Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jordan Baeckman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jordan , we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
Honestly, mental health has been a journey—one that doesn’t have a clean finish line. There were days when showing up felt impossible, when the weight of anxiety, depression, or burnout made everything feel heavier. But I kept showing up, even if it wasn’t perfectly.
I’ve learned to stop aiming for perfection and instead aim for consistency. I’ve leaned into therapy, honest conversations, better boundaries, and outlets that help me express what’s going on—like journaling, photography, or even just a good, dark-humored rant with someone who gets it.
I’ve also learned to ask for help—which used to feel like weakness, but I now see as strength. Mental health challenges didn’t stop me; they just forced me to find new ways to navigate, to create, and to grow. I don’t pretend I’ve got it all together, but I’ve gotten damn good at moving forward anyway.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m the owner of Rock Rose & Co., where we capture weddings with a raw, real, and rebellious edge. I don’t do stiff poses or Pinterest-perfect replicas — I document love stories in a way that feels like you. Think timeless meets documentary meets high-fashion editorial, with a little grit and a whole lot of heart.
What’s most exciting? Honestly — the people. Getting to witness real, messy, beautiful human connection and turn it into art? That’s the good shit. I’ll move you into good light when it counts, I’ll pose you when it matters, but I’ll also catch you mid-laugh, mid-shot, or barefoot on the dance floor when you think no one’s looking. That’s the magic.
Right now, Rock Rose & Co. is growing in ways that feel wild and aligned. I’m taking on more second shooting + associate work with some of the top photographers in the game, and launching Rock Rose Virtual — a support system for other photographers who are drowning in culling, editing, or just need a right-hand badass to help them breathe again.
If you’re into honest storytelling, rebellious love, or just want to work with someone who sees the beauty in the chaos — I’m your girl. Come as you are. Bring your weird. I’ll bring the camera.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Relentless self-awareness-
I had to get brutally honest with myself — what I’m good at, what I suck at, what drains me, what fuels me. No sugarcoating. That level of clarity helped me make better decisions, faster.
Advice: Pay attention to what lights you up vs. what leaves you drained. Track it. Get curious, not judgmental. Self-awareness isn’t just woo-woo — it’s a damn compass in business and life.
Resilience built through chaos-
Chronic pain, mental health dips, burnout — life has thrown its punches. But showing up anyway? That’s what built my grit. Not the perfect days, but the ugly, tired, coffee-fueled ones.
Advice: Learn to rest, not quit. Your pace doesn’t have to match anyone else’s. Just don’t disappear on yourself.
The skill of storytelling-
Whether it’s photography, branding, or even emails — knowing how to tell a damn good story is everything. People remember stories. They feel them. That’s what builds connection.
Advice: Practice. Share your work and your why behind it. Learn copywriting basics. Stop trying to sound like everyone else — your voice is your power.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
Besides my mom, who has loved me fiercely, pushed me to greatness, never gave up on me, and taught me so much about life, the person who’s been most helpful in helping me overcome challenges and develop the essential skills and qualities I needed to be successful is my Aunt Heidi. She’s always been a rock in my life—someone who shows incredible strength even when things get tough. I’ve watched her face moments that would break most people, yet she never backs down or lets hardship define her. Instead, she meets every challenge head-on, and that resilience has inspired me more times than I can count.
What really stands out about her is how deeply she loves her husband and kids. It’s a fierce, all-in kind of love that reminds me how important family is, no matter what else is going on. Seeing how she balances that with a relentless work ethic has shown me that hard work isn’t just about grinding—it’s about commitment, passion, and never quitting, even when it’s hard as hell.
But maybe what I value the most is how real and raw she is. Aunt Heidi doesn’t waste time with fake kindness or sugarcoating the truth. When I need a reality check, she gives it to me straight—brutal, honest, and exactly what I need to hear to grow. That kind of honesty has pushed me to be better, to face my own flaws, and to keep moving forward when I wanted to give up.
She’s not just a family member—she’s a mentor, a tough love coach, and a living example of strength and authenticity. Without her, I’m certain I wouldn’t have developed the mindset and grit that fuel my success today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Rockroseandco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rock_rose_co/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rockroseandco
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