Kahle Atherton-Boutte is a llama wrangler and owner of Prairie Patch Farm in Cedar Rapids. The private, 50-acre wildlife refuge and nature preserve hosts one-of-a-kind llama-centric experiences, including llama hikes! Learn about Kahle Atherton-Boutte…
Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colorado
First job: I worked as a music therapist at a forensic mental health hospital in California.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in IA: Anything nature related! I also enjoy hitting up the local brunch spots and hanging with my family and friends.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Taking the risk of starting a small business. When I took that leap into the unknown it was quite intimidating–especially when putting my own creative ideas out there not knowing how people would receive it.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: Getting into college. In high school, my grades and standardized tests were way below average. Academics just wasn’t for me. I was told by my high school counselor that I would not be accepted into any schools. I didn’t know what I was going to do after high school and felt very stuck. I applied anyway, and a professor took a chance on me. I got to attend CU Boulder for my undergraduate, and I flourished! After I completed my bachelor’s, I went a step further to get my master’s degree with above-average grades.
Someone who inspires you and why: Banksy, the England-based street artist and anyone who uses their talents as a means to bring awareness to things that need to change in our society and world.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Your passions are inside you for a reason. Find a way to get creative and use it to be part of your means. Worry less about what people think or the potential for failure and just go with it. You never know what might come.
Favorite quote: “Wild hearts can’t be broken.”
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I am a former professional French horn player and, yes, I went to band camp. I went from the music lady to the llama lady, and I totally consider it a promotion.
What makes someone fabulous: Being who they are!