Meet Jaclyn Baer | Artist, YouTuber, Photographer, Sewest

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

Hi Jaclyn, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve actually started several businesses over the years – from wedding photography that evolved into elopement photography, to a YouTube channel that eventually led me into selling outdoor gear for artists. My approach has always been about what I call ‘business stacking.’ I focus on building solid systems in each venture so they can run smoothly without requiring constant hands-on management.

Then I can move on to building something new. It lets me spread out my income across different things, and I get to have these natural seasons where I’m focused on different projects. Sometimes I’m all about photography, other times I’m making content or working on products. Each business kind of feeds the others, which keeps things fresh and gives me that financial cushion.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Right now I’m really diving deep into sewing, and I’m honestly so excited about the response to my Sälka Slings and pouches. The feedback from people who’ve bought them has been amazing. My first product launch was definitely a learning experience – I had to figure out how to set realistic expectations with customers, manage my time so I could actually fulfill all the orders, and handle the inevitable hiccups that come up when you’re doing something new.

Getting to this point hasn’t been a straight path at all. I’ve had to pivot multiple times – from weddings to elopements, then adding YouTube and now sewing. Each transition taught me something different about running a business and staying flexible when things don’t go as planned. The biggest lesson has been learning to build systems that actually work, not just ones that sound good on paper.

What I love most about where I’ve landed is that everything I create is about getting artists and adventurers outside with gear that’s actually lightweight and functional. I’m not just making pretty things – though they are pretty! – I’m solving real problems for people who want to create art in nature. There’s something special about designing gear that helps other artists pursue their passion in the outdoors.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Actually, my best friend just visited and we had the most amazing time! For a week-long trip, I’d definitely start with what we did – camping up in the mountains where you can catch that incredible alpenglow on the peaks. There’s nothing like pulling out your art supplies and painting en plein air together while the light is just perfect.
The next morning we grabbed coffee and matcha at this great spot with a rooftop where you can just sit and people-watch – it’s one of my favorite low-key activities. Then we headed back down to Durango, which is where I’m based. Downtown Durango is perfect for wandering around – tons of local shops to poke through, amazing ice cream spots, and there’s almost always something happening in the park. We caught some live music that weekend which was perfect.

For a longer trip, I’d add in some of the incredible hiking trails we have here, maybe a day trip to Mesa Verde to see the cliff dwellings, and definitely more camping spots. The area is just made for artists and outdoor lovers – you’ve got these dramatic landscapes everywhere you look, plus a really creative community in town. It’s the kind of place where you can spend your morning painting in nature and your evening listening to music in the park with an ice cream in hand. Really, a perfect mix of adventure and small-town charm.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Having a support system is everything when you’re trying to make it as a full-time artist. My husband Ryan has been my biggest cheerleader through all of this. I actually met him back when I was doing wedding photography, and he was right there helping me pivot into elopement photography. He’s the one who encouraged me to get back into painting after I’d stepped away from it, and he was totally supportive when I wanted to start making YouTube videos. It’s rare to find someone who not only believes in your crazy ideas but actually helps you make them happen. I’m incredibly lucky to have him as my partner in all these adventures we keep diving into.

Website: https://www.salkadesigns.com/

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jaclynbaerart

Other: https://www.jaclynbaerart.com/
https://www.instagram.com/jaclynbaerart/

Image Credits
All photos taken by me or my husband (https://morevananything.com)