One of our favorite local mompreneurs, Carla is a mom to three beautiful girls and the owner of Oak Hill Farms in Holmdel, NJ. We’ve followed along for years watching Carla ‘keep it real’ on Instagram as she’s shared great recipes and home decor tips, Oak Hill Farms products, and an inside look into running a rapidly growing business, all while raising a family! We sat down with Carla to learn more about her life here in Monmouth County, including some of her favorite local things to do with the kids, how community has influenced her business, and what’s most important to her as a mom. Read more below!
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in town?
Originally from Peru, came to the U.S when I was 18 to further my education in culinary arts. New Jersey has been home to me for the last 22 years of my life (more than half of my life) and Monmouth County for the last 8 years.
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
3 daughters. Sophia – 19 (freshman in college), Gianna -15 (sophomore in HS) and Alexandria -5 (Kindergartener). Last year I sent off my oldest to college and my baby to kindergarten…crazy!
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I went to a private German school growing up and German was my second language and English my third.
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
My mom! She lives with us and it’s an incredible support to our family. My mom does it all! Not only she inspires me daily to be a great mom, but she also helps me run my business and there is no better blessing than having the person you adore, and trust be by your side daily.
Favorite things to do with your kids?
We love to get in the kitchen to cook and bake! I think, most importantly we love to spend time together talking and laughing and that always happens around the kitchen island. We communicate through food.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
I’m the creator and owner of Oak Hill Farms in Holmdel. I take care of all the design, events, and retail end of the business while my husband covers the grounds part. I do get to raise and love our farm animals and that’s the icing on the cake! I also run Oak Hill Farms online, where we ship about 70% of the products we make, all over United States and Canada. I’m also the cookbook author of “Keepin’ it Real”, a book for the every-day, busy mom, where through real stories, I give them confidence and tips to make them look like “Queens” in the kitchen.
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
Oh gosh! Community is everything! I learned that when I was able to start an online business after building a community on Instagram, who supported me since day one. When I opened the farm in the middle of Covid, people came from other states just to show their love. I had a line of cars out the door waiting for us to open. It was one of the most incredible and humbling moments I have ever experienced. Our local community it’s just as extraordinary and without them, business like mine won’t be able to survive. I’m forever grateful for every person who chooses to purchase from us, to visit our farm, to share us on social media, to spread the good word…because every bit counts and helps!
What is your favorite restaurant in Monmouth County?
What is your favorite activity to do with your children in Monmouth County?
My girls are very different ages so it’s hard to choose one thing, but we all love to go to local spots (restaurants, boutiques, other farms or stores) and the beach!
What are your Mom Goals?
Continue raising my girls to be strong, hardworking, beautiful and kind humans. I think for me, it’s also very important to continue my traditions with my daughters so they can pass them on for generations, and to teach them proper manners and respect, that I think get often forgotten these days.
Holmdel, NJ
oakhillfarmsnj.com
Sponsored by: Oak Hill Farms