Claire and Emma, the dynamic duo behind the Salmon Sisters, grew up in Homer, Alaska, surrounded by the rhythms of the sea and the culture of sustainable fishing. Together, they’ve built a thriving business that embodies their love for the ocean, their respect for the environment, and their desire to share these passions with others. As the founders of a fisherman’s lifestyle brand, they’ve found a way to bridge their commercial fishing heritage with a modern approach to storytelling and community building. And when it’s time to hit the road, their Class C RV becomes both a mobile office and an adventure vehicle.
Building a Business Rooted in Tradition
“Starting this business together has been an amazing adventure,” says Emma. “We can depend on each other and trust each other, and we’re excited to see where it goes.” The Salmon Sisters’ lifestyle brand began as a way to celebrate their Alaskan heritage and fishing culture. “We love to just help share our knowledge about cooking, eating, and being outside in Alaska and being on the water,” adds Claire.
After finishing college, the sisters returned to Homer to grow their business and reconnect with their community. “Homer has this small-town feeling with a lot of fishermen, artists, and an eclectic mix of people,” Claire explains. For the Salmon Sisters, Homer is both home and the heart of their operations.
Sustainability at the Core
The Salmon Sisters’ wild fish is sourced from various fisheries across Alaska, where they work alongside their families on commercial fishing vessels. “All of it is the most wonderful quality,” says Claire. “It’s sustainably harvested, traceable, and has this incredible story behind it. We know everyone involved in the supply chain to get it to you.”
The sisters take pride in connecting consumers to the pristine environments where their fish is caught. “Being able to bring a taste of that superfood back to your home to share with your family is what we are most proud of,” Emma emphasizes.
Exploring Alaska by RV
Alaska’s vastness can be overwhelming, but Claire and Emma have found that their Class C RV makes exploring the state more accessible. “You can see so much of the state at a really nice pace when you’re driving,” Claire says.
One of their favorite routes is the drive along the Homer Spit, where they enjoy camping by the beach and taking in the breathtaking vistas. “From your RV, you can do everything Kachemak Bay has to offer,” says Emma. “Homer can be that jumping-off point.”
Their RV isn’t just for work; it’s also a way to connect with the changing seasons. “We’re celebrating these final days of fall,” Emma shares. “We’re getting the first frost overnight, and we know winter’s coming. We’re just trying to celebrate these last days of light.”
A Unique Culinary Connection
The sisters’ connection to food runs deep, and they’ve worked hard to share their knowledge of cooking through their brand. “One way we share the knowledge of cooking is taking all the traditions we’ve learned from family, friends, and on the fishing grounds, and encapsulating them in a cookbook,” says Claire. Their recipes emphasize the importance of respecting what the land and water provide.
Gathering outdoors to cook is a cherished tradition for the Salmon Sisters. “There’s some really beautiful weather to cook outside in the fall,” says Emma. “We always love getting together on the beach or somewhere with a good view, sometimes at sunset, and just cooking together.”
The RV Advantage
For the Salmon Sisters, the RV is more than just a vehicle; it’s a tool for building connections and memories. “It’s impossible to do the drive from Anchorage to Homer in five hours,” Claire laughs. “You’re constantly pulling over, going on little walks, meeting friends in small towns, stopping at your favorite coffee spots and bookstores. It’s an incredible drive that every family from Homer wants to share with their visitors.”
Whether they’re transporting cargo, camping with friends, or simply enjoying the journey, the RV adds a layer of freedom and flexibility to their lives. “Gathering with friends and family has been an incredible part of our upbringing,” says Emma. “It’s about respecting what the land and water have given you and being able to share that with one another.”
Lessons from the Road
For those inspired by the Salmon Sisters’ adventures, here are a few tips for embracing the RV lifestyle in Alaska:
- Plan for Stops: The drive is part of the adventure. Make time for scenic breaks, coffee stops, and local experiences.
- Celebrate the Seasons: Use your RV to connect with nature and savor seasonal changes, like the transition from fall to winter.
- Cook Together: Outdoor cooking brings people together. Focus on simple, fresh ingredients that highlight the flavors of the season.
- Embrace Community: Use your RV as a way to connect with others, whether it’s sharing meals or trading stories on the road.
A Life of Connection
As the Salmon Sisters continue to grow their business and explore Alaska, their RV remains a central part of their journey. It’s a vehicle for adventure, a mobile kitchen, and a symbol of the connection they’ve built between their heritage, their community, and the incredible landscape of Alaska.
“It’s not just Claire and I,” Emma says. “It’s everyone—our fleet, our customers, and the people we want to inspire to live a good life.”
