A California native, Lisa Grabow’s roots run deep in the Golden State, where she grew up in Altadena. Her grandmother instilled in her a love for tradition, teaching her both the art of curing olives and the complexities of Armenian cuisine. In a recent interview with The Pasadena Independent, Lisa shared, “I love everything about California, especially its rich agricultural heritage. I’ve yet to find a Georgia peach, Texas grapefruit, or Florida orange that compares to the extraordinary produce grown here in our state.” As a passionate ambassador and advocate for California’s agricultural bounty, Lisa frequently tours the state's olive groves, meeting with millers and continuously honing her knowledge of olive oil craftsmanship. In 2013, Lisa embarked on a journey of self-discovery, leaving behind her career as an accountant to open The Bea’s Knees, a gourmet store in Pasadena. This decision marked the beginning of her quest to elevate the art of olive oil which lead to her love affair with Beyond the Olive. The brand’s commitment to quality has garnered multiple accolades, including gold medals at both the Los Angeles International Olive Oil Competition and the New York International Olive Oil Competition. “We are fortunate to have a loyal customer base,” Lisa says. “I listen closely to their health needs, cooking preferences, and flavour desires to curate blends they will truly enjoy.” Lisa is a certified Olive Oil Sommelier, having taken olive horticulture courses at UC Davis, and is a proud member of the California Olive Oil Council. When not cultivating her vision for Beyond the Olive, Lisa enjoys traveling, horseback riding, hiking, skiing, and gardening. She is the proud mother of two exceptional daughters and dedicates herself to many philanthropic causes such as teaching yoga in county jails and offering art and art history lessons to local schools. For Lisa, “Work is never just work - it’s a daily adventure in discovery.”