Nicole Hopper / Education & Outreach / Processor / Taylor Shellfish Farms

09
Sep
2010

Nicole Hopper / Education & Outreach / Processor / Taylor Shellfish Farms

We scour our own contact lists for people to profile, but the best thing about finding someone with a good food job is that they often appear, when you least expect it, right in front of you. Maybe it’s because we’re always either eating good food, or looking for it. In any case, Nicole is one of those serendipitous discoveries. After attending the American Cheese Society Conference in Seattle this past August, Taylor took a road trip up the Washington coast. When her friend took her to a favorite Oyster spot, Taylor Shellfish Farm, they expected great oysters in a surreal setting right on the sea. What they didn’t expect was to find such a poised and professional processor behind the counter. In her early 20’s and dressed in a hoodie, a slick yellow apron, and rain boots, Nicole looked like she was just slinging fish for a summer job. But ask her only one simple question and you realize she’s on a much grander mission.

What attracted you to a good food job?

The shellfish farming industry not only provides healthy and delicious food for customers, but is also environmentally sustainable. The shellfish we grow filters the water, keeping it clean. We are also advocates for clean water, since we need clean water to grow our product. In addition to all of this, we work closely with the community, hosting fund raising events that benefit clean water awareness programs.

How did you get your current good food job?

My sister was hired as the Education and Outreach Coordinator about one year before I was. I was still in school at Western Washington University getting my degree through Huxley College of the Environment in Environmental Education. I graduated a year later and my sister’s work load started piling up. There was just too much work for her to do. Taylor Shellfish headquarters is located in Shelton, WA. There is a farm and retail store about 3 hours north in Samish Bay, where I work. In order for her to do one tour up north, it required 6 hours of driving. She suggested to the owner of the company that someone else should take over the Samish site so she could focus on education down south. One thing led to another, and I had a job…right out of college! I was very excited to be working, and for such an awesome company. I grew up with the Taylor’s, graduating high school with one of the owner’s daughters, so having that connection made it that much better.

How did your previous work or life experience prepare you for a good food job?

I worked at a coffee shop as a barista for about 4 years, then worked as a waitress for 3 years. I had been in the food industry for quite some time. But my passion for the environment and my degree in environmental education was what really prepared me for this job. On top of that, I get to work outside on the beach every day!

What advice do you have for others in search of a good food job?

I have worked in the food industry for many years, but it wasn’t until I combined my love for the environment with this industry that I could truly say I enjoy my job. Keep looking until you find a job that fits you.

If you could be compensated for your work with something other than money, what would it be?

Nothing! I love my job, I love the people I work with, and I get to be outside in the most beautiful place EVERY day! What more could I ask for?!

comments 2 » | agriculture, business, education, production

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ABOUT THE GASTROGNOMES

gas•tron•o•my ( ga-stron-uh-mee ) (n.) the practice or art of choosing, cooking, and eating good food.

gnome ( nohm ) (n.) (in folklore) one of a species of miniature beings that inhabit the interior of the earth and act as guardians of its treasure.

gas•tro•gnome a jovial individual whose main purpose on earth is to connect people who derive pleasure from good food.

the gastrognomes is a blog for food lovers who want to put their passions to work. We profile the most interesting, engaging, and unlikely food professionals that we find, and we publish them here to inspire you.

Good Food Jobs is a gastro-job search tool, designed to link people looking for meaningful food work with the businesses that need their energy, enthusiasm, and intellect. We’ll post opportunities with farmers and food artisans, policy makers and purveyors, retailers and restaurateurs, economists, ecologists, and more. Good Food Jobs will launch this summer.

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