BizHawk is published weekly, and includes items of interest to the business community. Share your business news, including employee announcements and personnel moves, by emailing news@noozhawk.com.

Montecito Natural Foods is back in business, with a new name and new place to call home.

After it lost its lease in the Montecito Country Mart earlier in the year, it looked like lights out for Coast Village Road’s oldest retail store.

But Slim Gomez can’t be counted out. The energetic entrepreneur has owned the store for the past 30 years.

“I am 72. I was thinking, maybe I should retire, but it is so important to the community, and the feedback you get, and the relationships that you develop over many, many years, it’s so rewarding,” Gomez said.

She found the spot at 1470 East Valley Road, Suite Z, next to Montecito Village Grocery. Its new name is Montecito Natural Health. There’s more parking, and it’s a better deal.

“The rent is about 70% less than it was down there,” Gomez said.

The new space is smaller, so she is no longer selling foods, but the grocery store is nearby. Montecito Natural Health specializes in selling supplements, vitamins and other health products, which remain the main attraction.

One of the store’s gurus is Caroline Geddes. She said she loves coming to work and helping people change their lives.

“I do feel we help the community so much with personal care and really getting to know them,” she said.

Geddes picked up a book when she was 24 years old that changed her life.

“Nutrition, supplements and what you eat and what you put in your body is going to change it, in one way or another, whether it be good or bad,” Geddes said.

Through marriage, raising a family and life experiences, she said she maintained her interest in nutrition, and never stopped researching and learning.

“I had four children, so I learned from trial and error,” Geddes, 75, said with a chuckle. “It is just something I have been passionate about for the past 50 years.”

She’s worked at the store for 11 years and is a comforting face to her loyal customers.

“I don’t take any pharmaceuticals, I believe that, not always, you can’t always find a remedy for everything, but if you can get to the core of what is wrong and heal that, your body is so magnificent the way it can heal itself,” Geddes said.

Skin Deep Enters New Era

Lauren and Torben Von Staden have acquired Skin Deep Beauty Products, Gifts and Salons, 3405 State St. in Santa Barbara.

Lauren Von Staden is an esthetician and makeup artist, and Torben Von Staden is a business consultant.

“This is a perfect match … as our business is very complicated and requires a strong team,” said Nina Meyer, the former owner, who will stay on part time during the transition period. “They are planning to carry on the same business model Skin Deep is known for — and prepare to restart the Facial Salon (we have hundreds of customers who are waiting for that!).”

The company opened in 1980 under the concept of a “combined beauty product store and salon operation that was inviting, pretty and focused on more natural ingredient products,” according to a news release.

The business now sells cards, jewelry, children’s toys and other accessories. Meyer said the three sisters who own the business were ready for a change.

Meyer said many people had interest in buying the business.

“The last few months of negotiations and transaction details were very challenging,” Meyer said, “but we made it to the finish line yesterday, and we are truly thrilled with the new owners.”

Alisal BBQ Bootcamp

Alisal Ranch in Solvang has announced its lineup for the final installment of the 2023 BBQ Bootcamp series.

“The BBQ Bootcamp: Around the World experience, taking place Oct. 15-17, 2023, will celebrate the many different varieties and flavors of BBQ that are popular around the world, from the distinct sweet flavors of Korean BBQ to spicy and sweet Jamaican BBQ,” the company said in a news release. “Chef Valerie Gordon will return to the ranch to MC the event, and each of the participating guest chefs will prepare indulgent barbecue feasts, demonstrate their unique approach to grilling (even desserts!), and share their own barbecue secrets, tips, and tricks.”

Alisal Ranch Executive Chef Craig Riker said the BBQ Bootcamp is an event people look forward to each season and that the company is “especially excited to welcome a group of culinary experts from around the world for our fall event.”

Highline Adventures Opens

Time to get high in the Santa Ynez Valley.

New zipline company Highline Adventures opened recently at 700 E. Highway 246 in Buellton.

“WE ARE OPEN!!! Book your tickets now and feel the thrill as you embark on an unforgettable zipline adventure, descending from the majestic mountains into the breathtaking beauty of the Santa Ynez Valley,” the company posted on Instagram.