Life and Work with Celia Petersen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Celia Petersen.

Celia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I moved to Arizona 30+ years ago to farm and teach school. I worked in gifted education and raised goats (due to cow milk allergies), horses and chickens. After taking a weaving class, I got involved in sheep and developed a flock of heritage sheep that include Roman Cotswold, Tunis, and Navajo Churro Sheep. I married Jimmie Petersen and we became involved in the Phoenix Public Market. We began with eggs and goat milk soap and then when Jimmie was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, we began our gluten-free bakery business.

When my husband was diagnosed with cancer, I left teaching and ran the farm full time. I have continued working the farm full time on my own and attending the farmers’ markets weekly. I employee high school and college students when the workload gets heavy and to assist at the markets. My farm is a vegetarian enterprise and all of the animals live out their lives there or are retired as “organic lawn mowers” to approved homes. I have been a vegetarian since I was four years old.

At 61, I still live my life according to the seasons and at the whim of the weather. In the fall, I take extra wool products to the markets made from my flock, hand sheared, handspun, dyed with natural dyes from materials I collect or buy free trade, and crochet, weave, felt, or knit with love for my customers. Each item is unique. Fresh goat cheese with seasonal ingredients raised on the farm or from other farmers at my markets is included in the cheeses. My goat milk soap is made with organic food grade oils and I do not use dyes or chemicals in anything (also due to my allergies and those of my clients). In the winter the bulk of farm work occurs with maintaining buildings and grounds, trimming hooves, and teaching classes to people interested in learning what I do. This year and last, I have taught classes at The Bungalow in Heritage Square Phoenix. The Spring brings lots of babies of all species and entails long hours of aiding mother animals and their young. Summer is a time to hibernate during the heat of the day and make as many bars of soap and wool items as possible for the fall and winter seasons. Baking gluten-free items every week and for all of the holidays is a passion. I customize for people to include sugar-free, paleo, and vegan items.

Life on a farm and small agricultural businesses are very rewarding and help to keep me centered and grounded.

I can’t imagine any other life for me.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I had a rough childhood that included sexual, physical, mental abuse and poverty. I suffered from low self-esteem. I have severe allergies, some of which are life-threatening. Many items, I have learned to make a rose from necessity. Some strong women mentored me as a young adult and helped me to change my life. Turning challenges into solutions is something I believe in. Using these solutions to help others is how we can all help each other on this planet.

When I was in college, women weren’t advised to be involved in the sciences. My councilors told me “I was too stupid to take the math and sciences classes needed to be a veterinarian. Women weren’t suited to that work”. They tried to steer me into home economics and secretarial work. I refused. I got a degree in education and certification in Bilingual Education, Early Childhood Development, and Gifted and Talented Education. As an educator, I have worked for Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth and with young Mensa members in the valley. I won Science Teacher of the Year more than once in my career and worked on the AZ State Standards. I trained other teachers to work with gifted children.

“Me To0” should be for all of us on this planet. I’m excited for young women and all of the opportunities ahead. Don’t let anyone tell you what you can do. Lift each other up. We are all here for a reason. Like the seasons, the animals, and the plants, we are all connected. Remember that each of us is important.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Chile Acres Farm and Ewe 2 U – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
In 14 years at the Farmers Markets, I have developed relationships with my client base. I customize my baking, clothing items, soaps, and cheeses for individuals upon request. For example, I have made a gluten-free, sugar-free vegan wedding cake for a couple! I always stop to listen and to chat with my clients. People are important and need to feel that way as your customers.

The young women that work for me learn about food from the farm to the market and animal husbandry while they continue their education. I have continued friendships with them as they graduate and go on to have careers, and families of their own.

As a lifetime educator, I bring educational opportunities to the community. I bring animals to the market and have taught Chickens 101, Goats 101, felting, weaving, spinning and other crafts from my booth or at special venues upon request.

Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
Due to childhood trauma, I trusted animals more than people. My best friends were pets. Time spent at relative’s farms and in the home of my maternal grandparents gave me a special sense of safety and peace. These experiences molded my personality and showed me love and a positive outlook.

Pricing:

• Gluten Free Baked Goods start at $2/ package and up
• Wool items are custom made and hats, scarves, and gloves start at $25
• Soaps start at $2 and contain herbs for healing
• Egg prices fluctuate by species and cost of feed

Contact Info:

• Address: Chile Acres on Facebook and Instagram.
  Best to text not call.
• Email: chileacres1@gmail.com
• Instagram: chileacres
• Facebook: Chile Acres

                                                      Image Credit:
Mona Cauley

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.