Today we’d like to introduce you to Randi Childress.
Hi Randi, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Howdy Hotties started as a love letter to healing, humor, and human connection. I’m an artist and educator who has always believed in the power of creativity to transform pain into something beautiful. When I had to face turning 30 without either of my parents here to celebrate, I began drawing as a way to process grief—and out of that came Grief Graphics, my first adult coloring book. It was raw, funny, and deeply vulnerable, and to my surprise, it resonated. People were craving space to feel it all: the hard, the hilarious, and the healing.
From there, I created more coloring books that reflect real life—whether it’s exploring identity, queerness, weed culture, or astrology—through a lens that’s inclusive, affirming, and playful. I opened Hotties House in Austin as a physical home for the brand, blending the vibe of an art museum gift shop with the warmth of a community space. We host events, pop-ups, and collaborations that celebrate creativity and connection.
My story is still being written, but at its heart is a belief that art should be accessible, emotional, and unapologetically fun. I’m here for the weirdos, the feelers, the ones who want to color outside the lines.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Whew—where do I start? Being a small business owner means wearing all the hats, often at the same time. One of the biggest challenges has been balancing creativity with the pressure to be constantly marketing, managing inventory, planning events, and keeping the lights on. I’m an artist first, not a business major, so learning the ins and outs of running a brick-and-mortar shop was a crash course in everything from budgeting to branding.
Emotionally, it’s also been hard to stay motivated when things feel slow—especially in a city like Austin where the cost of doing business is high and foot traffic can be unpredictable. There have been months where I questioned if I was doing enough or if people really got what I was building.
But the biggest obstacle has honestly been believing in myself. As a black queer woman, it sometimes feels like you have to work twice as hard to be taken seriously or to prove that your art—and your vision—deserves space. I’ve learned to trust my gut, lean into my community, and remind myself that just because something is hard doesn’t mean it’s not working.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Howdy Hotties, everything starts with intention. I’m not just selling products—I’m creating a space where people can feel seen, laugh a little, and heal a lot. What sets me apart is the way I blend vulnerability, humor, and bold design to make art that feels personal. My coloring books aren’t just cute—they’re cathartic. They touch on grief, queerness, identity, and joy in a way that’s raw but accessible.
I also think what makes Hotties House unique is the experience. It’s not just a shop—it’s a community hub. Whether we’re hosting a flower bar, a Beyoncé coloring night, or a pop-up yoga class, everything is designed to make people feel welcome and inspired. I want folks to walk in and instantly know: this space was made with love, for them.
Plus, I’m a teacher by trade, so I bring that same energy into the way I run my business—centered around education, empowerment, and creativity for all ages and abilities. I care deeply about representation, and I design with marginalized folks in mind, always.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I think luck has shown up in quiet, unexpected ways. The kind that feels less like winning the lottery and more like being in the right place at the right time because you kept showing up. Some of my biggest breaks—whether it was a feature, a collaboration, or a customer who turned into a cheerleader—came from moments that felt serendipitous, but were really built on consistency and heart.
That said, I’ve had my share of “bad luck,” too—like tech glitches right before a big launch, unexpected bills, or events that flopped despite all the planning. But even in those moments, I’ve learned something valuable. Usually, the “bad luck” rerouted me toward something better or made me more resilient.
Ultimately, I believe in a mix of hustle, heart, and a little divine timing. The people I’ve met, the community I’ve built, and the way things have unfolded—it feels lucky. But it’s also been a lot of late nights, deep breaths, and staying true to my weird little vision even when it didn’t make sense to anyone else.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.howdyhotties.com
- Instagram: @shophowdyhotties
Image Credits
Kaylie
