Sam Friedrich, owner of Sola Flower Sam, creates customizable flower arrangements, bouquets, magnets and home decor from wooden flowers. 

How it started: Friedrich was planning her wedding in April 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic caused a global shutdown. Though her plans for tying the knot changed, she was able to salvage one detail—the florals. Friedrich already chose to hand paint wooden flowers and create her own custom arrangements for the wedding. 

After having a small ceremony at home, she used the leftover stock as a creative outlet, which eventually transformed into a career. 

How its going: The 2026 Red Poppy Festival marks Friedrich’s fifth year as a vendor, and her first year since committing to the business as a full-time artist in October.

Can’t Wait? For customers looking to place an order before the Red Poppy Festival, Sola Flower Sam ships worldwide and offers local delivery in the Williamson County area.

Custom sign service Signarama opened in Georgetown in early March.

Learn more: The local franchise is owned by Katie Brewster, according to a news release. The Georgetown location offers services such as vehicle wraps, illuminated signs, window decals, banners, murals and real estate signs.

• 113 Cantera Way, Ste. 720, Georgetown

A new location of Lululemon Athletica is now open in the Round Rock Premium Outlets.

About the business: The fitness brand carries a variety of technical athletic and athleisure clothing, shoes and accessories for men and women. Items offered are geared toward yoga, running and other athletic activities.

What else? The new store is located near the Levis's Outlet and Torrid stores on the eastern side of the outdoor mall.

Learn more about trending Austin area news from March 2-5. 

1. Audit: Austin 'may not be able to' justify hundreds of millions in recent consultant spending

2. Peach Cobbler Factory to open Round Rock location this month

3. New shopping center, flex campus planned for Pflugerville neighborhoods

4. Bee Cave advances shifts to The Village at Spanish Oaks

5. First Watch debuts breakfast favorites in Bastrop March 16

6. From Petbar to wine bar: Check out 18 business updates in the Cedar Park area

At a press conference Feb. 27, CIS Central Texas invited city officials, county leaders, state representatives and educators to discuss a study conducted by Harvard University.

The big picture: The study identified short- and long-term outcomes for high-risk students who received CIS support.

Key findings from the study include:

• Higher academic achievement
• Increased graduation and two-year college enrollment
• Greater economic mobility