Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Gaiero
Hi Alicia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Sure, I’d love to share my story. I’m 25 now, but the thing that spurred this journey occurred when I was 14. Life hit me hard – literally. I was struck by a motorcycle while riding my bike, sustaining a traumatic brain injury that has affected my life and those around me, particularly my family, in every way. I lost my innocence early and had to relearn how to read, deal with nerve damage that still impacts my daily life, and accept that life moves pretty fast. No day is promised, so this brush with death encouraged me to seize every opportunity.
At 21, I put this mindset into action by starting my own oyster farm. My mission with Nauti Sisters Sea Farm goes beyond producing food; it’s about embracing life fully. Growing oysters allows me to work on the water and create an eco-friendly product. Our goal is to produce a pristine, sustainable product while educating people about their food and its origins, boosting both our brand and the Maine Seafood brand.
One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been working with my sisters. In 2023, my sister Amy joined the team to take over farm management, significantly changing my outlook on the business. Empowering others, especially young women, to try new things and take risks has brought me great joy. Through our work, we hope to inspire others to break free from traditional constraints and pursue their passions with confidence.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has definitely had its bumps. Some struggles have been as normal as hitting bottom—both literally and figuratively. Becoming an employer at a young age, working with my sisters (which is both the most rewarding and most difficult aspect of the job), and dealing with imposter syndrome have all been significant challenges. I often find myself questioning why anyone might want to work for me, wondering how I ended up here and how I managed to build this business.
I’ll likely never fully understand this struggle, but I know it’s important to experience it. Despite the difficulties, this journey wouldn’t be as rewarding without them. Though I grew up near the water, I never saw myself as an oyster farmer. Early challenges, similar to those I face today, included learning the ins and outs of the trade. In 2020, the COVID pandemic eased some societal pressures on a recent college grad like myself, but I still had to navigate financial challenges and learn to handle the tides and steer a boat in the bay.
There have been many failures and many tears. I often question the future and direction of my business. Yet, I feel deeply empowered when I see others overcome their own challenges and take pride in their accomplishments. My greatest challenge has been using what I’ve built not just to produce high-quality food, but to help develop high-quality people. Our oysters are a byproduct of investing in people.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Welcome to Nauti Sisters Sea Farm, where our love for oysters meets a dash of sibling rivalry and a whole lot of seawater. Tucked away in the charming town of Yarmouth, Maine, our farm is the brainchild of yours truly, inspired by my roots in the heart of Maine and the undeniable bond I share with my two sisters.
Launching into entrepreneurship was a bit like diving headfirst into a bucket of oysters – messy, exhilarating, and filled with surprises, especially in the tumultuous whirlwind of 2020. But from those uncertain beginnings, the Nauti Sisters Sea Farm brand has grown faster than I could have hoped, expanding over sixfold since its humble beginnings. Though, we still face challenges to growing to the scale needed to achieve profitability and needed to survive.
What sets us apart? Well, it’s our knack for turning challenges into pearls of wisdom and our commitment to resilience and growth in the face of adversity. We believe in the value of hands-on experience, where every setback becomes a stepping stone to success We know there is power in learning by doing, where mistakes are like oyster shells – rough on the outside but hiding a precious gem within. And speaking of gems, our team, shines brighter than a school of bioluminescent jellyfish, navigating the waters of farm life with grace and a healthy dose of sibling banter. Our team, led by my sister Amy, embodies this spirit, guiding our farm through the ebbs and flows of farm life with skill and determination.
But we’re not just about cultivating oysters; we’re also cultivating future ocean stewards. Through our partnerships with universities and organizations like Minorities in Aquaculture, we’re diving deep into the world of internships, nurturing the next generation of sea-loving enthusiasts.
And let’s not forget about our oysters – they’re the real stars of the show! In 2023, Nauti Sisters Sea Farm took home second place in a blind taste test at the Maine Oyster Festival, proving that our commitment to quality and taste is as strong as a lobster’s grip on its dinner.
So, whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates a good story (and a great oyster), we invite you to join us at Nauti Sisters Sea Farm. Together, we’re not just farming oysters; we’re cultivating a legacy of sustainability and sisterhood, one shell at a time.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Certainly! Resilience has been the cornerstone of my success as an oyster farmer, business owner, sister, and employer. It’s the quality that has propelled me through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and life.
Resilience, to me, is more than just bouncing back from setbacks—it’s about persevering through challenges with unwavering determination. I’ve learned to embrace failure not as a roadblock, but as an opportunity for growth and learning.
Cultivating resilience is an ongoing practice. It’s about maintaining a positive mindset, even when faced with adversity. It’s about seeking support from mentors, peers, and loved ones, knowing that I don’t have to navigate challenges alone. And perhaps most importantly, it’s about staying adaptable, willing to pivot and evolve in response to changing circumstances.
As an oyster farmer, resilience has been crucial in weathering the unpredictability of nature and the challenges of sustainable farming practices. As a business partner, it’s helped me navigate the complexities of collaboration and decision-making. As a sister, it’s allowed me to strengthen bonds with my siblings, even in the face of disagreement or conflict. And as an employer, it’s enabled me to lead with compassion and empathy, supporting my team through both triumphs and tribulations.
In essence, resilience isn’t just a quality—it’s a mindset, a way of approaching life with courage, determination, and grace. And it’s this resilience that has been the driving force behind my journey and success as an oyster farmer and beyond.
Pricing:
- Oyster Farm Tours: $125 per person
- Sunset Cruises: $130 per person
- Lobster demonstration tour: $125 per person
- Oysters: variable on season
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nautisistersseafarm.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nautisistersseafarm/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nautisistersseafarm/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NautiSistersSeaFarm
Image Credits
Image credits:
Justin Smulski of Tide to Pine Photography
Steve DeNeef
Jacqueline Clark