To say that there is a certain “vibe” when you walk into Bittersweet in downtown Brockport is an understatement.
The shop, owned and operated by Darlene Trento for 34 years and housed in a landmark building at the corner of Main and Market Streets, is filled from floor to ceiling with an incredible variety of treasures.
“It’s an amazing and eclectic mix of American-made and fair trade products,” Darlene says. “People really like our mix.”
There is jewelry – including Trollbeads, American made pottery, wind chimes, bird houses, handwoven blankets, paintings, lighting, glasswork, giftware and seasonal items.
One room is filled with natural fiber Flax and Earth Creations clothing, shoes by Naot, leather purses and accessories.
Darlene says her priority is to offer American-made goods, and if they are imported, they must be fair trade.
“I try very hard to put people to work,” she says.
Q: How did the business get started?
“I went to college here, I graduated here,” Darlene says of The College at Brockport. After graduation, she made baskets and jewelry and wanted to open a shop that would feature American crafts at their finest.
Bittersweet was originally located one corner down on Main Street, Darlene says, but has been at its current location for 24 years. The shop is housed in what Darlene calls, “… a beautiful building.” The “Decker’s Block” building was constructed as a bank in 1871 and is one of the most striking in the business district. It was suffering from neglect when Darlene moved in.
“It was a sleeping beauty,” Darlene says and it helped bring her business to life.
Q: What about the name?
Darlene explains that bittersweet vine with its bright orange berries, is an everlasting, which she finds compelling.
“I love bittersweet,” she says. “I love to pick bittersweet, there are touches of bittersweet all over the store.”
Though not her original intention, she explains that others have pointed out that the name also has a universal and profound symbolism: so many things in life are both bitter and sweet at the same time.
Q: How does she keep the business thriving?
“By keeping it fresh,” Darlene explains. I’m always moving things around … I buy from lots of different vendors. I’m always finding new people to buy from.
“Customer service is a really big part of the business,” she continues. Bittersweet has knowledgeable and helpful staff members and offers boxes and wrapping for gifts.
Q: What do you enjoy most about running the shop?
Darlene is obviously passionate about every facet of her business. “I like everything,” she says. “I like it all … buying, displaying … I like what I do.”
Q: What about running a business in a college town?
“I’m all about SUNY Brockport,” Darlene says. “I’m a fan of SUNY Brockport – we wouldn’t be here without it. It employs so many people.”
Darlene says professors, staff, parents and students all patronize the store. Both she and her husband are proud to be graduates of the college, she says, and adds that the village is fortunate to have the school.
“It keeps (the village) vivacious, it keeps us young, not stagnant,” she says.
Q: Do you have any advice for people thinking about starting their own business?
Darlene pauses over this question and says she wouldn’t give advice in this area, but she does say, “ … follow your dreams … follow your heart … follow your passions.”
Q: How has your business grown?
Darlene expanded her business efforts several years ago, opening Bittersweet’s sister store, Fast Buck Fanny’s, just across Market Street. She opened the location to appeal to college students and younger customers. Fast Buck Fanny’s is now seven years old and has a different focus. Merchandise is less expensive, Darlene explains, and features trendy clothing, hip jewelry and unique gifts.
“It has a retro feel to it,” she notes. “It’s an antique-retro kind of place.
“Being in business for 34 years says a lot,” Darlene continues, and adds Bittersweet draws customers from Syracuse to Buffalo.
Printed December 14, 2014
