Meet Hannah Gongola | Farmer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hannah Gongola and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hannah, what do you attribute your success to?
When you’re building a brand, YOUR brand, you don’t give up any of the power you hold. By that I mean, if someone asks you to do something even a little bit inconsistent from your brand, say no. If they want to pay you a lot of money, say no. Building a brand is about staying consistent and not bending, even if you could probably make the connection between your brand and another.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a first generation female regenerative farmer just outside of Austin, TX. I believe that all food can be grown and raised in sync with nature in a respectful and sustainable way. I got started because of my love for food and wanting desperately to share that love with others. H2Grow started as just a company that installs gardens for people but now we do all things food. We install gardens, produce our own miniature CSA, have a huge demand for eggs and beef, and soon we’ll even be dipping into dairy. This was certainly not the path I would have guessed for myself but I would never choose another one. No one chooses to be a farmer expecting great successes and riches, but the people who do choose to be farmers understand that we have a higher calling. We have a calling from the land, the animals, and the people to grow food. Growing food comes with really really difficult times and really joyous times. I say this to everyone who asks me what the hardest part is; it’s knowing that you could lose so much in such a short period of time. You could lose all of your crops and animals in a second due to weather or a freak accident. I’ve dealt with this on several occasions. There is nothing you can do to prevent it or reverse it, you just have to keep on working because you have living things that are depending on you.
Often times I receive messages from folks commending me on my accomplishments, which I feel are not deserved just yet, but they say how their dream is to also own a farm some day. To everyone who wants to own a farm, understand that I, and many other farmers, might make it seem like a dream on social media, but it is the hardest and most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. You have to be a strong individual to be a farmer. Expect to give up any hopes of travel, no late nights in the city, and lots of storm prep and worry over things that are out of your control completely. If you can adjust to those things on top of being able to carry heavy things, fix busted water pipes, and work all day in the heat feeling like nothing actually got done, then you’re ready to try your hand at farming.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My best friend would definitely stay on the farm with me, it’s a quick jaunt into the city. Then we would probably just hang out on the east side of Austin. My favorite place in the city is the east side, there’s definitely a community present there that is unique to the rest of the city. The bars, the restaurant, the funky shops, the trails, all great.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I don’t know where I would be without my f to end Kristie Wehe, a fellow female farmer who goes above and beyond the call of duty to help her community of farmers. She’s been a true friend to me in moment when I had no idea what to do. She is a strong business woman and truly loyal friend.

Website: www.h2grow.co

Instagram: hannahgongola

Image Credits
Maddi Cislo