Daily Inspiration: Meet Sarah K. Hammer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah K. Hammer. 

Hi Sarah, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I downloaded Instagram in 2010 and started posting consistently while pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Sport Science and Nutrition at the University of Utah. During that time, I grew a close-knit and engaged audience and coached group fitness classes, Bootcamp and personal training. Then, at the beginning of 2018, I started to exchange social postings for products. I moved out of my home state, Utah, for the first time that summer to go to graduate school at Clemson University in South Carolina. That’s when I started charging for social postings. I used Instagram as a way to pay my way through school. While in graduate school, I coached F45 classes and I interned with the Campus Recreation department where I worked to create a curriculum for a wellness-focused first-year course. I graduated in 2020 with a Master of Education degree in Higher Education Student Affairs with an emphasis in Counseling and Social Justice. By the time I graduated, I paid off all my student loans AND $60,000 in credit card debt. I discovered I had the potential to pursue Instagram content creating as a full-time job. I currently provide value to my Instagram community full-time. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and now I’m focused on my brand pillars of overall wellness, travel, and outdoor adventure. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve fallen into the comparison trap. It’s been discouraging to look around and think I’m not doing enough. My timeline is unique, and it has made me feel like I’m behind in the race of life. I had to really evaluate my purpose. I’ve learned to focus on my passions, share what I value, and work to create meaningful connections. Once I stopped comparing, I started working to become the best version of myself. I bring a lot of value by being my most authentic and genuine self. I share wellness, travel, and outdoor adventure content because it’s what I love. I hope to build community with those who are interested in adding value to their lives in one of those three categories. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Lifestyle Instagram Creator focused on Overall Wellness, Travel, and Outdoor Adventure. I use my education to provide value to my audience by sharing ways to implement all eight elements of wellness into daily life. 

I am known for my jet-set spirit and adventurous content. I spent three years between undergraduate and graduate school traveling the world. I grew an even more engaged following by sharing my travels on Instagram. During that time, I traveled around the United States and to multiple countries worldwide. 

It was during that time, that I started backpacking and spending more time outdoors. I backpacked Escalante, Havasupai, and Yosemite. While in Yosemite, I camped on top of El Capitan one night and North Dome the next. Watching the sunset reflect off Half Dome from my tent was one of the most spectacular moments of my life. 

Rocket Power was my favorite cartoon as a kid, so it’s no surprise that I have always loved rollerblading, roller skating, longboarding, water sports, and biking. I have carried that passion into my adult life by encouraging my audience to take time to do the activities they love regularly. 

Whenever I post, I designate the category of the post with one of the following three hashtags: #getSKHAMMERed for wellness, #sktraveltime for travel, and #sk8hammer for outdoor adventure. 

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Create community by uplifting others. I learned that success comes from building others up and accepting help along the way. I come from a small town where the community was everything. Instagram helped me build a worldwide community and I value it the way I valued the connections I made in my small town. I’ve been able to develop connections with people from all walks of life. It’s been important for me to listen to the perspectives of others, engage in meaningful dialogue and push myself out of my comfort zone in order for me to learn and grow. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.skhammer.net, www.skhammer.myshopify.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skhammer
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.k.hammer
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/skhammer_
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6bKmvEj1D8V9yHVyswsYtg
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/skhammer_

Image Credits:
Madeleine Johnson Photo