An inspiring narrative of how Erin Bressler, two year cancer survivor, built her brand, Bootjack Girl. Erin transformed her challenges—including her battle with Cancer—into a beacon of hope and solidarity for others. Take a glimpse into the beauty of small-town life and how it shaped her resiliency. Rooted in the rustic charm of Northern California, near the breathtaking Yosemite National Park, Bootjack Girl tells a tale of perseverance and bright Spirit. This post explores the authentic story behind Bootjack Girl, illustrating how Erin's spirit shined brighter than cancer's darkness.
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The Birth of Bootjack Girl
Bootjack Girl emerged from Erin Bressler's small-town upbringing; she was born and raised in the 'boondocks:' A place where wilderness mattered more than modern conveniences. Erin founded the brand in 2024 just after the most difficult period in her life, Cancer.
"I had to save my spirit; she was drowning in fear and anxiety of dying. I latched on to Bootjack Girl and never looked back."
Erin found strength during her fight with Cancer by tapping into Bootjack Girl, a familiar Spirit who got her through many difficulties in her life. Bootjack Girl stands for Erin's inner strength and is where she finds hope each day. Erin's childhood laid the foundation for her tough Spirit and helps define Erin's determination. Erin's strong sense of community; the reason for her "I've-known-you-forever" vibe came from being a country girl.
Resiliency and resourcefulness go hand-in-hand with growing up in a rural area. Erin states that she gained these traits early on.
"I didn't have less than any other kid just because we had fewer amenities. I had to be creative, problem-solve, and find joy in simpler things like climbing trees, and kickin' up dust down the dirt road on a full-throttled ATC."
Erin contributes her strong sense of self-reliance on her childhood activities like playing hide-and-seek in the pitch-black 'back-forty' with her sisters and cousins. The childhood tradition didn't just make for fun memories but taught her about fear and overcoming it. This juvenile game taught her perseverance, and to power through any obstacle - after all you had to get to base.
"It's in my blood to survive. We were raised to figure it out like staying alive on rogue adventures through barbed wire fences, creek beds, and mountains of granite rock. We had to watch out for rattlesnakes and crazed landowners with their "trespassers will be shot" signs. The challenge wasn't just to make it home safely, it was to survive the journey with no broken bones and no poison oak. Checking for ticks, and picking off burr stickers from my shoelaces, all built my toughness."
Small town living taught Erin appreciation for simplicity. Life had a slower pace, and time was centered around simple pleasures — nature, family gatherings, local events.
"My Cancer diagnosis forced me to revert back to a simpler mental state. A balanced mind-set filled with courage, resiliency, and happiness. I found strength to survive cancer in my childhood Spirit, she helped me appreciate the beauty in small, everyday moments."
Always surrounded by nature, Erin credits her grounded perspective on life to her deep connection with the outdoors. Likewise, she "blames" her determination on running around the 'back-forty,' barefoot.
"Hard work was a way of life, whether I was stackin' wood with my dad, or cleanin' out chicken coops. You didn't stop until the job was done. Chores around the property taught me to never give up. Cancer was similar in the fact there was no way out of it, but through it."
Strong family bonds play a central role in small-town life, and this country girl grew up with strong ties to her relatives, a support system for life. These family connections shaped her sense of belonging and identity, and she carries that sense of loyalty and responsibility with her wherever she goes.
"My support system means everything to me; it carried me through life and through cancer."
Strengthening Hope with Bootjack Girl
At its core, Bootjack Girl is about fostering hope and connecting those affected by trauma to resources to help with healing. Erin's goal is to create a haven of support and encouragement, where everyone can feel a connection when they interact with her brand. Bootjack Girl stands as a testament to the importance of hope, honoring the past while paving the way for a brighter future, and smiling as much as possible through the ups and downs of life. This resilient attitude enabled Erin to view challenges as chances for growth rather than hindrances.
"I will let my spirit shine!"
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