Bajío Ambassador: Kayla Lockhart

The dictionary describes clarity as the quality of being easy to see or hear. Yet the clarity we find in our lives is a product of commitment, experience and conscious effort to get a true sense of who we are. Personal clarity is that internal compass that makes decision making easy because we finally have a purpose, and through that purpose, a direction or path.

At Bajío, our clarity is in making the world a better place through fishing and protecting the people, places and fish that bring so much joy to our lives. We strive to show others how businesses should operate, how people and our planet should be treated, how fishing can change lives.

Through our Ambassador Program, we bring others into the Bajio fold, many of which matriculated here on their own. We know most people don’t have that direction and drive that defines their lives, so we hope through our Ambassadors others can find their way.

Take Kayla Lockhart, who grew up in a small town in rural Minnesota. Entering her 20’s, she found herself in a dark place mentally, and it was impacting her physically. At 33, she is Bajío’s Fly Community Leader, working to share the sport with others.

Describe what you do for a job?

Fly fishing community leader for Bajío Sunglasses. 

What else do you love to do?

I love to teach. Sharing the sport that has given me so much is the most rewarding thing I can do. In addition to fly fishing, I ride motocross, play music, dabble in art—anything really to keep my hands busy!

When did it become clear what you wanted to do with your life? Or maybe you're not clear and still trying to figure it out?

When I was freshly 23 I found myself in a really dark place, feeling lost and struggling with my mental health. That’s when I picked up a fly rod for the first time and through fly fishing found a community, a sense of purpose. The first time I shared the sport with someone, I knew that it was something that provided so much reward to my life. It healed me, and it was clear that I wanted to focus my time on sharing this sport and the healing that it gave to me.

How did it become clear to you what you wanted to do with your life?

Fly fishing truly saved my life, I was in a dark place when I sought it out and it gave so much back to me. Fast forward a decade later, and I share the sport, and through that, more people find their own love for fly fishing and instinctively want to protect our lands and waters so that future generations can enjoy the many benefits of fly fishing for years to come.

How does it feel to be clear about your purpose?

My grandfather always said, “A person needs a reason to wake up each day,” and for me, that reason is fly fishing, teaching and conservation. It gives purpose to my life, and having a purpose can guide life decisions, influence behavior, shape goals, offer a sense of direction, and create meaning.

How did you find Bajío?

It was more like Bajío found me than the other way around, and being a part of this family is something that I will always be so humbled and grateful for.

What made you want to be a part of Bajío?

Bajío's values are the foundation of why I want to and am a part of Bajío - They come from a community of people that care and want to see the sport that has given me so much, thrive through the message of conservation.

What’s your favorite Bajío frame and lens color?

I wear a lot of them, but my go-to is Paraiso, in the pink tort gloss frame with a rose mirror lens, I wear prescription, and the clarity is amazing. When paired with my prescription, it’s a game changer for seeing where to cast and spotting fish.

What’s your favorite Bajío hat?

I LOVE the pink crab hat. It makes me laugh.

If folks want to learn more about your journey, how do they find or follow you?

Website: www.kaylalockhart.com
Instagram: Kayla_Lockhart
Facebook: kayla_lockhart

All Bajío products are made from scratch; designed and assembled in New Smyrna Beach, FL by people who believe in their work and take quality personally.