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Meet The Team
Simona Grasman, Farm Manager
Trained as a forensic scientist, her love for animals fueled her dream of owning an alpaca farm. Often referred to as an animal whisperer, her patience and sweet sense of humor in working with her “children” are a thing to behold. She can often be found chatting with the chickens or shooting the breeze with the Doodles. Her work ethic, grit, and determination transform all aspects of the farm and property.
When she is not working in a lab at a nearby hospital, catering at a local country club, or growing her side hustle of egg dealing, Simona is always busy on the farm. She is amazing at organization and schedules—a much-needed talent in caring for animals! She is always busy establishing and maintaining farm cleanliness. She has daily farm chores—feeding, watering, keeping bedding clean, and conducting health checks. But her greatest joy is bonding with the animals. She is the main reason our hens are happy, our Doodles are well-groomed, and our cats keep purring. She eagerly anticipates the arrival of the “The Ladies of Lilac Lane,” our alpacas, in the spring of 2023.
Lorraine Peerbolte, CSO, Chief Support Officer
Lorraine’s main role is cheering Nancy and Simona on as they boldly build out all things Lilac Lane Alpaca Homestead. She was a crucial player in logo development, working closely with the graphic designer. Her favorite saying is, “If ever you can’t find me, look for me in Middleville in my muck boots, overalls, and floppy hat.”
When she is not helping organizations build Behavioral Health programs for students and employees or minding the Lilac Lane Alpaca Homestead space at America’s Antique Mall in Highland, Indiana, she is usually scheming ways to get to Michigan and not doing housework.
Our Journey
Imagine stepping back in time with a peaceful sigh as you enter the property through a vine-covered arbor. The scent of blooming lilacs from fewer than ten bushes blesses the air with tranquility. Sixteen happy chickens’ free-range, four playful kittens (Kru, Marcia, Marcia & Marcia) roam the property looking for new adventures, and two Sheepadoodles (McMurphy and Boonie) welcome you. Straight ahead is a red barn built pre-1880 that will soon be home to five pregnant alpacas. In the fall or following spring, these ladies will welcome five precious crias to Lilac Lane.
Little did we realize how revitalizing our move from the hustle and bustle of suburban Goodyear, Arizona, to rural Middleville, Michigan, would be. Challenges abound as we prepare for the arrival of our alpacas. Each obstacle we meet and overcome teaches us new skills and brings laughter and renewed confidence. Working together to achieve Simona’s dream of owning alpacas has been beyond fulfilling! We are eager to invite guests to our farm in the spring of 2023 to experience some of the joy this homestead has given us.
Years of learning about alpacas and meeting alpaca owners have kindled our desire to be alpaca farmers. Believing we are stewards of the land, alpacas were a natural choice for us. Alpacas are gentle on pastures and provide several renewable resources. Alpaca fiber, sheared once a year, is soft, cuddly, warm (up to three times warmer than sheep wool), hypoallergenic, naturally wicking, stain and odor-resistant (less washing), and flame-retardant. In ancient times, alpaca fiber was reserved for royalty. Today, the finest alpaca fiber is as highly desired as cashmere. Alpaca beans (manure) are often brewed into a “tea” that is considered an excellent fertilizer for houseplants, flower gardens, and vegetable gardens. The joy these gentle creatures bring is therapeutic.
Simona and I have had an amazing support group of family and friends. Four generations of women are joining us to make this endeavor a success. Grandma, sister & best friend, nieces, and great-nieces all have a hand in this endeavor.
We are proud to feature a variety of alpaca items for sale. Many are fair-trade-produced items from Peru, where we can trace our alpaca’s lineage. We also carry items that give us joy—cards, lilac-themed items, vintage items, and farm-themed items (check out our great selection of tea towels). Treat yourself (or a friend) royally with a purchase from our store. With each purchase, you partner with us in making the dream a reality.
We hope you will join us soon!
-Nancy and Simona-