Dr. Henry Cabrera is a notable anesthesiologist and the visionary behind Lavender Waves Farm, Cabrera has successfully merged two seemingly disparate careers into a harmonious lifestyle. With a medical career that spans decades and a passion for lavender farming that has seen his farm become a unique attraction, Cabrera is a testament to how varied interests can coexist and thrive.
In this interview, we delve into Cabrera’s journey, exploring the challenges and triumphs he has faced in both his medical career and his endeavor as a farm owner. His story is one of resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Cabrera shares his experiences, shedding light on how he balances these two demanding roles and what motivates him to keep pushing boundaries.
The Genesis of Lavender Waves Farm
What inspired you to start Lavender Waves Farm, and how did you bring the vision to life?
I wanted a farm as a hobby. The idea was initially just to have a space where I could relax. However, I soon thought about how I could turn this hobby into a business. That’s when lavender came to mind as a viable business option. I bought the property and started building infrastructure. I put electricity and water into the barn and field, and I built a gazebo and an Airbnb as I began tilling the field in preparation for planting lavender. It’s been a journey of about four years, growing the field, acquiring animals, and starting “Cut Your Own Lavender” events. Now, I’m also looking into hosting weddings at the farm.
What is the most unique aspect of Lavender Waves Farm that sets it apart from other farms?
The most unique aspect has to be the circular design of the rows in the lavender field. Besides that, we have the majority of camels in Rhode Island, which is quite unusual. There are six privately held camels in the state, and five of them are right here on our farm.
Balancing Medicine and Farming
How did your background in medicine influence your approach to running a lavender farm?
Honestly, the biggest benefit of my medical background has been with the animals. I can handle more than the average farmer when it comes to animal care. I’ve saved a few animal lives and have had to intervene in veterinary emergencies on the farm. This knowledge has been incredibly valuable.
How do you balance your role as a doctor with your responsibilities at Lavender Waves Farm?
Balancing both roles is extremely difficult because they are both full-time jobs. I recently stepped down as Chief of Anesthesiology after 12 years to work per diem at the hospital. This change allows me to work normal hours and not be on-call, which has given me a much better division of my time. Nevertheless, it’s still a tiring challenge to manage both roles.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Unique Approaches
What challenges did you face in the early stages of developing the farm, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges was that the first 500 lavender test plants I planted all died. That was a huge setback. I had to figure out what I did wrong and try again. There were also some animal living situations that required adjustment, leading me to sell some animals and keep others. Town permission for events has been another significant challenge, and I’m still working on this aspect, hoping to be very close to resolving it.
What core values guide the operations and mission of Lavender Waves Farm?
I strive to maintain a luxuriously rustic farm experience, ensuring everything is well-manicured, clean, relaxing, luxurious, and high-end. All of my animals are unique in some way. For instance, people urged me to get horses, but since everyone has a horse, I wanted something different. Therefore, I chose unique animals like gold-laced Brahma chickens, which are a rare color with just a handful of breeders in the country, and camels, of which we have the most in Rhode Island【4:1†source】.
Promoting Health and Well-being
What role does lavender play in promoting health and well-being, and how do you educate visitors about its benefits?
Lavender is great for relaxation, which is probably the main reason it sells well. I mostly tell visitors about the flowers, how to cut them, and some fun ways to use them. Sleep and relaxation are the main benefits people enjoy about lavender.
What does the phrase “farm-to-table” mean to you, and how is it reflected in the practices at Lavender Waves Farm?
Farm-to-table means that the food goes directly or is traceably easily from the farm to the dinner table. I love the idea of it, and we try to incorporate lavender into some culinary things. I also offer a lavender-inspired dinner with a private chef in the suite, which has been fairly popular.
A Future of Endless Possibilities
What is your favorite part of running a lavender farm?
My favorite part is seeing the look on people’s faces as they walk around the entrance and suddenly see the field magically appear before their eyes. The expression on their faces is priceless. I even want to start recording people’s expressions because they are so genuine and delightful.
Cabrera continues to inspire with his dedication to blending the art of medicine and farming. His story is one of passion, skill, and resilience, a testament to what can be achieved with vision and hard work. Cabrera’s journey demonstrates that success is not about choosing a single path but about embracing all your passions and making them work for you.
Dr. Henry Cabrera continues to inspire with his dedication to blending the art of medicine and farming. His story is one of passion, skill, and resilience, a testament to what can be achieved with vision and hard work. Cabrera’s journey demonstrates that success is not about choosing a single path but about embracing all your passions and making them work for you. As he looks to the future, Cabrera is optimistic about expanding Lavender Waves Farm’s offerings and further integrating his medical expertise into farm activities. He envisions a place where visitors not only enjoy the beauty of lavender and unique animals but also learn about health and wellness practices, creating a holistic experience that benefits mind, body, and spirit.
