no idea that my afternoon mother-daughter activity would turn into a small business opportunity, a way to help support my family, and become more involved in my local community Inspired by this experience, and with an established starter in hand, I began baking sourdough bread at home. Soon, I started to experiment with bread inclusions and additional items baked with sourdough, such as cookies, scones, sweet breads, and more. Soon, opportunities came up for my children to attend multiple summer camps, so I decided to bake sourdough bread and cookies to sell. I was able to raise the needed funds, and my baking funds have paid for many extracurricular activities since then.

Encouraged by the success of this “fundraiser” and the support of our local community, I decided to continue baking and pursue this opportunity further. I researched cottage food laws and soon became a regular vendor at the Austin Street Market in downtown Seguin. This allowed me to network with other vendors, artisans, and bakers. It was there that I met Celeste Koepsel, of Nana’s Pies and Other Baked Treats. She is a fellow baker who became a mentor in business as well as a friend.

As my confidence grew and my skills improved, I encountered new opportunities. Celeste and I also began to participate regularly in the Yellow Rose Artisan Market hosted in the downtown Seguin square.

We have also highlighted our products at various vendor events, such as Buck Fever, car shows, and functions hosted by Seguin Main Street.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey has been the sense of connection with the community. These markets have not only led to increased sales but have become places for vendors to network, neighbors to reconnect, families to share quality time and treats, and newcomers can explore and feel welcomed.

I take pride in providing fresh breads and other baked items, using quality ingredients and traditional methods. Hearing how people have incorporated my bread into their meals or shared it with friends and family, brings me great joy.

Operating my own business has brought unexpected personal benefits. This business (along with several other ventures) allows me to set me schedule in a way that I can be present in my children’s daily lives – whether that be homeschooling, attending school events, driving teens to and from work, shuttling friends around, or just being generally available when needed. This balance enables me to nurture my family and provide for their tangible needs.

Reflecting on this journey thus far, I am grateful for that initial class that sparked a vision and for every experience along the way. What began as a bonding experience has grown into a business that brings people together and strengthens our community. My goal is to continue to learn, to grow, and to bake delicious items for my customers, always striving to make a positive impact – one loaf at a time.

By: Charlene McCulloch Stout

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T-Shirts by Saundra Polanco

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started my T-shirt and craft side hustle in March 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic began and the world shifted into lockdown. Like many others, I suddenly found myself at home, navigating uncertainty and stress. What initially began as a way to pass the time quickly turned into something far more meaningful.

As I spent more time crafting and creating custom shirts, I discovered how therapeutic and rewarding the process was. Designing and making items became a creative outlet that helped me cope during an uncertain time. Friends and family began noticing my work and encouraged me to share it with others.

With their support, I decided to turn my hobby into a side hustle.

I officially launched my side hustle through Facebook, advertising my work to friends and family. This simple approach allowed me to reach people I already trusted and helped build confidence as I began taking custom orders.

From there, word of mouth played a major role in my growth, as satisfied customers shared my work with others in the community.

One of the biggest challenges I face is competition, especially in a community like Seguin where many people operate similar side hustles. Instead

of allowing competition to discourage me, I choose to remain positive and supportive. I understand that many individuals are simply trying to earn extra income in today’s economy. I focus on creating quality products, providing excellent customer service, and fostering a sense of community rather than viewing others as rivals.

Another challenge is balancing my side hustle while working a full-time job. I overcome this by being organized, managing my time effectively, and setting realistic goals. I pride myself on maintaining fast, clear communication with customers and offering quick turnaround times, even with a busy schedule. Being reliable and responsive has helped me build trust, leading to repeat customers and referrals.

Looking ahead, my goal is to continue growing and maintaining a successful side hustle while staying true to the reason I started. I hope to expand my clientele primarily through referrals and word of mouth, which I believe are some of the strongest measures of success.

What began as a way to cope during the pandemic has grown into a meaningful side hustle rooted in creativity, resilience, and community support. I am proud of how far it has come and excited about the continued growth ahead.

By: Saundra Polanco

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Caro’s Freshies

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ello, my name is Carolyn Herrera, and I am the owner of Caro’s Freshies. I have always loved scents and perfumes. When I discovered cookie cutter freshies at Gift & Gourmet, I was hooked. Freshies are small space air fresheners. Some people hang their freshies in a room, office, or locker, but most people use them in their car. Cherry Leather was my absolute favorite and still is! About 3 years ago a friend at work made me a GORGEOUS blue and black bull. I never realized freshies could also be beautiful!

My husband Jesus encouraged me to try to make freshies myself. He has been a rock through this whole adventure. He helps every day after work, inserting hooks, labeling bags, and cutting string. He helps me set up at markets. He even built me a she shed to give me room to grow! And he puts up with my glitter everywhere!! I started watching TikTok and YouTube videos, and through a lot of trial and error and some questionable choices, here we are! At first, I just made freshies for myself and family. Later for friends. Last year, I got my first wholesale order FROM GIFT & GOURMET!!! I was floored!! I love being in this business. Sometimes I still cannot believe it is mine!

I get to meet such amazing people! It makes me so happy when people see my stuff and smile or laugh!

Making quality products that make people happy will always be my goal!

I wish I could just make beautiful things and not have to worry about any of the business part. The taxes are the worst. Quarterly state and county sales tax AND end of the year federal tax!! Luckily, I am in a group of freshie makers- we all rep for the same mold company. They coached me through getting a tax id number with the comptroller. Then I got a DBA (doing business as) from the county and opened a business account. I have yet to learn how not to give stuff away!!

The Seguin (and surrounding) Community has been amazing throughout my journey. I was born and raised here. The love and support I have been shown continues to blow me away. I now sell freshies at Guadalupe Trading Co. I swear, Katy and Nick are so amazing and continuously encourage me to explore my creativity. Besides Gift & Gourmet and Guadalupe Trading Co, my freshies are also in Lola’s Mexican Food, Yoli’s Mexican Restaurant, Maldonado Nursery Gift Shop in Seguin (y’all need to check them out, it is so cute!), Paws to Perfection, and The Haunted Magnolia Hotel Gift Shop. You can also come meet me and see my craziness every 4th Saturday at the Yellow Rose Artisan Market at the square! I am always set up in front of the old Wells Fargo Bank on Nolte Street.

In the future, I hope to learn more about the business side. Learn to keep track of sales and expenses.

Learn how to balance family and business. Learn how to get to bed on time, lol. And just learn how to be a better person and give back to my community.

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By: Carolyn Herrera

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All About that Crunch

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wning my own business allows me to combine creativity, purpose, and a commitment to quality in everything I do. Through All About That Crunch, I have the freedom to pour my heart and attention to detail into something that is truly mine. I take pride in providing our community with a great product—one I am genuinely proud of. Every event, every product, and every interaction reflects not only my work but my values. I love the flexibility entrepreneurship gives me, but even more than that, I love the sense of purpose it brings. When you own a business, the long hours feel meaningful because you know exactly why you are doing them.

Another important reason my business means so much to me is that it allows me to supplement my income. As an educator, I am deeply passionate about what I do, but like many in the education field, my pay has not kept pace with the rising cost of living. Everything from groceries to utilities continues to increase, and having my own business helps bridge that gap. It provides financial support while allowing me to do something I truly enjoy rather than taking on work that doesn’t align with my passions.

Looking ahead, my hopes and dreams are centered on growth and sustainability. I want to continue participating in major events that bring

people together, but I also dream of seeing my products in more storefronts.

Expanding into retail spaces would allow my work to reach more people and create a steady presence beyond markets and special events. Growth, to me, isn’t just about numbers—it’s about building something lasting while staying true to who I am and why I started.

The Seguin community plays a huge role in both my business and my life. I was born and raised here, graduated from high school here, and have spent years serving this community as an educator and as a former director of a childcare facility. Because of that, I have taught, worked with, or gone to school with a wide range of people and families. Those connections mean everything to me. Seguin isn’t just where I do business—it’s home.

If anyone knows me, they know I love building relationships and that when I commit to something, I am all in. The people who come to my booth at a market are more than just customers. I love to hear how they are doing and what they have been up to. I have a servant’s heart, and I love helping them find something they love—something that brings them happiness. That connection is what fuels me and reminds me why I chose this path.

Seguin’s entrepreneurial spirit is built on people supporting people, and I am proud to be part of that tradition..

By: Rachel Marek

Innovation you can count on. Close to home.

grmedcenter.com • 830.379.2411

GRMC-2344-Seguin-Today-RCRH-Technology-Imaging-9x5_45-March-2025.indd 1

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h t e b a z i l e i m Ja

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U O Y as A local story of creativity and determination Story by Lizz Daniels Courtesy Photos

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inding a creative outlet in today’s world is hard. Finding a creative outlet that also doubles as a source of income is just about impossible, but Jamielizabeth has done it. Not only has she done it, but she’s become one of the biggest names in handcrafted jewelry in Seguin. With earrings being sold at local shops and on her online stores, what began as a single project has grown into a fullfledged business built on love and passion.

Owner, Jamie Ahrens started the business as a simple gift, not expecting what it would grow into today.

“Jamielizabeth began with a single, heartfelt Christmas gift,” she said. “The very first pair of earrings I ever made was created for my daughter’s kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Santos at Koennecke, as a simple thank-you. At the time, I wasn’t starting a business—I was just creating something fun that I hoped she would love. What followed was a quiet, unexpected ripple effect. Friends began asking for pairs, then friends of friends, and before I knew it, what once lived on my kitchen table began growing into something much bigger.”

That something bigger that it grew into was something Jamie never expected. She began at local pop-ups and markets selling her handcrafted earrings, and as she did, the brand began to take root and grow.

With that growth came challenges to overcome as she scaled from small batches to larger production runs.

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“Growing the business came with its share of challenges,” Jamie said. “One of the biggest was learning how to scale without losing what made Jamielizabeth special in the first place. Balancing creativity with logistics, managing increased demand, and figuring out systems for production and shipping were all learning curves. I quickly realized I couldn’t do it alone. Leaning into my support system—my family, my team, and my community—was key.”

Part of that support network became the community of Guadalupe County, which supported the brand as it grew from small market days to a local brand name.

“The Guadalupe County community has played an enormous role in shaping Jamielizabeth,” she said. “From early pop-ups and local events to collaborations with fellow small businesses and nonprofit partnerships, this community has continuously shown up with encouragement and support. Being able to give back through fundraising projects, community events, and collaborative efforts has made the business feel deeply connected to the place we call home.

Jamielizabeth isn’t just my brand—it’s a reflection of the people who support it.”

Jamie finds inspiration in nature, drawing on textures and colors to create her jewelry. She also tries to tell stories through her work, letting the materials she uses help convey those ideas.

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“Creativity is the soul of Jamielizabeth,” she said. “Inspiration

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comes from everywhere—nature, textures, color combinations, and the stories shared within our community. I love working with materials like wood and experimenting with shapes and finishes, often letting the natural character of the material guide the design.”

This dedication to her craft has led to what Jamie calls several “pinch me” moments as her business has grown.

“One was seeing Jamielizabeth pieces carried in the Blanton Museum of Art gift shop in Austin,” Jamie said. “Another came through the incredible outpouring of support during our Kerrville flood relief efforts. With the help of our local and non-local community, we were able to raise over $12,000 to support those affected by the floods. What made that moment truly unforgettable wasn’t just the amount raised, but the messages we received from people who were directly impacted—sharing how much the support meant to them and how seen and encouraged they felt. That response was a powerful reminder of how meaningful collective kindness can be.”

As Jamielizabeth looks to the future, Jamie Ahrens is excited about the direction her project is headed, as she will be able to focus solely on the business in the year to come.

“Looking ahead to 2026, I feel an overwhelming sense of excitement and gratitude,” Jamie said. “For the first time ever, Jamielizabeth will be

my full-time focus as I move on from my additional full-time job. Being able to pour all of my energy into the business opens the door to new possibilities—creatively and within the community. I’m especially excited about incorporating additional mixed media into our work, allowing us to push creative boundaries and tell even richer stories through our pieces.

Equally important, working full-time in the business will allow me to invest more deeply in relationships and community-oriented events. I’m looking forward to collaborating with more local organizations, hosting meaningful gatherings with so many customers that I now call friends, and continuing to use Jamielizabeth as a platform for kindness, connection, and encouragement throughout Guadalupe County and beyond.”

So while a single handmade gift has grown into something Jamie never could have planned for, there’s one thing she knows for certain.

“As long as Jamielizabeth continues to create with heart, serve its community, and celebrate the beauty in everyday moments, the best chapters are still ahead,” Jamie said.

With 2026 just kicking off, Jamie remains focused on the future and, with creativity, will continue to grow Jamielizabeth with the community of Guadalupe County standing proudly behind her. •

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JANUARY

Upcoming events and special promotions happening locally!

To promote your event on this page contact advertising at 830-379-2234 or email communitycalendar@kwed1580.com

FeaturedEvents Events Featured

January 13

January 13

January 21

The Native Plant Society of Texas Guadalupe Chapter will host a meeting and educational program featuring a presentation on tree care and disease management. The program will be led by Travis Franke with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Social time begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by the program at 7 p.m., with a chapter meeting afterward.

The event will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Seguin, 1121 E. Walnut Street, with parking available on North Moss Street behind the church.

Texas A&M AgriLife will be hosting the 2026 Beef Cattle Short Course at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Palo Alto College’s Ozuna Library. The program includes 2 CEUs (1 General and 1 Laws & Regulations), concurrent educational sessions, a meal, door prizes, and industry updates. To RSVP, email or call Kennedy Green at kennedy.green@ ag.tamu.edu or 210-631-0400.

Seguin ISD invites the community to “A Legendary Reveal” on Wednesday, January 21 at 5:30 p.m. at Matador Legends Ballpark, located on E. College Street behind Seguin High School. The event will celebrate the unveiling of the ballpark’s new squirrel and batting cage signs. Community members are encouraged to attend and be part of the celebration.

Tree Care Program

Chess Tournament

The Seguin Public Library will host a small, informal chess tournament open to all ages, on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 10 a.m. The event will feature a Swiss-style format with four rounds and is expected to last about two hours. The tournament is unrated and beginner-friendly, but participants should be familiar with the basic rules and moves of chess.

The library will provide chess boards and clocks, though participants are welcome to bring their own. There will be fiveminute breaks between rounds, with snacks provided. Efforts will be made to match players by age group, but some mixing may occur in later rounds depending on attendance. Special prizes will be awarded, including 3-D printed trophies for first and second place in each age group: Kids (6–11), Teens (12–17), and Adults (18 and up). Registration opens January 1, 2026, and this program is free and open to the public. This is a great opportunity for chess enthusiasts of all skill levels to enjoy a fun, friendly competition with family and community members. This program is free and open to the public. Please call 830-401-2422 or visit library.seguintexas.gov for additional information.

2026 Beef Cattle Short Course

Ballpark Sign Reveal

January 22

January 25

The Guadalupe County Republican Women will host a candidate forum on Thursday, January 22 beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Silver Center, 510 East Court Street in Seguin. The forum will feature invited candidates in the March 2026 Republican Primary, including local contested races and Congressional District 35. George Rodriguez, known as “El Conservador,” will serve as moderator. The program is free to attend. Lunch is available with an RSVP for $20, or $25 at the door. Reservations are required by contacting Glenda Partain at 830-391-3979

Spring youth soccer registration is now open for players with birth years 2013–2022. The cost is $90, which includes a jersey, shorts, and socks. Registration closes January 25, with a $10 late fee through February 1, if space allows. Games begin March 21 at Park West, with Saturday morning schedules. Practices start the week of March 2. Coaches and co-coaches are needed. Register online at system. gotsport.com/programs/A62849677.

Candidate Forum

Soccer Registration

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In Case You Missed It

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KWED Holiday Food and Toy Drive records another successful year

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he spirit of giving is alive and well this holiday season in Seguin.

That spirit was on full display during Friday morning’s KWED Holiday Food and Toy Drive, held outside the Guadalupe County Courthouse.

Nearly $8,000 in cash, along with mounds of food and toys, were collected during the two-hour event in downtown Seguin.

Donations will benefit the Seguin Police Department’s Blue Santa Program and the Christian Cupboard.

This year’s haul included nearly 800 pounds of food, an SUV and cargo truck full of toys, and another SUV loaded with winter coats — a new collection focus for the drive this year.

Seguin Police Chief Jason Brady says the needs are great this year, and he encouraged the community to step up and give.

“Times are tough for a lot of families and if a parent is not trying to prioritize bills and groceries and maybe that is one expense that they could spare, we want to make sure every child has a gift to open at Christmas. We don’t want any child left out in our community,” said Brady.

Seguin is a fast-growing community, and that growth is also creating a greater need to help feed local families.

Christian Cupboard volunteer Nancy Hartfiel says the organization continues to serve hardworking families who just need a little help making ends meet.

She says many people assume those seeking help are chronically in need or just down on their luck.

Hartfiel says that’s not always the case, and many families simply need short-term assistance.

“This sounds terrible, but a lot of people say ‘well, if those people would just get a job’ – so many of the people that come in have jobs. Some of them have two jobs and they still can’t make ends meet because their salaries stay the same and prices go up and one thing that I didn’t realize was – we were looking at statistics at the last board meeting, 40 percent of the people that came in from January to November only came once. They just needed it that one time just to get them over. Some people need it more often but to be there and to help them that little bit to get them over is worth it,” said Hartfiel.

This year also marked the 25th anniversary of the KWED Food and Toy Drive.

KWED General Manager Darren Dunn says he is proud of the community and proud of the staff who make the event happen year after year.

He says the goal is simple — to help improve the lives of people across Seguin.

“I’m really grateful that I get to work with such fine people who make things like this possible for the community. I sent out a note this morning to the group, and I said we want to show the people why what happens

in this community matters – why we matter and why taking care of this community matters and I think we were able to do that today,” said Dunn.

Dunn also thanked the sponsors who helped make the event possible.

They include Premier Steel Solutions, Seguin Leads, Beck & Beck Buick GMC, Factory A/C Direct, Chick-fil-A, Seguin Walmart, Su Casa Café, Beyond Coffee, Furniture Warehouse, TriCity Distributors, Heideke’s Country Kennels, Diamond Air, Mi Chula’s Taco Stand, Noe’s Café, Fresh Donuts, Agave Coffee, and Donut Palace.

If you missed your chance to donate, food, toys, and money will continue to be accepted at the KWED studios for Blue Santa and the Christian Cupboard. Donations may be dropped off at 609 East Court Street. Hours are Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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