HILMAR — An untimely mishap at a Hilmar coffee shop and bakery has brought help from an unexpected source — a competitor in Turlock.

The Sweet Life — located in Suite 10 at 7940 Lander Ave. — suffered damage from a small electrical fire in its storeroom earlier this month; the sprinkler system also created some water damage. Owner Jasmin Flores released a video on social media, letting customers know that The Sweet Life might be closed for the foreseeable future.

That’s when Terri Coonce, owner of Old Tyme Pastries in Turlock, stepped up to help.

“I saw the video and I could tell this was devastating for her,” said Coonce, who has worked at Old Tyme since 1981 and has owned the business for the last 10 years. “So I went out there last Monday and met her and asked if there was anything I could do to help.”

Flores wasn’t sure what help Coonce could provide, until she began placing orders for supplies. Ordering flour for her business requires a minimum $800 purchase.

“I wasn’t ready to handle that,” said Flores. “Terry has been ordering my flour for me so that I only have to buy as much as I can afford right now.”

Flores said help has also come from members of the Hilmar community.

“People have stopped by and asked if they could pray with me,” said Flores, who said she considers herself a spiritual person. “I thought we were going to be closed much longer, but we were able to open the following Monday. And that’s all God’s doing.”

The Sweet Life has been in operation for eight years, opening just before the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re not in the best location here; we’re sort of hidden,” said Flores, the mother of three, one of whom is a newborn. “Two different coffee shops were in this location before us, and neither lasted more than a year or so. And the economy hasn’t been great, so it’s been tough. It’s scary.”

Coonce knows that feeling all too well.

“Ten years ago, when the original owners of Old Tyme were going to retire, I knew that if I didn’t buy the place, I’d be out of a job,” said Coonce. “I saw that Jasmin was having trouble, and on top of that her car wasn’t working. Plus, she has a newborn. That’s a lot to deal with.”

Flores, whose shop is across the street from Hilmar High School, tries to give back to the community by offering $1 pastries for students. She even offers some treats for free.

The Sweet Life, open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, offers custom cakes, cupcakes, cookies, scones, croissants, as well as a full coffee menu, complete with hot, iced, and blended drinks.

Customers have the option of coming inside to order, or they can utilize the drive-thru.

“I just want to be a good member of my community,” Flores said.

So does Coonce.

“Technically, yes, she’s a competitor,” said Coonce. “But if you can’t reach out and help a neighbor, then what kind of person are you?”