Living Green owner closes shop

Juli An Panfilio has been moved by the spirits again, and this time she’s hitting the road.

The owner of Living Green Natural Food & Apothecary on the corner of Second Street and De Bruyn Avenue in Langley said she’s closing for good as of Thursday night.

“Business has been really awesome for me,” she said, “but a certain man has come into my life.”

She said she and her companion, a bass player, are going traveling. First stop, Mexico.

“My daughter and granddaughter are settled, so now’s the time,” Panfilio said. “I’ve always wanted to travel.”

She said she has sold her house and everything in it, and as of now she doesn’t plan on coming back.

“Life is an experiment, and I’m experimenting,” she said.

Panfilio, 48, who grew up in Oregon, took over the business last December, and had big plans to create a hangout with a community focus.

Living Green features an apothecary stocked with vitamins, minerals, supplements, tinctures, salves, sprays, homeopathic items, aromatic candles and gifts. It carries natural, organic food items and a wide range of gluten-free products.

Panfilio said “there’s no doubt in my mind” someone else will take over the business and operate it in a similar fashion.

“The universe let me create this to go forward,” she said. “I don’t think the universe will let me down.”

Panfilio thanked members of the South End community who supported her in her brief stint as owner of the shop. “They’ve really touched me, and I will miss them,” she said.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.