From signature wearables and accessories to an organic line of dog food, the freshly minted Bare’s Closet caters to dogs of all ages and sizes
By Patricia Nugent
“Everything I know I learned from dogs.” —Nora Roberts
After Baron “Bare” Alo Kuchar bounded into the lives of Heather and Ray Kuchar in 2020, nothing has been the same. Equal parts lovable and loving, this 94-pound English Labrador has brought immense joy to the family.
In addition to being “a nonstop cuddly bundle of love,” Baron is also responsible for a few aha moments.
“Eating clean and organic is important for our bodies, so why wouldn’t we extend that to the dogs we love?” Heather asks. Not happy with what was on the market, she began making Bare’s food herself. Then as people found out about the formulas, there was demand to spread the love and create a brand of food and supplements to help dogs attain their optimal state of health.
“Our foods offer complete nutrition for canine health,” says Heather. “Seriously, this food is better quality than most people eat. Targeted nutrients boost the immune system, skin and coat, as well as heart and digestive functioning. Working with small batches, we only use locally sourced, all-natural ingredients.”
Every dog is different, and Heather creates customized meals based on a dog’s age, size, breed and health concerns.
What you’ll find in the formulas: nutrient-packed seasonal ingredients like carrots, pumpkin, green beans and cranberries, all loaded with vitamins, proteins and probiotics.
What you won’t find: fillers, preservatives, chemicals.
“We use chicken thighs and wild-caught salmon, farm-fresh veggies, organic rice and sweet potatoes, without any binders,” says Heather.
Upscale Dog Boutique Opens
Following the success of the Bare’s Favorite line, Heather began to collaborate with local interior designer Josette Kark, another dog lover who’s passionate about her beloved pooches.
They began designing and curating a line of accessories for the pampered canine.
Bare’s Closet boutique officially opened Saturday, October 1. It features darling and blingy items, from collars, harnesses and leashes to apparel, toys, bags and carriers, custom artwork, beds and risers. The items are hand-picked for dogs of any size.
“With my background and workroom, I can do the intricate beadwork and embellishments many of these pieces feature,” says Josette. “I started selling them in my store in Canton, but we soon realized they needed more space and better visibility. The shop here within the newly expanded Healthy Attractions is the ideal venue.”
She says Bare’s Closet is a brand that resonates with people who love their pets like family, those whose relationship with their dog is precious.
“Our customers appreciate these are bespoke products you won’t find in a pet store or online,” says Josette. “They are mostly handmade specialty items like bowties and outfits. We also work with a talented local artist who can paint a beautiful portrait of your pet from a photograph you submit, the perfect gift to get yourself or someone you love.”
Heather and Josette opened the upscale boutique to serve a growing population of dog lovers. The luxury pet wear and pet accessories market is one of the fastest growing product markets in this country.
“It seems that during the pandemic, spending more time at home and focusing on what really matters, that we all came to love our dogs even more,” says Heather. “Everyone wants to celebrate their pets, and both our boutique and food line cater to that appreciation.”
Bare’s Closet is inside Healthy Attractions Wellness Center, located at 2747 Crawfis Boulevard, Suites 205 and 206, in Fairlawn. Look for announcement of a Holiday Open House on the website BaresFavorite.com. You can follow Baron on Instagram. For more information, call 330-962-8715 or visit HealthyAttractions.com.