This past year was challenging and rewarding, humbling and empowering. I came into it thinking I knew more than I did — and I came out of it realizing I’m more resilient than I ever expected. Operating a large, mission-driven space takes people, systems, and intention. This year gave us the clarity to understand exactly what works, what needs refinement, and how to build something sustainable for the long term. As we move forward, we’re taking every win and every lesson and applying them with purpose, beginning January 1. 2025: POSITIVE IMPACT IN A STRETCHING SEASON 2025 was a year of meaningful impact — and significant growth through challenge. Over the course of the year, The Vinew Shoppe contributed $17,517 to nonprofit partners through direct giving, sponsorships, and community-driven events. It was also our first full year navigating real traffic patterns, seasonality, and the realities of operating a large space. We faced unexpected hurdles, including a flood that shut us down for about a week during an already slow month, along with rent increases, taxes, and ongoing operational demands. One of the biggest lessons came through giving. While the total amount given was substantial, spreading it across too many organizations made it difficult to create deep, lasting impact in any one place. Some nonprofits had strong infrastructure and boards in place, while others needed more hands-on support than we were able to provide in that season. That realization led to an important shift: generosity needs structure to remain sustainable. Giving from the heart matters — but stewardship matters too. THE IMPORTANCE OF RELATIONSHIPS Two relationships in particular helped shape both our impact and our direction: Foundation XXL Hope and Cornerstone Restoration. Foundation XXL Hope consistently demonstrates what it looks like to identify a need and act without hesitation. Their reach spans youth development, self-preservation, entrepreneurship, and hands-on community service, and their response during local disasters revealed both leadership and depth. Working alongside them has been energizing and instructive — they don’t wait for perfect conditions; they move when the need is clear.

🎄 Vinew Members Party 🎄Thursday 12/18 | 5–7 PM Members get: ✨ Poke-a-Prize Punch Tree 🛍️ Members discounts 🎁 75% off resale Christmas 🎄 30% off retail Christmas 🏷️ Colored-tag Christmas deals 🌿 10% off Apothecary 🍸 Signature cocktail + appetizers Bring a friend! Non-members can shop with members discounts for the night with a $10 cash donation supporting our nonprofits (Punch prizes are members-only)

✨ Attention Members! ✨ The holiday season is the best time to enjoy your deepest member discounts — and this year, we’re making it even more exciting. 🎁 Bring a friend who wants to become a member too, and both of you get access to exclusive pricing during the events below: 📍 Holiday Member Event Schedule: - November 28 | 6–8 PMVIP access during the Holiday Around the Hill VIP Crawl - November 29 | 10 AM–6 PMHoliday Around the Hill Crawl — all-day access - Saturday, December 6During the Liberty Hill Stroll 🎄 - Sunday, December 7Our regular First-Sunday Members Day 🎉 Member-Exclusive Savings: - ⭐ 50% off all colored tags - ⭐ 20% off retail - ⭐ 10% off apothecary/body care 🛍️ ‘Tis the season to treat yourself… and maybe grab a gift or two. We can’t wait to celebrate the holidays with you! 💚✨

Okay, bear with me — this is a few stories in one. 😊 Last year, before I opened the store — honestly, before my walls were even built — I drove to Houston for a closeout sale at one of my favorite stores, Nadeau. (We have one in Austin, but the sale was in Houston… so of course I rented a U-Haul because I was fully convinced I would find treasure.) Well… I did find treasure. But between the U-Haul cost, food, gas, and the “sale” that didn’t exactly feel like a sale… let’s just say nothing was really on sale by the time the math settled. 😂 But I digress. One of the first things I saw was this gorgeous marble-top bar cart. I knew immediately I wanted it — but I absolutely did not need it. Hours later, near the end of wandering that warehouse, I bought it anyway. $350, after discount. Irrational? Probably. But I’m so glad I did. When the store opened, that bar cart became a beautiful display piece for my crystal and elixirs. But later, when I stopped selling those items, the cart lost its purpose. For months, it has been pushed around the store holding random mannequins — a fancy misfit, waiting for belonging. Fast forward to now. The store has had beautiful days and really hard days. This first year has stretched me. I’ve wondered more than once if I misunderstood God’s calling or direction. I am surrounded by strong prayer warriors — daily. Meanwhile, I am what I jokingly (but honestly) call a warm-weather prayer warrior: - When things are great → I forget to pray. - When things are fine → I gripe. - When things are good → I praise, but doubt it will last. That’s my flesh. But the women around me have shown me what relentless prayer looks like — including prayer at 3AM. Prayers over my business, finances, family, the future — asking for angels to go before me and fight battles I don’t see. So last Friday night, I decided to start my own 3AM prayer journey. (Except it was actually 6AM… not 3. Baby steps. 😅) In that prayer, I was very specific:

November 20th from 6-9, Members will have a VIP experience as you will have a front row seat to the action at Light Up the Night District 29 block party. A live band, Santa, the Grinch, food trucks, face painting, glow party, raffles at different locations and so much more. The biggest giveaways Liberty Hill has ever seen!! Yeti Cooler with blankets and whiskey, Turtlebox speaker, $100's of dollars in gift cards to local businesses. This year will be the start of a great tradition!!