Picture yourself on a Saturday afternoon driving in southern Georgia, one dirt road leading to the next, a few turns, and not to speak of many stoplights or intersections. Suddenly you find yourself in front of place that favors an old historic gas station and store, now standing tall with beautiful windows, painted murals on the walls and a warm country welcome that invites you into the front door. This is how many have to come to find The Station 31072, in Pitts, GA. Whether you find it on accident or on purpose, once you’ve ventured inside, you come to discover a multitude of many hidden treasures from our local Houston County communities, to other surrounding communities and states too, there is a variety of goods to choose from. In fact, two local Houston County artists are highlighted here in this same issue, so be sure to stay tuned and keep reading...you never know what hidden treasures can be found all around our community. The Station 31072 features Oliver Farm Artisan Oils and flours, alongside a selection of carefully curated goods from other local and neighboring small family-operated farms and businesses. Additionally, there is a revolving collection of local art on display, including hand-crafted wood works, hand-made pottery and paintings, and hand-crafted jewelry. Clay and Valerie Oliver share that they want all their customers to feel at home as they shop and to know that when you make a purchase you are supporting a local community member directly. Clay compliments his wife by saying that there isn’t anyone that leaves the store as a stranger to his wife; her ability to make everyone from all walks of life feel valued and important as customers is one of the many reasons he says he married her. Clay states, “She’s the kindest hearted person I know and it shows with everyone she meets and greets. ”From the personable touches of the shop décor, to the careful selection that goes into what is placed in the shop for sale, the Oliver’s want their customers and community members to know that they are getting the very best products and service. Clay Oliver, owner and founder of Oliver Farm Artisan Oils, grew his first crop of sunflowers for oil production in 2012. This idea came from an interest Clay took into discovering alternative fuel sources that lead him to the discovery of the cold pressed method of oil extraction, which does not use chemicals or high temperatures to remove the oil. This process leaves valuable vitamins and nutrients in the oil. The oil also retains its natural flavor and color. According to Clay, “Naturally tasty, nut and seed oils are necessary for balanced nutrition. They can be used in fuel, cleaners, soap, cosmetic products, and have medicinal uses as well. Our simple process, genuine care for your approval, and desire to keep it pure and fresh makes Oliver Farm a natural choice for any pantry.” This farming business has not only caught the attention of various chefs and foodies alike, the Oliver’s were also featured on a PBS documentary, Taste Makers. Season 1 is featured on their web page...oliverfarms.com.

From the farm to their online store to the Station 31072, the Oliver’s have all hands on deck at the shop, with each family member willing to pitch in and do the work. His wife, Valerie, a former teacher, said she never imagined life would lead to a business that was so much fun and allowed them the opportunity to meet so many incredible people. She isn’t at all shy to tell you how humble and grateful she is to be on this journey with her husband and to be able to work alongside her husband and best friend. Clay is constantly looking for new challenges and thinking about what to explore next, which has not only led to an expansion of many other oils and gluten free flours, but he has plans for expanding at the station to offer both educational courses and entertainment. He has future dreams to build a kitchen and be able to utilize not only their own Oliver Farm products, but those that are sold at the station as well so that people can enjoy the tastes of home while they shop. When asked about his awards and accolades he’s earned along the way, Clay is pretty modest. However, when asked about what advice he gives to other local community members or entrepreneurs out there, he shares this...“keep your eyes wide open and don’t be scared to trust God with what you’re given. ”Valerie echoes the sentiments sharing this statement and verse on their business cards...“when you buy from a small business an actual person does a little happy dance. Matthew 5:16 (KJV)says...Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” The Oliver’s have recently joined in being members of Harvest Host, which allows campers from all over to stop and camp at their farm and tour the local community via a QR code detour; Clay designed this to take people on a tour of Pitts, Georgia. This Pitts adventure tour allows people to see some of the local history and fun, with a pit stop at the Station along the way. Customers, who stop at The Station 31072,areinvited to get the QR code too and take a tour on their way home or before leaving town. Also, they are encouraged to stop by the sunflower field to take pictures. These sunflowers will be in full bloom between late June and early August, depending on their planting date, so check out Oliver Farm’s Facebook page for more details. Now that you’ve been properly introduced, the Oliver’s invite you to take a drive to find The Station 31072, in Pitts, Georgia. Once you’ve ventured inside, you will discover a multitude of many hidden treasures from right here in local communities, to surrounding Georgia counties, to some of our neighboring states too. There are a variety of goods to choose from. The Station31072 is opened from 10 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Saturday, and located at 110 7th Ave. W., Pitts, Georgia.