Maria Castillo

North Creek Nurseries

Production line leader

What 3-4 professional and/or personal accomplishments are you most proud of?

• Became comfortable and left the fear of public speaking behind when translating to our Spanish speaking employees at company meetings and events
• Learning how to operate the Blackmore seeder and running the seed line for quite a while
• Learned many things while working in different positions in the company with human resources, seed team and on the production line

What led you to work in the horticulture industry? 

• I have always enjoyed nature while on hikes and, while camping, I loved watching all the plants surrounding me.
• I just wanted to be a little bit closer to them and watch them grow from the very beginning.

What’s the best thing about your job? 

• Company environment

Describe to a 6-year-old what you do in life?

• I work with plants that later get planted in many different places.

What are your favorite hobbies? 

• Hiking
• Going to art museums
• Watching sunsets
• Trying new food and painting

When you’re not working, what are two to three things we could find you doing? 

• At a museum 
• Enjoying a walk at the park
• Spending time with my family

Do you have any unusual talents, or can you tell us something interesting about yourself that other people may be surprised to find out? 

• I enjoy art — I find pottery and painting very relaxing.

One thing you can’t live without? 

• Coffee

What are you (un)secretly good at? 

• Drawing

What are your top bucket list items? 

• Skydiving
• Traveling the world

What’s your favorite plant variety and why? 

• Succulents, because they are cool looking.

You’re buying a vacation package to anywhere in the world without a budget, where are you going?

• Tokyo, Japan