Apricot Lane Boutique Opens in Santa Maria with Chamber of Commerce Ribbon-Cutting

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is adjusting its ribbon-cutting schedule to encourage greater attendance.

The chamber aims to ensure all local businesses receive strong community support, and Tuesday’s ribbon-cutting event reflected that effort.

A growing franchise has opened in Santa Maria, owned by lifelong local Enrique Limon and his wife, Kerri.

“When this franchise and its values presented themselves, we were instantly attracted to the fact that the company aligns with social causes,” said Enrique Limon, co-owner of Apricot Lane.

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce’s new scheduling strategy allowed many members to attend Tuesday’s event.

“The second Tuesday of every month, we do our ribbon cuttings now, and we can have up to four different businesses,” said Molly Alves, vice president of operations and membership at the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Tuesday’s celebration marked the grand opening of Apricot Lane, a boutique specializing in women’s clothing and jewelry.

"It's a dream come true. Coming from the corporate world for 24 years, every day I get to come in here and say, ‘It's mine.’ And when the ladies come in and say they need help, that really touches me because that’s what I want to do—bring that joy to the women in our community,” said Kerri Limon.

The company carries products made by artisans in vulnerable communities both locally and globally, with proceeds benefiting those same communities.

“I call him our founding father—Ken, who started Apricot Lane—created Noble Venture, where they go to Cambodia, Haiti and East Africa to rescue women involved in sex trafficking and pay them a wage. Then the women make our bracelets for us,” said Kerri.

Apricot Lane has also begun donating proceeds to the local branch of CASA, which helped facilitate the adoption of the Limons’ daughter, Emily, now the boutique’s social media manager.

Additionally, the store has donated items to Allan Hancock College’s food and clothing shop, which provides students with essential resources.