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Tracey Johnson, ACS CCP
Owner and Cheese Enabler at Cheeseneeds.com
British Columbia, Canada
Tracey Johnson started her cheese journey as a curious home cheesemaker in the “Learn to Make Cheese” Facebook group nine years ago. Today, she owns and leads the group, guiding tens of thousands of aspiring makers around the world. Based in British Columbia, Johnson is the force behind Cheeseneeds.com, where she sells supplies and champions safe, approachable home cheesemaking. In 2024, she became an American Cheese Society Certified Cheese Professional and earned the prestigious Cheesemaker Certificate from the University of Guelph with top marks. A Level 2 member of Britain’s Academy of Cheese and well on her way to fellowship, Johnson is driven by a mission to empower people everywhere to create great cheese— especially in places where artisan options are few and far between.
Who is your biggest inspiration in the cheese world?
It’s tough to pick just one because I’m surrounded by incredible people in the cheese world. But if I have to choose, I’d say my close friends and cheese collaborators Heather Barnes and Rachel Waschitz Banks. Without them, the “Learn to Make Cheese” Facebook group wouldn’t be the largest of its kind in the world.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve experienced or overcome in this industry?
The biggest challenge has been overcoming the barriers of access for people living in areas without artisan cheese availability. It’s a challenge I can personally relate to as an immigrant to Canada, but it also drives me to help others access the skills and knowledge to make great cheese at home.
What’s Next?
In the future, I plan to enter the judging arena to help others perfect their cheese. I also aim to join the Guilde Internationale des Fromagers, continue to serve the cheese community, and hopefully inspire others to get into the industry. I’m preparing for the Certified Cheese Sensory Evaluator Exam this year at the American Cheese Society conference, and I plan to take a break from education to travel for cheese.
Pair a song with cheese: Listen to the entire cheese pairing playlist on Spotify!
Natural Pastures Cheese Comox Brie + “One Thing at a Time” by Morgan Wallen
What’s the cheese you’re raving to your friends about right now?
I’m raving about Wallykäse, a washed-rind Alpine cheese from Walter Räss, who is famous for creating Chällerhocker. I just finished a half wheel I brought back from a conference, and now there’s a Wallykäse-shaped hole in my cheese cave because I shared it with so many cheesy friends!
If you weren’t in the cheese industry, what would your career be?
If I weren’t in cheese, I’d probably be an astronaut. I can’t imagine living in a world where I’m not enabling people to enjoy cheese!
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