We had the good fortune of connecting with Claire West and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Claire, every day, we hear about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
More than anything, Whistling Squirrel Farm came about from necessity. In 2017 my parents bought a small farm. The existing alfalfa fields were going to waste—and wasting too much water—so they began to slowly transition it to lavender. Lavender plants take about three years to establish and bloom, so it wasn’t until this past year that they were overwhelmed with the crop. That’s when we decided to start Whistling Squirrel Farm.

In my early twenties, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. After going through that health trauma, I needed my life to mean something for myself and others. While my parents were tilling their fields, I searched for a meaningful career. I had always wanted to do something that had creative license, and for which I was proud. So, when my parents’ crop was ready to harvest and use, they approached me to figure out what to do with it.

It’s still evolving, and we’re finding our way, but ultimately Whistling Squirrel Farm is a place that works in harmony with the land to spread joy through finely curated gifts that supplement self-care rituals. My parents grow our lavender using sustainable, water-conservative, and natural methods. Using our lavender crops, I create products that bring joy and enrich self-care practices. We hope that what we have to share at Whistling Squirrel Farm brings joy to everyone who connects with us.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Prior to Whistling Squirrel Farm I worked in university development as a donor relations officer. My main focus was making sure donors felt good about their philanthropy. Alongside my team, I informed donors of the good their money was doing, and helped fundraisers maintain positive relationships with them. This work helped me understand how important it is for people to connect to your mission. If they can connect with why you are doing your work, then they will be a part of its development.

That might sound like quite a different world from lavender farming—and it is! However, I really feel that the core is the same. My work is still about stewardship and honoring people. At Whistling Squirrel Farm we believe in leading a life worth living: sustainability and joy. We want our consumers to benefit from lavender’s natural healing and regenerative properties and for our agriculture to support—not harm—our planet.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The lavender farm is located in Southwest Colorado, about 7 hours from Denver. If I were planning a week-long trip—starting in Denver—I’d start by driving down I-70 (through Vail) and spending a night in Moab. I usually stop at Moab Springs Ranch for coffee, but they have these really cute bungalows I would love to stay in. It’s the oldest continuously settled place in Moab and legend has it that Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch camped on the old ranch at some point. The Ranch is right near some great hikes along the Colorado River, so I would definitely spend the next morning hiking. Then, get back in the car to finish up the drive to Cortez. You’ll drive very close to Whistling Squirrel Lavender Farm, so I would suggest booking an agritour for the afternoon. We’ll show you the lavender fields, how we process the crops, and the rest of the farm, too. If you purchase a picnic basket, you can enjoy the lavender fields while you enjoy delicious local foods. While you’re in Cortez, stay at one of the local Airbnb’s. There are some very cool places in McKelmo Canyon.
For your third day, hike Sand Canyon trail and then spend the afternoon at Sutcliffe Vineyards. Their tasting room will make you feel like you’re in Italy, but with the gorgeous views of Sleeping Ute Mountain. While you’re in Cortez, be sure to eat at the Lounging Lizard (downtown), and stop by WildEdge Brewing for a good beer. For your last day, drive through Durango for breakfast (Oscar’s is a good greasy spoon) on your way back up to Denver. On this new route, stop at the Brown Dog Coffee Co for a break in Buena Vista.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to thank the people in my life who have taught me how to live courageously and fully: My aunt Sally, my mother’s sister, who embraced all the joys of life and shone like the sun.
Karen Fasciano, of Dana-Farber Cancer Center, who taught me how to listen to myself and speak my truth—and that the path to survivorship is worth all the twists and turns in the road.
My dogs, Saisy and Kai, who have shown me how to play in the world and truly live in the moment and appreciate the natural world.
And, of course, my parents for always believing in and supporting me.

x    

Website: whistlingsquirrel.com

Instagram: @whistlingsquirrelfarm

Facebook: @whistlingsquirrelfarm

Other: TikTok: @whistlingsquirrelfarm

Image Credits
Kate McGinley-West

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.