NEWMAN — What began as a simple hobby between neighbors has grown into one of Main Street’s most creative small businesses. At Wild Mane Designs, co‑owners Jody Freitas and Patti Bettencourt have built a custom design studio rooted in friendship, craftsmanship and a deep connection to their hometown.
Freitas said the business started long before there was ever talk of a storefront. She had been making bows for more than a decade when Bettencourt — who lives “just down the ditch” — stopped by and took an interest. “She was wanting a hobby to keep her busy being that her children were all grown and doing their own thing,” Freitas said. A casual introduction to bow‑making soon turned into a shared creative venture.
The pair began selling their products at pop‑up events across the region, traveling as far as Paso Robles. After three years on the road, they decided it was time to put down roots. Their first storefront opened in 2023, followed by a move to Newman’s Main Street in 2024.
Since then, Wild Mane Designs has expanded well beyond its bow‑making beginnings. The shop now offers graphic design, logos, embroidery, custom apparel, cups and tumblers, and more. Embroidery, Freitas said, has quickly become one of their favorite challenges. “It has its ups and downs, but we are learning new things every day,” she said. “We are currently doing applique designs and we are loving that.”
Their work can be found throughout the region — on jackets for Costco employees in Modesto, beanies for West Side Ambulance, banners for local sports teams and ribbons and aprons for area festas. While large orders keep the shop busy, Freitas said some of their most rewarding projects come from helping everyday customers bring an idea to life. “We also enjoy bringing our customers’ ideas into reality,” she said.
Choosing Newman as their home base was never a question. Both owners say their commitment to the community is personal. “We live here and we love our community; we wouldn’t want to do it anywhere else,” Freitas said. “They are super supportive and we are so grateful that they are so happy to have someone local to get their product.”
Wild Mane Designs, located at 1311 Main Street, continues to grow its offerings while staying grounded in the small‑town spirit that inspired it.
