Generations shape Sunflower Shoppe’s role in North Texas health

(COLLEYVILLE, Texas – Sept. 11, 2025) It is no secret that the holistic health market is growing. From TikTok, Instagram and X, the trends of wellness are making their way up the ladder. One Colleyville store has been helping families and those looking for true wellness for decades. Sunflower Shoppe isn’t just a business: it’s a community where health and personalized care meet.

The store was founded in 1970 by Padia’s great-grandmother, Bettye Bradford.  

“She started the Sunflower Shoppe because her sister was ill and wanted a holistic approach to helping her heal through that journey,” says Brittan Padia, the store’s head of marketing and public relations. “It started as a resource hub, so it had a lot of books.”

Padia is also a fourth-generation Sunflower Shoppe employee.

Bettye Bradford and her husband, Harlan, started the business in a building with cinder block walls painted eggshell white with fuzzy mustard-colored carpets. The store was a “wellness library”, with book collections describing holistic treatments that were either in store or had to go elsewhere.

In 1986, The shop was taken over by Bettye and Harlan’s son Rick and his wife Lavonne.

“The store evolved as people needed it, and that’s the beauty of having a family business,” smiled Padia. This would eventually expand the store to Colleyville, Texas in 2000.

From the aisles of fresh gluten-free foods to friendly faces offering unique supplements with expert nutrition advice, Sunflower Shoppe Colleyville offers a tailored approach to wellness for all ages and our furry friends. Through its in-store consultations, community engagement and a fast-growing online presence, Sunflower Shoppe continues to provide trusted health resources across North Texas.

With the evolving technology, Sunflower Shoppe also appeals to the modern needs of quick, online shopping.

The in-store experience is still a central focus, although with online shopping, the shops appeal to younger audiences.

One of the main factors that sets Sunflower Shoppe apart from other wellness stores like Whole Foods is its team of on-staff certified nutritionists. The store’s chief nutritionist officer is Bryan Bradford, Padia’s father.

The nutritionists offer private paid consultations for reading bloodwork and more. They offer for people to come in who need advice at no cost on Wednesdays at the Colleyville store and Thursdays at the Fort Worth store.

 “We pride ourselves in educating our community,” explains Padia, “Back when the store first opened, it was more resources. Now, people don’t turn to the book as much. They turn to influencers, social media or someone that they follow and trust.”

Beyond their role as a wellness store, Sunflower Shoppe is deeply rooted in the North Texas community. Staff and higher-ups frequently participate in local fundraisers, sponsor nonprofit events and provide seminars on wellness.

The store leaders say that faith and community involvement is the foundation of their mission. Whether it’s school partnerships or local charity, they work tirelessly to build a stronger connection within their neighborhood.

Sunflower Shoppe donated funds to South Hi Mount Elementary, a Title I school in Fort Worth, Texas.

“We did that to help the school carry on, as federal funding isn’t great at the moment,” Padia stated.

            Padia brought up a great point: getting out of the day-to-day life and helping others gives people perspective as to what they have and how they can better others. She sees the company growing much more over the next decade and looks forward to the fourth and fifth generations making their way in the family business.

“Being able to bring the town a healthy route and provide for them is the goal. Hopefully [the store] grows more; we will see,” Padia said, referencing Sunflower Shoppe’s dedication to the community.

            Sunflower Shoppe is more than just a natural health store; it’s a community go-to where wellness meets personalized care. By combining years of expertise with a friendly approach, the store continues to make healthy living, accessible. For Colleyville and Fort Worth Residents and beyond, this gem holds a bright spot dedicated to helping people live their best lives.