We're back with our "Meet a Member" series, where we highlight the everyday moments and personal traditions that make our community so special.
Today, we’re excited to introduce Natalie—a real estate professional in Carmel Valley with a deep appreciation for family, nature, and a good cheese board. From client gifts that spark lasting connections to impromptu cheese tastings with friends, Natalie’s story offers a glimpse into how Stepladder fits into her world, one dollop of marinated fromage blanc (her favorite!) at a time.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Where are you from, and what do you do?
My name is Natalie, and I’m a real estate professional in Carmel Valley, California. I have worked in the industry for 18 years in three states along the West Coast. I’m originally from Monterey and always knew I wanted to settle back near my hometown to stay close to my family and nature, both of which I am passionate about. I have wonderful friends in the area who mean the world to me. Life is good!
What’s a fun fact about you that most people wouldn’t guess?
My family has deep roots on the Big Island of Hawaii. My ancestors immigrated from Madeira, a Portuguese island off the coast of Africa, in the 1800s as migrant farm workers. They were pani’olo—the original cowboys of the West—and settled on the Hamakua Coast in Honoka’a, Hawaii, where they harvested sugar cane, raised cattle, and ran a dairy. I am the first generation from the mainland. Coastal California offers many reminders of my proud family heritage.
What inspired you to join the Stepladder Cheese Club?
I became a loyal Cheese Club member after purchasing a membership as a gift. Soon after, I realized I needed to be in the club myself. The Cheese Club has been a meaningful client gift I’ve enjoyed giving over the years. Not to reveal a trade secret, but a quarterly delivery is a great excuse to keep in touch with clients while offering a locally significant, artisanal treat. With names like Cabrillo, Bixby, Big Sur, and Moonstone, the cheeses also help reinforce a regional connection with my clients.
Favorite Stepladder cheese?
It’s difficult to choose a favorite, but the marinated fromage blanc stands out. The grassy notes of olive oil combined with the rich, creamy cheese make it unlike any other product I’ve tried. The beautiful label and glass container make it feel extra special.
Do you have a favorite cheese experience?
I have countless favorites! Hiking to the top of Yosemite Falls with charcuterie, bringing Stepladder to Joshua Tree for my birthday for a private cheese tasting with friends, and packing cheese for wine-tasting adventures in Paso Robles. Too many memories to count—and I’m still making more.
How did you use your last Cheese Club delivery? Any special occasion?
I brought my most recent delivery to a birthday party near the Carmel River. We played bocce ball and had a barbecue with a small group. My friend had just gotten married in Greece, so I added little Greek flags to the cheese—it was a cute touch. My friends have come to expect me to bring cheese to gatherings. One even called me on the way to ask if I was bringing “snacks”—I knew exactly what she meant!
Design your dream cheese board. What’s on it and how are you enjoying it?
For a camping trip to a remote mountain location, I’d pack hard cheeses like Paso Vino, Moonstone, and Cabrillo, plus Finocchiona salami (I love fennel) and a spicy Calabrese-style meat. I’d add dried apricots, Medjool dates, and sliced apple for balance, along with roasted rosemary Marcona almonds. This would be a solo adventure.
What’s your favorite ‘cheesy’ guilty pleasure (movie, book, song)?
Hands down, my favorite cheesy guilty pleasure is my sense of humor. No explanation needed!
If Stepladder could create a cheese just for you, what would it be called, and what would it taste like?
It would be called Valley Girl—a Brie-inspired cheese like Ragged Point or Big Sur, with pressed local wildflowers on the rind and a spicy center.
If you could choose a name for a Stepladder goat, what would it be?
"Kalani"—my namesake. 😊
