As a potential pre-med UCLA student, I often got the question, “So, do you just want to be a doctor because your parents want you to have a prestigious job?” A legitimate question, as this is one reason a lot of the freshmen around me decided to spend all waking hours studying redox reactions and drawing out the Krebs Cycle on every available white space.
But for me, parental pressure was never the reason for a particular career choice. My mom always reminded me to do what I love, pursue what I was passionate about; even though it would be hard work, it would be incredibly worth it. A lot of people say they would love to own a winery, move out of the city bustle to the picturesque countryside. But few have the guts to do it themselves. Yet, I have been blessed to have this confidence and passion demonstrated to me every single day.
I have watched my daring mother purchase a plot of dirt and turn it into a beautiful and living family winery. I have witnessed the 70-hour work weeks that are just her normal rhythm of life, for she is the kind of woman who isn’t afraid to put in the work. Whether it’s pruning, smashing up gopher holes, chatting with customers; that woman rolls up her sleeves and makes it happen. I am privileged to have the opportunity to witness close-up what it looks like to do what you love, and love what you do. So if you get the chance, come out to the winery and talk to the empowering woman herself, my sweet mommy, Susanne Sapier.