History
The Bradford Nature Company got started in November 2011 as a small test booth at the Main Street Mercantile located in Bradford, PA. The Mercantile was started in 2005 by the Office of Economic Development to be a small business incubator. After a successful Christmas season the decision was made in January 2012 to make a significant investment into expanding it both in square footage size and in products offered for sale. During the first quarter of 2012 hundreds of new items were purchased, dozens of fixtures assembled, signage created, a website put in place, and marketing efforts were begun.
In September 2012 a second location was opened at the Olde Schoolhouse Village Shoppes in Eldred, PA. A truly unique shopping experience. Each former classroom has been redone and themed. Originally started with 15 vendors, it has now grown to over 100 vendors.
In September 2013 a third location opened and is now called the Wellness Village and is part of the Olde Schoolhouse Village Shoppes. This location focuses on books related to gardening, natural care products, and back to the basics lifestyle. Also carried are the Seed Savers Exchange gardening seeds, and the Sallyeander soaps.
In November 2013 a fourth location opened in Kane, PA at the Lillies In The Valley cooperative. We were extremely pleased to be able to bring Holgate Toys back to Kane, PA. Kane was the home of Holgate for about 150 years, but did not have a retail presence in the community from 2009 – 2012. But thanks to this partnership, Holgate returned back to Kane. Woo-Hoo! Unfortunately, this Co-op closed in December 2016
In November 2014 we opened our fifth location in Smethport, PA at Comptom’s Mom and Pop Shop. This was such a fun location. Looking for a classic soda, they’ve had dozens! Unfortunately, this Co-op closed in March 2017.
In March 2015 we ventured into the Young Living Line of Essential Oils. We are the retail supplier of the oils at the Wellness Village location, and simultaneously started our Young Living network of now hundreds of distributors.
Founders
The Bradford Nature Company was founded by Selene and Jim Machuga.
Selene brings 15 years of lower through middle school science teaching experience, worked with the Philadelphia Zoo and the Academy of Nature Sciences. Additionally, she spent several years working as a manager with World of Science in the Philadelphia and New Jersey areas.
Jim brings over 15 years of retail management experience both at the store and district level throughout the Northeast. He also taught leadership skills for six years, and served as a small school administrator for three years.
In addition to the above since 2009 they have started and are continuing to create a small homestead called Deer Springs on 1.5 acres of land that include several gardening areas, a orchard, a vineyard, a rose garden, and much more. They share this land with their four cats, 20 chickens, dozens of different types of birds, numerous Deer, and the many other varieties of wildlife that pass through on a daily basis.
Defining Excellence
We define excellence as E = MC cubed.
My commitment to my customers
My commitment to my co-partners
My commitment to my community