About Us

It has been a long-time dream of ours to have a place big enough for our friends & family to come together, a place we could share our love of music & art. This was, for many years, a "someday plan," as our good friend Sydney Williams, Founder of Hiking My Feelings, would say.

In May of 2019, we purchased over 9 acres in Julian, CA, which is now known as the Reggae Ranch - named so in honor of our love of the genre of music that has brought us so much healing, happiness, and community.

Reggae Ranch is a place to find some peace, heal, and clear your mind in a natural mountain setting away from the hustle and bustle of the city, while still being within reach.

Bordered by the Cleveland National Forest and Cuyamaca State Park, with hiking trails, 360 views, room to camp, and a pavilion with a stage, Reggae Ranch is a unique and special place.

We welcome local and traveling artists to visit and/or stay at the ranch, whether it's to crash during tour, take a break from the outside world, create, do a photo/video-shoot, or to have a private party.

If you would like to know more about visiting the ranch, please contact us directly.

Cheers!
Sue & Dusty
Owners/Founders

Featured Photo by Sean McCracken Photography - Dustan & Sue at CaliRoots 2019

Meet Dustan - 

Dustan had a rough start in life and lived most of his childhood with his foster family in Escondido, California. Through this adversity, he grew to have a big heart, always willing to help others in need.

At a young age, Dustan participated in youth sports, and was part of choral groups in school. Because of his great love of music, he began to learn vocals and percussion, has played in a couple of bands, and loves to jam.

Towards the end of 2018, Dustan started developing health issues following an industrial accident at work. This resulted in him now having severe, life-threatening reactions to chemicals found in typical household and personal care products (everything from preservatives, hand soap, shampoo, laundry detergent, deodorant, fragrances, and makeup to kitty litter and paint). The couple knew they had to make some drastic changes in their lives to help him heal and improve his quality of life. 

After a physician advised him that he should, "move to the country and become a farmer," due to his health being in jeopardy every time he simply walks into a building, they decided to sell their house in Escondido (North San Diego County suburbs) and turn their "someday plan" into immediate action by moving to what is now known as Reggae Ranch. 

They set out to get Dustan healing, but always kept in mind that they wanted to share what they have with their community. 

Meet Sue - 

Sue is a San Diego Native, and lived most of her life in Escondido, California. At a young age, she participated in school choral groups, honors programs, and was a dancer and cheerleader. 

After surviving a 9 year-long abusive relationship, Sue had a fresh start through a Domestic Violence Program. She went from being a married, stay-at-home mom with 3 little girls, to being homeless and on the run from her ex-husband, to living in a Domestic Violence Safe House. It was a tough reboot at the age of 29, but knowing it would all be worth it in the end to keep her family safe and healthy, she persevered. 

Sue then entered the corporate world, working hard to support her little family on her own. Sue and Dustan met in 2005, and wed at the end of 2006. With Dustan's support, Sue was able to go back to school, obtain professional certifications and a college degree, and climb the corporate ladder to eventually become the head of Human Resources for a multi-state company. They were able to purchase a home and life seemed great. However, something always seemed wrong, and Sue felt like she was missing her calling. She loved helping people, but felt like this wasn't the right avenue.

Dustan and Sue enjoyed experiencing live music in their spare time. It was through this love of music that Sue founded Sun Drenched Vibes in 2017. After founding her new company, she regained her love of writing and photography. After shooting her first festival, she knew that this was where she was meant to be. 

In 2018, things became abundantly clear. The corporate life was unhealthy, and suffocating. The hours worked, the stress involved, and lack of time with family made it an uneven trade. Was money this important? Was STUFF purchased this important? NO - it wasn't. And when Dustan's health was suffering because of HIS work - there was no question what needed to be done. Sue exited the corporate world to strike out on her own.