I was the Marketing Director for the California Olive Oil Council, a non-profit based in Berkeley. I did an incredible olive harvest with the team out in SF, still one of my favorite experiences ever, it’s a great organization, I always look for the seal! Can you talk about what inspired you to start Wonder Valley? I worked with the COOC a few years ago. You worked for the COOC an organization that advocates for domestic oils produced in California. This is a very sweet question, I haven’t given that thought in some time. I wanted to be a farmer - to be outside a lot, to get my hands dirty, to host and have a space and make people feel taken care of and healthy. As a teenager I worked at the beloved local apple farm down the road. I was young but it left an impression on me, that feeling of honest work and working in nature. Hi Alison! When I was young, I loved helping my aunt working on her family’s farm in Pennsylvania - helping work at the farm shop, or with little odd jobs here and there.

I’d love to start at the beginning, can you talk a bit more about your background and what you wanted to be when you were younger? Hi Alison, it’s great to meet another Alison! Congratulations on creating such a beautiful, delicious and effective brand. Product Photography & Styling by Alison Engstrom Portrait Courtesy of Brandįeatured Above: Wonder Valley Oil Cleanser

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