Inspirations: Marisa Mauro

Photo by Ali Kaukas

Prologue

Close your eyes for a second and picture a dairy farmer. Do you envision a tall, stocky, middle-aged man with a cowboy hat? 

Well I sure as hell don't.

I picture a 28-year-old beauty in a mini-skirt with a huge smile and long dark hair. I picture a strong woman who cultivates her own land, raises her own pigs and is currently building her own creamery.

I picture Marisa Mauro. 

Marisa is a visionary who cares deeply about high-quality, locally produced food. Through her work on farms all over the country she has become an advocate for healthy land and healthy people. Marisa is passionate about educating youth on the value of small farms and good food. 

When Marisa and I first crossed paths she was living in her home-state of Vermont and recovering from a fire which destroyed the renowned cheese-making business she'd built at the age of 23. The fire was devastating to say the least but it didn't stop Marisa from acheiving her dream of one day owning and operating a dairy farm and creamery. Last year the Vermont Land Trust awarded Marisa the historic Bragg Farm in Fayston, Vermont. The beautiful 48-acre property is now home to Marisa and will soon be home to a crew of cows and her artisanal butter making business. 

Last Spring I had the pleasure of collaborating with Marisa and thirteen 4th-graders to create a film about small dairy farms in central Vermont. By the end of our two-weeks together every kid in the class said something to the effect of... I want to be just like Marisa when I grow-up. To which I replied... Heck Yeah YOU DO!!

RUR: How did you create your current universe?

MM: Hard work, vision, passion, LUCK, and lots of Love. 

RUR: Can you tell us about some of the struggles you've run into along the way and how you overcame them? Who or what helped you to keep faith in yourself? 

 

MM: In any business there are issues to face and problems to solve every day; especially for a young entrepreneur. I have an amazing network of family, friends, and business peers who I consult with on a regular bases. These people are the reason I am at this point in my life and I would not be as successful if it wasn't for their endless support, generosity, and lending hands. 

 

RUR: What are three small/simple things that make you happy?

 

MM: Working hard, physically. Being in and around water. Smiling. 

 

RUR: Who/what/where inspires you and why?

 

MM: People's life stories, the land I farm, and good music inspires me. 

 

RUR: If you could create a utopia right here on Earth what would it look like?

MM: My utopia would include respectful stewards of the land, collaboration (collaboration is king!), big family dinners, LOTS of open land, more tolerance, and compassion. 

RUR: When you were 15-years-old who were your heroes and why?

 

MM: Amelia Earhart. I wanted to be pilot when I was really young. But I think I mostly admired her strength and willingness to take chances. These are two qualities that make me feel alive. 

 

RUR: Who are your heroes now and why?

 

MM: That's a difficult one. When I hear the term hero it feels too glorified. I really appreciate the mentors in my life and I have many. So if I were to focus on my business mentors I would say my father and Mateo Kehler. My father is a risk taker and has instilled in me an amazing work ethic. Mateo Kehler is an owner of the Cellars at Jasper Hill. I have known him since I was 14 and he has been a part of my cheese making/farming career since the very beginning. Over the years he has been a teacher, an inspiration, and my toughest critic. Through his generosity he has given me equipment, answered a million questions, and believed in me. 

 

RUR: When you were 15-years-old what type of life did you imagine you would live?

MM: I've wanted to be a farmer when I was 15. That was my first job. I fell in love and have never really thought of another profession since. 

RUR: If you could give your 15-year-old-self some advice what would it be?

 

MM: Take a deep breath and think before you react.