Meet Alyssa Hanofee | Farm Manager at Move Mountains Market

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

Hi Alyssa, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I’m inspired by my background in conservation and ecology, which has deeply shaped my approach to farming. My background in agriculture and attaining a degree in Soil and Crop Sciences has allowed me to integrate these passions seamlessly. I feel a profound connection to the land and almost instinctively understand its needs. This intuition has taught me a valuable lesson in patience. You cannot force Mother Nature; instead, you must work harmoniously with her, providing the right conditions for growth and thriving.

Additionally, I love for creating things for people. That is another significant source of inspiration. I’ve always loved art and working with my hands. Beyond selling produce, I take great joy in creating homemade products like pickles, applesauce, and apple cider vinegar with no complex ingredients, just like your grandmother used to make. We also offer artisan goods like handmade wreaths adorned with dried flowers from our farm, as well as art, pottery, and baskets crafted from natural materials. Every item I create is infused with care and only good intentions, and it brings me immense happiness when others can appreciate and find value in what I create.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Move Mountains is a small, woman-operated farm and market. Our mission is to provide our community with sustainably produced products while prioritizing the health and well-being of our local ecosystem. We strive to create a community-oriented space that fosters a deeper connection between our customers, our land, and the wildlife that surrounds us. With a degree in Soil and Crop Sciences, we are committed to enhancing soil health, biodiversity, and working in harmony with nature to create a healthier and more vibrant community.
I’m often asked in interviews, “What has been your most challenging you’ve ever had to overcome in the workplace?” After reflecting on this, my most honest answer, despite the possible raising of eyebrows, has always been the pursuit of being a woman, especially in a leadership position, in the male-dominated field of science and agriculture. This is not a plea for pity, but in fact, just an insight on means of combating these problems by offering a different perspective. After all, as a scientist we are trained identify a problem, collect, and make sense of evidence, and propose informed solutions. My hope is to be an advocate for the success of others as the mentor I wish I had myself at one time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My ideal day in Boulder would consist of breakfast at Moxie Bread Company, followed by a hike with friends at Walker Ranch. To relax post-hike, I’d spend my afternoon swimming and sun-bathing at Boulder Reservoir. I’d watch the sunset from Legion Hill, have a delicious dinner from Jax, and catch a movie at the Dairy Arts Center.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout the many twists and turns in my life. My family, first and foremost, has always accepted me for who I am, as I’ve always done things a little unconventional. Not one idea did they say was “too much” or “too weird” and when I inevitably made mistakes along the way, they pushed me to keep going. I’d like to thank Eric Fairlee from City of Boulder’s Open Space for giving me a chance when I was injured, encouraging curiosity, and always telling it like it is. I’d like to thank John D. Hay for his business sense, and Mark Young for providing me the opportunity to grow a business while doing what I love.

Website: https://www.movemountainsmarket.com

Instagram: @movemtnsmarket