Who Is Hannah Neeleman, The Ballerina Farm Matriarch?

Hannah Neeleman, a 33-year-old rancher and entrepreneur, won the Mrs. American 2023 title on August 25 at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino representing South Dakota. She bested over 40 competitors and will compete next in Mrs. World 2023. Mandy Fave of Minnesota and Jayme Perryman of Idaho were the first and second runners-up, respectively. Sharelle Mendenhall, Katheryn Clatterbaugh, and AnnMarie Gutierrez rounded out the Top 6 finalists.

However, most people know Hannah Neeleman as the face of Ballerina Farm, the popular social media sensation that has captured the hearts of millions of people. With 6.5 million followers on TikTok and 6.1 million followers on Instagram, Neeleman and her family are well known for producing some of the most click-worthy aesthetics known to the internet. But many people wonder who Neeleman is and where she came from. She may share multiple videos and photos of herself and her family, but many still find her to be a mystery.

Who Is Hannah Neeleman?

Neeleman is a woman of many talents and achievements, catapulting to fame (once again) after her recent win as Mrs. American 2023. Born in Springville, Utah, she initially gained recognition as a talented ballerina (hence the name Ballerina Farm, which we'll talk about more soon). Her prowess in dance earned her a place at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City, where she graduated with honors. After marrying Daniel Neeleman in 2014, the couple lived in Sao Paolo, Brazil, where she continued to dance while Daniel worked in business.

Before her Mrs. American 2023 victory, she was crowned Miss New York City in 2010 and Mrs. Utah in 2021. The Mrs. American win particularly stood out because of her pro-life stance and her poignant answer about motherhood, empowering her with not just a crown but also a role as a value-driven influencer. The question she was asked during the final round of the pageant was, "When have you felt the most empowered?" Her answer revolved around her experience as a mother of seven, gaining applause and a standing ovation from the audience and resonating strongly with people online. The win positions her as a model citizen who successfully bridges diverse passions—whether it's the fine arts, agriculture, or advocating for her beliefs and family values.

In 2017, she and her husband returned to Utah and established Ballerina Farm, a successful farm-to-table agriculture business that sells an array of products ranging from beef and pork to kitchen essentials. They have seven children together, and Neeleman has become a beacon of natural, old-fashioned motherhood on social media. She regularly shares videos of herself cooking elaborate, homemade meals using raw milk and meat from her family's farm. She always looks pretty, fit, and feminine, making her one of the most mesmerizing creators on social media today.

What Is Ballerina Farm?

Ballerina Farm has gained both local and international acclaim, solidifying the Neelemans' status as successful entrepreneurs. Daniel, an MBA graduate from the University of Utah, has been a significant driving force in shaping the farm's brand and its unique approach to sustainable agriculture. He was educated at Brigham Young University as well. Both were inspired by their time in Brazil to adopt a rural lifestyle, leading them to establish Ballerina Farm. According to their website, Hannah and Daniel were "city kids" who became enamored with farming while living in Brazil for Daniel's work. Unlike his beach-going colleagues, they explored the country's agricultural landscape. A visit to a cattle ranch in central Brazil was a turning point for them; they were amazed to see pigs freely grazing alongside cows, even enjoying fallen fruit from various trees. This inspired a vision to raise pasture-fed pigs and cattle, and so Ballerina Farm was born. Even though the brand is popular online and they are successful in selling their products, Ballerina Farm has faced controversy.

Ballerina Farm has gained both local and international acclaim.

In today's age of dual-income families and urban hustle, the appeal of a simpler, pastoral life is strong. Ballerina Farm became an internet sensation for presenting this idyllic life. Hannah often posts about farming, home-cooked meals, and raising her seven children. This "dreamiest" life has garnered massive social media attention. The Neelemans' farm is not a modest venture, though; it's backed by significant generational wealth. Daniel is the son of David Neeleman, founder and former CEO of JetBlue, who has a net worth of $400 million. The Ballerina Farm social media posts do not disclose this financial background, leading to accusations of dishonesty and misrepresentation. The idyllic homestead life they portray is seen by some as a "facade" built on a privileged foundation, given the enormous costs and resources involved in sustaining such a lifestyle.

The crux of the controversy lies in questions about social media authenticity. Hannah's content, presented without the context of her family's wealth, struck many as a "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" narrative. Learning about the financial backing led some followers to feel deceived and object to the family "glamorizing farm life that they aren't financially dependent on." Critics argue that the family should disclose their financial status, claiming that the lack of transparency makes the lifestyle they showcase seem more attainable than it actually is for the average person.

Defenders argue that Hannah owes no explanation about her personal finances and that people should focus more on the values and wholesome content the family creates. Some people suggest that the issue isn't the wealth itself but the entitlement of social media consumers who demand personal details as a form of "authenticity."

Hannah's life is a unique tapestry of achievements.

So, does the Ballerina Farm controversy reflect an issue of deception, or is it a manifestation of society's uncomfortable relationship with wealth? Regardless of the financial details, there's no doubt that Hannah Neeleman is contributing to her family and community in meaningful ways. What makes this story more complex is how social media, with its demand for both escapism and authenticity, reacts when the two clash. It challenges our ideas about transparency, privilege, and the kinds of lives we valorize in the digital age.

Hannah's life is a unique tapestry of achievements, stretching across the worlds of dance, business, beauty pageants, motherhood, and social media influence. She's shown that it's possible to excel in disparate realms and has used her platform to articulate a clear set of values and beliefs that resonate with a broad audience. As she prepares for the Mrs. World 2023 competition, her multifaceted life story serves as an inspiration to many.

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