Making Life Bright
Brooke Bensinger always knew she wanted to have her own business. What she didn’t know was what kind. About 15 years ago, she bought her a tie dye kit for her daughter for Easter, and they began tie dying together often. As her daughter got older and became part of various sports teams, her teams would come to the house and they would all tie dye together. Later, in the fall of 2016, the answer to what kind of business Brooke should have finally came to fruition. Her kids came to her and said, “It’s a tie dye business. That’s what you need to start.” And so, she did.
One of Brooke’s former nicknames was “BSquared,” and she instantly knew this would be the name for her business. She got started doing craft circuits, and through those, got linked to a retail location. One of Brooke’s goals with her business is to help people realize there’s more to tie dye than the traditional “hippie tie dye” that most people think about. She says tie dye can be professional, and can even be worn to the office. Brooke likes to think of her work as “tie dye chic,” and offers a wide array of items including skirts, handbags, socks, shoes, and more. She upcycles products as well, and even offers special workshops and parties to help get others involved in the craft.
One of the things that Brooke loves most about tie dye is that you don’t have to be incredibly meticulous with the process. Most of the time when you think you make a mistake, it comes out beautiful anyway. She tells her workshop students that every time you tie dye, it’s a surprise. It’s like Christmas morning each time you take the rubber bands off - you never know what you’re going to get. Brooke loves that the tie dye process is not only fun and creative, but it’s also turned into something that is therapeutic for her as well. She is happy to be able to use her fun, colorful items to make life bright for everyone around them.
Brooke initially discovered The York Merchant through social media, and in February, she officially joined the team. She is happy to have another physical outlet to share her products with the world. She is especially looking forward to the upcoming Workshop space to be finished, where she plans to host her own DIY sessions there in the future.
To learn more about BSquared Tie Dye and see more of Brooke’s products, please visit her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/bsquaredtiedye