We had the good fortune of connecting with Jaclyn Salts and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jaclyn, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Earlier in my career I was much more risk adverse and while I had done some moonlighting, I was never ready to take the full leap. The pandemic really showed me that it isn’t more secure to rely on others for your employment. As I have become self employed, I feel that I actually have more control over my financial situation because I can always work more, pick up sub work, or even pick up an additional job when things get hard. My self employed income stream will never completely go away as long as I work at it.

Within my business, I’ve been pretty conservative with taking major risks. In the beginning, I only invested in software I felt was absolutely crucial to getting going. My focus was breaking even quickly so that my business would be stable and profitable.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have a unique background having worked in multiple landscape climates, from San Diego to Dallas and back to Colorado. I also have industry connections and have traveled to other climates like the Pacific Northwest, and deep South. I think this really helps me relate to a variety of clients as Colorado has become a giant melting pot. I can often listen to them tell me about favorite plants from another part of the country and then I can translate that to using plants suited for Colorado that will have some of those same aesthetic qualities they loved.

Another unique aspect of my landscape design business is the knowledge I have developed around trees. I’m an ISA Certified Arborist as well as a member of the American Society of Consulting Arborists. I have a lot of knowledge to share about trees to share with property owners that is useful even if they aren’t considering a full landscape redesign. Trees can be both an asset and a huge liability to properties and need to be both well planned and cared for. I’m also particularly passionate about trees because they benefit our environment so much and are one of the keys to helping our communities be resilient with climate change.

This path hasn’t been easy and it has been especially hard to be a woman in a male dominated industry. I have managed to carve out my own place with my business. I network with other designers as well as contractors and think we can all learn from each other to improve the industry and collectively grow.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am based out of Fort Collins and of course I love Old Town! You can go wrong with the place that inspired Main Street Disneyland! I love to check out the live music on Linden Street and hanging out at Mugs. Ginger and Baker is also a favorite of mine for pie. Another part of Fort Collins that is particularly dear to me are the flower displays at the Perennial Gardens and Annual Flower Trial Garden by the University Center for the Arts off of Remington. While I studied at CSU, I worked in the trial gardens and eventually ran them. Actually, the logo you see them use today is the one I designed with Dr. Klett’s input all those years ago.

Outside of Fort Collins I love to head up to the mountains to spend time with the trees and be in nature. Some of my favorite places that I’ve camped just this past summer include Vedauwoo and Mueller State Park. I also enjoy taking my dog to play by Lake Estes.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My friend and fellow landscape designer, Cat Peterson of Mandala Landscape and Design has been especially inspiring and supportive. We graduated from the same program and she has also built her company on her own, starting conservatively and then gradually experimenting with offering more services. Recently her designs have even won awards which is so well deserved! She has been an amazing resource and inspiration.

Website: https://www.oaklynknoll.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oaklynknoll/

Image Credits
Installations by: The Landscape Company, Rock N’Roll Stoneworks, and Summit Outdoor Living

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