GREENFIELD — Lavender Creek, a family-owned lavender farm and wellness brand located in South Monterey County, has been awarded the 2024 Central Coast Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Business of the Year for the Monterey Bay region.
The Central Coast SBDC’s recognition highlights Lavender Creek’s commitment to innovative business growth, community wellness and sustainable farming practices.
“Celebrating the hard work and passion of the family-run lavender farm, this award recognizes the company as the top performer in the entire Central California regional SBDC network, which is comprised of six SBDC centers and 14 counties,” stated Central Coast SBDC in a news release.
Lavender Creek Co. was founded by husband-and-wife team Ryan and Myriah Hopkins, who combined their passion for lavender with their expertise in business. The couple was inspired by lavender’s relaxing and healthful properties and installed more than 4,000 lavender plants using sustainable practices in Monterey County’s scenic wine country near Greenfield.
Today, they ship their catalog of soothing products nationwide to businesses and consumers, serving sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, retail, fitness and tourism.
A key area of growth for the business has been in healthcare, providing hospitals, elderly care organizations and other medical offices with comfort care products, such as their Lavender Refreshment Towels. The versatile towels are used both to enhance the patient experience and support Employee Wellness programs and initiatives, including “Code Lavender,” which offers immediate stress relief and emotional support for healthcare staff.
The Central Coast SBDC Business of the Year award recognizes outstanding small businesses that demonstrate exceptional growth, innovation and community impact.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this award,” said co-founder Ryan Hopkins. “The support we have received from the SBDC has been invaluable and this recognition inspires us to continue growing.”
Looking forward, Lavender Creek plans to expand the assortment of aromatherapy support tools included in its “Code Lavender” catalog and will also soon introduce its relaxing products to local schools in support of teachers and education staff. Visit lavendercreekcompany.com for more information.
“Lavender Creek Co.’s recognition as the Business of the Year by the Central Coast SBDC highlights their significant contribution to the local economy and their innovative approach to sustainable agriculture,” according to the Central Coast SBDC. “Their story is an inspiration to blossoming entrepreneurs and a testament to the impact of cultivating one’s passion.”
Central Coast SBDC, a program of the Monterey County Business Council, provides small businesses with no-cost business advising, assistance with accessing capital and training. Its mission is to help small businesses start, grow and succeed. Learn more at CentralCoastSBDC.com.
