Chelsea Reyna - Columns

There's a unique magic to small towns. It’s more than the friendly waves from neighbors, the familiar faces at the coffee shop, or the rhythm of local events. Small towns are built by people who take a leap of faith, roll up their sleeves, and turn dreams into reality. They’re the small business owners who are the backbone of our community, each contributing a piece to the fabric of the place we call home.

As the holidays approach, this sense of community becomes even more special. There’s something about the season that brings people together, whether it's gathering at Kingsville’s Wine Walks, Sarita Farms Mercantile, Tractor Supply Markets, or the local farmers markets. It’s stopping by Kingsville Coffee Cup for a warm, familiar cup or picking up holiday treats from local favorites like Eve’s Heavenly Delight, Ashley’s Cakes and Bakes, and Baked Bites by Bella. Or maybe it's our favorite snacks at La Huasteca, creating shared memories that make the season brighter.

My husband Daniel, and I know the dedication that goes into building a business here. Together, we run True Transfer, our construction business that focuses on new builds and specializes in home remodels. Every project we take on is a chance to make a lasting impact, helping our clients create spaces that they’ll love for years to come.

Alongside True Transfer, I’m also dedicated to helping families find their perfect homes in our community through my work in real estate. This connection to the people and places here gives our work a deeper meaning, one rooted in our commitment to Kingsville and the people who make it home.

Along with our work, we’re raising and homeschooling our four kids, creating our own family traditions that add a beautiful kind of organized chaos to our daily lives. Through it all, we see how local businesses like ours contribute to the heartbeat of our town.

Running a local business isn’t always glamorous and balancing it with family life has its challenges. But the rewards are worth it, and so much of that comes from the sense of connection and purpose. Local businesses are more than a source of goods or services; they’re a gathering place, a conversation over the counter, and a familiar face who asks about your family. They’re part of the daily heartbeat that keeps our town alive. During the holidays, their impact is felt even more deeply. When you shop locally, you’re not just purchasing a gift or a service, you're investing in the people who make our community unique.

 In this column, I’m excited to highlight the small businesses, local events, and seasonal traditions that make our town so special. I’ll share insights on real estate trends in our area, offer tips for navigating the market, discuss home construction and maintenance tips and keep you informed on the latest happenings in our community. Small businesses aren’t just places to shop or eat; they’re threads woven into the tapestry of our town. They represent hard work, family dreams, and a dedication to serving neighbors. My hope is that through these stories and updates, we’ll all feel more connected to the place we love and inspired to support the people who help it thrive.

So, this season, as you search for the perfect gift, gather with loved ones, or simply enjoy our town, consider choosing local. Let’s keep investing in the people who pour their hearts into our community, building it one brick, one hustle, and one dream at a time.