Sean Guin never believed he would become a farmer.
A handyman, yes, but farming seemed out of reach. He knew what it was, and it was hard work.
During summers as a 10-year-old boy near hot, languid Redding, he used to help his Croatian grandmother, Marija, with her 65-acre farm. It was a full-service farm, rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables. Guin mostly liked to build stuff, such as the produce stand that Marija used for the farmer’s market.
Like her farm, it was a serious farmer’s market, and she would sell nearly everything in the produce aisle.
Now, after 17 years of being a union man, a builder, foreman and entrepreneur, Guin is opening his own produce stand, nursery and wood business at 21065 Raquel Road, off Laguna Canyon Road, next to the dog park.
He’s calling the produce stand Marija’s Market, in honor of his grandmother who recently passed.
As he told this part of the story, Guin teared up a bit, feeling the weight of it.
“I haven’t really told anyone that,” he said, pausing to compose himself.
Guin is coming full circle, connecting family, business and a hope that everything will work out on the farm.
It hasn’t been easy.
The site was a previous nursery, so he figured it would breeze through city approvals. Not so. It’s taken a year and tested his patience. At this point he’d rather not rehash the details with the city and just look ahead to his soft opening as we speak with an eye toward an April grand opening.
He’s partnered with some local produce growers, along with Westlake Produce Company, a large grower and distributor based in Downey. Guin’s ample site will accommodate seasonal Christmas trees and pumpkins, in addition to palm trees, olive trees, succulents, flowers and specialty nursery items.
“I’m going to make the site look really cool with rustic yard art, great fencing and design,” Guin said. “All of the neighbors have been extremely supportive.”
Guin’s wood business is not comprised of cheap plywood or two-by-fours. It’s imported, sustainable slabs of exotic wood from Costa Rica that might serve as a high-end kitchen counter or table.
“This is a different breed,” he said. “We won’t be competing with the Laguna Farmer’s Market. We will be open seven days a week.”
The entire business is called Raw Timberwood & Gardens.
“I’m excited about this opportunity. I’ve been a Laguna resident and know how important it is to serve residents. I think people will enjoy it.”
