Hidden Gems: Meet Marie Fiorino of The Mini Barn

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marie Fiorino.

Hi Marie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always had a deep passion for animals and caring for them. Growing up, I dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, and animals have always been a constant presence in my life. Over time, what started as simply caring for them became something much bigger. Friends and family often told me, “You can’t keep this to yourself—you need to share this,” and those words stayed with me.

What began as a small personal hobby farm slowly grew into The Mini Barn. Today, it’s rooted in sharing that love for animals while creating meaningful, hands-on experiences that slow people down and bring them together. It’s about connection, joy, and creating lasting memories for families and communities — Small Animals, Big Memories.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a completely smooth road. One of the hardest parts of farm life is loss. Whether it’s big or small, it always takes a toll. I love each of these animals like my babies, so losing one never gets easier.

It’s something people don’t always see, but it’s a very real part of caring for animals. That responsibility, and the emotional weight that comes with it, has shaped how I run The Mini Barn. As painful as it can be, it’s also what makes the love, care, and intention behind what we do so meaningful.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The Mini Barn is a mobile animal experience focused on creating meaningful, hands-on moments with miniature farm animals. We are a small company that includes me and 6 part-time team members. We bring a small barnyard directly to families, schools, and events, making it easy for people to connect with animals in a personal way. We specialize in intimate, well-curated experiences rather than large-scale, crowded setups. What really sets us apart is the level of care behind everything we do—our animals are well-loved, well-cared for, and truly part of our family.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud that The Mini Barn has grown organically through word of mouth and trust. People know that when they book with us, they’re getting an experience that’s thoughtful, safe, and genuine. I want readers to know that this isn’t just entertainment—it’s about education, kindness, and creating memories that last long after the event is over.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are a few ways people can work with and support The Mini Barn. We partner with families, schools, community organizations, and businesses for private events, parties, educational visits, and special experiences. We also love collaborating with local brands, nonprofits, and community groups that align with our values. Supporting us can be as simple as booking an event, sharing our story, or spreading the word. Every bit of support helps us continue caring for our animals and creating meaningful experiences for others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://theminibarn.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_minibarn/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-mini-barn-thousand-oaks