she likes to introduce herself!
I thought it might be time to do a proper introductory of myself, and a quick look into all that led me to starting she likes milk. !
The story behind this brand is so much more than just liking milk. It has everything to do with where I come from, the life I lived growing up, living in the beautiful landscape of rural New York, and the wholesomeness the dairy cow has provided for centuries.
She likes milk. is also about celebrating and embracing the goodness in life without worrying about societal pressures. As a child, I had no idea something as simple as enjoying a glass of milk my family worked hard to produce could someday be a controversial social topic. Upon entering my teenage years I soon realized the list of milk alternatives was a long one, and the pressure to choose your favorite was just another social hoop to jump through.
I decided that I would not allow the world to bully me into what foods I would put into my shopping cart or the type of milk I added to my coffee at Starbucks. I would choose what I trusted and what brought me joy. That goes for everything in my life, and my goal is to encourage you to do the same.
My family’s farm is seated in the beautiful green valleys of Upstate, NY. The formative years of my life were spent there where we raised and milked 60 Jersey cows. Growing up on a farm is more than what can be described. It’s sleepovers on the living room floor with your siblings so you can wake up throughout the night to check on your favorite cow calving, praying for rain at the breakfast table, and respecting the responsibility of having God’s creatures in your care.
The greatest gift was growing up in the community of farmers that carry on their family’s tradition of producing food for their communities. I thank them by trusting them. They’re the experts in putting safe food on my plate, and I’m thankful for it.
My love for milk went beyond my family’s farm. I served 3 years in New York’s dairy promotion program, serving as my county’s Dairy Princess as well as New York State’s Dairy Princess.
This program allowed me to travel all over New York State, visiting schools, attending legislative meetings, educational programs & more — all while being a representative of NY dairy farmers and sharing their stories with the public.
Today I stay involved in the farming community through my career. I studied Agriculture Science at Cornell University and work for an animal health company that provides resources to farmer’s & their cows.
Having taken a science based career path as a creative individual, I sought an outlet that allowed me to share my enjoyment of. creating things with others. I also wanted to celebrate the dairy cow and all she provides our kitchens & more. It hit me one day when I was baking the number of ingredients in every type of recipe that comes from the dairy cow! Milk, creams, butter, chocolate, cheese, sour cream — it can be savory it can be sweet. The versatility of milk and all we can create with it goes beyond the scope of any other household staple. It creates beautiful and harmonic dishes that intertwine with memories that we cherish for a lifetime, and brings people together from all over the world. Food is cool that way.
My hope is if you take anything away from visiting she likes milk., it’s a gentle reminder that life is too short to not enjoy the little things in our life that fill us with happiness. Measure with your heart, take care of your body & mind, and don’t let society rob you of savoring special moments with food that is historically wholesome.
I can guarantee plenty of pictures of cows, delicious recipes, stories of failure (I still haven’t mastered the art of making macaroons!), and tips & tricks to navigating a life of fulfillment and wellness.
Cheers! x Hailey
