One of the things I love about free enterprise is that it gives an individual the opportunity to take something they love to do and figure out a way to make a living at it. None of us are restricted to taking the path of least resistance and doing what is easy, although most of us do just that. It is always refreshing to hear of someone who didn’t. This year, Beth Keenen did just that.

If you ever visited the quiet little Caffe Bella in Dowtown Ventura with the beautifully decorated “artsy” decor you probably already know Beth; and after 15 years of owning and operating her cafe, she was ready for a change.

Pamela Pilkenton, a good friend of Beths, and owner of Ventura Pilates, offered her a space in the front of Pamela’s new studio in Midtown. Beth jumped at the chance to begin a new venture and opened “Rituals” almost immediately in September of 2006.

Relying on old artist friends and local Ventura talent, Beth helped to create a gallery wall of art that is mind blowing to say the least. Along those same lines, Rituals offers one-of-a-kind jewelry, a variety of cards, gifts and accessories of all those things you simply just can not find anywhere else. Rituals carries a full line of spa and body products along with candles, Ojai olive oil, and such. One of the most popular items at rituals is a clothing line “Pure Lime” from Denmark and their new line “Spiritual Fitness” which makes some really great t-shirts.

Rituals is located in one of the quaintest little courtyards, which includes Michael Kelly’s Hair Salon and Ventura Pilates at 1899 E. Main St. Given the chance you should stop by and say hi to Beth, you will be pleasantly surprised with the unique products and gifts she offers, as well as getting a chance to view some of Ventura’s local artists hard at work.