Vivian grew up on the Thomsen family farm in the Nisqually valley, which was homesteaded by her great grandfather in 1886. Growing up, she had hands on experience in nearly all aspects of farm life.

She left the farm to attend WSU, and came home with a BA in Agricultural Economics in 1995. After that, she went to work milking cows on the family farm, eventually taking over the operations of the farm. She has since gone from milking cows to raising dairy replacement heifers, as well as hay and silage crops. She also manages all finances and accounting that goes along with it.

Along the way, Vivian has been involved with the Thurston County Farm Bureau, and is also currently a member of the Thurston County Diary Women.

She also enjoys playing volleyball, watercolor painting, gardening, and living on the farm with her loving husband and son.

Vivian believes in the saying her grandfather once told her, "They don't make land anymore." Which is why she is interested in conserving the lands we have, and helping others do the same.