Our Story:
from passion to purpose
The Happy Jolly Llamas
Journey
How It All Began
Founder Hannah Olson has spent over 12 years as a social worker, specializing in the mental health field. After the pandemic, she found herself feeling burned out. She questioned what truly brought her happiness. Hannah realized she needed to take the advice she had been giving her clients, “Find joy, reconnect with passion, and embrace what makes life fulfilling.”
Hannah’s advice led her to animals. A part-time job at a local llama farm changed everything. What started as a simple way to spend more time around animals quickly became a full-time love. Llamas, with their gentle, curious, and calming nature, taught Hannah to slow down, be in the moment, and appreciate the joy in everyday life. They helped her rediscover her passion for social work and inspired her to share that happiness with others.
That’s how Happy Jolly Llamas was born. A small business built on fun, laughter, and the magic of llamas.
Bringing Llama Joy to the Community
For Hannah and her husband, Nicholas Olson, this business is about more than just events. It is about being part of people’s happiest moments. From a child’s birthday party to a stress-relief event at a workplace, they get to bring llamas into people’s lives at times when they need joy the most. Their philosophy is simple: happiness and fulfillment should guide every step forward, and their business continues to bring both.
The llamas have a way of bringing people together, making them laugh, and helping them be present in the moment. That’s exactly what Happy Jolly Llamas is all about.
The Future: A Passion Farm Dream
While Happy Jolly Llamas is already spreading happiness across the Twin Cities, Hannah and Nicholas have an even bigger dream. A passion farm where people and animals can connect in a meaningful way. People often call it a hobby farm, but for them, it will be so much more. It will be about creating a space where rescued animals and people can heal, learn, and grow together.
They envision a place where rescued animals can thrive. Visitors can learn about the beauty of nature, the animals’ journeys, and experience the animal and human connection. These animals will not only get a second chance at life, but they will also serve as powerful reminders of resilience, adaptability, and the ability to embrace life’s changes.
From event planning, to gardening, to creating a sanctuary for animals and people alike, their vision is growing. Every event booked helps bring them one step closer to making it a reality.
By choosing Happy Jolly Llamas, you’re not just booking an event. You are supporting a small, woman-owned business with a heartfelt mission to spread joy, create connection, and appreciate the gift animals give us.
Meet Dill & Pickle
Dill ❤
Dill is a big, bold personality who loves to take the lead. With his strong-willed nature, he’s often the one steering the way. Dill has a flair for adventure and enjoys meeting new people and exploring unfamiliar environments. You can usually find him around food, especially fresh grass at events, where his focus is on munching away. He once even figured out how to escape his pasture to get to a patch of grass all to himself, leaving everyone puzzled about his secret escape method. His striking black, white, and brown markings make him stand out wherever he goes, adding to his charismatic charm.
Pickle ❤
Pickle may be smaller than some llamas, but he is full of personality. With a calm and mild-mannered nature, Pickle is known for being more talkative, often humming as he goes on his little adventures. He is curious about people and enjoys interacting. Pickle has a big heart and loves greeting everyone, but he can be a bit of a trickster when it is time to catch him for events! He is quick on his feet and skillful at avoiding capture by turning it into a playful game. Pickle’s all-brown coat is accented with a light brown streak near his face, and his unique white markings by his feet make it look like he is wearing tall socks. He is as adorable as he is mischievous, with a personality that shines through in everything he does.
Dill & pickle ❤
Dill and Pickle, the dynamic duo, share a special bond as half-siblings, born just five days apart on the same farm. They’ve been on this adventure with us since they were young and they’re still growing and learning. While they won’t reach full maturity until they’re five years olds, every event and experience is valuable training by exposing them to different environments. Llamas are creatures of trust, and as their handlers, we make sure they feel safe and at ease. We always respect their boundaries to ensure they are not stressed or unhappy. After each event, they return to the llama farm where they live in a large herd. They spend their days off grazing in pastures and enjoying the company of other llamas.
Our Values & Mission
Creating Joyful Connections, Driven by Purpose
Our Core Values
Human
Connection
We believe in the power of meaningful interactions to uplift and inspire by fostering bonds between humans and animals
Animal
Well-being
We are committed to providing the highest level of care and respect for our llamas, ensuring their health, happiness, and comfort
Joy and
Happiness
We strive to spread joy, create fun, and uplift others with the simple happiness that llamas provide
Community
Spirit
We are dedicated to giving back and supporting our local community, strengthening relationships, fostering a sense of belonging, and making a positive impact wherever we go
Our Mission
At Happy Jolly Llamas, we are dedicated to bringing joy, connection, and healing through the magical presence of our llamas, Dill and Pickle. With a focus on creating meaningful experiences, we strive to provide heartwarming moments that allow people to reconnect with happiness, nature, and each other. Our mission is to create a safe and supportive environment where people of all abilities can experience the simple joys that llamas bring. We are committed to making every interaction a moment of laughter, learning, and love while respecting the trust and well-being of our animals.
Dream Statement
Our dream is to establish a passion farm – a place where we can rescue and provide a loving home for animals in need. We hope to create a sanctuary where both animals and people can heal, learn, and grow together. We envision a space where visitors can experience the beauty of nature, animals, and human connection in a way that fosters resilience and appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. Every event booked with Happy Jolly Llamas brings us one step closer to realizing this dream. By choosing us, you are not only adding a special touch to your event but also contributing to a meaningful cause that celebrates compassion, connection, and joy.
Partners
