You may have come across Laura Tran in the Kern River Valley at some point. She is a pivotal member of the Kern River Valley Art Association and she has been instrumental in the growth and success of the group. She is usually available to lend a helping hand with many of the service groups in the KRV including The Chamber of Commerce and The KRV Women’s Club to name a few. She is a creative community liaison of sorts and serves as catalyst in helping to get things done behind the scenes.
Where were you prior to residing in the Kern River Valley?
I was born in Orange County. My family is Chinese but my folks grew up in Southern Vietnam. Our family immigrated here in the 1980s when my uncle served on the American side of the war. They immigrated here to Hawthorne, CA and then found their first home in Buena Park. Grew up in Anaheim and floated all over Los Angeles while attending college at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. I’ve lived in Vegas, Oregon, Anza and Aguanga. I was in Ontario and finally found Weldon.
What brought you to the Kern River Valley?
Farming and family stability. We were wanting to establish roots. I found CaliforniaFarmLink.org A website that pairs retiring farmers / landowners with families who are looking for land. (Thanks Joe Weaver) That’s when we found Weldon.
Tell me about your animals / farm
We are operating a 12 acre ranch growing microgreens and mushrooms. Our livestock consists of 3 alpacas, 1 pig, dogs, cats, chickens and turkeys. Our new adventure is Silly Filly Farms. We are cultivating microgreens and mushrooms to provide fresh / healthy alternatives for the Kern River Valley.
Do you have any shout outs?
Shout out to my family that continues to support me. My town of Weldon. The KRVAA for trusting me to run their festivals and media and giving me a sense of community. Kernville Co-starters program (a 10 week business program put on by Justin Powers and Kern County twice a year to help small businesses succeed – especially in a rural environment)
And for every KRV local continuing to support the local businesses in the KRV.
Thank you Laura for enriching our community.
