Branded Western Co. is a hidden treasure in Slippery Rock. It offers a delicious bite to eat and a unique shopping experience.
Gabriella Kosek is the “brains behind it all” according to her mother, Mary Kosek.
In the fall of 2019, Gabriella had been attending Texas A&M graduate school to pursue her master’s degree in animal nutritional science when she fell ill.
The previous year, she had an aneurysm repaired with sutures, a traditional technique to mend the area. Later, she was diagnosed with chronic malignant anaphylaxis after it was discovered she had an allergy to the sutures.
Since then, Gabriella has faced the effects of the illness every day. However, she did not let this stop her dream of beginning a business.
“She started a business called Bald is Beautiful, making cancer caps, headbands and dog bandanas,” Mary said. The Koseks handmade their products, pouring their hearts into everything they sold.
While it originated in New Castle, that was not the only place where Bald is Beautiful could be found.
“We traveled all over,” Mary said. Bald is Beautiful could be found in places like Kentucky, North Carolina, Florida and Delaware. They did events such as jeep shows, state fairs and rodeos.
“And we just kept expanding,” Mary said. Eventually, the dream was to open up a store. And that is how Branded Western Co. was born.
It was the rustic, old-style building that attracted Gabriella to Branded Western Co.’s current location in Slippery Rock. “It was the bricks and the layout of the building that was what she was going for, and what we were looking at to build our brand,” Mary said.
It was her daughter’s time in Texas and interest in agriculture that influenced Branded Western Co.’s signature style.
“My daughter always says we are like a reverse Cracker Barrel,” Mary joked, emphasizing their comfortable, rustic aesthetic. “People come in, and they say it reminds [them] of a Texas Boutique.”
Now, Branded Western Co. offers a variety of products, their main selling point being their stylish Western clothing. “It’s for people who want to go to that country concert and pick up some Western wear,” Mary said. They also sell items like shoes, accessories and jewelry.
Branded Western Co. also holds space in their store for other small businesses, such as Emmett’s Engravings. Run by a sixth-grade student in Slippery Rock, Emmett’s Engravings sells wood laser products and 3D-printed items.
They also sell Bend Soap products. Bend Soap originates from a family in Bend, Oregon. They offer items such as goat milk soap, bath salts and lotions that Gabriella used for her skin when she became sick.
Branded Western Co. also prides itself on its unique food options. They sell Perry’s ice cream, along with a multitude of homemade options like waffle bowls, buffalo chicken dip, chili, cornbread waffles and smoked wings on Saturdays.
They plan to expand their already-distinctive selection, adding walking tacos, hot dogs and hamburgers.
A new addition to Branded Western Co. is the ability for customers to order food online. By scanning the QR code on their Facebook and Instagram pages, food orders can be placed to “skip the wait” and get a bite to eat on the go.
Branded Western Co. officially opened for business on Nov. 1, 2024. Like every business, they have had their share of challenges and rewards.
Mary shared that her daughter’s health is one of the biggest challenges they face running the store. “With her being in and out of the hospital, it’s hard trying to be there and keep the store running,” Mary said. “Building a name, getting the business going. We are just trying to get our name out there and get people interested.”
Branded Western Co. highly values making connections with and supporting the community. They are always trying to partner with people and other small businesses.
“We like to try to help the community, and we try to reach out,” Mary said. “We like to give if there’s a need.”
One of their biggest initiatives is fundraising events for different organizations. “If somebody comes in and they’re trying to raise money for someone with cancer, or the fire department, or if it’s a school musical, we try to do something.”
For example, from Friday, Feb. 28 to Sunday, March 2, Branded Western Co. held a fundraiser to support SRU Interfraternity Council. A portion of food and boutique sales benefitted the organization.
Branded Western Co. can be found at the Puryear Cattle Company’s Winter Bull Riding Series at Buckhorn Ranch Arena in West Sunbury on March 7, April 4, and May 2. They are bringing their unique Western-inspired styles straight to the arena. The events will begin at 8 p.m.
Branded Western Co. also frequently holds giveaways on its Facebook and Instagram pages. Winners are drawn monthly, and instructions on how to enter are posted on their social media.
Other events the business holds include karaoke nights and live shopping nights. They are working on hosting a bingo night in the future.
Branded Western Co. is currently running on their winter hours. They are open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
“We are here to serve the community,” Mary said. “Come check us out!”
