A loan helped an Oregon family-owned lavender business acquire a distiller and build a greenhouse.


Brian & Cathy's story

I operate our lavender farm with my wife, Cathy. I grew up in Iowa... Cathy in Oregon, California, and Alaska. We both grew up in families that enjoyed planting and growing extensive gardens. In Iowa, we grew corn, beans, potatoes, and flowers. In high school, I spent many hours on farms. To make money, I walked beans and de-tasseled corn. This instilled in me the love of planting and watching things grow.

Cathy grew up in a family that always cultivated plants both indoors and in their gardens. Family members, including her grandfather and father, helped instill in her an interest in gardening and agriculture as they would plant gardens, grow indoor plants, and maintain their homes' landscaping. From growing artichokes in their California garden to using grow lights to encourage poinsettias to bloom in Alaska, they were always trying something new. She developed a love for working outdoors and in the family garden from a young age.

Cathy and I have been educators for many years. Cathy is currently a special education teacher, and I'm a Special Education Director. After many years of working with kids, we are close to retirement. As we considered a second career, we both wanted to combine our love of planting with helping people. This led us to plant a hundred lavender plants. These plants provided us with lavender oil this fall, and we have begun selling lavender products.

This month we did well-selling products at a holiday bazaar. Our next step will be to sell online. We've enjoyed the process of growing lavender and making products. we hope to expand the business and employ people with disabilities. We also want to contribute a percentage of profit to the Oregon Special Olympics.


This loan is special because:

It supports a small business owner with 0%-interest, zero-fee capital.



Loan details


About Lake Hill Lavender

Industry: Agriculture
Years in operation: 1 year - 3 years
Website: lakehilllavender.com


Lenders and lending teams




Loan details