Justin and Christy Borton—Personally Speaking

Justin and Christy Borton of Dandelion Gifts & Goods

GoLocal Member since 2010

What is your fondest memory of living in Sonoma County?

We (Justin and Christy) met each other in Sonoma County, and had our first date in historic Railroad Square in downtown Santa Rosa. We have since created many fond memories here.

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

Sonoma's greatest treasure is its bountiful abundance of locally and ethically produced, high quality, natural and healthy products. So much of what is produced here in Sonoma County is done with an incredibly high amount of care and purpose and reverence. The gourmand influence of Wine County pairs beautifully with our "farm-to-table" lifestyle. That we have such ease of accessibility to all of these amazing foods and other products is truly a blessing.

What for you defines 'quality of life'?

For us, our high quality of life is defined by being able to raise our family in a place where we can live healthy, natural lives among our amazing friends and neighbors. We live in the country outside of Sebastopol with our kids, dogs, cats, chickens, hamsters and garden. The air and water are fresh, plant and wildlife are abundant, and we have healthy, local, delicious food to eat every day. We feel very fortunate to live here in Sonoma County.

What gets you really excited about your business?

We get really excited about sharing Sonoma County's local treasures with people outside of our community. And, when we share the love, we are also supporting our friends and neighbors! Since we started our business, we have met so many amazing members of our community, and have learned so much about the labor and love that goes into the products we tend to take for granted. We love to help local producers and entrepreneurs get their products out to the rest of the country, and to save them time, effort, and money by driving their web sales, so they can be free to do what they do best: make great stuff! We believe in the products that we sell, to the extent that you'll find most of the items listed on our website in our own pantry, and used every day. Thousands of people visit Sonoma County each year to partake in our fine offerings. We are excited to give folks the opportunity to continue to buy local from home by creating a single online source for Sonoma County products.

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

We are awed by this self-reinforcing cycle: the more successful we are, the more successful our neighbors and community will be. And the more successful our community is, the more successful we will be. When we support each other, we support ourselves, and when we join forces the possibilities are endless!

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

Our wish is that Sonoma County become a internationally recognized model of sustainability, quality and success. We hope that someday soon everybody will have access to fresh, natural, local foods and other products, as well as be able to support small businesses, families and farms in their own communities.

What is your favorite quote or motto?

"We're all just walking each other home." -Ram Dass
"Let the beauty of what you love be what you do." -Rumi

What or who do you most admire in Sonoma County?

We really admire our community's spirit of camaraderie, and the support we show for each other and our environment.

What brought you to Sonoma County?

We were drawn to Sonoma County because of its beauty, bounty, diversity, and progressiveness. The location is central to everything we need, the weather is wonderful year round, and the people are awesome! Here we are able to raise healthy and happy kids in an open and safe environment. Sonoma County residents are resourceful, creative, and although the style is not "fancy", there is an appreciation for high quality and the finer things in life that is unique to Sonoma County. We so very much appreciate the privilege of having local, organic produce and ethnically raised animal products, as well as art and culture that transcends cultural norms.