Interview: MK
Photography: Erin McKinney
Every Saturday we’re spotlighting remarkable local females who could change the way we look at the world. This Saturday is Lucija Milic’s turn, a mom of two in charge of a bustling farm, in love with her native Karst.
Where are you from?
I’m from Sagrado di Sgonico/ Zagradec, a very cute and small village close to Trieste. I was born in Trieste but grew up between the hills of the Karst area.
Do you think growing up in Carso has had an impact on you?
Absolutely yes. Even though very close to Trieste, Carso is completely different. Here in Carso we still keep very old traditions and rituals alive, and one of our strongest beliefs is the intricate connection between nature and people. Also we live on the border between two very different cultures, and even though we can easily move between various countries, living on the border has had a very strong impact on our identity and character. For a long time Carso was the so-called strategic point during the Second World War and for this reason people here are still suspicious of strangers. In my opinion, all of this makes Carso more mysterious and fascinating.
You are now the owner of the Milič farm. Have you always wanted to take over your family’s business?
Yes, I’ve wanted to do this for a long time. When you work with your family you don’t really understand what it’s like to be responsible for so many things at the same time. I like to experiment a lot, in everything that I do – from cultivating the fields to cooking. I think it’s also very important to understand the people around you and be open to them. When we’re young we should do as many things as possible to learn as many skills as we can.
Was taking over the family’s business a choice, an obligation or following the passion you had?
Hands down, passion. I grew up in this atmosphere and I could never picture myself anywhere else. The great thing about our business is the fact that you can change the things you do every day. Sometimes it’s tricky to work together as we are a family of different generations and everyone has a different vision and opinion. Another tricky part is the fact that our parents look at my sister and me as if we were still kids who can’t be independent.
What does a typical day of an agriturismo owner look like?
Every day is different. We usually start working at 8.00, but everyone knows the day before what they are supposed to do the next day. Throughout the day we switch between work on the farm and in the restaurant or in the wine cellar. Many things depend on the weather and the growth of plants.
You just had your second baby Ljuba and you were instantly back to work. Is it difficult to combine family and work?
It’s definitely not easy, but fortunately I have a very good team and our guests are very friendly, too. Most of them have babies and often times our children play together.
How do you manage?
I don t know! (laughs-ed.) Usually on weekends my husband takes care of the bigger son who is now 3. While I work, I let Ljuba sleep in her cot immersed in the noise of our restaurant (it calms her down) and when she gets angry I immediately feed her. You manage, you just need to get organized.
Do you think your kids will follow in your footsteps?
I don t know, I will definitely let them choose. I just hope that I’ll teach them to become strong and independent. I try to introduce my babies to different activities on the farm, but I hope when they’re older they will go out there and explore the world. I don’t want to have high expectations, I just hope they’ll be strong, independent, happy and free.
Future plans?
We are in the midst of rebuilding our house to stay closer to my parents. Workwise, we are working on new organic wine and generally speaking my sister and I are taking over one day at a time to let our parents enjoy a bit of free time. After what they’ve built and created, they definitely deserve it.
