Inside Lavender Life: Spend a Day with Vic & Vickie

The simpler, softer lifestyle that embodies Lavender Life Company may sound like a breeze, but, as you might guess, it takes hard work to make it look so easy. Vic & Vickie’s organic lavender business has come a long way since I first met them back in the summer of 2018, and it’s astonishing at times to see how much they have grown—in more ways than one! That’s a testament to their determination, work ethic, and never-ending supply of new ideas.

They’ve already shared the ins and outs of running a business as a couple, but I wanted to dig deeper and find out what a typical day for the Bennetts is like—and tap into the energy and attitudes that have made them so successful.

Let’s walk through a day in their life:

5:30 a.m. – Yeow! That’s early. But it’s these wee hours of quiet time that set the stage for the hours ahead. And, with so much on the agenda, it’s often necessary to rise with the sun. But not without coffee! While they enjoy a cup of warm brew, they pray and have devotional time—an important period of reflection for them both. “For the first hour we don’t really talk,” Vickie says. “We just mull things over in our heads and mentally plan for the day.”     

6:30 a.m. – Yep, it’s still early. This is a time for the Bennetts to evaluate their business; examine the books, look at what’s selling, and read reviews to see what customers are saying. “We read every single review,” Vic says. “And we use that information to make changes if they’re needed or consider adding products people are asking for.”

This is also when they respond to emails, make phone calls, navigate the supply chain, and build relationships with community partners. Vic spends an enormous amount of time connecting with community partners, guiding them through the process of getting involved, and assisting them in their own outreach. It’s a full-time job in itself, often spanning multiple time zones.

7:00 a.m. – It’s around now that the lights come on at the barn. Once upon a time, Vic & Vickie did it all. Today, they have support staff who run the picking, packing, and shipping like a well-oiled machine. While the team is independent and requires little oversight, they always appreciate a check-in from the Bennetts—and a high-five for a job well done.   

9:00 a.m. – Mid-morning is when Vic & Vickie put their minds to new products. They love to invent and do quite a bit of R&D while out on the road delivering Xanders, but they also spend time on ideas at home, pondering their “perhaps” list, sourcing raw materials and packaging, and making checklists to prepare for launching a new item. Culinary lavender is one area that especially excites them both, and whether in their home kitchen or test kitchen, they’re constantly concocting new lavender-infused creations.   

11:00 a.m. – In late spring, as the weather gets warmer, the lavender crops need attention. Not averse to getting their hands dirty, they get out in the fields to perform maintenance on their established lavender plants and take care of other needs around their expansive property.

12:30 p.m. – Time for a self-care break for Vickie. This involves not only a vigorous workout to get her endorphins flowing, it also incorporates many of the lavender therapies they make and sell through Lavender Life. Using aromatherapy, applying lavender oils to her skin, and wrapping herself in a soothing neck wrap have become part of her daily regimen. “I’ve truly become a patient of my own medicine and a practitioner of what we preach,” says Vickie. “You have to be at the top of your game to run a company and be excellent.”

2:00 p.m. – The barn gets bustling with a group of volunteers. This could happen morning, noon, or afternoon, but on this particular day, the Lavender Life farm is hosting a school group. As they fill Xander stuffed animals and get them packaged to go to their forever homes, they’re performing a crucial task that helps the Bennetts fulfill their mission of getting as many  Xanders in the hands of foster children as possible.

Anyone can volunteer, and groups looking for a corporate team building event or philanthropic endeavor can schedule their outing at the Lavender Life Barn by contacting Amanda at orders@lavender-life.com.

5:00 p.m. – Vic & Vickie wind down. They’ve made it a goal to close up shop by dinner to allow for family time and relaxation. With eight grandchildren, they have their hands plenty full! They also try not to work weekends, to ensure they achieve a good balance and get the rest they need to be at the top of their game come Monday.