a July 12, 2024 Stratford Times Got It Made i in Stratford MERCEDES KAY GOLD Times Correspondent Strolling alongside the Avon River in the summertime is synonymous with feelgood vibes. Walk away the stress, soak in the sun’s free Vitamin, D and, steps away, en- joy a day of retail therapy to round out a superb self-love day. This writer is queen of local love and fell in love with Got It Made, an adorable brick- and-mortar store in Stratford. Dana Ber- telsen is the proud owner and one-wom- an show behind Got It Made. Residing in Stratford for over 20 years with a back- ground in retail merchandising that led to weekend pop-ups, Bertelsen saw a niche that needed her special touch. She opened her dream eS in April, 2017, and hasn’t looked bacl Got It Mads i in Stratford offers one-of- a-kind finds. Bertelsen attends as many markets as possible, introducing herself to artists and indie brands local to southwest- ern Ontario, carefully curating the store’s collections. She is always on the lookout for unique items that speak to her, local cli- entele and to the tonnes of tourists visiting Stratford. With more than 75 artists show- casing their talent on the shelves, there’s something special to spoil oneself or loved "Covid changed the landscape of retail forever and, during the first lockdown, Bertelsen had plenty of time to design and build the store’s website. The shelves are overflowing with special finds from candles and stickers to Mos ys x (MERCEDES KAY GOLD PHOTOS) chains and jewelry to quirky buttons and hair scrunchies. This reporter had a tough time singling out a few brands to highlight but, with my holistic background, I looked to Mother Nature for guidance. Bertelsen, the dynamo girl boss, is also one talented artist using stones of various sizes in lieu of paint or pencil to create an- imals and scenery. She is a mixed-media artist who loves giving life to old things and has a flair for breathing life into vin- tage planes ene other items for a tru- ly moder Earth Potoe Apothecary i is a brand in- spired by ancient folk traditions and heal- ing pees The handcrafted Md prodiicts are 150 ASH STREET, CRYSTAL LAKE Welcome to 150 Ash St., here in the quiet community of Crystal Lake Mobile Home Court just minutes from Mitchell or Stratford and 40 mins from Waterloo. A three bedroom, one bath mobile home offers one floor living with ample room for your family. Bright, clean and move in ready...what more can you ask for. The bonus is an attached garage and all this for an amazing price so don’t wait, call today on this property and make it your next home. Land rent is $469.49/month includes taxes, septic and maintenance, water and water testing, garbage and recycle pick up and road maintenance. Six appliances included. This will not last long so call your REALTOR today and come check it out!! MLS 40616536 / a-b REALTY LTD. BROKERAGE 88 Wellington Street,Stratford, Ontario ¢ 519-273-2821 Michael J. Gorse Sales Representative Cell: 226-921-1319 mg ca holistic happiness for the senses. Products inge from bath salts for super stress-re- lieving soaks to organic handmade soaps with essential oils to calm the spirit or en- ergize the body. There’s also chemical-free bug sprays and room deodorizers. This brand is a healthy alternative to conven- tional, chemical-derived products. Huron Earth is a brand devoted to using herbs for healing. Natalie Kohlruss is the gardening goddess who sells seedlings to start those backyard dreams, teas, tinc- tures, oils and salves to name but a few items. Looking to immerse in all things natural? Just a couple of weeks ago, Kohl- russ hosted her sixth-annual retreat to un- plug and restore balance to the lives of busy bees; a weekend of foraging fun, nutrition and lots of tips and tricks for staying fit. She also holds wellness workshops focused on popular topics. Learn how to serve top- notch tea, why elderberry tea combats a cold and the benefits of arnica for healing. Topher’s Beard and Soap Company is a sustainable, self-care brand specializing in premium self-care for men and women. Topher and Tania, the husband-and-wife team, started the small-batch, self-care line as a side hustle but it’s now a thriving, multi-national business. With three grown sons, this momma-bear reporter is excit- ed to gift my boys their beard oils, balms, body butter and oodles of other products in amazing scents like Whiskey Woodsmoke, Smuggler’s Cove and Charred Oak Bour- bon. With new items often, Got It Made is a store to visit often. Bertelsen is on the hunt, always finding the latest and greatest. She is engaging and I love how she shares the where, who and why behind the nifty items displayed with style and finesse. Got Tt Made has an exceptionally easy-to-nay- igate website with loads of items not fea- tured in the store. In a world of big box stores, supporting local is more important than ever. Build- ing community, encouraging creativity and the dreams of passionate entrepreneurs not stockholders is rewarding for both sides. Got It Made is located at 27 Ontario St. in Stratford. Follow on socials for must-have products for self-care and decorating a space @got.it.made.stratford.