Meet NaRisa Waldo | Raw MIlk Dairy Farm, Owner

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

Hi NaRisa, what role has risk played in your life or career?

My strong suit is being a “risk taker”. Think about it, I left a tenured position at the University of Texas at Tyler in the College of Nursing to pursue a raw milk dairy farm from the ground-up. Left on the table a steady guaranteed salary and position of instant respect for the unknown. Indeed, high risks have been taken over the past ten years as I began this business! Maintaining a “status quo” is not a comfortable place in life for me.

Farming, of any kind, is one big gamble. One cannot predict weather, such as this summer’s heat wave, and the unprecedented negative temperatures of February 2021. We are living in inflationary times which brings about higher costs associated with operating this business. There are unpredictable and uncontrollable risks all the way around.

However, knowing and accepting these great risks associated with this career, we have set in place business principles that help to safeguard against these unknown variables that we encounter. For example, buying needed raw materials when prices are low, diversification, and sacrificing current profits for future growth and development. Diversification guards against singular risks that could result in defeat. We have expanded our milk products of yogurt, kefir, buttermilk, chocolate milk, butter, etcetera to granola that is shipped across the nation as a commercial product. Our beef jerky is now being carried in multiple stores across Texas and opening a second location in Tyler, Texas. These products are not typically associated with a dairy farm.

Collaborating with many other local farms who have our same high standards also curbs risks. These farms include: Windy Meadows in Campbell, Texas, Steel Mill Farms in Gilmer, Texas, Elzner Farms in New Summerfield, Texas, Jersey Girls in Winnsboro, Texas, Cedar Ridge in Pickton, Texas, and Found Penny in Commerce, Texas. Just a few examples of how we have diversified.

And last, but not least, starting a business is risky but starting a business as a woman in a male dominated industry is even a greater risk. However, as a risk taker, that never entered my mind. As a woman in this type of business I have no support system and or peers. That is a huge risk.

To further compound the risk, The Waldo Way became the first fully “robotic” dairy farm in the state of Texas. Against all odds, for “the first one” it should not have been a woman and it should not have been a “raw milk dairy”.

In summation, I gave up a secure job, moved from professor to entrepreneur, started a farming business from ground up, I am a woman in a historically man’s world, and ventured into the realm of a robot milking cows. All high risk!

What habits do you feel helped you succeed?

Many words come to mind to describe my habits: discipline, focus, perseverance, flexibility, adaptability, functionality, intentionality, efficiency, the study of Vedic Astrology, common sense, and humor.

One must be “selfless” to succeed in animal husbandry. Cows require consistency from their owner. Milking cows need humans to care for them on Sundays, weekends, holidays, rainy days, sunny days, and those days with ice on the roads. There are no sick days or vacation days. I have truly embraced my animals, my job and my lifestyle. And I love the fact that my cows are super dependable. They show-up for work each morning and provide us with the most amazing product on earth: life-giving milk.

What should our readers know about your business?

The most important success factors in growing my business is confidence in my abilities, faith in what God granted me as the steward of this land, the cows, and all the amazing people who have supported and encouraged me along this journey of opening a raw milk dairy business.

The successes of our brand is and has always been about quality products and not so much about the quantity. In my opinion, quality cannot be compromised for real lasting success of one’s business endeavors. Especially those businesses that are small and serve a niche market. Quality in products, animals, land and family. Always striving to take the “high road”.

Successes are defined by the individual. I have complete gratification in a job well done. The original concept and business plan 12 years ago incorporated a wholistic approach to operating. We currently provide nourishing foods and education to those who visit our farm in addition to sharing our tremendous respect for our animals and our land. At the end of each day I am overwhelmed with joy knowing who we are and what we do and how it contributes to the health and wellness of so many.

In order to be successful and accomplish these many tasks on the farm one must find a work/life balance?

Work hard, play hard has been my motto. Work life balance is a difficult thing when it is your whole life while you live at your work. Owning a farm and producing all of the products is a very all-consuming business. On the farm there is a continuous flow of milk, managing milk and making products. Due to the perishable nature of milk, and outside demands, one must find balance.

For me, preforming these daunting tasks everyday is so rewarding that I find myself addicted to this life and I want to work all the time. To create a balance I literally must be pulled away. Most of the time this comes from my caring and loving family who create the balance for me. We always get together and celebrate at least once a month. A very important piece for me is going to my private gym created in my Milk House where I remain connected to my work but it is a place where I can focus on my strength training and be challenged by lifting weights. This remains part of my wholistic design for my business. It is about the foods we eat and being our healthiest selves.

Additionally, I was inspired by my grandmother who was an astrologer and she taught me many valuable lessons through this art and science. I am a practicing Vedic Astrologer who uses this science extensively. It has provided me with many crucial insights along my educational and business pursuits. Taking risks, the animals, food, health, business ownership and higher education are all “in my chart”. I currently conduct Vedic Astrology readings which helps me mentally break away from the “farm” into another realm. Astrology gives others validation in who they are and where they are going.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
To be very honest, my farm is where I want hang out for it fills my soul. However, Mineola is one of the most charming little towns that you will visit in East Texas. The simplicity of downtown is the beauty, with little boutique shops that line her streets and old lamp post lighting that will lull you into the past. You will find people walking the sidewalks, window shopping, eating local fudge, cheesecake, stoping by the “hardware” store for a refreshing beverage and southern delicacies, or taking in a movie at the historical movie theater. The people who call this place home remain friendly to their neighbors and to those who visit. We welcome all who come for either a short get away or to find their future forever home.

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?

My son, Trenton Montgomery. He is an amazing example for others of how hard work, dedication, and passion plays a vital role in one’s personal and career successes. Over the course of twelve (12) years, in this most challenging, multidimensional business, Trenton has worked tirelessly and sacrificed greatly for the good of our Guernsey cows, our business endeavors and our customers. He is the man behind making the dream a reality.

My husband, Bruce Waldo. Enduring and selfless as always. He is my biggest fan and his belief in what I can accomplish encourages me to keep up the good work. Bruce tells his employees, “always take the high road”. I have embraced that philosophy on my journey as a business owner and thank him for being that brand of leadership.

Additionally, we have 1,000’s of customers who have supported our farm, encouraged us, and who have stood with us as we endured significant and rapid growing pains. We would not be where we are today as a business without those who have supported us, both financially and through their words, A great big thanks to them!

Website: thewaldoway.com

Instagram: @thewaldowaydairyfarm

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