Amanda Lucey—Personally Speaking

Amanda Lucey of Sprout

GoLocal Member since 2010

What is your fondest memory of living in Sonoma County?

One of my first homes in Sonoma County was a tiny little "treehouse" on the property of a winery between Healdsburg and Cloverdale.  It was built, as you can imagine, up among the trees on a hill, and we felt both completely secluded and immersed in the wine culture at the same time. Even with tractors rumbling by at 5:00am, we felt that we lived in one of the most peaceful places imaginable.  It was here that I truly fell in love with Sonoma County.

Describe what you experience as the greatest treasure of Sonoma County.

While the ocean, redwoods and cuisine here all arm-wrestle for second place in my heart, the wine quietly wins, every time.

What for you defines 'quality of life'?

I love in equal measure: a day with my family - playing at the ocean or riding bikes in the neighborhood, reading books while snacking on cheese or watching Mary Poppins for the thousandth time; or having a day to myself - relaxing with a book and a glass of sparkling wine, getting a massage, watching a movie at the Rialto with a bag of buttery popcorn, or the simplicity of an afternoon nap.

What gets you really excited about your business?

I'm pretty easy to please in this department. Having a customer - old or new - tell me that they're happy I'm here.  I really do have the best customers around, they make the tough times completely worth it for me, so hearing "thank you" from people that I, in turn, am so thankful for, thrills me.

Thinking about your business, what keeps you up at night?

Money! Trying to pay off debts while still keeping interesting inventory in the shop. There are times when "keeping me up at night" is an understatement. But, I'm so happy to still be here, serving a purpose and filling a need in the community, and so that is what gives me sweet dreams.

If you could have one wish come true for Sonoma County, what would it be?

For rent/home/food/you-name-it costs to comply realistically with normal people's wages, i.e. the people who are cooking and serving our food, brewing our coffee, selling us our clothes and groceries, making our wine, pressing our clothes, etc.

What is your favorite quote or motto?

The person who is waiting for something to turn up might start with their shirt sleeves - Garth Henrichs

What or who do you most admire in Sonoma County?

I have to say the people I mentioned above - all the people who make this place run smoothly, yet have to struggle to stay here.  There's a reason this struggle remains worthwhile - just look around!

What brought you to Sonoma County?

I'm originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan. I came here by way of Monterey, CA, Australia, and then Oakland, CA where I met my husband, who IS a native of Sonoma County. The rest is history!