Lopez Family Farm

Meet Esmeralda Sanchez, the founder of Lopez Family Farm based in Mt. Vernon, where they grow strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Esmeralda's inspiration stems from a desire to provide affordable berries to her community, especially considering the high prices at local stores. Coming from a lineage of farmers in Mexico, Esmeralda currently rents 10 acres of land. Despite the challenges of unpredictable weather and the demanding nature of farming, Esmeralda remains resilient, emphasizing the importance of patience and persistence.

Esmeralda faced hurdles due to her DACA status, initially doubting her eligibility for loans or grants. However, she overcame financial obstacles by reinvesting her earnings back into the farm and seeking assistance. Their engagement with CIE has been instrumental, particularly during the pandemic, when they received support for PPP loans. Furthermore, CIE facilitated access to additional funding, enabling the farm to progress.

Esmeralda values the guidance provided by her business advisor, particularly in understanding future needs and business growth strategies. Resources such as USDA farm loans and a supportive network offered by CIE have been invaluable. Looking ahead, Lopez Family Farm has expanded by renting more land and diversifying their crops. Esmeralda's ultimate goal is to purchase land. With the help of CIE, this dream may come to fruition soon, as Esmeralda has secured funding through an unconventional method (NCCU food Resiliency Loan) to help her grow her family farm business!

Visit a Lopez Family Farm Stand for fresh produce! Open late spring to early fall.

10008 270th St NW, Stanwood, WA 98292

1619 172nd St NE, Marysville, WA 98271

2310 WA-530, Arlington, WA 98223

Facebook: @Lopezfamilyfarm

Sweet Beginnings: Anissa's Path to Pastry Success

Meet Anissa, the passionate force behind La Pâtissière, a small business that crafts delightful pastries, drawing inspiration from both French and Middle Eastern traditions. Hailing from Tunisia, Anissa embarked on a journey to establish her own business in the City of Pullman. Below, we'll delve into Anissa's business journey, her challenges, triumphs, and the valuable lessons she gained along the way.

---

A Culinary Odyssey

Anissa's culinary journey began in her home country, where she learned valuable skills in crafting French and Middle Eastern pastries. Upon moving to Washington, the desire to have her own business burned brightly within her.

Navigating the Unknown

With limited knowledge of local regulations and business practices, Anissa faced a daunting challenge. She turned to research, sought advice from friends, and ultimately discovered the Center for Inclusive Entrepreneurship (CIE) through a friend, Larissa, who is also a CIE client. Enrolling in Start Simple proved to be a pivotal moment, providing Anissa with the guidance she needed to navigate the complexities of starting a business in a foreign land.

"I didn't know from where to start? How can I do this? How can I, I didn't even know how to get a license. So Start Simple were really helpful for me to know the market, to know how I can start, think about my customers, and plan my budget," Anissa reflects.

Start Simple, Grow Steady

Before her encounter with CIE and her advisor, Juan, Anissa envisioned a grand launch for her pastry business. However, Juan's advice encouraged her to start small, gradually building her brand and reputation.

"Juan advised me to start with the market, selling my pastries at small local events. So that people can know me, and even if I go to the bank, the business is established first. People know the business," Anissa shares.

This strategic approach, starting with local events and markets, allowed Anissa to introduce herself to the community, gain valuable feedback, and establish a foundation for her future endeavors.

Learning Through Experience

Anissa acknowledges that her initial eagerness to dive into a full-fledged store would have strained her budget. Instead, she embraced the opportunity to learn from event to event, market to market. This hands-on approach has enabled her to understand her customers, identify market trends, and refine her offerings.

"Right now, I'm learning from market to market, from events to events, what people need exactly, what they want from me. And, of course, figuring out all the logistics, from where I should buy my ingredients to where I should have my license and pay my taxes," Anissa shares.

Embracing Mistakes as Learning Opportunities

Anissa acknowledges making mistakes along the way, but she views them as invaluable lessons. "I honestly did a lot of mistakes, but I'm okay with that because I'm learning. It's good to learn from the markets," she reflects.

As she prepares for her first market this Saturday, Anissa continues to adapt and refine her approach, recognizing the diversity in her customer base and the need to cater to various preferences.

Juan's Insight

Amidst Anissa's entrepreneurial journey, Juan, her advisor, brings a unique perspective to the table. He applauds Anissa's courage in acknowledging that mistakes are an inevitable part of growth. Juan expresses, "What I really respect about the whole process that's happening is that Anissa is very brave to accept that mistakes will be made. But Anissa understands that that's apart of growth. And I think that she’s gonna get very far knowing that she’s learning along the way."

Juan sees beyond the challenges and recognizes the immense potential within Anissa's venture. He emphasizes the importance of having a timeline, allowing Anissa to organize herself efficiently. "Anissa’s goal of having this bakery will happen, but now she has a timeline. So she can organize herself. Absolutely. I think what she’s doing is amazing," Juan encourages.

This insight from Juan sheds light on the significance of not just the destination but the journey itself. Anissa's willingness to start small, learn from her experiences, and embrace the learning curve aligns seamlessly with Juan's vision for steady and sustainable progress.

6 Month Follow-up

Since our last update nearly 6 months ago in July, Anissa's pastry journey with La Pâtissière continues to blossom, marked by market success and a growing community following. 

Anissa's presence at local markets, including the winter markets in Pullman and Moscow, has been met with enthusiasm from customers and the community alike. Despite the challenges of balancing her full-time job at Sunnyside Elementary School, Anissa's dedication to her craft shines through at every market she attends, with unwavering support from her colleagues and the local community. 

Anissa continually experiments with new recipes to cater to the diverse preferences of her customers. While baklava remains a signature item, Anissa is also exploring other Middle Eastern pastries, seeking to expand her offerings and differentiate herself in the market. By actively soliciting feedback from customers and observing market trends, Anissa is positioning La Pâtissière as a go-to destination for unique and indulgent treats.

As she explores new flavors, Anissa's dream of establishing a brick-and-mortar presence in Pullman or Moscow is steadily taking shape. With each pastry sold and each market attended, Anissa moves closer to turning her sweet beginnings into a thriving business that delights customers and enriches the community.

Stay connected with La Pâtissière and the markets Anissa will be attending this year by following her on Facebook and Instagram.

Facebook | La Pâtissière Etc.

Instagram | Lapatissiere8

Everclean State

In an engaging interview led by Isabel, Marketing Coordinator for the Center for Inclusive Entrepreneurship (CIE), Amy Reed shares her story about starting Everclean State. Launched in September 2023, Everclean State is a janitorial cleaning business based on the Olympic Peninsula. Amy shares her experience working with CIE's business advisors, Rick and Micah, and how they played a pivotal role in supporting her business journey. Amy also shares exciting news about hiring her first employee and what's to come in the new year.

---

Isabel: Can you please introduce yourself and tell me about your business?

Amy: Yes, my name is Amy Reed, and I am the owner of the Everclean State. It is a janitorial cleaning business, a small business. We just started in September of this year, 2023. I have a DBA as the Everclean State. But I am licensed, bonded, and insured, have an LLC, and so on. We do housekeeping, offer janitorial services for commercial and residential, and we clean vacation rental properties. We work with property managers for long-term rentals, short-term rentals, and also vacation rentals. And also just regular residential houses.

Isabel: At what stage was your business at when you started working with CIE? What business support services did you receive?

Amy: So before I met CIE, I was working with the Tribal TVR Program with Jim Allen. I reached out to him to ask for help getting started as a business owner. I had already purchased my business license and things like that myself with my own money. He referred me to CIE. He said they could help me with my business. And so I went, and I met with Rick, and I met with Micah. They helped me create a business plan, and they helped me crunch numbers in terms of like, how much it's gonna cost to get started, how much revenue do I plan on making? Things like what it takes to run a business? What is the feasibility of it being successful? And who is my competition? What does that look like? They just helped me think of like all the other things that I wouldn't have normally thought of. And they helped me look at it from a real business owner’s perspective.

Isabel: What made you want to become a business owner?

Amy: So at my last job, I was a domestic violence, sexual assault advocate. It was kind of a mutual agreement in terms of leaving that position, because it was stressful. After that happened, I was looking for work and I couldn't find any employment that worked with my schedule. You know, because I have three small kids. I have a one-year-old, a three-year-old, and ten-year-old. So I needed something that was flexible, but also paid enough so that way I can pay my bills and keep a roof over our heads. All the jobs that I was applying for at the time did not work.

That's when I was like, ‘well, what about the tribe? Maybe I can listen to them for help.’ I met with Jim and got in the TVR program. I had heard that my cousin who was doing house cleaning and she was doing very well and there was a big need for it. I also thought about ‘well, when was the last time I was truly happy at work?’ and that was when I was working janitorial. I was a nighttime janitor working for the tribe cleaning federal buildings. And I was really happy, it's fun laid back, it was the last time I was happy while working. Ther was no stress, and I just enjoy cleaning. I really do enjoy cleaning because it's satisfying to see when you look at what you’ve cleaned and think ‘wow, I did that. I cleaned it and made it look so nice.’ So after piecing those thoughts together, I was like, well, maybe I can just do my own business as a cleaner. 

Isabel: How do you feel about your business journey so far? What's on the horizon?

Amy: Yeah, so right now I feel really great about it. I'm on my way to a call right now. And I also just hired my first cleaner! We're still in the building portion and trying to get more clients so that soon the new cleaner can have a full-time schedule, and I can have a full-time schedule. But I did just hire my first person to back me up. I feel like my business is just gonna grow.  
My goal right now is to have a set team of cleaners who are prepared and looking to start right now as soon as possible. At least two or three or four, maybe even more. That way, we can be well established, well trained and ready for spring and summer for the vacation rentals to happen. Because I know there's a lot of tourism and there are VRBO’s everywhere on the peninsula, and they're always needing good cleaners.

Isabel: Do you have any additional words to share with any other aspiring entrepreneurs?

Amy: Yeah, I would say, just go for it! If you're unsure [about starting a business], just call and ask around, because if you have dreams and aspirations to do something, what's holding you back? You just need to try and ask other for help. Doors will open.

Isabel: Are there any last things you would like to share?

Amy: No, but I would like to thank Rick and Micah because they really helped me. They were a piece of the building blocks of the whole business that I would be missing without them. So thank you for helping me.

---

Check out Amy’s website, www.evercleanstate.com, where you can browse her gallery to see the work she’s done, book cleaning services, and learn more about her different cleaning packages!

Horus Horizon Marine

Lou’s Business Journey

Lou Geraghty (he/them), is the proud Owner and Operator of Horus Horizon Marine, a wooden boat and yacht fine finishing and carpentry business based in the Port of Port Townsend. Lou's business journey began in June 2021 when he took the courageous step to venture into entrepreneurship, marking what would become the beginning of two years of independent operation.

Lou had always possessed the hands-on skills required for his craft but lacked the confidence and financial knowledge to take his business to the next level. His journey was one of self-discovery and personal growth, as he transitioned from working for others to becoming a successful business owner.

In his early years in the marine trades, Lou faced challenges typical of a male-dominated industry, including a stifling and sometimes oppressive culture. 

"I was really hoping to develop a long term employment relationship with one of the large outfits, but quickly found that the environment didn't match up with where I was at in my trades journey. I was just, like, cast into the wind to, figure things out on my own. Which I know at times can be really motivating for a person, but I just felt entirely lost… Usually, a lot of my past supervisors have been, you know, a person of a certain type who doesn't do well with criticism or conversation. And it just felt over the years like this really stifling, oppressive environment where I just couldn't even ask a simple question. And I have, you know, I have had experiences here in this port that have been uncomfortable at times.” Lou recalls.

However, his determination to pursue his line of work and later cultivate a supportive environment in the shipyards eventually led him to the decision to start his own business.

Identity and Personal Journey

Lou's commitment to authenticity is a central theme in his journey. He openly shared his experience of being transgender, and how he finally felt safe enough to ask others to use his pronouns, fostering an inclusive atmosphere and allowing him to be his authentic self in his workspace.

"Because I feel like I can show up as myself, I'm really hoping that other folks who don't really feel safe right now, can start to also show up as themselves." Lou expresses.

Lou's vision extends beyond his business. He aspires to transform his shop into a welcoming space where individuals from all backgrounds can come to learn and work without fear of judgment. Lou believes in the power of community and wants to provide a safe environment for others to explore his craft and express his true self.

His commitment to inclusivity doesn't stop there; Lou also hopes to inspire the next generation of tradespeople, offering opportunities for boat school students to gain hands-on experience in his shop. He recognizes the importance of mentoring and supporting those who wish to pursue careers in the marine trades.

Participating in Start Simple

“So before taking Start Simple, my business was pretty bare. [I had to] go out and either hunt down the job or have it come to me. At the time, I was just too overwhelmed to provide estimates. And generally, I was just working per hour, and I was really disorganized, I was not making enough money to get by. I had a business license, and also insurance because I knew that at least I had to have those things from the beginning, to start to legitimately operate as an independent. But it was yeah, just like pretty bare, working out of the back of my truck, you know, scrambling to keep things together.

Then I took [Start Simple] and I felt like over those couple of weeks, I started to get a better understanding of all the things that I actually needed and was missing in having a good foundation and being able to build off of that foundation.”

Support from CIE and EDC Team Jefferson

Lou's journey to success was not a solitary one. He received support from the Center for Inclusive Entrepreneurship (CIE) and the EDC Team Jefferson. Lou's collaboration with Rick, his business advisor, was important in helping him structure his business, develop a pitch deck, and secure funding.

"The LION Loan provided by CIE was a pivotal moment in Lou's journey, allowing him to secure a shop space and take his business to the next level," says Rick, emphasizing the impact of this support.

The LION Loan allowed Lou to secure a shop space and take his business to the next level.

Douglas from the EDC Team Jefferson says, “Maritime businesses that are project-based need an accurate method for bidding and determining hourly rates that include the full cost burden of labor, materials, overhead, and profit. Lou is an avid student of business and received advising from the EDC in project costing that positively impacted Horus Horizon and set the business up for continued success.”

Getting Into His Space

Lou's journey into his current workspace was marked by perseverance and a rollercoaster of emotions. As he recounted, "Getting into my current space took months. Once the pitch went well and folks were interested in my business, then they were like, 'Okay, Lou, well now you have to do more work, we need to see actual things on paper that you're doing and what you project to be doing.' My gosh, and then that took me a while to understand and send them all that."

Initially, the space he now occupies was offered at a significantly higher price. Lou had been searching for a place to move into, and it was Douglas Hammel of the EDC who informed him about its availability. While he was initially hesitant to commit, he had the financial backing and support from potential investors.

Lou recalled his uncertainty, saying, "I was told how much it was. And I said, 'Well, who can afford that? And this place had also been discussed as a potential small business incubator space, but those conversations fell through."

However, the turning point came when a reduced rate was offered a month and a half later. Surprisingly, there were individuals in the port who supported Lou's cause and advocated for the space to be given to a small business like his instead of a larger outfit.

Reflecting on the timeline, Lou admitted, "It happened really quickly, taking only a week, and I had the investors here. They looked around and said, 'Okay, Lou, we believe in you.' They handed me some checks, and I signed the necessary promissory notes. And then I was just like, 'Whoa,' and I was in here."

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

When asked for advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, Lou emphasized the importance of overcoming fear, embracing discomfort, and seeking support from others. He encourages newcomers to the trade to show up, ask questions, and be open to learning from those with more experience.

“New things are going to be pretty uncomfortable. Go show up in the yard and start asking questions and let people know that you're there. Maybe showing up for a couple hours at a time to help somebody, people do want you to express interest in what they're doing. It shows them you care."

Rick also highlighted the transformation he witnessed in Lou, emphasizing the importance of self-trust and the power of advocating for oneself.

Overall

Lou Geraghty's journey from uncertainty to settling into a new space for his business is a testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative impact of support from organizations like CIE and the EDC Team Jefferson. Lou's commitment to creating an inclusive space in the marine trades industry and mentoring the next generation of tradespeople is both inspiring and necessary for promoting diversity and equity in this field. Lou's story reminds us that, with determination and support, anyone can overcome challenges and achieve his entrepreneurial dreams while staying true to themselves.

Next, Lou exclaims, “I'm really looking forward to settling into this space, having it become a boat shop, and breathing some new air into this place!”

Location: Port Townsend, WA, on the Olympic Peninsula

Pacific Rainshadow Farm

introduction

It took a move to the woods for Jacqueline Buresh to realize how she could make the world a better place. Dealing with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash bottles without trash service shined a light on her family’s plastic usage. So she began looking for a way to eliminate plastic packaging and find a gentle solution for both hair and the environment. A solid shampoo bar and Pacific Rainshadow Farm were born from that quest.

Jacqueline started making her shampoo bars for herself at first but realized that others needed an easy choice that could have a significant impact. Using biodegradable, local, and internationally recognized eco-friendly ingredients, she produces a concentrated shampoo that won’t leave chemicals in our water or plastic in our community. More importantly, she has built a business that can support and work around the needs of her family.

Packaging and Uses

“My solid shampoo bars come in a box with a tea bag inside, you put the shampoo bar in the bag so that you can use every last little bit, no waste at all. Each bar lasts about as long as three bottles of shampoo. You can use them in your hair and on your body. There's also four conditioners in each bar, so most people don't need to use any additional conditioners either.”

Ingredients

“Of course each bar is handmade in small batches so that they're fresh. The ingredients [I use] are plant based and readily biodegradable. That means international organizations have looked at these ingredients decided that they're eco friendly, and they're out of the water system within seven days. So [the bars are made] from coconuts, coconut oil, avocado oil, and the color and the fragrances are natural as well. I make about 12 different fragrances. So eash shampoo bar’s formula is the same, but the fragrance changes based on your preference, and the lavender is of course grown in Sequim where I'm living!”

Environmental Footprint

“Since 2019, I've kept 10,000 bottles out of the landfill and out of our waterways, and this year alone, I'm on track to keep 5000 bottles out of our landfill.”

Having an environmental impact so integral to Jacqueline’s product allows her to focus on growing her business, knowing the greater the sales, the more significant the effect. We were honored to have Jacqueline and Pacific Rainshadow Farm participate in our Green Equity Accelerator. Keep an eye out for them in stores across the Puget Sound!

Stay tuned for more stories about folks who’ve found a way to support themselves while benefiting our world.

Facebook @PacificRainshadowFarm