As we head into the last week of the year, I have been doing a lot of reflecting.
This year was not light. It came with challenges that tested patience, confidence, and faith in the long game. Between industry bills being pushed around and construction happening right outside the Haus, there were moments where things felt uncertain. Some days felt heavier than others. A lot of change happened, some of it welcome, some of it stressful, and some of it completely out of our control.
But here is the part that matters most.
Happy Hippy Haus is still here. Right in the heart of Cleveland, Texas.
That does not happen by accident, and it definitely does not happen alone.
It happens because of community.
It happens because people showed up. People supported. People trusted me, this space, and the way we do things here. Friends, neighbors, fellow business owners, partners, and folks who walked through the door for the first time and came back again. Every conversation, every purchase, every recommendation, every kind word played a role.
This place has always been about more than shelves and products. It is about listening. It is about education. It is about creating a space where people feel comfortable asking questions and confident walking out the door. Knowing that so many of you continue to choose that experience means more to me than I can fully put into words.
I am grateful for the people who worked alongside me this year. The businesses that partnered with me. The neighbors who checked in. The guests who shared their stories. The ones who trusted me enough to bring their family and friends in. That trust is something I never take lightly.
As the year wraps up, there is also something else worth acknowledging. The conversation at the national level is shifting. Recent updates tied to federal policy and reclassification efforts signal movement we have not seen in a long time. While change never happens overnight, it is clear we are not in the same position we were months ago.
That matters.
It matters for small businesses.
It matters for education and research.
It matters for the people who rely on plant based alternatives to support their quality of life.
There is still work ahead. There are still conversations to be had. But heading into the new year, there is a sense of forward momentum instead of constant defense. And that feels like progress.
I am looking forward to finishing this year strong with you and stepping into the next one together. With clarity. With intention. And with the same commitment I have always had to doing things the right way.
Thank you for being here. Thank you for believing in what we have built. And thank you for helping keep Happy Hippy Haus right where it belongs.
See y’all in the new year.
- Sam