How Hailey McCluskey Left Corporate Ag to Build a 226K+ Dairy Community With She Likes Milk
For Hailey McCluskey, dairy has never been just a product. It’s been a lifestyle, a community, and now a brand. Hailey grew up in the Southern Tier of New York on a small jersey dairy farm, where cow care was second nature and every day on the farm was an adventure. Her earliest memories include bottle-feeding calves, helping in the barn, and learning the beauty of farm life alongside her family.
Hailey stayed involved through 4-H and FFA, and eventually served as the New York State Dairy Princess. A role that deepened her understanding of the industry and expanded her perspective on the many ways dairy shows up across New York State.
But her story doesn’t stop with a sash and a crown. After earning her degree in Dairy Science from Cornell, Hailey spent five years working in animal health and nutrition, where she collaborated with farmers, veterinarians, and feed mills. It was the job she’d always worked toward. But even then, she knew something was missing.
“I thought I had reached the dream job,” she says. “Why am I still wanting to do more?”
The answer led her to launch She Likes Milk, an online brand with a nostalgic aesthetic and a fresh take on dairy’s role in everyday life. Hailey didn’t want to preach about milk’s benefits. She wanted to create a space that felt fun, inviting, and emotionally connected. A place where dairy feels normal and relatable.
What started as a blog with zero expectations quickly turned into a growing social media community. Today, She Likes Milk reaches 225,000 followers who tag Hailey in their grocery store photos, remake her viral English muffin recipes, and connect with dairy in ways they hadn’t before.
Hailey’s approach is different by design. She isn’t trying to convince people to drink milk, because there’s so much more to dairy than just a glass of milk. She’s creatively making dairy cool again through a modern lens. Whether it’s butter melting into a perfectly toasted English muffin, cream cheese on a weekend brunch table, or local feta mixed into a juicy burger, she’s creating space for dairy to shine again.
For Hailey, I Am New York Dairy is a deeply personal reflection of who she is. It represents her roots, her work, and the online community she’s built. Through She Likes Milk, she’s helping others connect to dairy in the same way she always has, with creativity, emotion, and an appreciation for the everyday moments that connect us to the farm.
Watch our spotlight video on Hailey here: https://youtu.be/kMYceZ2_azY?si=k1STuuE767K3yFpj