And so it goes........
It began back in the early 90s...with two small girls in tow and "Under the Tuscan Sun" in hand. I loved what I was doing but it was not conducive to being the mother that I wanted to be...so I left my career as a "big 8" CPA in San Francisco..with cash flow and security.. and traded it for one of risk and ah...not so much cash flow.
Our transition began in 1994, when I moved back home to the Napa Valley...to raise my girls and find the inspiration to start the St. Helena Olive Oil Co. We have had challenges along the way but have always stayed true to our core values of living an authentic life with deep connection to our ourselves, others and our planet.
We have had many milestones over the years including the first in the U.S. to open the olive oil tasting room concept....production of orchard designated Napa Valley Extra Virgin Olive Oil, the oldest Napa Valley red wine vinegar...and my favorite...the production of the first true American sparkling wine vinegar...made from a 10 year old Napa Valley sparkling wine. Although it's fun to glance back...life is in the present moment....and if we are distracted with what was we may miss the beauty in what is.
As most of you know, I've recently embarked on unexpected journey as I suffered a TBI in an accident. We've had to scale back operations to allow my body, mind and soul time to heal. It's allowed me to go back into the heart of what we do....and connect closer to all of the above.
Please join me in celebration of life...in all its forms...break bread with those you love...drizzle on a little Napa Valley Extra Virgin Olive Oil...add a dash of Grey Sea Salt...and finish it with some present moment.
Carpe Diem.
Peggy O'Kelly, Founder
Our Blog
The Founders Club
Sequestered in my home in the last week of amazing rainfall has given me ample time to think about my new mini venture... The Founders Club
As many of you know, I loved creating my store experiences. It was a highlight of my business. I miss it...and you have let me know that you do too. So...what to do?? Believe it or not, my brain is still healing. The left side is being stubborn and that's the "get it done" side so I have to be very careful about how I rebuild. I refuse to be resentful of this oh so slow process because it's a part of ME that is injured..and if I don't take care of it then I'm neglecting myself...how sad would that be?! And where would that get me? Nowhere I would want to be....so I have taken on a new middle name..."work around".The holidays were my inspiration. My favorite thing is finding really special things for my girls that I can either put together or that I've found from unknown producers. I've noticed over the years that although they love the gifts that come from their lists...their eyes light up when they unwrap one of the "unknowns"...one of the gifts that I had to really search for...or discovered...that was really thoughtful...those are the ones that create the most excitement.
As I was creating these gifts this year I had a longing for my stores...as the process of creating and maintaining a store is much the same. Knowing it wasn't in the cards yet I started to think about how I could create an experience that I could manage...and voila...The Founders Club was born!
The club shipments will include...wait...that's the magic...the shipment will have a different theme each quarter..and be centered around our production...the rest is a surprise! The first shipment is on January 31 and it is time to release our new Napa Valley Olio Nuovo...hmmm....
The Founders Club will be $100 per shipment and that includes a 15% discount on the product and free shipping! If you purchase an annual membership upfront you receive another 10% discount! You can also direct each shipment to different addresses if you want to regift them. There is a lot of flexibility and once a member, you will control it all within your account on www.sholiveoil.com.
You can find out more detailed information and sign up for The Founders Club HERE.
Membership will be limited so I can maintain the quality of the experience.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to reach out to me directly at peggy@sholiveoil.com. I look forward to sharing this experience with you!
In gratitude,
Peggy