Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolyn Elliott.
Hi Carolyn, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up on a small farm in Vermont within a large family that featured farmers, musicians, fine artists and actors. I spent many years as an actor in Los Angeles, but paying the bills by riding horses at local stables. My favorite days were pairing the two loves with occasional equestrian stunt work.
I transitioned to a career in the performing arts as a producer, working for the Los Angeles Philharmonic at their iconic venues the Hollywood Bowl and the Walt Disney Concert Hall and then moving onto artistic programming at the Broad Stage in Santa Monica. During this, I found myself pulled away from a world close to animals. The pandemic changed all that.
Today, I find myself back in balance as I volunteer at Valley View Vaulters, an equestrian vaulting club celebrating the art and sport of gymnastics on horseback; whilst championing the artistry of my community by curating artisanal craft markets and special events under the banner of STRATH HAVEN RANCH.
Strath Haven Ranch began as a small lemonade stand in my neighborhood and has grown to become a gathering place for community, artisans and animal lovers in my corner of the Valley.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would never have launched Strath Haven Ranch without the pandemic abruptly rendering me unemployed. I was suddenly bereft of my career, which had merged with my identity.
I started discovering my immediate community, street by street and used the time to reflect on how I wanted to live my daily life. Up to then, my life had been about making money to pay bills. Today, my life is about creating sustenance for myself and my community of artists.
Of course, having the capital to grow is still a challenge, and I am still working on underwriters to help cover the costs of supporting youth vendors – I am passionate about giving young people opportunities for entrepreneurial exploration. One of our vendors started with us when she was a teenager and is now launching her own business at 18. I’m so proud to have been a part of that journey!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Strath Haven Ranch is home to a menagerie of horses, goats and chickens, but our true business is our curation of artisanal craft markets in unique venues. We have a wonderful partnership with the Monteverde Ranch Equestrian Center in Lake View Terrace and annually present a holiday craft market featuring handmade celebratory goods and gift items for everyone from your mother to your veterinarian.
We carefully curate our markets to celebrate the work of professional artists while acknowledging the community within which they reside. We pride ourselves on nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit of the youth in our community with support for their endeavors. This particular market resides at the intersection of the arts and agriculture.
Our next Craft Market is on December 3rd at the Monteverde Ranch Equestrian Center will feature exquisite pottery, jewelry, equestrian-themed gifts, fine art, plants, fibre arts, woodworking, functional art from horseshoes as well as a special demonstration at the close of the market at 4pm by Valley View Vaulting who will showcase the art and sport of gymnastics on horseback.
We are available to organize specialty markets in your community too!
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is of spending time with my mother, doing art projects or riding through the scrubby brush of our farm along the river. We used to call our riding adventures ‘bush whacking’ because the young saplings would often whack us in the face as we created new paths. There was one time in particular when riding my Shetland pony ‘Rusty’ that we went through some tight brush – I remember closing my eyes and tucking in tight to avoid getting hit by branches. When I came through the other side, my stirrups were no longer on the saddle -they were hanging in the trees behind us. Proof of just how much the branches were scraping my sides. I probably complained at the time, but it is a fond memory today.
Pricing:
- Holiday Craft Market Saturday, December 3rd 11am-4pm
11035 Osborne Street in Lake View Terrace
FREE demonstration by Valley View Vaulters at 4pm
Contact Info:
- Website: www.strathhavenranch.com
- Instagram: strathhavenranch
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strathhaven.ranch
Image Credits
Zachary Veilleux Photography (image of girl on horse only)
