For 33 years, pharmacists Arlene and Paul Snyder owned and operated a pharmacy in Chatsworth. As business grew, they added a gift department to their store. That, too, became very popular with customers.

"We missed working with customers and employees, so we decided to launch a new and very unique gift store in Westlake," Arlene said. "Frankly, this is a lot more fun and challenging than operating a pharmacy.

"We have always liked the Westlake area and have long planned to move here, establish a business, and become involved in community affairs," Arlene said. "The people here are so friendly and the quality of life couldn't be better."

Simply Unique, their 1,300-square-foot, three-employee store, opened about six weeks ago, at 31143 Via Colinas, #402, in the Westlake Design Center. Inventoried gift and furnishing items range from $5 to $5,000.

As its name implies, the store carries a diversified inventory of unique gifts and home furnishings. This includes creative gift baskets containing gourmet food items and floral creations. In some cases, special home furniture pieces are custom designed and constructed for customers.

"Business has been quite good in the first weeks of operation," Arlene said. "Several of our previous customers in Chatsworth drove all the way to Westlake to see and purchase items at our new store.

"As business continues to grow, we would like to expand our store size by acquiring adjacent space. Also, we want to establish similar stores in other marketing areas such as Ventura and Simi Valley."

She worked for 11 years at the University of Southern California at its Student Health Care Center, lecturing on subjects related to pharmacology and human sexuality. She also worked at the City of Hope Hospital, focusing on in-patient and long-term care.

The Snyders have two adult sons, and a 16-year-old son, David, who attends Westlake High School. For more information about Simply Unique, phone 1-818-865-1737.

"While pursuing my water-related activities, I noticed there were very little opportunities in this area to learn about kayaking or buying one," Lamm said. "I decided this was a really good business niche for me, and it's turned out to be a very good decision.

"Ocean kayaking is one of the fastest growing water sports today," he noted. "Whether a person wants to view scenic coastline, fish a local hot spot or surf a favorite wave, kayaking can deliver those opportunities. It's a particularly favorite activity around the Channel Islands where water clarity ranges from 20 to 40 feet."

The firm offers kayaking lessons for $44.95. This includes about an hour of instruction and two hours of practice. The full-day tours of kayaking sites around the Channel Islands cost $169.95.

The Kayak Center facilities are at 3600 S. Harbor Blvd. in Oxnard's Channel Islands Harbor, and at 1691 Spinnaker Drive in Ventura Harbor Village. Both facilities are next to Island Packers offices -- the firm used to transport kayakers to the Channel Islands.

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