Today we’d like to introduce you to HEB Buddies Lauren Hodges And Gracelyn Economidis.
Hi HEB Buddies, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Gracelyn and I are both proud Texas moms who bonded through Chi Omega at Texas State University—though technically, I was her Recruitment Advisor when she was in the chapter! Gracelyn’s am educator with a strong TikTok presence, and I spent eight years as a Marketing Director in the hospitality industry overseeing 16 different accounts before transitioning to a Sales Coordinator role in HVAC.
With a little more breathing room in my new role, I finally had the chance to dive into the world of TikTok—something I never had time for while managing all those accounts at once. On a drive home one day, two ideas hit me at once:
1. There should be a fun, relatable, and mom-friendly TikTok/Instagram account focused entirely on H-E-B.
2. Gracelyn had to do this with me.
From there, HEB Buddies was born! We’re two moms who genuinely love H-E-B—not just for the deals (though we live for those), but for how it’s woven into the fabric of Texas families. Whether we’re sharing new finds, spotlighting local products, or just having fun with what’s trending, our goal is to celebrate everything we love about H-E-B and the community around it.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like any creative project, it’s had its ups and downs! One of the biggest blessings has been the creative freedom—we’re constantly inspired by everything H-E-B has to offer. From fresh finds in the produce section to seasonal home décor and local brands you can’t get anywhere else, the content ideas are endless. H-E-B makes it easy to stay inspired.
That said, one of the biggest challenges has been growing our audience. Like most creators, we’ve learned that building something meaningful takes time, consistency, and a lot of trial and error. But we believe in what we’re sharing—real-life mom moments, everyday wins, and all the ways H-E-B makes life easier (and more fun). That’s what keeps us going.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Gracelyn is a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher who helps middle schoolers develop real-life skills they’ll use every day—from writing resumes to managing money. Lauren is a seasoned Marketing Director turned Sales Coordinator in the HVAC world, blending creativity and strategy in an industry that’s all about keeping things cool—literally and figuratively.
One of the things we’re most proud of with HEB Buddies is that we took a leap of faith and fully leaned into the brand we created. We’ve stayed consistent with our content and really embraced the type of posts we love to make. Whether we’re hopping on trends or hunting down the latest must-haves at H-E-B, it’s been such a fun adventure. We’ve definitely had our share of funny moments—like getting odd looks while filming a Reel in the store or sharing an awkward hug with an employee—all in the name of HEB Buddies!
What does success mean to you?
Success for us isn’t just about numbers or viral hits — it’s about creating a space where fun, authenticity, and community come first. It’s knowing that each post brings smiles, sparks conversations, and celebrates the simple joys of everyday life. Whether we’re hopping on trends or sharing goofy moments in-store, success is having a blast along the way and hearing our friends say, “I tried that product you posted about!” — knowing we helped make their day a little better.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @hebbuddies
- Other: Tik Tok: @heb_buddies
Image Credits
Photography Credit: Eddie Guerra
