Sydney Howard always dreamed of owning her own business, often brainstorming ideas with her sisters. After working as a nurse for five years, she decided to pursue her passion for business by earning a master’s degree in business with a STEM concentration. Sydney’s love for the business side of every job she had made the transition to entrepreneurship feel natural. When the opportunity to take over Hulla B’lu presented itself, everything aligned perfectly, and she knew it was meant to be. Combining her experience and dedication, Sydney merged two businesses to create Hulla B’lu at Stems, a vibrant gift shop with a fresh look and new items that excite long-time loyal customers and newcomers alike. One of Sydney’s favorite memories so far has been the 2024 Christmas Open House, which was a true testament to the community’s support. Endless hours of preparation paid off as family, friends, and customers came together to make the event a success.

For Sydney, the most rewarding part of her business is staying ahead of trends to ensure customers always find something special in the store. She takes pride in curating beautiful items with specific customers in mind and cherishes the personal connections she’s built with her clientele. Hulla B’lu at Stems positively impacts the Lubbock community by continuing the legacy of bringing joy through thoughtful gifts. Sydney’s dedication extends to supporting causes like the Idalou Meals on Wheels fundraiser and planning future outreach initiatives. She credits the Small Business Development Center for helping her organize her business plan, secure an SBA loan, and conduct competitive analysis. Their guidance gave her confidence and tools to navigate the early stages of her entrepreneurial journey. Today, Sydney is proud to run a business that brings smiles, strengthens the community, and honors the legacy of Hulla B’lu.