In this changing economic time, many are either out of work, retired, or choosing the entrepreneurial path. They say that you should choose to do what interests you, something you have a passion for. Eight years ago, when Don and Julie Roy decided to retire from corporate America, alpacas and Anza were not even a thought. They were searching San Diego County for a piece of land large enough and flat enough to start an Empress tree nursery. When they made a call on an ad to a piece of property showing a San Diego zip code, they were surprised to learn it was in Anza, a place they had never heard of.

They decided to check out the property in Anza and fell in love with the mostly flat 10-acre piece of land and the house that sat on a slight hill. Looking from the house in any direction were views to die for. Soon, after their dream ranch purchase, they realized that Empress trees in such a large scale would take more water than their well system could provide, and that part of the dream came to an end.

Julie had seen an ad on RFD TV, just once before their subscription to that channel had run out. The ad was a website that talked about alpaca’s as an investment. That thought stuck in her head and finally, after a month, she went online and discovered what she and Don had been looking for.

Alpacas could be something to be passionate about, more than just a hobby, becoming a serious potential business. From that day on, the Roy’s researched and traveled to different Alpaca ranches in the southern California area. They also took classes on anything and everything to do with alpacas, to learn as much as they could. They even became "A Rancher for the Day," gaining valuable hands-on experience at being alpaca ranchers before they took the plunge.

Julie also mentored under a local area veterinarian whose specialty was alpacas, becoming an alpaca midwife. From this passion, the Roy’s developed what they call "The Alpaca Lifestyle." This is a lifestyle that became their passion and business. They lived it, wrote about it, educated, and mentored others, helping them find their niche in the alpaca lifestyle, too. Their eBook, "Alpacas Made Simple," is a valuable tool for anyone interested in learning more about the alpaca lifestyle. It can be found on their website along with other educational materials.

"Our focus encompasses educating the new breeder to become successful from the start. As a certified business coach, I love to inspire people to create their desired lifestyle, even before they take the alpacas to their property," said Julie Roy.

"Julie is an amazing teacher with a true passion Advertisement

[ Pala Mesa Resort ] for the alpaca and the agri/urban lifestyle. Her passion is contagious and the more time I spend with my alpacas, the more I wonder why I waited so long to reimage my lifestyle!" said Shirley, who is a happy customer.

Don supports the community as a computer doctor and webmaster, a compliment to all their endeavors. He has recently updated their business website, www.alpacasav.com, and added another called www.alpacasnextdoor.net, a place where everything about alpacas can be shared.

In addition to serving as the ranch manager for Alpacas of the Anza Valley (AAV), he still lends a hand and assists new breeders with their ranch layouts and computer needs. The Roy’s also provide "A Rancher for a Day" program, like the one they learned so much from.

In 2004, the Roy’s herd consisted of only a handful of animals. The ranch grew in a short five years to the present to host 40 to 60 animals at a time.

From the beginning, the Roy’s have offered a serious breeding program featuring a blue ribbon group of award winning studs, or herdsires. They have eight herdsires in a variety of fleece colors, density and fineness that call AAV home.

The Roy’s host their alpacas in California and Arizona Halter Classes, as well as Fleece Shows. And most recently "Spin-offs," which are judged on how well the alpacas fleece spins into yarn.

"In the spring/summer of 2012, we welcomed in our 91st birth on the property. Both of us take pride in supporting a healthy environment for all new crias and enjoy creating friendly and respectful alpacas,"said Julie and Don Roy.

This year, the Roy’s will celebrate their 5th annual Open Ranch Day this month on Saturday, Sept. 29, through Sunday, Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

Prepare to be amazed and catch alpaca fever at Open Ranch Days. Come for a visit and enjoy Anza’s unique beauty where everywhere you look there is a beautiful view.

Make a day of it, experience the alpaca lifestyle and enjoy that feeling of childlike wonder when you meet the babies. Discover why alpacas are cute, unique, friendly, affordable, and useful pets. Watch the spinning demonstrations and enjoy refreshments and the beautiful Alpaca Boutique, where you will find quality heirloom items made from the "fiber of the gods." Receive 10 percent off Alpaca items for a limited time.

Bring your friends, family, and kids, and don’t forget the camera to record the memories.

To get to the ranch, (from Temecula) take 79 South to Hwy 371, go north 11 miles to Cary Road, turn left and follow the signs. Address is 52700 Ardwell Drive. To contact the Roy’s, call (951) 763-4222 or Julie’s cell at (858) 361-6321.