HOSPITALITY: INNKEEPER: LAUREN WYLIE
Chef, Graphic Designer, Photographer
A born and raised Willamette Valley girl, I've fished on the Willamette and drove combines in the grass fields. I grew up in the small farming community of St. Paul, Oregon. I headed to the University of Oregon to pursue a degree in Architecture. After my first year, I began to row for the club team, and within a month I was recruited to join another collegiate rowing team. So I packed up my Subaru and drove to the University of Texas, where the winters are warm and the summers are blazing hot. I found my best friends and myself in Texas, where I graduated with a degree in Radio, TV, and Film in May of 2006. After I graduated from the University of Texas I said goodbye to the most influential people in my life and headed back to the place I will always call home: Oregon.
A few months after settling in and freelancing in graphic design, I ran into longtime friend Loni Parrish who took me under her wing and helped me find more clients, and eventually, my dream.
The day after Christmas 2006, I left for Italy and began my cooking adventure. At the end of my journey I received a call from Loni asking if I would like to run a bed and breakfast. Since I was a child I've stayed at B&B's, so I've had my share of good and bad experiences. After spending some time at one in Texas I realized how special one's experience can be. It was an amazing offer that I couldn't turn down and so far it's been a journey filled with wonderful people, stories, and memories.
