Juneteenth 2025
Juneteenth is a federal holiday established by the U.S. Congress commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth celebrations include food, music, dancing and other cultural events. It is a time for reflecting on the past, celebrating freedom and resilience. Bringing people together around the joys of food is at the heart of what our company does, and we do that every day with our products and services including those from small businesses like the following.
Meet the Businesses
Partake
“Created in 2016 by Founder and CEO Denise Woodard, when her daughter was diagnosed with multiple food allergies, Partake exists to offer a selection of delicious, allergy-friendly foods that those with and without food restrictions can enjoy and share with confidence. All offerings are certified gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan and are free of the top 9 allergens (wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, milk, eggs, soy, fish, sesame and shellfish).” - Partake
Tastelli
“We are three grad school friends (Jet, James, and JK) who struggled to find healthy and affordable snacks, especially while spending more time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Konjac jelly pouches were snacks that we were familiar with, but they were only available in a few Asian supermarkets and oftentimes left a very artificial aftertaste. We wanted to create a version that was more nutritious and tastier to the average American. We wanted to make people feel good, not guilty, about indulging in their sugary snack cravings.” - Tastelli
Mina
Mina began crafting her harissa sauce in the 1950s, it was honed in Paris and then New York City before arriving in grocery stores in the 2010s. The brand is named after its founder and is now run by her son, who has a background in business and marketing. Every product is truly authentic, developed by Moroccan-born Mina, and made with all-natural ingredients with the goal of making Moroccan food easy and user-friendly.
Lillie's of Charleston
“Our recipes were born out of Dad’s love for BBQ. He introduced the sauces to the public in 1985 in his restaurant called The Rib Shack. Since then, he has passed the recipes to us and we are sharing the love with you in honor of our great Aunt Lillie. If this sauce touches your life by a fraction of how much Aunt Lillie touched ours, then we have been successful.” -LOC
Chakalaka Brands
“Chakalaka Brands was born out of a desire to share this rich cultural history with the world. The founders were inspired by a safari trip to South Africa, where they first tasted Chakalaka. This unforgettable experience sparked a passion to bring the flavors and heritage of Southern Africa to kitchens everywhere. Today, Chakalaka Brands continues this mission, offering a product that combines taste, health, and convenience.” -Chakalaka
A Dozen Cousins
“Growing up, our kitchen was a delicious melting pot of Creole, Caribbean and Latin American cooking. As I got older and learned the importance of eating naturally, I hated that it was so hard to find convenient foods that were both healthy and authentic. I started A Dozen Cousins so that it would be easier to enjoy authentic cultural recipes made with wholesome ingredients.” -ADC
Ecos
“Our family started the company in 1967 to create cleaning products that are safer for people, pets, and the planet. I became president and CEO in 2014 and am honored to lead our woman-owned company as we further our commitment to green chemistry and climate-positive manufacturing. It’s critically important that consumers have access to affordable, plant-powered laundry detergents and household cleaners, as they play a powerful role in our wellness journey and the future of our planet.” -Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks
Vizo's
“Vizo's, owned and operated by two TTU alums, has a lot to offer in the representation of African culture in the Lubbock area. As the first African Bar & Restaurant in West Texas, we pride ourselves in offering the best taste of African food, and African drinks in our bar while listening to sensational African music.” -Vizo’s
Juneteenth 2025
Juneteenth is a federal holiday established by the U.S. Congress commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth celebrations include food, music, dancing and other cultural events. It is a time for reflecting on the past, celebrating freedom and resilience. Bringing people together around the joys of food is at the heart of what our company does, and we do that every day with our products and services including those from small businesses like the following.
Meet the Businesses
Partake
“Created in 2016 by Founder and CEO Denise Woodard, when her daughter was diagnosed with multiple food allergies, Partake exists to offer a selection of delicious, allergy-friendly foods that those with and without food restrictions can enjoy and share with confidence. All offerings are certified gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan and are free of the top 9 allergens (wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, milk, eggs, soy, fish, sesame and shellfish).” - Partake
Tastelli
“We are three grad school friends (Jet, James, and JK) who struggled to find healthy and affordable snacks, especially while spending more time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Konjac jelly pouches were snacks that we were familiar with, but they were only available in a few Asian supermarkets and oftentimes left a very artificial aftertaste. We wanted to create a version that was more nutritious and tastier to the average American. We wanted to make people feel good, not guilty, about indulging in their sugary snack cravings.” - Tastelli
Mina
Mina began crafting her harissa sauce in the 1950s, it was honed in Paris and then New York City before arriving in grocery stores in the 2010s. The brand is named after its founder and is now run by her son, who has a background in business and marketing. Every product is truly authentic, developed by Moroccan-born Mina, and made with all-natural ingredients with the goal of making Moroccan food easy and user-friendly.
Lillie's of Charleston
“Our recipes were born out of Dad’s love for BBQ. He introduced the sauces to the public in 1985 in his restaurant called The Rib Shack. Since then, he has passed the recipes to us and we are sharing the love with you in honor of our great Aunt Lillie. If this sauce touches your life by a fraction of how much Aunt Lillie touched ours, then we have been successful.” -LOC
Chakalaka Brands
“Chakalaka Brands was born out of a desire to share this rich cultural history with the world. The founders were inspired by a safari trip to South Africa, where they first tasted Chakalaka. This unforgettable experience sparked a passion to bring the flavors and heritage of Southern Africa to kitchens everywhere. Today, Chakalaka Brands continues this mission, offering a product that combines taste, health, and convenience.” -Chakalaka
A Dozen Cousins
“Growing up, our kitchen was a delicious melting pot of Creole, Caribbean and Latin American cooking. As I got older and learned the importance of eating naturally, I hated that it was so hard to find convenient foods that were both healthy and authentic. I started A Dozen Cousins so that it would be easier to enjoy authentic cultural recipes made with wholesome ingredients.” -ADC
Ecos
“Our family started the company in 1967 to create cleaning products that are safer for people, pets, and the planet. I became president and CEO in 2014 and am honored to lead our woman-owned company as we further our commitment to green chemistry and climate-positive manufacturing. It’s critically important that consumers have access to affordable, plant-powered laundry detergents and household cleaners, as they play a powerful role in our wellness journey and the future of our planet.” -Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks
Vizo's
“Vizo's, owned and operated by two TTU alums, has a lot to offer in the representation of African culture in the Lubbock area. As the first African Bar & Restaurant in West Texas, we pride ourselves in offering the best taste of African food, and African drinks in our bar while listening to sensational African music.” -Vizo’s