Two Leander ISD high school seniors — Hasini Chandrakumar and Ambrika Ashok — have launched STAARkids, an AI-based test-prep platform that prepares elementary students for the STAAR exam.
Hasini said the two co-founders noticed that a lot of Texas students weren’t meeting grade level on the STAAR test, and felt an AI solution could help bridge that gap.
“I think that everyone should have access to the same resources,” Ambrika said, noting the educational inequality across school districts in Texas. “A ZIPcode shouldn’t be in the way of [student’s] potential academic and financial success.”
To subscribe to the Staarkids program, send them an email at staarkids.edu@gmail.com.
Wag Heaven wins Amex Shop Small Grant
Wag Heaven, a Georgetown pet supply store with self-service dog bath stations, received an Amex Shop Small grant, which supports small businesses through funding for growth, improvements and community outreach.
“I know that this program is very competitive, and Wag Heaven is the first and only business in Georgetown that has been awarded one of these grants, so this is very exciting,” said Kim McAuliffe, Downtown & Tourism Director for the City of Georgetown. “This investment not only celebrates the incredible work Wag Heaven does for pets, their owners, and area shelters, but also highlights the important role small businesses play in creating vibrant and connected communities.”
Wag Heaven co-owner Jusak Yang Bernhard said “We strive to be a reflection of our community.”
Wag Heaven is located at 3010 Williams Drive, Ste. 115, Georgetown.
Seva Pediatrics opening soon in Georgetown
Seva Pediatrics will open in mid-June at 2951 FM 1460, Ste. 901, Georgetown. Seva Pediatrics will offer pediatric care including sports physicals, hearing and vision screenings, well-child and sick visits, behavioral consultations and vaccinations.
“Seva” means ‘selfless service’ in Hindu.
The business is owned by Dr. Shubhra Malik, who speaks four languages including English, Hindi, Gujarati and Russian. To learn more, visit https://sevapediatrics.com.
Mind Body Optimization opens clinic in Georgetown
Mind Body Optimization, which provides psychiatric, therapy and wellness services, opened a new mental health clinic in Georgetown.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Trevor Tomlin leads the Georgetown team, where nurse practitioners, therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists collaborate to provide more streamlined care.
“My goal with each patient is to utilize a combination of clinical expertise and emotional intelligence to empower them,” Mr. Tomlin said. The clinic treats a wide range of mental health conditions and behavioral disorders, accepts most major insurance plans and offers telehealth appointments for patients in Texas.
Mind Body Optimization is located at 2951 FM1460, Suite 201, Georgetown. For more information, visit https://mindbodyo.com.
John Barber is open for business
John Barber, a new men’s barbershop, has opened in Georgetown at 104 Western Trail, Ste. 2. The business specializes in precision haircuts, bald fades and tapers, hot towel shaves, beard scripting, hair coloring and sensory friendly cuts.
Appointments are recommended to minimize wait times. Visit https://johnbarber-f9qyitlh.manus.space for more information or call 512-500-1413.
Ninja-inspired gym opens in Leander
USA Ninja Challenge, a gym designed to help keep kids engaged and physically active, has opened in Leander. The obstacle course includes gymnastics, climbing and cross-training.
Anand Panchal and Tarang Vora, two Williamson County dads, founded the business to help kids get off TV and phone screens and to get them more physically active. USA Ninja Challenge offers Ninja classes, parties and summer camps. For more information, visit www.ninjaleander.com.
Developer approved for new Liberty Hill retail project
The Liberty Hill zoning board approved Pohl Jensen to develop 21.5 acres for retail use southeast of the intersection of Highway 29 and Butler Farms Boulevard. Pohl Jensen is the developer that built the Target and Costco to Liberty Hill. The new project will likely create between 120,000 to 150,000 square feet of retail mixed use, emphasizing restaurants and grocery stores. In the future, Pohl Partners would like to build a residential development on the remaining portion of the 90 acre property. It could be more than a year before construction begins.
Red’s Smoke Shop nominated for philanthropy award
Red’s Smoke Shop, a veteran-owned mobile cigar rolling company based in Liberty Hill, was nominated for a philanthropy award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Austin Chapter. Red’s Smoke Shop was publicly acknowledged for their work on the AFP website and at the 2026 philanthropy event.
James Sims, co-founder and cigar roller at Red’s Smoke Shop, made it his goal to partner with 26 non profit organizations in 2026. So far, he has 20 nonprofit partners signed on and is trying to find six more before September of 2026. The business offers cigar rolling classes and tabling at events in the Williamson County area.
“We are deeply honored to be recognized among such inspiring organizations,” said Mr. Sims. “This nomination reflects the values we strive to uphold every day—supporting our community and making a positive difference wherever we can.”