Hannah Neeleman, a 34-year-old mother of eight, has become an internet sensation with millions of followers across social media platforms. Known as @ballerinafarm, she showcases a lifestyle that blends traditional homemaking with modern entrepreneurship.

Original interview content appeared in The Sunday Times by Megan Agnew.

Raised in a Mormon family, Neeleman initially pursued a career in ballet, studying at Juilliard. Her life took a different turn when she married Daniel Neeleman at 21. The couple now runs a 328-acre farm in rural Utah, where they raise their children and manage a successful online business selling farm products.

Neeleman’s popularity stems from her depiction of an idyllic farm life, complete with home births, homeschooling, and homesteading. She gained particular attention for competing in the Mrs. World pageant just 12 days after giving birth to her eighth child.

While some view Neeleman as a role model for embracing traditional female roles, others criticize her lifestyle as regressive. Neeleman herself resists the “trad wife” label, emphasizing that she and her husband consider themselves “co-CEOs” of their family and business.

The Neelemans’ lifestyle reflects their strong Mormon faith, influencing their views on family planning and social issues. Despite the challenges of raising a large family, they continue to expand their business and online presence.

Neeleman’s story highlights the complex interplay between traditional values and modern opportunities, sparking debates about feminism, motherhood, and women’s roles in society. As her influence grows, so does the discussion around the lifestyle she represents.

Read the original interview over at The Sunday Times by Megan Agnew.