Monthly Featured Businesses: September 2022

The City of Santa Maria and Santa Maria Valley Chamber continue to highlight different businesses in the City of Santa Maria through their Santa Maria Featured Businesses program. The focus for 12 months, since December 2021, is on major manufacturers and women-owned businesses in the City. Each month, one business from each of these two categories is recognized during the City Council meeting and publicized by the City and the Chamber.

September 2022 Featured Businesses Women-Owned Business: Gina’s Piece of Cake (Gina Martin, owner) Manufacturing Business: Hans Duus Blacksmith (Hans and Carla Duus, owners)

Gina’s Piece of Cake opened in Santa Maria 18 years ago. It started when Gina Martin’s father sold his bakery in Lompoc. This small, family-owned bakery with 15 employees provides a large array of quality, delicious, fresh-baked goods for events of any size. During the pandemic, the business provided customers with drive-up curbside service. The business is an avid supporter of many local organizations and charities.

Hans Duus Blacksmith designs and manufacturers unique and artistic lighting fixtures for hospitality projects, theme parks, public and private developments, as well as high-end residential projects. The company, run by Hans and Carla Duus, began in 1982 and moved to Santa Maria in 2016. It has three employees. Mr. Duus has been a member of the Allan Hancock College welding department advisory committee for two decades and has taught blacksmithing and ornamental iron handling. The company is initiating “Gallery at the Forge” for the public to visit and view its work.

Businesses are chosen by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber. To nominate a business or ask about the program, contact Molly Schiff, Director of Member & Community Engagement at the Chamber via email at molly@santamaria.com or by phone at (805) 925-2403 extension 816.