Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Olson
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Growing up, I always had a deep love for animals, and my full-time job as a social worker primarily involves working with people with mental health diagnoses. Over time, I started to dream about a way to combine my two passions—helping people and working with animals.
During the pandemic, I experienced significant burnout from my social work job. I needed to find a hobby and passion for myself—something that would bring me peace and happiness. I knew I wanted it to involve animals, as they have always been a source of comfort in my life. That’s when I started volunteering at a llama farm. Spending time with these gentle, curious creatures helped me regain a sense of joy and purpose. Their calm nature, silly antics, and therapeutic presence made them the perfect companions for those in need of emotional support.
Inspired by the positive impact animals have on mental well-being and the healing impact llamas had for myself, I founded Happy Jolly Llamas—a business dedicated to bringing happiness and jolliness to people of all ages and abilities through live llama interactions with my two llamas, Dill and Pickle.
Seeing the smiles, hearing the laughter, and witnessing the bonds formed between llamas and the people we serve has been the most rewarding part of this journey. My hope is that our llamas, Dill and Pickle, provide a sense of connection, healing, and happiness to all who meet them, proving that sometimes, the best therapy comes with four legs, a fluffy coat, and big ears.
Happy Jolly Llamas is a small business with a big dream—to one day have our own land where people and animals can connect. My vision is to rescue animals and give back to them what they have given to me—a better, happier life.
Through parties, businesses, and community events, Happy Jolly Llamas continues to share the llama love throughout the Twin Cities. Whether it’s a birthday party, wedding, employee appreciation, or a summer festival, we can llamatize any event. At Happy Jolly Llamas we strive to create unforgettable moments where people can experience the magic of llamas firsthand with our lovable llamas, Dill and Pickle.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Running a small business has been quite the adventure, especially coming from a background in social work rather than business. Every day presents a new challenge—whether it’s navigating permits, marketing, or simply convincing my llamas that event decorations are not, in fact, a snack. I also had to learn how to use social media, take engaging photos, and create videos to promote the business—something I never imagined doing before.
Our llamas, Dill and Pickle, are still young and are learning alongside me, gaining exposure to different environments and developing their confidence. With each passing year, they will grow, learn more, and develop deeper trust, just as I continue to learn how to balance the joys and hurdles of business ownership.
I continue to learn, grow, and challenge myself every day. I remind myself that it doesn’t have to be perfect all the time. As long as we are having fun, the llamas are having fun, and the people we meet are having fun, then I know my business is going just as planned.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As mentioned before, I am a social worker full-time. I have worked in the social work field for over 12 years, primarily with a focus on adults with mental illnesses. I have done some moving around in the past few years and am now settling in to a new position where I work with the elderly population getting them connected to services.
As a social worker, I specialize in working with individuals facing challenges, and I am known for my compassionate, person-centered approach. My work involves providing support, advocacy, and resources to help people navigate the systems in place. I am most proud of the connections I have built with my clients and the trust they place in me during some of their most difficult times. I am also grateful for the things my clients have taught me over the years. If it wasn’t for my clients showing me the benefits of having hobbies, passions, and interests in your life I don’t know if I would have pushed myself to find an animal related hobby during a period of intense burnout in my social work career.
My experience in social work directly influences my llama business, as I incorporate my understanding of people, emotional well-being, and the healing effects of human-animal connections into every event we host.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Not that I can think of.
Pricing:
- $450 for 2 hour llama events
- $350 for 1 hour llama events
Contact Info:
- Website: https://happyjollyllamas.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happyjollyllamas/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556930159009&sk=about
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@happyjollyllamas
