About SYV Directory
SYV Directory is a local membership and community platform created to help residents discover, support, and enjoy more of the Santa Ynez Valley.
Through our Black Card membership, locals can access exclusive offers from participating businesses throughout the valley. But our vision goes beyond discounts. We want to showcase local businesses in fun, creative, and entertaining ways that help residents get to know the people, stories, products, and experiences behind them.
It is completely free for businesses to be listed and participate. Each business simply chooses an offer that feels sustainable for them, allowing our members to save while continuing to shop small and support the local economy.
Giving back is also an important part of what we are building. Through SYV Directory, we hope to bring greater awareness and support to the nonprofit organizations serving our valley. The nonprofit we currently support is the Therapeutic Riding Center, and we look forward to partnering with additional local organizations as our community grows.
At its heart, SYV Directory is about strengthening the incredible community that already exists here. We are creating more opportunities for residents, businesses, and nonprofits to connect, support one another, and continue building a thriving Santa Ynez Valley together.
JILLIAN KNIGHT
Jillian Knight is the co-owner of SYV Directory and one of the original forces behind the platform, which was first created alongside Kady Fleckenstein during the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as a volunteer effort to help local businesses and residents navigate constantly changing guidelines quickly grew into a trusted community resource for the Santa Ynez Valley.
With a background in Organizational Management from Penn State and bilingual skills in Spanish and English, Jillian brings a rare combination of leadership, strategy, compliance knowledge, and heart to everything she does. Through Grateful Heart Consulting, which she runs with her husband, Anthony, she supports local nonprofits and businesses with the operational structure they need to grow, stay compliant, and serve their communities well.
Deeply rooted in the Santa Ynez Valley, with adult children who are fourth-generation locals, Jillian has a true understanding of the people, businesses, and organizations that make this community special. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to service, connection, and helping local efforts become stronger, more organized, and more sustainable.
Maria Diaz is the co-owner of SYV Directory and studied Business Administration at Santa Barbara Business College. As a native Spanish speaker, autism advocate, and someone deeply connected to the Santa Ynez Valley, Maria brings a thoughtful, community-centered perspective to the platform.
Maria has experience working with both for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations, where she has developed a strong interest in marketing, community outreach, and helping local businesses become more visible. Having opened a business in the Valley herself, she understands how challenging it can be to build something, reach the right audience, and stay connected to the community.
Her passion for autism advocacy comes from her personal role as a caretaker for her younger brother, Paul, who has autism. Through SYV Directory, Maria hopes to continue learning, growing, and using her background in business, marketing, and advocacy to support local businesses and create a stronger sense of connection throughout the Santa Ynez Valley.
