Bridget Baker, Work Exchange Manager at Do LaB, is living her dream. Traveling the country in an RV with her husband, owning a successful website design company, and writing freelance, Bridget has shown that you don’t have to work a 9-5 to be a success.
Not to mention she is one of the greatest festival volunteer managers in the game, helping to organize one of the country’s biggest transformational festivals, Lightning in a Bottle. Starting out as a volunteer in 2008, Bridget has proven that never giving up and taking chances can lead you to places you never even imagined.
Read Bridget’s story in this week’s People Behind the Movement and get inspired to pursue your dreams. Remember: the sky is the limit!
#PBTM
Full Name:
Bridget Baker
Position/ Company:
Work Exchange Manager, Do LaB
What was your first step into the industry?
“I started out as a Volunteer with Do LaB in 2008, working with them on various events in Production and Setup.”
“I was dating my now husband, who was a Carpenter for Do LaB, and I wanted to find a way to get involved but wasn’t sure where I would fit based on my skills and experience.
After a couple of years, the perfect position practically found me, and I was asked to be a Volunteer Coordinator for their Lightning in a Bottle Festival in 2010. It was trial by fire, as I had been a Human Resources and Office Manager, had my own business, and had worked in dance and theater production my whole life. I had never coordinated hundreds of volunteers.”
“It was a steep learning curve, but I have never looked back, and I love being able to work with such amazing and talented creatives, as well as such an organized Production company like Do LaB.”
What was your first moment that you knew you wanted to be involved in the arts/music/culture scene?
“When I went to Burning Man in 2004. I had friends who had gone but wasn’t sure it was for me since I wasn’t such a fan of camping, nor of getting dirty at the time, and huge crowds felt overwhelming to me.”
“My first time out there, I took to the dust and the windstorms like a pro, and it truly changed my life. The large scale art and the community that were possible showed me that I was on a journey that felt right.”
“As my experiences evolved, I realized the power of electronic music and dancing to a set by Bassnectar in the El Circo dome in 2006. This had me craving more, and wanting to experience smaller festivals. Once I went to Lightning in a Bottle for the first time in 2007, I found that kinder, gentler, more family-friendly festival in a forest, and I knew I’d found my home. ”
What has been your biggest accomplishment?
“My biggest accomplishment has been growing and evolving as Lightning in a Bottle has moved locations 4 times, and our work exchange crew numbers have grown along with it.”
“I am proud to have taken the helm of the department, and to be working 6 months out of the year on this amazing festival. We also recently left our comfortable apartment life in Los Angeles, to travel full-time in an RV, on our adventure toward a more minimal and simple lifestyle. I also have my own business as a Web Presence Sherpa, which allows me the flexibility to be my own boss and work on festivals, as well as a Freelance Writing career. ”
Proudest moment?
“Saying “yes” when I was asked if I could be a work exchange coordinator for Lightning in a Bottle. More and more each year, I am proud to be a part of it.”
Who are you listening to right now?
“Flume. My go to work anthem that really gets me going every time is Flume – Never Be Like You feat. Kai.”
What is your life motto?
Be clear. Be simple. Be you.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Living in Denmark. Seriously, as we travel the Pacific Northwest, and are seeking where we can roost, I have been reading about the Danish art of Hygge, which is about simplicity, comfort, connection, and happiness.
Where would you like to travel to?
The Pacific Northwest in our Travel Trailer, Alaska, Iceland, Denmark, Bali.
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU ARE REALLY EXCITED FOR IN THE NEXT YEAR?
To experience life in the forests of the Pacific Northwest and to continue working and playing on the road.
Bridget Baker, Work Exchange Manager at Do LaB, is living her dream. Traveling the country in an RV with her husband, owning a successful website design company, and writing freelance, Bridget has shown that you don’t have to work a 9-5 to be a success.
Not to mention she is one of the greatest festival volunteer managers in the game, helping to organize one of the country’s biggest transformational festivals, Lightning in a Bottle. Starting out as a volunteer in 2008, Bridget has proven that never giving up and taking chances can lead you to places you never even imagined.
Read Bridget’s story in this week’s People Behind the Movement and get inspired to pursue your dreams. Remember: the sky is the limit!
#PBTM
Full Name:
Bridget Baker
Position/ Company:
Work Exchange Manager, Do LaB
What was your first step into the industry?
“I was dating my now husband, who was a Carpenter for Do LaB, and I wanted to find a way to get involved but wasn’t sure where I would fit based on my skills and experience.
After a couple of years, the perfect position practically found me, and I was asked to be a Volunteer Coordinator for their Lightning in a Bottle Festival in 2010. It was trial by fire, as I had been a Human Resources and Office Manager, had my own business, and had worked in dance and theater production my whole life. I had never coordinated hundreds of volunteers.”
What was your first moment that you knew you wanted to be involved in the arts/music/culture scene?
“When I went to Burning Man in 2004. I had friends who had gone but wasn’t sure it was for me since I wasn’t such a fan of camping, nor of getting dirty at the time, and huge crowds felt overwhelming to me.”
“As my experiences evolved, I realized the power of electronic music and dancing to a set by Bassnectar in the El Circo dome in 2006. This had me craving more, and wanting to experience smaller festivals. Once I went to Lightning in a Bottle for the first time in 2007, I found that kinder, gentler, more family-friendly festival in a forest, and I knew I’d found my home. ”
What has been your biggest accomplishment?
“I am proud to have taken the helm of the department, and to be working 6 months out of the year on this amazing festival. We also recently left our comfortable apartment life in Los Angeles, to travel full-time in an RV, on our adventure toward a more minimal and simple lifestyle. I also have my own business as a Web Presence Sherpa, which allows me the flexibility to be my own boss and work on festivals, as well as a Freelance Writing career. ”
Proudest moment?
Who are you listening to right now?
What is your life motto?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Living in Denmark. Seriously, as we travel the Pacific Northwest, and are seeking where we can roost, I have been reading about the Danish art of Hygge, which is about simplicity, comfort, connection, and happiness.
Where would you like to travel to?
The Pacific Northwest in our Travel Trailer, Alaska, Iceland, Denmark, Bali.
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU ARE REALLY EXCITED FOR IN THE NEXT YEAR?
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