Reston, VA – February 21, 2025 – Radhika Murari, founder of OmBaked CBD Boutique, recently testified on SB1483, which aims to modify Governor Glenn Youngkin’s new $1,000 per location fee. A fee which disproportionately impacts small businesses in Virginia. Just days after her testimony, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) conducted yet another inspection of her business - an action that raises concerns about government overreach and potential retaliation against those who speak out.
Murari says this because this is not the first time VDACS has aggressively targeted her business. In 2024, the agency imposed $40,000 in fines on OmBaked, many of which were based on multiple interpretations of the law. The fines led to months of legal fees to fight this injustice. Murari eventually prevailed and the fines were reduced to $1,000 – proof that the original $40,000 fine was nothing but blatant harassment of a small business.
“Governor Youngkin claims to support small businesses, but his administration is using every tool available to crush us. We build these businesses with our sweat, money, and community support.” said Murari.
“But Youngkin can crush us and our dreams within months. Between the exorbitant new $1,000 fees per location and inspections that result in baseless fines, small business owners like me are being pushed to the brink. Instead of fostering a pro-business environment, the Youngkin administration is making it nearly impossible for us to survive. Youngkin talks nice but acts mean.”
Murari is calling for an end to tyrannical behavior by State employees, more transparency, and fairness in regulatory enforcement. She urges fellow business owners and consumers to stand against policies and enforcement that stifle entrepreneurship and innovation in Virginia.
Media Contact:
Radhika Murari
OmBaked CBD Boutique
Radhika@ombaked.com
www.OmBaked.com