Local businesses prepare for Valentine’s Day

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.—Local businesses are seeing a spike in Valentine’s Day related purchases.

These businesses are coming up with creative ways to connect with their customers.

For entrepreneur Vanessa Fayad “Relaxation Tea” is more than just a business. It’s a passion that she cherishes growing with her partner.   

“Some couples like planning trips, vacations, they like doing things like going to Disneyland. For some reason, we really love having a business together,” Said Fayad.

Fayad is constantly trying to find creative ways to make her customers feel loved, from attaching affirmation cards with motivational quotes for her customers to packaging the teas in festive wrapping.

She’s not the only one getting into the Valentine’s Day spirit.

“I got the heart croissant!” said Bryan Blancas, who was happy to find Renaud’s Bakery’s assortment of Valentine’s related pastries.

Many local bakeries, clothing stores, jewelry stores, and even beverage stores have already sold out of niche items for this upcoming holiday.

“We sold out the other day, so she just restocked them [Valentine’s Day cards] all yesterday locally made in Santa Barbara,” said Alyssa Remington, who owns a local boutique called Folly.

“We have lots of red things, lots of red and pink things for the Valentine's Day season. We love the season of love,” said Dioni Boutique Stylist Gabrielle Lewis.

Local jewelry shops say that they consistently see spikes in sales during valentine's day since jewelry tends to be a sentimental keepsake.

“I just got engaged about a month ago,” said Claire Anderson, who works at the same jewelry store she got her engagement ring from.

Claire Anderson says she is happy to wear an item that she can keep close to her heart forever.

“It’s just really special. I love that Marisa made it for me,” said Anderson.

Local entrepreneurs like Vanessa Fayad say that valentine’s day gift giving should not just be limited to romantic partners—it should be a day to celebrate love for all those you hold near to your heart, including yourself.

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