Klean Heifer Celebrates One Year in Downtown El Centro with IVRCC Ribbon Cutting

EL CENTRO, Calif. — Some businesses begin with an idea. Others begin with a family tradition passed down through generations.

For Klean Heifer Tallow Soap & More, that tradition started more than 40 years ago with Josie Maeda, whose passion for making natural products at home would eventually inspire her daughter to build a business of her own.

On October 29, 2026, the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce (IVRCC) joined Klean Heifer in celebrating its first anniversary with an official ribbon cutting ceremony at 218 S. 8th Street in Downtown El Centro.

The celebration brought together family members, community representatives, and supporters to recognize a business rooted in generations of hands-on knowledge and a commitment to serving the Imperial Valley.

A Family Tradition That Became a Business

Klean Heifer officially began in 2024, initially selling products from home and at local farmers markets. But the story behind the business reaches back decades. Founder Josie Maeda spent more than 40 years making natural soaps, detergents, toothpaste, lotions, and other household products. In the early 2000s, she opened her own store, sharing her knowledge and handmade products with customers. Her daughter grew up surrounded by this work, learning the importance of carefully selected ingredients and taking pride in everything she created. Alongside her sister, she helped prepare products and participated in craft shows, gaining firsthand experience in the family business. After helping operate her mother's store, she eventually pursued a career in insurance. Years later, she returned to the tradition that had shaped her childhood.

In 2024, she launched Klean Heifer, bringing together generations of family knowledge and her own entrepreneurial vision. What began with farmers markets and sales from home has since grown into a storefront in Downtown El Centro.

Handmade Skincare with a Western Personality

Klean Heifer specializes in locally handmade skincare products, including grass-fed tallow soaps, tallow butters, face creams, face oils, lip balms, and vegan deodorant. Products are prepared in small batches using carefully selected ingredients, reflecting the product-making knowledge passed down through the family.

Beyond skincare, the storefront offers western-inspired merchandise, including reusable felt air fresheners, western jewelry, cowhides, and leather and cowhide purses. The combination gives Klean Heifer its distinctive character, bringing together handmade skincare and western style in a welcoming retail environment.

For the family, the business is guided by values of quality, honesty, faith, and community.

Its guiding phrase, "From our family to yours," reflects the generations of care behind its products and the relationships the business continues to build with customers.

A Community Celebration of Family and Entrepreneurship

The October 29 anniversary celebration brought together local leaders, Chamber representatives, family members, and community supporters to recognize Klean Heifer's first year at its storefront. The ceremony was facilitated by IVRCC, with remarks recognizing the family's entrepreneurial journey and the commitment required to establish and operate a small business.

Representatives from the City of El Centro, the California State Senate, and the California State Assembly joined the celebration, offering congratulations and presenting certificates of recognition in honor of the milestone. During the ceremony, speakers acknowledged the dedication behind Klean Heifer's growth and the importance of supporting entrepreneurs who choose to invest in their communities.

IVRCC also presented Klean Heifer with a certificate recognizing its commitment to local economic growth and community development.

The celebration held particular significance for the family, whose involvement in handmade products spans generations.

When invited to address attendees, the business owner expressed her appreciation for the community's support and spoke about the pride of providing products handmade by herself, her mother, and other family members. Her remarks reflected the personal connection behind Klean Heifer and the gratitude shared by the family as they celebrated the milestone.

Giving Back Beyond the Storefront

Klean Heifer's story also includes a commitment to supporting the community beyond its business operations. Alongside her husband, Ernie, the business owner participated in Dancing for a Dream, an initiative raising funds for local children battling cancer.

Their participation reflects the family's involvement in causes that directly affect Imperial Valley residents.

Earlier in 2026, Klean Heifer's owner was also recognized through IVRCC's STAR Award program, which celebrates individuals demonstrating outstanding service and dedication in local workplaces.

The anniversary ceremony provided another opportunity to acknowledge the family's contributions and the relationships they have built throughout the region.

Celebrating Local Business Growth in Downtown El Centro

Reaching a first anniversary is an important milestone for any small business, particularly one that has grown from home-based sales and farmers markets into a permanent storefront.

Klean Heifer's journey reflects the determination of local entrepreneurs who build businesses around their experience, interests, and family traditions.

Businesses like Klean Heifer contribute to the character of Downtown El Centro, offering residents additional shopping opportunities while supporting a diverse local business community.

The Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce was honored to facilitate the ribbon cutting and celebrate this achievement alongside the Klean Heifer family.

IVRCC congratulates Klean Heifer Tallow Soap & More on its first anniversary and wishes the family continued growth and success in the years ahead.

Visit Klean Heifer Tallow Soap & More

Discover Klean Heifer's handmade skincare products and western-inspired merchandise at:

Klean Heifer Tallow Soap & More218 S. 8th StreetEl Centro, CA 92243

Celebrate Your Business Milestone with IVRCC

The Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce facilitates ribbon cutting ceremonies for eligible Chamber members celebrating grand openings, anniversaries, expansions, relocations, and other important milestones.

These celebrations provide an opportunity to introduce businesses to the community, recognize their achievements, and bring additional visibility to their investment in the Imperial Valley.

Interested in scheduling a ribbon cutting for your business? Contact IVRCC at (760) 352-7413 to learn more about this membership benefit.