Sunflower Shoppe brings four generations of wellness to Fort Worth and Colleyville

By Rachael Lindley
Photography by Crystal Wise

Humble Beginnings

The Sunflower Shoppe Wellness Market’s story began in 1970, when the then 60-year-old Bettye Bradford sought a solution for her sister Mary’s battle with cancer. She felt compelled to open a retail store that focused on holistic medicine and nutrition.

What began as a small supplement store with books has grown into a family-owned and operated business rooted in faith, family values and a deep commitment to helping others. Bettye’s vision sparked a multi-generational movement toward wellness and community support.

It’s named Sunflower Shoppe because of the nutrient-dense seed.

“Customers would come in with symptoms and flip through a nutritionist-authored book to guide them to a supplement,” says Brittan Padia, marketing and events manager.

Brittan and her cousin Joseph are among the fourth generation to join the family business.

In 1986, Bettye’s son, Rick Bradford and daughter-in-law, Lavonne Bradford, took over.

“My grandad, Rick, was the operations guy, and my grandmother, Lavonne, was all about the experience, customer service and hospitality,” said Padia.

Growth & Expansion

The 1990s brought expansion to new locations, including the current spot on Camp Bowie, 5817 Curzon Ave., and later a second location in Colleyville. At every turn, the Bradford crew adapted to the needs of its community by adding groceries, frozen yogurt, even a pharmacy and a playroom.

“That’s the beauty of keeping it a family business. You can turn on a dime and grow with the community,” Brittan says. “We chose not to grow into a corporate franchise because we are rooted in passion, faith, family and community.”

Keeping it in the Family

In 2020, the third generation officially took the reins, bringing a couple of fourth generations into the fold as well — Brittan and her cousin, Joseph Bradford.

They have expanded their online presence to reach a wider audience while remaining committed to serving the local communities of Fort Worth and Colleyville.

The wellness market offers thousands of supplements addressing a wide range of ailments, from seasonal allergies to joint pain and hormone issues. Shoppers can also take solace in a wide variety of healthy food and drink options and fresh meals.

Sunflower Shoppe boasts an in-store nutritionist and health coach, Bryan Bradford, who offers 30 years of experience in the nutrition industry and provides one-on-one, in-depth consulting and even testing to help clients address health concerns.

“Our driving force has been our customer service and knowledgeable staff and has earned a regional and national reputation as the go-to resource for natural foods, supplements and knowledge,” Brittan says. “It has won countless accolades in the highly competitive natural foods industry as a leading — and rarified — independent retailer. On-staff certified nutritionists are regularly called upon to lend their perspective as expert sources.”

“It’s not just this one thing — it’s a lifestyle,” Brittan says.

Brittan says the family hires passionate people, not merely salespeople, who focus on education rather than influence. It is this distinction that cultivates the Sunflower Shoppe’s loyal clientele.

“Customers trust our team because they’re honest. They aren’t upselling because of trends or fads,” Brittan says. “You need somebody you can trust that is willing to help you, not sell you something.”

The staff visits farms and manufacturing facilities to stay informed about products, upholding Bettye’s original commitment to quality and authenticity.

Sunflower Shoppe aims to continue educating, serving and remaining a place of trust in an often overwhelming world of health information.

“When the noise gets so loud, you know where to come for sound advice,” says Brittan.

“Bettye’s love, faith and passion [are] still sparking today, every time a customer walks through our doors,” Brittan says.