For many, the winter months are a time that people spend with their family. While some spend time decorating Christmas trees with their loved ones, sophomore Erin Sambol, sells them.

Sambol’s Tree Farm, her family’s business, is open during the holiday season and mainly sell Christmas trees, as well as other festive items.

“Everyone who works out there are family friends, like people we know,” Sambol said. “It is really just like a very personal business”.

Her mother, Susan Sambol further expanded on just how close the entire crew is.

“A lot of people that work out here are our neighbors, or friends from our church, or kids of our friends, we’ve got a really good crew,” Susan said. “They are strong because we have kind of got a connection to everybody.”

Working somewhere where everyone is really passionate about their jobs, and everyone knows each other brings another level of comfort to the area for Erin as well. During the holiday season she spends most of her time on the farm.

Erin has grown up on the farm and has learned many important life lessons through her experiences. She has been around helping since the farm opened, but as she got older, she started taking on more jobs, making wreaths and working at the register. Doing so helped create a better understanding of running a business for her.

“I think it is for sure given me a better understanding of real jobs and like the real world. It definitely helped.” Erin said.

Her family has also seen her grow into the job as she works more and more at the farm.

“She has matured a lot. Initially she didn’t really enjoy being out here,” Susan said. “[But] now that she’s old enough to do the register, and interact with the [customers], she loves it, and she is very well suited for it.”

Through her work with her family, Erin has gained a unique perspective and appreciation for them. She sees personally all the work put into each and every item sold and understands how hard a small business is to operate.

“I see it every day,” Erin said. “[Small] businesses [are good] for everyone because they are personal.”