Spotlight on Women in Agriculture with Marji Guyler-Alaniz

The popular FarmHer project has helped to put the spotlight on women in agriculture.

And what a project it is. The stories of rural women and women in agriculture come alive through the outstanding video and photography of the show and the blog. One of the women behind the camera is our guest today. Her name is Marji Guyler-Alaniz.

She’s the woman behind the fascinating brand FarmHer. This brand is loved by rural women all over the world and continues to motivate and inspire others. I, myself, love the series and can’t wait for the new one to start soon on RFD-TV.

In this episode, Marji will discuss:

How she was inspired to put the spotlight on women in agriculture
Her day-to-day with the FarmHer Project.
More opportunities for women farmers to share their stories with FarmHer.

Listen to the Podcast Episode Here:

FIRST OF ALL, ABOUT MARJI

Long-time Iowa Native
Grew Up Rural
Showed Cat in 4-H
Education is in Graphic Design and Photography
Wife and mom
Entrepreneur with a passion for shining the spotlight on women in agriculture

INSPIRATION FOR FARMHER PROJECT

Started in 2013 while watching the Superbowl. The popular commercial “God Made a Farmer” came on and she noticed there weren’t female farmers highlighted in the commercial.

As a photographer, she decided to start up a photo project putting the spotlight on women in agriculture. But she definitely doesn’t go it alone.

MARJI’S FARMHER PROJECT TEAM

For the first two years, Marji managed and grew FarmHer on her own. After it grew, she added more to the team:

Technical support
Full-Time Communication Person
Events and Merchandise Manager
Interns and part-time people for projects
Producer and videographer from RFD-TV to help further shine the spotlight on women in agriculture.

MARJI’S TYPICAL DAY WITH THE FARMHER PROJECT

Her day is never the same. This particular day, she is spending her time in the office:

Communication pertaining to the FarmHer Project.
Planning meetings with team.
Business management of the FarmHer project.

Tomorrow, she’s heading to California for an interview. So, a typical day with the FarmHer project is very different from day to day.

2018 Season of FarmHer

84 Year Old Cattlewoman from Tennesee
Oyster Farmer
Cranberry Farmer

Just to name a few. I’m excited they are highlighting other commodities and farm ladies because they are important as well. And FarmHer is open to accepting new opportunities for women farmers. Maybe even you could be on the show.

How a Ruralite can be on the FarmHer TV Show

Go to the FarmHer Website
Scroll down to Suggest a FarmHer
Fill out the form and submit for the FarmHer project.

HERE’S A PIECE OF ADVICE FROM MARJI

We all have a lot of things going on. Maintaining balance is difficult but we all have to give ourself a little grace. Understand that you can’t do it all perfectly.

It’s ok if you can’t get it all done.

If you care about it enough, you’ll find the time to get it done.

NEXT, BIGGEST CHALLENGE THROUGH HER JOURNEY

Taking something that was a hobby and interest and building it into a brand with opportunities for women farmers to tell their amazing stories. There’s no blueprint for it but her passion helped her to build FarmHer project into a business.

Another challenge is shutting off the business mind. She’s super passionate about shining the spotlight on women in agriculture and it’s hard to shut off that passion at the end of the day.

I can truly relate to her passion.

ONE THING MARJI IS EXCITED ABOUT

Marji is excited about all the opportunities to grow her brand and other brands within the brand.

Her podcast has been turned into a radio show and she’s looking forward to seeing where that leads.

RECOMMENDED BOOK

Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg – Talks about focusing where you are and not comparing yourself to others. Marji says it’s a very eye opening book.

IN CONCLUSION, SOME PARTING WORDS OF WISDOM

After the tragic shooting in Las Vegas, Marji has felt an even more sense of doing good for others.

Be Good Do Good is her words of wisdom.

FINALLY, CONTACT CHARLOTTE

email: [email protected]

website: farmher.com

Finally, catch all the past episodes of Rural Women Inspired!

RURALITES, HONE YOUR DREAMS, OWN YOUR LIFE AND I’LL SEE YOU DOWN THE ROAD.