A woman’s journey from Eastern Europe to North America has led her to become a producer of unique country-style dairy products. Her flair for making cheese has turned into a profitable business since she arrived in Canada. Today, Galina Beilis’s Dairy Fairy is a healthy line of made-in-Manitoba dairy products that are produced with natural ingredients.
Beilis, who was once a beautician, saw the opportunity to produce a healthier option to the typical cheddar-mozzarella combo after her move to Canada. Her journey began in Belarus, where she was a co-owner of an aesthetic shop until she was bought by out by her partner.
Determined to rediscover her footing, she moved to Israel and overcame all the financial, social, and security challenges that came with balancing out a family life in the Middle Eastern country, and secured a move to Canada. She was able to adapt to the new culture and forged a profitable path for herself by starting a cheesemaking company.
“[When I moved to Winnipeg] I started to think of ways to make a living. Cheese was something I always did at home and I just thought I could use it as a form of business,” Beilis told the Manitoban.
“I started looking for ways to make cheese from Manitoban products. I started studying, reading books and recipes to find a good combination. I reached out to local farmers to see what kind of milk and other dairy products they used.”
After doing the necessary research, Beilis teamed up with her husband to produce a line of healthy dairy products including European-style cheeses made from locally-produced milk. Dairy Fairy’s products, which include cheese, yogurt, and sour cream, are a rich source of calcium, protein, and phosphorus and are void of salt or sugar.
Made at the University of Manitoba, Dairy Fairy’s products are now being featured on the shelves and in dishes of the campus restaurants like Degrees and Daily Bread Café.
Aaron Cassels, coordinator of the University of Manitoba Campus Food Strategy Group, believes Beilis’ story is remarkable and her products are a cut above the competition.
“Although her products are impressive, they aren’t the only part of her narrative,” Cassels said.
“Dairy Fairy’s goods help decrease our carbon footprint and cement the U of M’s dedication to local and sustainable food choices.”
For more information about Dairy Fairy’s products, ingredients, and retail outlets, visit dairyfairy.ca
