Carol Anderson:

Herbalist, Jeweler, Artist, Mentor, Entrepreneur and OPAL Homeowner

Carol Anderson lived in a school bus for ten years. Despite the lack of basic necessities, she loved the compact, intentional lifestyle—though, she recalls “Not having running water and a real bathtub became a great motivator after a decade.” She planned to buy land and build a home on it, but that became unfeasible when property prices doubled. 

So, she turned to OPAL and, in 2000, purchased a house in the newly built neighborhood of Bonnie Brae. Her home is her refuge. “I’m in a beautiful green bowl along the creek,” she says with a smile. “Within these walls, kindness is spoken.” Today Carol is one of seven original owners still living in the neighborhood. 

“OPAL was the turning point in my life. When you don’t have to worry about your housing disappearing, or trying to afford astronomical rent, something changes. It gave me the stability to take the training wheels off my business and lean entirely into my vision as an herbalist and jeweler.” 

At the Artworks, in her Farmer’s Market booth, and on her front porch, Carol embodies the values of community and cooperation. Several generations of island kids have grown up stronger because of Carol’s dedication to community.

“Because of OPAL, I’m able to use my creativity to give back, which is so empowering. I am a radical believer that every child needs a whole community of safe places to land. When I’m at the market and I give a child a rhinestone or make a pendant for them, it’s about so much more than jewelry. I invite them to look in the mirror and ask, ”Do you see that sparkle? Do you see how beautiful you are?”