Bradford business owners Becca Mueller of Copper & Oak Designs apparel company and Bonnie Aguiar of Sweet B's Bakery recently collaborated to launch their very own line of sweaters and tees featuring 'sweet', clever designs.
Mueller and business partner Kellie Martin just launched their business this past spring, and have been growing strong ever since. Martin is currently taking a step back from the business as she focuses on planning her wedding. Aguiar has been in business since 2012 with her home bakery and opened her storefront, known as "the best smelling place in town" in downtown Bradford six years ago.
Mueller and Aguiar were in touch earlier this fall when Mueller contacted Aguiar and other fellow female business owners to see if they would be interested in taking part in a social media giveaway contest.
"Bonnie was one of the business owners I reached out to and fell in love with her personality right away," said Mueller.
Aguiar agreed to take part in the giveaway, where she fell in love with Mueller's design work, so much so that she ended up ordering a few custom-made sweaters for her staff as gifts.
"And we all fell in love with them," added Aguiar. "So I approached Becca and asked if she might be willing to team up with us to create a Sweet B’s apparel line and she enthusiastically agreed."
"Being approached by one of Bradford's most beloved businesses to work together was a dream come true," said Mueller. "The fact that Bonnie reached out to little old me was something that is really hard to put into words. Everyone knows Sweet B's here and to partner with them is just an incredible milestone that I am so profoundly humbled by."
This isn't the first time Aguiar has worked with other local businesses to offer a unique product or service.
"You can’t beat teaming up with other local businesses," said Aguiar. "Not only are they your neighbours, your children’s friends' parents, your coaches and so on, but they’ll also provide you with the service and care you won’t find anywhere but local. "
Sweet B's currently has a partnership with The Flower Merchant in town where customers can add sweet treats to their flower deliveries, Don Cherry’s Sports Grill has the bake shop's signature brownies on their dessert menu, and 3 Scoops Ice Cream uses their cookies for cookie sandwiches.
In-store, she sells gift items from Katie Cook Custom Creations, cake toppers by Cute.Tees, and custom cards by Becca Makes.
Just recently, Aguiar has started selling pickles and preserves made by Zest, a local catering/private chef business.
She has a few uniform shirts for staff as well, made by local business Vinyl Obsessed, with fun sayings like 'This is how I roll' and 'Will work for cupcakes'. Aguiar says she gets compliments on them quite often.
"I’ve had it in my brain for a while that I would love to sell baking-inspired apparel," said Aguiar on her recent partnership with Mueller.
The pair bounced ideas off of each other and eventually came up with some custom designs. So far, the ladies say the response has been "great", especially from friends and family.
"They're excited to get in some cute gear and show their support!" said Aguiar.
The shop is fully stocked for the holiday season and plans to offer new designs in the spring "and beyond if they are as well-received as we hope."
"Bonnie and I worked incredibly hard on the line and so far it seems to be a success," said Mueller.
There are t-shirts, crewnecks, and hoodies available in different colours and sizes.
As far as partnering with other local businesses, Mueller said she would "love to keep that door open". She has recently partnered with two other local businesses, creating apparel for staff members.
"It's fun to think of what the future holds and for now, I'm just living in the moment," said Mueller.
Aguiar says the sense of community in Bradford has always been wonderful, and her goal is to work with as many like-minded, local individuals as possible.
"These businesses are sponsoring your kid's teams, they’re working on your last-minute orders and they’re hustling to make a living. Keep it in the ‘family’ as much as you can!"
The apparel is now available for purchase at Sweet B's located at 4 Holland St. West, behind Kenzington Burger Bar.
