Busy Bee Yerba Mate
What we reported The San Marcos-based caffeinated beverage company formed a partnership with DB Miller, an Austin-based distribution company, in February. In May, co-owner Adam Lilley estimated that the company’s products were available in more than 100 stores throughout the state. At that time, work was also underway on a new flavor.
The latest Busy Bee Yerba Mate is now available in about 250 stores, Lilley said, and in November a fourth flavor, Honey Mint, was added to the company’s offerings. Busy Bee’s flavors also include Orange Blossom, Ginger Limeade and Lavender Lemonade.
“I honestly think Honey Mint has the potential to be our best-seller,” he said.
Additionally, in late 2016 the company gained distribution through Spec’s. This has allowed the company to market its drink as a healthier alternative to mixers such as Red Bull. Stonewall Warehouse, 141 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos, introduced a variety of Busy Bee cocktails in 2016.
What’s next Lilley said the company is focused on landing on shelves at Whole Foods Market stores throughout the Southwest U.S. Lilley said the company will likely know in early 2017 if it has gained distribution in H-E-B stores.
Reliable Automotive
What we reported In early July, owner Brad Hullum said he fulfilled a dream of his by opening a second Reliable Automotive location in his hometown of Buda. The new shop offers the same services as the original San Marcos location, including state inspections; oil changes; tuneups; alignments; and brake, air conditioning, engine and transmission services.
The latest Hullum said Reliable Automotive’s first six months in Buda have been a success.
“We’ve been very, very impressed with the amount of people coming into a new business,” he said.
What’s next Hullum said he is interested in expanding further into Hays County but has no concrete plans for an expansion in the new year.
Willow Gardens Hot Yoga
What we reported Willow Gardens Hot Yoga, located in the Buda Mill & Grain, opened in November 2015. Owner and Director Ashley Chandler said multiple types of yoga classes, such as Bikram, Iyengar and Vinyasa flow, are offered throughout the week at Willow Gardens.
The latest Since opening, Willow Gardens has hosted two yoga challenges, during which patrons are challenged to attend a yoga class every day for a set amount of time. Chandler also began holding Booty Yoga, a “fun, hip-hop dance-inspired yoga class” on a monthly basis, she said.
What’s next In 2017, Chandler said Willow Gardens will begin holding a new class called Willow Weights, which will combine yoga and weights, comparable to a sculpt class. At the start of the new year the studio partnered with Connection Church in Buda on a yoga challenge, and proceeds will benefit church efforts in Hays County, Haiti and Guatemala.
Silo Glass
What we reported On Nov. 19, Elissa Jane and Chester John opened their expanded glass art studio, Silo Glass, at 7990 RR 12, San Marcos.
The latest Jane said the new studio has worked out well, and the expansion has allowed the artists to increase capacity at their classes, which are open to the public and include education on glass-fusing and jewelry-making. The expansion may also allow the studio to host live music.
What’s next In the first quarter of 2017, Jane said she expects Silo Glass will begin an expansion of the silo that formerly housed the studio and workspace. In the spring she also hopes to host an artisan fair where artists can sell their creations.
