Meet Stephanie Henderson | Owner, Good Sense Provisions

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephanie Henderson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephanie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Good Sense Provisions was the realization of a dream to start a family-owned business that would allow us to share some of the great finds that we came across in our travels through Texas, the United States, and abroad.

We seek out unique, high-quality products from vendors who focus on representing their communities — exactly the way we want to focus on and give back to our community.

You’ll find that all of the provisions we offer either have a “one-for-one” community commitment model, are family owned, feature talented women, and/ or are Texas based. We are proud to feature artisans that you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere else in the greater Houston area.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Our mission is to promote the use of unique, meaningful products by inviting our visitors to intrigue their five senses in our curated space. From rich scents to indulgent looks, many distinctive touches, tastes, smells, sounds, and sights are available to peruse and purchase.

The environment of our shop is as important as the selection of provisions within it. We offer laid-back luxury.In other words, it’s our goal to make your time at GSP as comfortable as possible.

We are most proud of the relationships we have been able to foster in the nearly (3) years that our doors have been open. Having said that, the challenges of starting a new business are many. Add in a world-wide pandemic to the mix, well, I’m sure I don’t have to go into the great many challenges that has posed for our small retail business.

While we will be, unfortunately, closing the doors to our shop at the end of October, it is not all bad news. We will be continuing to function/sell online (www.goodsenseprovisions.com), as well as participate in pop-up vendor shows. We have gotten nothing but support from customers and vendors in this decision and look forward to continuing to bring sustainable, unique brands to our area.

We have nothing but gratitude for what our small shop has given to us. The talented, skilled artisans and the friendly, generous customers that we have met have deeply enriched our lives. Our family bonds have been stretched and strengthened. Our curated goods will continue to be classic and stand the test of time, just like these relationships.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
It’s October, the leaves are falling, the temperature is a perfect 65 and sunny all week. We would keep things on the quiet side of Old Historic Seabrook and begin most mornings either with a walk, or a little yoga at El Jardin Beach. We’d breakfast at The Seabrook Waffle Co. or Damn Fine Coffee where you can find a variety of sweet or savory options, as well as a full coffee bar at each location. A shopping day is for sure penciled in and Good Sense Provisions is obviously on the agenda, as they offer unique art, clothing, accessories, and apothecary that you won’t find anywhere else in the greater Houston area. After shopping, we’d be sure to say hello to Bubs the gray shop cat (he’s somewhere nearby begging for food) while sipping a mimosa on the covered porch. At some point we’d find ourselves headed over to El Lago Coffee and Antiques to say hello to Terry and Jo. I’d definitely recommend buying a bag or (2) of their fresh roasted coffee beans to take home and it’s never a bad idea to go antique hunting. The Backyard and Merlion offer great evening drink and food options and are within walking distance of one another. I’d take her to Maas Nursery off Toddville Rd., as it is like Seabrook’s very own Secret Garden, a perfect little location for scenic picture taking. At the end of the week we’d both feel refreshed and relaxed!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Good Sense Provisions, GSP, is a real “Mom & Pop” shop, so I’d be remiss if I didn’t say a big ole huge thanks to my partner and “Pop” part of the business, Mike Henderson. He’s the numbers guy and the one who keeps me sane. Then of course our two children, Emily and Ryan, who have each contributed their talents to help grow the business. Both of our extended families have been a source of support, as well friends, customers, customers that have become friends, and talented vendors who all continue to believe in our mission to bring quality products in a sustainable way to our area.

Website: www.goodsenseprovisions.com

Instagram: @goodsenseprovisions

Twitter: @GS_Provisions

Facebook: @goodsenseprovisions

Yelp: Good Sense Provisions