What do you do and how long have you been doing it? I'm a commercial, speciality cut-flower grower. I grow flowers destined for the local market, wholesaling to 10 Rogue Valley flower shops between Ashland and Eagle Point. I sell to bridal shops and some restaurants, businesses and homes. I started in 1992.
How long have you lived in the Rogue Valley? I've lived here since 1984. I'm originally from Santiago, Chile.
What inspired you to go into this line of work? I had two little girls and wanted to work but not put them in childcare. I was invited by a friend — Margaret Keiser — to help her grow flowers on a little portion of an acre on her land east of Phoenix. I cut my teeth in the business that year I spent with Margaret. We were not only learning how to be flower growers, but how to grow a business. At that time, there was no guidance for small farmers. Now Oregon State University Extension has myriad programs for new growers. When challenges came to me, I took them. At the time, I was serving on a board at Ashland Community Hospital. Chuck Butler was on that board and gave me some advice: For the first 12 months, don't sign anything in partnership. Of course, you have to have a bank account and register with the state. Then, at the end of the 12 months, he said, review where you and your partner are at. At the end of the year, Margaret and I realized we were better friends than partners, and we were able to walk away.
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