From Airport Romance to Olive Oil Empire - Flor de la Jara

From Airport Romance to Olive Oil Empire: The Story of Flor de la Jara - A Chance Meeting That Changed Everything

Jorge and Tiffany's story begins like a romantic movie - with a chance encounter at Madrid's airport. Two strangers, heading in opposite directions, shared a brief 20-minute conversation that would change their lives forever. Eight years and one 5-year-old son later, they've not only built a life together but also a thriving olive oil business.

The foundation of Flor de la Jara runs deep - three generations deep, to be precise. Jorge's great-grandfather planted the first olive trees, establishing what would become a family tradition. When Jorge noticed the lack of high-quality olive oil in the United States, the couple saw an opportunity. They decided to bring their family's premium olive oil to American consumers, maintaining complete control over the production process from tree to table.

Starting their business wasn't just about having great olive oil - it required months of careful planning and research. The couple tackled everything from trademark registration to bottle design. They chose the name "Flor de la Jara" (meaning "flower of la Jara") to honor the aromatic wildflowers that grow among their olive groves in Spain. Even the packaging required extensive testing, with the couple literally dropping bottles at home to ensure their precious cargo would survive shipping.

Their success stems partly from their complementary skills. Jorge brings creativity and vision, while Tiffany excels at handling the administrative and research aspects of the business. As they put it, while some couples play tennis together, they build their business together - making it both their work and their shared passion.

Unlike many competitors who ship by sea, Flor de la Jara ships exclusively by air. Their olive oil travels from Spain to the United States in less than 24 hours, ensuring temperature control and optimal freshness. They bottle at the source in Spain, maintaining complete control over their product's quality. This commitment to excellence extends to their packaging, featuring rose gold lettering and premium presentation.

After just one year in business, the couple has ambitious plans. They're working on introducing smaller bottle sizes for first-time customers and considering expanding into honey production using bees from their family land. Perhaps most excitingly, they envision offering agritourism experiences within five years, allowing customers to visit their olive groves and witness the production process firsthand.

Both Jorge and Tiffany emphasize the importance of simply starting, despite not having all the answers. They maintain full-time jobs while building their business, proving that entrepreneurship often begins as a side pursuit. Their advice to aspiring business owners? Never give up, take it one step at a time, and remember that disagreements can lead to growth when handled with maturity and mutual respect.

The Flor de la Jara story demonstrates how family tradition, quality commitment, and passionate entrepreneurship can combine to create something special. While their journey is just beginning, their dedication to excellence and clear vision for the future suggests this is just the first chapter in a much longer success story.

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