Meet Lorna Bulwan | Lavender Farmer

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

Hi Lorna, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The land I’m farming has been in my family over 50 years. I feel a strong connection to it and believe that with the land comes a responsibility to care for it and make it productive. I decided to use a portion of the land to plant lavender because I’ve always enjoyed this plant and how it helps people.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Professionally, I am a school psychologist and behavior therapist. I’ve always found inspiration and renewal in witnessing positive change in others. Following a devastating accident, I decided to retire from this work but I still crave opportunities to see others happier or healthier than they were. The challenges are always plentiful but even small progress makes the work worth it. La Plata Lavender got its name from the lovely La Plata mountains we’re so blessed to see everyday and our family heritage of farming in the La Plata mountain area in Colorado and New Mexico.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting I would suggest a nice long hike in the area. My first choice would be Vallecito Creek. Then, we’d head to the hot springs in Pagosa for a good soak!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents who instilled in me a love for the land. My husband who does the heavy lifting and makes me laugh even when pulling weeds. My kids and grandkids who encourage me daily to keep going.

Other: Laplatalavender

Image Credits
Yvonne Lashmett