Jennifer Flores loves helping small businesses thrive.
Jennifer Flores
“My mom taught us to support the people and things we believed in,” she said.
Her passion led her to work in Austin, where she supported small businesses through the state Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program.
“It was through the HUB Program that I truly understood the needs of small businesses,” Flores said.
Later, Flores realized she had a particular passion to help strengthen businesses in Spring Branch, where she had worked
at The Branch. The restaurant has closed, but owner Kyle Pierson continues to advocate for businesses and community groups in the area.
As head of community outreach efforts for The Branch, Flores met many locals and local small business owners. During the COVID pandemic, Flores said, she saw a huge need to support them.
“I pitched the idea to Kyle to start a small market and curated (gift) boxes featuring some of our favorite local businesses, and it was successful,” she said.
From that market and The Branch’s “With Love from Spring Branch” gift boxes, The Tiny Market was born.
After the restaurant closed, Flores gathered vendors to sell their wares at the Loose Cannon Bar on Long Point Road.
She calls the project The Tiny Market because, well, it’s small — for now. “We would love to add more businesses from our community,” she said.
The potential for growth seems probable with The Tiny Market’s establishment of a new home at John Knox Presbyterian Church, 2525 Gessner.
The market will be open the first Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A variety of businesses will be represented each month, Flores said, including ones selling everything from wines to baked goods and handmade signs.
This month, for another example, The Tiny Market will be joined by Silks By Julie.
“She’s a young entrepreneur,” Flores said. “Julie’s mom made her headbands when she was little, and Julie loved them so much she learned the craft and now makes and sells them. They are beautiful!”
In tandem with the markets, Flores said she plans to host creative workshops or events each month.
“We’ve hosted a cookie decorating class in the past, and it was a hit,” she said.
This month The Tiny Market will host a community blood drive. To sweeten the “deal,” blood donors will receive a free pint of Blue Bell Ice Cream.
Sign up here to participate.
Flores solicits feedback and direction from the vendors: “My goal for the markets is to allow local artisans, small businesses and communities to shine.”
Potential vendors should contact Flores by e-mail at [email protected].
The Tiny Markets
First Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
John Knox Presbyterian Church, 2525 Gessner
thetinymarkets.com
—By Dorothy Puch Lillig
