Meet Jacqueline Helmig | Student & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Jacqueline, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am from the Bay Area, California. 30 minutes from San Francisco. Where I am from, western fashion isnt common. I didn’t grow up doing rodeo or on a ranch. I grew up going to Sonora California almost every weekend. I spent my days up there hiking, hunting, fishing, and boating. I always felt more at home in the mountains than in the Bay Area. Growing up going to the mountains is the reason why I am who I am today. The closest Boot Barn to wear I live is at least 45 minutes away. I grew up going to western stores in Sonora and Oakdale but could never shop at home. I could never find clothes to represent my style. I took it upon myself to start, making my own western clothes. I have always been creative but never much into sewing. The only sewing experience I had was a few sewing classes when I was young. In 2020, I got some cow print fabric from the craft store and borrowed my grandma’s old sewing machine, and gave it a shot.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I create handmade western-inspired clothing and accessories for men and women. It all started with making my own jean jacket with a cow print on the back. My friends liked it so I made them one and soon made an Instagram page to sell them. I make all my products myself and they are made to order. When you buy from me, you are getting one-of-a-kind handmade products. I don’t have a big warehouse, office, or manufacturer. Since I am away at college I made everything out of my room. When I say I put blood sweat and tears into my business. I mean it (LOL) It is definitely difficult running my own business as I am a full-time college student and in a sorority. I love what I do and what to grow my business. Not many people can say they began their business journey at 18. I am now 20 and studying business administration at Chico State. I want the world to know that if you love something, follow through with it. Nothing is more fulfilling than walking down the street and seeing people wear your creations. Never in a million years would I have thought I would be making and selling clothes, but here I am!

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.
I would take my friend to Sonora CA. I just a 2.5-hour drive from the bay area we can be in the mountains. On our way up we should stop at Austins Cofee Crafters in Ripon to get the BEST turkey sandwiches and a nice iced coffee. When we get to Sonora we would go downtown to shop. I love shopping at Heart Valley Ranch Wear and some antique shops as well. Of course, we will have to head up the mountain and go to Twain Harte and swim in the lake. I grew up going to this lake every weekend. After some sunbathing and swimming, we will go to the snack shack and get a chocolate milkshake which is always my go-to. I would then take a trip to my fishing spot, but I can’t tell you where that is! I absolutely love going to the Rock of Twain Harte for dinner. It is a great spot to get a yummy burger and sit outside.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family deserves a shoutout. My grandma bought me my first sewing machine once she found out I took an interest in sewing. She would bring me all her old materials and tools to use. She was the seamstress in the family while my grandpa and mom were the artists. My mom is definitely who I get my creativity from. She and my dad are my biggest supporters. They let me take over the garage as my “work” station when I first started selling. They have woken up at 4 am with me to take me to my first pop-up, and have helped me with every event I have done. I definitely would not be where I am today without them.

Website: www.jacqsjacks.com

Instagram: @jacqsjacks @jacqueline_helmig

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelinehelmig

Image Credits
Photo in cow print hoodie By Emily Doe