“The first year was all about learning,” says Gina. They started with a modest number of plants and refined production processes while maintaining demanding full-time jobs—Gina in county staff development and Milton as an eighth-grade history teacher. The Hamblys joined local organizations like FARMstead ED and the SLO Farm Bureau which helped them thrive.

In the fall of 2019, they doubled production to 400 lavender plants. When the pandemic began both Gina and Milton worked from home so were able to use the extra daylight hours to expand their crop from 400 to 1000 plants; they started envisioning opportunities for agritourism with farm tours and picnic areas among their fragrant fields. 

After watching friends and family enjoy the farm, they crafted the Lavender U- Pick Experience and the Guided Farm Experience so visitors could explore the fields, learning about the growing and harvesting process, followed by a picnic among the lavender. During this time they also started handcrafting a line of lavender products including their estate-grown essential oil which requires one-third of a pound of lavender to create a single 5 ml bottle. 

By the third year, managing 2000 plants, the demands of the farm and business became an all-consuming business. Gina made the decision to retire from her job and focus on the farm full-time, while Milton continued to work as a teacher. 

“Letting go of a steady paycheck was daunting but necessary,” Gina admits. Being dedicated to the farm full-time proved crucial to its success. “Hambly Farms is a 365-day operation. We recognize that the growth and achievements we’ve experienced would not have been possible without taking that calculated risk and committing wholeheartedly to our passion for lavender farming.” 

Gina recommends entrepreneurs utilize free resources such as the Small Business Development Center in San Luis Obispo to gain knowledge and help make informed decisions, just as the Hamblys have. “Know your limitations. Hire people to help you in areas that aren’t your personal strengths,” she suggests. Gina also believes in networking and volunteering, and serves as the Co-chair of the Paso Robles Olive and Lavender Festival and the FARMstead Ed/SLO County Farm Trail’s Friday Evening Farmers Market. Gina volunteers with the Paso Robles Pioneer Day on the Belle Committee, is a member of the United States Lavender Growers Association. 

Mother’s Day kicks off the second year of Hambly Farms’ public experiences. Travelers headed to Paso Robles Wine Country may want to add a visit to their itineraries for an Evening on the Farm, U Pick and Guided Experiences, as well as workshops such as painting, yoga or a sound bath among the lavender fields. A new Demonstration Garden featuring 30 lavender varieties is in the works for this season.