We recently connected with Jacqueline Helmig and have shared our conversation below.
Jacqueline, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Confidence is something I struggled with for a long time. Growing up in the Bay Area, California, and being into western fashion and the country lifestyle was not common. I was afraid to be myself and afraid to be different. I dressed like everyone else and pretended to be someone I wasn’t. It wasn’t until my senior year of high school I started coming out of my shell. I started openly posting and sharing my life. Whether it was going out hunting and fishing to what I was wearing, I shared it. It wasn’t until I wore cowboy boots to school and saw some girls I knew sneaking photos of me, but I didn’t care. This is what fueled me to be myself. I am not ashamed of who I am and how I grew up. I created my company for people like myself. Cowboys and cowgirls of all kinds. I want to share the western and country lifestyle and style with everyone. I have now sold all over the United States and even to Canada! And the same girl who took photos of my boot, I sold to her family and friends as well. If there is any advice I would share regarding one’s confidence and self-esteem is to keep pushing. Don’t try to fit someone else’s mold. We are all unique in our own ways and that is something so special to share.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am 21 years old and am currently entering my last semester of college! I am a California girl born and raised. I grew up going to the mountains, hunting, fishing, and wakeboarding. I also have a creative side. I loved taking art classes and painting when I was younger. Sewing and making clothes is now my favorite activity. I have been creating clothes for the last three years. I don’t have a big studio, employees, or manufacturing. All items I sell I make and design myself. I want to make affordable handmade items that you cannot get anywhere else. I started back in 2020 just for fun, I soon made an Instagram and started getting orders. I took over my parent’s garage and would spend hours on end making new products to share. When I am at school I move all my materials back and forth. I am currently making products out of my college bedroom. When I say I have put blood, sweat, and tears into this business… I mean it. I would not have it any other way. There is no better feeling than seeing someone wear an item you created. When you support a small business you help make a dream come true!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
There are so many skills that have impacted my journey as a college student, business owner, and a person. The first would be adaptability. Life doesn’t always go as planned, there are ups and downs. Being able to push through them and adjust to the conditions given is so important for growth. The next skill would be discipline. Since I am my own boss, I have no one to report to and no one to tell me what to do. If I don’t get tasks done, my business won’t function. To succeed I have to remember my goals and keep trying to reach and exceed them. The last skill is communication. The skill to communicate is crucial to making business connections and life connections. The way you communicate with others is a reflection of you and how people will remember you, so make it good! These skills can open up many doors for you and your future.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My parents have always been my number one supporters. My mom took me to the fabric store to get the fabric for the first item I ever created for my business. My dad has helped me set up for every event I have done. They keep pushing me to pursue my dream. The most impactful thing they have done for me is support me wholeheartedly. They have been to every event I have done no matter the distance or how early we have to wake up. When I get stressed or down on myself they know exactly what to say to make me feel better. I would not be where I am without them. I am forever grateful for the love and support they have shown me throughout my journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jacqsjacks.com
- Instagram: @jacqsjacks
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelinehelmig
Image Credits
photo in cow print hoodie is by Emily Doe
