It’s been a quite a chapter here at the Deep. After 42 sublime years our ship has new captains at the helm – but we can’t approach the holiday season without ghosts of Christmas past poking their noses around the corner.

Skin Deep has long been synonymous with giving. Gift giving, absolutely, (did we mention we won Best Gift Shop in the Independent this year?) and that was mirrored by what the Hasche sisters offered our community. Care packages following fires and mudslides, fundraising for Breast Cancer, Ukrainian refugees and emerging, local artists, plus countless events and causes which garnered donations of goods and services over multiple decades.

And what of the eternal gift to Santa Barbara? The December prestidigitation when Skin Deep morphs into a magical kingdom. Aisles brimming with goodies & gewgaws & gorgeous gifts – twinkling displays filled with unique ornaments calling our name – and shelves bursting with one-of-a-kind treasures. Will this year be the same?

Our new owners, the Von Stadens, arrived with a robust community allegiance on display. Their dedication to creating a newly refurbished (& gorgeous) backdrop has been inspiring. Then they got down to the business of conjuring up our much-ballyhooed world of enchantment; a warm Arcadia that beckons pilgrimages from far and wide. And may we say: Hallelujah! Holiday Shangri-La is once again instated at 3405 State Street.

So, what else is the same? I may be burying the lead but YES, you’ll still find that most beloved component: Complimentary gift wrapping. If your packages tend to look less dazzling, and more like they put up a good fight – fear not! Our beautiful gift wrap holds the same alchemy as our cupboards. Abracadabra – happy recipient!

So, we can all warm ourselves by the fire of nostalgia whilst indulging in the pleasure of goodies both shiny and new. Having our cake and eating it, too? So long as it’s fruitcake, I think that’s allowed.

Sure, Charles Dickens told a story of Christmas Past, Present and Future with more elegance and quainter adjectives – but our premise is the same. In this tiny corner of the world, it’s still all about Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men.

“Every day is a gift. But some days are packaged better.” – Sanhita Baruah

“You can get excited about the future. The past won’t mind.” — Hillary DePiano

“One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. Don’t clean it up too quickly.” – Andy Rooney

Skin Deep is a family business in so many ways. Three sisters (Tina, Nina and Gina) contribute to making the Deep a unique and iconic treasure. We think of our staff as part of the family and all our customers as our community.

Maybe that’s why the smiling faces who greet you feel like old friends. Some of these lovely ladies have been with us for a while – and they genuinely recognize and are happy to see you.

One such example is Sarah Castillo. Sarah joined the team as a Makeup Artist in September of 2012. But she already had a relationship to our staff and products.

As a child she often walked to the Deep with her sister and grandmother. Sarah says seeing all the beautiful displays, cosmetics and gifts is a huge part of her childhood memory of her grandmother – precious time spent together many years before she passed away.

Later Sarah’s esthetician teacher raved about Skin Deep and Sarah began to consider what a great experience it could be to work in an environment she’d been inspired by and loved as a child.

As a Skin Deep Makeup Artist Sarah’s renowned for her guidance surrounding eyebrows. One day she famously shared with a client: “Think of your eyebrows as siblings, not twins. They’re in the same family – but they’re not identical.”

In Sarah’s words: “A huge part of why I became a make-up artist was to be able to use my talent to help others feel good, to feel beautiful in their own skin. I’m lucky enough to work in an environment where I can express myself creatively, and help others achieve a sense of confidence along the way!”

Some of Sarah’s favorite products include Glo Minerals, The Brow Gal and Jane Iredale all of which are available for our Makeup Artistry Services.

Once, as a child, Sarah broke a glass ornament at the Deep so her mother wouldn’t bring her back for an extended period of time as a penalty. Although little Sarah’s heart was broken, she learned a valuable lesson. Careful when we touch!

Now Sarah is a valued and experienced “Team Leader” so she can touch anything she wants. We’re grateful Sarah’s happy memory led her to our family – where she shares her expertise with customers and co-workers alike.