Our Team

Our diverse and passionate team brings a wealth of expertise to the farm.

Sara Blades was born and raised in Baltimore County, Maryland, as part of a large family where determination and resilience became second nature. Never one for traditional schooling, Sara embarked on an apprenticeship in cosmetology, only to realize her true strengths lay elsewhere. With a deep desire to carve her own path, she launched a residential cleaning company, turning a single idea into a thriving business with 200 monthly clients and four crews cleaning multiple homes daily.


As a single mom of two, Sara balanced the demands of motherhood with her entrepreneurial drive, finding both challenges and rewards in her journey to success. In her mid-30s, a new chapter unfolded when she partnered with a tattoo artist, sparking the creation of several tattoo shops and a venture into selling tattoo supplies. Tragedy struck in 2008 when Sara's partner passed away, leaving her to manage both the tattoo businesses and her cleaning company. While mourning her loss and juggling these responsibilities, another opportunity arose in 2012, leading Sara to New York. There, she embraced a leadership role with a major tattoo supply and ink company, marking the start of a new adventure. Today, Sara’s legacy lives on through her children: her daughter now runs the cleaning business, and her son oversees the tattoo company. Sara’s journey is a testament to her adaptability, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering commitment to her family and goals.


There, she thrived, eventually relocating to South Carolina in 2017 to oversee the supply division as manager and then the Proteam Events Coordinator. Over the next several years, her role allowed her to travel extensively across the U.S., working alongside some of the world's most talented tattoo artists and fueling her love for connecting with creative communities.


In late 2023, Sara was approached to become the CEO of another tattoo company. Although the opportunity was thrilling, she ultimately decided to step away due to differing visions. True to her philosophy that every closed door leads to a new beginning, Sara embraced a fresh challenge as General Manager of Valley Bear Farms in Western North Carolina.


While managing a glamping resort was a departure from her previous experiences, Sara’s extensive travel—spending 30 weeks a year in hotels and Airbnbs—gave her a unique perspective on hospitality. She now channels her passion for creating memorable experiences into building Valley Bear Farms into a majestic retreat.


Valley Bear Farms is more than just a glamping resort; it's a sanctuary for learning inner peace, embracing self-care, and reconnecting with nature. Sara is thrilled to be part of bringing this vision to life, ensuring that every guest can escape, relax, and indulge in the breathtaking beauty of Western North Carolina.

A woman wearing glasses and a gray jacket is smiling on the beach.

SARA BLADES

General Manager

Entrepreneur | Innovator | Resilient Leader

Marvin, raised on Long Island, NY, is a devoted father to two boys, Liam and Lucas. From a young age, his passion for sports especially soccer instilled in him the values of discipline, teamwork, and leadership. Marvin began working early, gaining practical experience across restaurants, warehouses, and the construction industry, and always going above and beyond in his roles. At 18, he stepped into his first supervisory position at a gas station, where he honed his leadership and strong work ethic.


He then enrolled in Business Management at Nassau Community College, though personal circumstances led him to pause his studies. In late 2017, Marvin relocated to Charlotte and joined in the tattoo ink distribution industry. There, he took on logistics, production, and warehouse management responsibilities roles he greatly enjoyed. However, when the company’s path shifted in a direction misaligned with his values, Marvin chose to move on.


While exploring new opportunities,Valley Bear Farms, was something he knew it was happening, and wanted to be part of it. On his first visit, he instantly felt a connection with the place it was clear this was a community where he, Liam, Lucas and his wife Estefany could belong. Today, Marvin brings his leadership mindset, dedication, and love of nature to Valley Bear Farms, committed to contributing meaningfully to this unique retreat and its guests.

Marvin

MARVIN CONTRARES

Operations Manager

Father | Sportsman | All-rounder

Laura Collins is a dedicated organic farmer and educator with a passion for regenerative agriculture. For several years, she managed five acres of Certified Regenerative diversified vegetables, gaining deep, hands-on experience in sustainable crop production. In addition to her vegetable operation, Laura has worked with mixed livestock and built much of her knowledge through self-guided learning, mentored by experienced farmers in the field.


Laura holds certificates from Clemson University’s New and Beginning Farmer Program and the Organic Growers School’s Farm Beginnings program. She has actively engaged with the broader farming community by attending multiple conferences with the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association, where she now shares her expertise as a conference instructor. Her leadership extends beyond the farm—Laura also managed farmers markets in Polk County, supporting local food systems and connecting farmers with their communities.


Today, Laura combines her hands-on farming experience with her passion for education, helping to cultivate the next generation of sustainable growers. She is proud to be part of the Valley Bear Farms team.

Laura

LAURA Collins

Farm Manager

Steward  |  Nature Lover  |  Grower