Life and Work with Caroline Slaughter

Today we’d like to introduce you to Caroline Slaughter.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Caroline. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My story is still in its early chapters. Growing up, I had always done some fishing here and there, but mostly spin-cast on the banks of the east coast water systems. Unfortunately, I never really got to know my Grandpa, but I can always remember pictures of him fly fishing up in the small streams of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia.

So, fast forward to my time in high school when my Mom asked if I wanted to join her for one of the free Fly Fishing 101 classes that Orvis offered. From there, my Uncle took us under his wing to explain more of the complexities and minute details that one could easily confuse themselves with, and the best part of it all got us on fish. The college I attended, Appalachian State University, located in the small, adventurous town of Boone, NC had easy access to many outdoor activities, including fly fishing. ASU also had a Fly Fishing Club that offered many social and educational opportunities to get out with other anglers and learn different techniques and skills.

After graduating, and while figuring out my next move, I stepped into a position at Orvis back in Richmond, VA. Working in the store five days a week learning about products and talking with customers and coworkers made me quickly realize how diverse you can get with fly fishing rather than the same two rig indicator set up I had been using throughout most of my fly fishing “career”. Now, let me interject here and say, fly fishing can be as complicated or simple as you want to make it.

Currently, I still work at Orvis, but now at the Denver location in Cherry Creek. Through my time thus far, I have assisted and led many of the Fly Fishing 101, 201 and 301 classes, along with several women’s only 101 classes and outings. The Orvis 50/50 Initiative is designed to inspire and celebrate more women and gender equality on the water by making women-specific gear, hosting adventure experiences, working with nonprofit partners and matchless storytelling. This has allowed me and many other women opportunities to work with private ranches, retail stores, charitable organizations such as Casting For Recovery and most importantly time on the water.

Also, this summer, I was fortunate enough to be introduced to working with Jeff Poole at The North Fork Ranch in Shawnee, Colorado. I have always contemplated being a fly fishing guide but was never fully confident in my abilities. From my initial time there, I have learned that guiding is anything but solitary work, and much of it depends on knowledge and communication from other guides. Everyone there has been more than supportive and helpful, and my first day on the ranch was absolutely when I got hooked. Seeing clients leave with the unforgettable happiness of spending the day surrounded by beauty and nature is one that can’t pay for itself. People of all ages and skill levels come out, and seeing those who have never been before catching their first fish leaves me with the most joy.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Nothing in life is easy. If it were most of us wouldn’t be where we are at today. There is never a straight path or magical rainbow with a pot of gold at the end, even though that’s what we (all) expect. I’ve never been completely sure of where I am going or where I might end up. At this point, I try to take it day by day and live more in the moment of what I’m doing at that point in time. Otherwise, life will pass you by too quickly.

These past two years have definitely been more challenging for me in every way, but also very eye-opening. I moved out to Denver somewhat on a whim, not really knowing too many people or having a plan in place. I think people expect to find their dream job as soon as they step into the “real world”, but I’m quickly realizing that’s not always the case. In my head, I think I need to be on this path that will take me to that dream position, but there is no straight path to that these days and expectations can leave you disappointed. I’ve had so much advice from people around me this past year, and at times it can be hard to take it all in, or at the very least remember everything.

The biggest take away from it all? Don’t limit yourself. Be open, talk to and do whatever opportunity presents itself. Put yourself in your most uncomfortable zone and learn from it. In my opinion though, don’t forget your happiness, no matter how insignificant that may seem. There will always been days that seem to hit you harder than others, but you get up the next day learn from your faults and keep pedaling forward.

Lastly, the grass will always look greener in your neighbor’s yard. Try not to compare what you have even though this day in age that’s all we seem to do. Be happy with yourself and focus on your voyage.

What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
Working at Orvis has definitely given me more of a “brand” representation, especially after having gotten into some basic guiding this summer. Often times, when I initially meet people they ask a lot of questions about fly fishing in general and see if I can take them out to learn. I love it, even more, when folks follow up with me and get out!

What I strive for most of all is to have people leave with a smile on their face. Whether that is in the store, off the ranch or any other working scenario. I try to listen to people and do whatever possible to make their experience special. Through most of my work experience, I have been in some form of customer service. At times, that can be difficult, but it also gives you such an appreciation for everyone and every experience. In many cases, if you have a smile on your face, it isn’t too difficult for people to reciprocate (not that that’s all it takes, but a smile goes a long way).

If you were to ask my friends, they might say I can be somewhat aloof and independent. I end up fishing a lot on my own (half the time because of my work schedule) or exploring/hiking on off days just to get outside. This might worry my parents if they were to know how often I get out alone, but I think they have taught me to be prepared for almost anything. Having said that, I never go anywhere I don’t feel safe or comfortable with and don’t promote doing this unprepared. Be safe, do your research and always tell someone where you’re going (my roommate and I share this often)! I try to be self-sufficient and independent when I can, but you can’t do that without learning from other people or making your own mistakes.

I would like to continue guiding for as long as I can, whether it’s part, full time or volunteering. They are often long days, with hard work and sometimes low results, but in the end, it is rewarding in every way. A good companion once told me “you are paying for nature”, so in the end, you have to respect and enjoy what you can with that. I have never had a bad day being outside doing what I love.

There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that a lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
Ah. Truthfully, this question I’m still learning myself. For me, this can be difficult. I don’t want to be a nuisance or hinder other people, so it took me a long time to get over the fact that networking is not annoying. It’s the way of life today, and while a college degree or some form of education and experience helps, a lot of it is about who you know (or at least it seems that way).

Friends of friends, coworkers, LinkedIn, going to meetings, and even Apps are all forms I’ve used to network with other people. It can be uncomfortable calling someone you don’t know and asking them detailed questions about their life and work (or whatever it may be), but more often than not those folks are happy to help. Think about yourself in that position. Would you be happy to help someone get to their dream in life or answer any questions they might have? Plus, what do you have to lose? Be kind and professional, have questions ready, but also don’t take up too much of their time.

Contact Info:

• Email: clslaughter@verizon.net
• Instagram: slaught_mama
• Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-slaughter-00152897/

Image Credit:
Caroline Slaughter & friends

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