St. Helena Olive Oil Company

Over the past year, I've been so inspired by people who really, truly go after their dream. And I don't mean the kind of dreams that our families want us to achieve (become a doctor, CEO, be rich, marry rich), but the ones that bring out the negativity in those who care about us the most (open a bakery, become a soapmaker, buy a farm). I don't blame the naysayers -- it's easy to fail outside the safety net of 401K's and HR departments. Based on what I've heard from these entrepreneurs, you probably won't make as much money as you did before...but you might make more. You certainly will work longer hours, but you probably won't notice. You might be more stressed out and frazzled, but you'll feel more alive and passionate about every day.

At the end of the day, I think it's worth it. Could I ever make this kind of leap, or would I want to? Still up for debate. But the more I read about people who have made this happen, the more encouraged I am and the more do-able it seems. I hope to keep sharing more of these stories with you guys, because who knows what hidden potential you have to share with the world but are too scared to pursue.

Today, I want to highlight St. Helena Olive Oil Company based out of Napa Valley. I mean, it sounds pretty heavenly right off the bat. St. Helena was founded by Peggy, a former CPA who wanted a lifestyle that would make it easier to spend time with her two daughters. As she tells it:

"There have been many things and people that have inspired me along my journey but I'd like you to meet my two main inspirations: Kaelin and Emily. When I first looked into their eyes, my life changed. I knew I would no longer live for myself. I wanted to be with them...be a mom. My career, that was paramount at the time, paled in comparison. I loved what I did but it wasn't conducive to being the mother that I wanted to be, so I left my career as a 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 many challenges along the way but have always stayed true to our core values: good food, cooking, wine, family, friends, the table, earth, sun, eating, dancing, playing, laughing, health, happiness, work you love, faith, respecting yourself and others...giving back.

St. Helena Olive Oil Co. is passionate about living a life of quality. We are passionate about the preservation of body, mind and soul. The Company focused on what goes in your body for the first 15 years...high quality ingredients....cooking......eating well and communing around the table with family and friends. With the launch of our natural bath and body line this year, we are adding the emphasis of what goes on your body. We have taken the same care in the bath product development and education as we have with our food for the last 15 years. We look forward to sharing it with all of you."

I've personally used their bath products (and just bought some more from Terrain) and I love them. Simple, from the earth, packaged beautifully in reusable Weck jars and craft paper. They are just what I want after sweating out a long summer Sunday. I bet their olive oils and vinegars are just as amazing. Shop here.