Are you ready to mix up your routine for the New Year? Often, we get stuck doing the same things over and over again. Now is the time to make some positive change. These local Bossier businesses can help you try something new and help you set those realistic goals for 2026:

1. Start a new hobby

When you begin the New Year, you may decide to start a new hobby or try something new. One local place you should consider is the Clayground. Recently, they opened a Bossier location. Now, Tessa Hall is bringing mindfulness and relaxation, one piece of pottery at a time. 

“I do wholeheartedly believe it is about life balance,” Hall said. “To the same concept of putting your own mask on first on an airplane, having your own hobbies, your own outlets, your own way to feed yourself, gives you the strength, the ability, to feed others that depend on you.” 

Here you can book a class or even host an event where you can make your own pieces by hand or customize one of the several blank canvas items. From plates to platters, to vases and mugs, there are so many ways to step out and be creative. In turn, this can be therapeutic for many.

“Not to sound too ‘woo-woo,’” Hall laughed. “It’s about transferring energy and stress into this world as beauty. You can take the heaviness of everything you carry around in the world, [use] your physical body, and that’s why I like pottery so much because it does require physical exertion at the same time of right brain creative output.”  

2. Go to community events

Throughout the year, there are several opportunities to support local businesses and events. Just by showing up and saying “yes,” you’re already showing support to those who need it most! Be Bossier aims to highlight monthly events to share with everyone, so you know where to go. Be sure to check back to see what all is taking place right here in Bossier Parish. 

3. Shop local 

Everyone can do this! Shopping local keeps your tax dollars local, which in turn helps with infrastructure, development, funding in our schools, and making sure first responders have the proper equipment, training, and support. There are several local small businesses to support throughout the year, and one that has been a staple in the area is now under new ownership. 

Give Me 3 is a gift boutique located in the Douglas Drive shopping strip off of Airline Drive in North Bossier. Lauren Bamburg took over ownership in December, which some consider the height of small business support, as everyone shops for Christmas and end of the year goodies. However, when the new year hits, a lot of small businesses see a decline in shopping. 

“In January, we’re all out of money, but it’s a good time for us to be able to buy our product and get revamped for the year for the customers,” Bamburg explained. “But it’s still important for people to come to support because we have to be able to buy those products as well.” 

They will continue to have their signature items everyone loves, like Jon Hart, eNewton, and great-smelling fragrances, but they’ve added even more for the new year. Go support this local business and see what they bring to our area. 

“It’s important to support Bossier City,” she said. “When we buy Bossier, I’m able to put more money into the economy. It truly supports everybody else. It’s really a circle of life, and we all work together.” 

4. Try a new local thing each month

In Bossier Parish, there are new businesses and restaurants that open up each month, and many that are hidden gems. This provides you with the opportunity to branch out and see what these places have to offer. You may find a new favorite restaurant, a great coffee spot, or even a boutique to be your go-to for shopping. You never know unless you try! Visit a new place each month and make connections with your community. 

5. Get healthy, physically and mentally, and do good while you’re at it!

It also seems that getting fit is at the top of the list for many, but not everyone can afford a gym membership or a dietitian for healthy meal planning. Located in North Bossier, Christ Fit Gym has been doing gym memberships differently since 2014. This is a Christian non-profit, donation-run gym that allows members the freedom to pay what they can and only if they feel led to. 

“The reason is we get to share the Gospel every day,” owner Billy Weatherall explained. “I’d never charge for the best gift that I’ve ever received.” 

With a multitude of group class offerings and open gym time, there are several ways you can get fit in the new year at your own pace. It truly can work for everyone and impacts many in our community by employing community members, financially supporting many local non-profits, and donating thrift items to families in need.

After your workout, you can stop by Fruits of the Spirit, which is located in front of Christ Fit Gym, and offers a wide variety of healthier snack options. They offer smoothies, bowls, and even easy grab-and-go items like chocolate and vanilla protein balls. They’ve even added coffee from Rhino, sandwiches, and take-and-bake pizza. If you like to thrift, behind their gym is their Christ Fit Thrift Store. Just like their gym, funding from both Fruits of the Spirit and their thrift shop goes to help with their local non-profit ministry.