Hello
Hi, I’m Paul Schiefen, co-owner of Jardin du Soleil, a working lavender farm in Washington State known for its agritourism experiences, retail offerings, and vibrant community events. I’m also the founder of Root Down Consulting, where I help farmers and rural business owners build smart, grounded systems that support growth without burnout. With over two decades of experience running businesses — from farm to retail to service-based — I offer real-world strategies rooted in 14 years of hands-on farm life.
My Story
I’ve spent more than 20 years building and running businesses; from owning and managing an insurance agency in California to co-owning a working lavender farm here in Sequim, WA. In 2011, my family and I took on Jardin du Soleil, where I now help oversee everything from field work and distillation to retail operations, event planning, and staffing. Along the way, I also founded a local music festival, helped grow community events, and built strong partnerships with other small businesses in our region.
Through my work, I realized how many other farmers and rural entrepreneurs were facing the same challenges I had; from pricing their products to managing their staff, designing guest experiences, or navigating agritourism regulations. That realization led me to create Root Down Consulting, and also to take on a role with the North Olympic Development Council, where I’ve supported dozens of local farm and food businesses with strategy, planning, education, and real-world tools.
Today, I help other farmers create systems that reflect their values, support their growth, and make daily operations smoother; whether that means planning events, developing value-added products, improving retail flow, or getting a handle on QuickBooks. My approach is practical, collaborative, and rooted in lived experience. I love this work, and I’m here to help you find a path that works for your farm, your people, your values and your future.