Local business owners feeling optimistic for 2025 after reporting slower 2024

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – Downtown Bryan hosted the first First Friday of 2025, bringing residents out to shop and enjoy performances from local artists.

Now that First Friday has come to a close, local business owners reported they’re feeling optimistic for the year ahead.

Whether making handmade soaps, baking up sweet treats or freeze-drying goodies, many members of the small business community are heading into the new year with a positive outlook on what’s to come.

“I think everything’s going to be beautiful, beautiful, beautiful,” remarked Ruth Paul, owner of MaGra’s Kitchen.

“And I feel great about heading into 2025, I think there’s so many changes on the horizon. I’m looking for a better year this year than we had in 2024,” Matthew Hawkins, who owns Astrobites, said in response.

Hawkin’s sentiment was shared by Louella LeBlanc, the owner of Triple L Glamour Goat Company.

She noted that despite a slower 2024, she’s expecting things to bounce back in 2025.

“Last year was a little rough for a lot of folks, and a lot of businesses did close down but I’m hopeful that things will still, you know, push forward and we’ll see things starting to grow,” LeBlanc added.

This First Friday marked LeBlanc’s first as a vendor. She said she’s gearing up to be at more this year.

Copyright 2025 KBTX. All rights reserved.