Today we’d like to introduce you to Beth Italia.
Beth, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey started in inner-city Philadelphia, where I worked as an elementary school teacher for several years. That experience shaped a lot of who I am—teaching taught me patience, creativity, and how to connect with people from all walks of life.
After some time, I felt called to explore a different path. I left Pennsylvania and stepped into a variety of new experiences and careers, which eventually led me to discover my love for creating. I began making jewelry, turning that passion into my first small business.
That creative path ultimately brought me to Ramona, California, where I found the space—literally and figuratively—to build something more grounded and intentional. I purchased nine acres of land and started my own lavender farm. What began as growing lavender soon evolved into crafting products from it, blending my love for nature, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
Today, my work reflects that full journey—from teaching and connecting with people, to creating by hand, to cultivating something meaningful from the land itself.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Moving from Pennsylvania to California alone was a major shift—two completely different worlds in terms of pace, environment, and lifestyle. That transition came with its own challenges.
But the real test began after purchasing my property in Ramona. One of the biggest obstacles I faced was discovering that the well on the land was low-producing. We had been told otherwise, and the reality was that there simply wasn’t enough water to support growing anything. That could have stopped everything before it even started.
Instead, I had to find another way. I turned to rainwater harvesting and built a system from the ground up. Over time, I went from having virtually no usable water to collecting about 85,000 gallons annually to sustain the land. That shift was a turning point—it required problem-solving, persistence, and a willingness to completely rethink how I would build the farm.
The land itself also presented constant challenges. Being on a mountain means the soil is filled with rocks and dense clay. There’s no such thing as just digging a hole and planting. Every single planting site takes real effort—using tools like a bar and pick to break through the ground, removing rocks of every size before anything can go in. It’s slow, physical work that demands patience.
None of it has been easy, but those challenges have shaped what this has become. Every part of the farm has been built with intention, resilience, and a deep commitment to making it work, no matter the obstacles.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What I do is truly hands-on and deeply personal—I design, build, and care for every aspect of my lavender farm. From shaping the land itself to harvesting and distilling the lavender, to creating the final products, every step is done with intention. I’ve developed a system where I not only grow the lavender, but transform it into products that people can bring into their everyday lives.
I specialize in creating a full “lavender experience”—not just growing the plant, but crafting something meaningful from it. My work blends agriculture, design, and artistry. Everything from the way the land is laid out, to the products, to the branding and presentation is something I’ve created myself. It’s a true seed-to-product process.
What sets me apart is that this isn’t outsourced or mass-produced. It’s built by hand, from the ground up—literally. Every product comes from lavender that I’ve grown, harvested, and worked with myself. That level of connection shows in the quality and intention behind everything I offer.
What I’m most proud of is what the land has become. Despite starting with major challenges—especially the lack of water—I’ve been able to turn it into a thriving, healthy ecosystem. Today, the land is full of lavender, olive trees, and fruit trees. It’s peaceful, it’s abundant, and it reflects a lot of hard work and care. There’s something really special about standing on the property and smelling nothing but lavender.
Beyond that, what means the most to me is how my work impacts others. My lavender products have become part of people’s daily rituals—helping them slow down, rest, and take care of themselves. People gift them, they use them for moments of calm, and they connect with the experience. Being able to share that and reach more people is incredibly meaningful to me.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I like most about San Diego is the lifestyle it makes possible. The weather is incredible year-round, which allows me to spend so much time outdoors working on the land and growing my farm. I also appreciate how accessible everything is—you can drive in almost any direction and within an hour find something completely different, whether it’s the city, the coast, or small towns with their own charm. There’s a lot of variety and opportunity here, which makes it a really dynamic place to live.
At the same time, one of the downsides is the traffic. As the area continues to grow, getting around can take longer than you’d expect, especially when heading into busier parts of the city. It’s a small trade-off, but definitely something you notice.
That said, I’ve created a space on my farm that feels peaceful and removed, so I get the best of both worlds—the energy of San Diego when I want it, and the quiet, grounded lifestyle of being on the land.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://BLKROBN.com
- Instagram: blkrobn
- Facebook: Blkrobn Farms
