We had the good fortune of connecting with Diana May and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Diana, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
For me the most important lesson is to have a sense of adventure, i.e. don’t be afraid to try new things/new ways to accomplish your goals. To do this you also need to have the mindset of being a continuous learner. There are so many tools and technology now that make it easy to research and learn new things – it’s exciting.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Pharmacist turned Farmer, owning and managing Jordan Lake Farms in Apex, NC with my husband and daughter. I left my corporate medical affairs career to focus on our family’s Christmas Tree Farm full time. Using my knowledge of strategy building and operations, I started improving and increasing the farm’s scope and seasonal interest. Last year, 2024, marked 30 years of farming for us and in the past 5 years the farm has opened a Flower Farm, a Farm Stay and an Event space. It has been a privilege to be able to share our farm with families and see the joy that being part of the farm has brought them. We are truly blessed. I feel I am a lifelong learner and I continue to refine and innovate to make our farm a place where family, friends and guests call it home.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We have such a wonderful area with so much to choose from. If I had to pick, I would definitely want to show off our partner/other local farms such as Farrell’s Creek Farm, Packhouse Farm, Jean’s Neighborhood Market, and Cloer Family Vineyards. Would spend a Saturday morning at the Apex Farmer’s Market and definitely enjoy the small-town shops, restaurants, and beverages of Apex and Pittsboro. Would love to take them to the see a Durham Bulls game, a play at the DPAC, a tour of the beautiful university campuses, a visit to museums in Raleigh, and the Raleigh Farmer’s Market. So many great places to eat but our favorite to take visitors is the Angus Barn.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to my husband and daughter for letting me throw out crazy ideas and then support me to make those ideas reality. Also, shoutout to the North Carolina Agritourism Networking Association, NCANA, for opening my eyes to farming possibilities.

Website: https://www.jordanlakefarms.com

Instagram: @jordanlakefarms

Facebook: @jordanlakefarms

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