Nathan James Baller
A life at the crossroads of clothing, nature and design.
Origins: Camping with Dad
Growing up in the heart of Minnesota, my father instilled in me a profound appreciation for the natural world. Our camping trips opened my eyes to nature's intrinsic value and laid the foundation for my commitment to sustainability, ultimately leading to the creation of Abode Outside. My father's wisdom, and the memories of those family camping trips, continues to guide my journey as we stive to build a mission-driven clothing brand dedicating to connecting people with nature and protecting it for the future.
A family Business
The unwavering support of my mother and brothers encourages me to embrace the challenges of starting a business with resilience and creativity. Together, we've navigated life's complexities, each challenge reinforcing the importance of family and the increased strength found when we come together.
Launching Abode Outside
Abode Outside began as an idea fueled by a passion for sustainable living and a love for the outdoors. My wife has been my rock from day one, encouraging me to pursue authenticity and sustainability in every step of this journey. Her belief in my vision has been a cornerstone of our success, pushing me to create a brand that not only respects nature but also inspires others to do the same, all while keeping me sane in the process.
The Evolution of Abode Outside
Trace the milestones that shaped Nathan Baller's journey in building a sustainable apparel brand.
Early 2000's
The seed is planted
family camping trips to the Boundary Waters growing up Minnesota sparked a love of the outdoors that would grow over the years and eventually evolve into Abode Outside - a clothing brand dedicated to getting people outside and protecting it for the future.
2009
Education
Graduated University of St. Thomas in Minnesota with a degree in Political Science and focus on Journalism.
2012
Wilderness First Responder Certified
Certified as a Wilderness First Responder through the National Outdoor Leadership School. The leadership skills and knowledge gained plays an important role in the authenticity of Abode Outside.
2018
Studied Sustainable Clothing
Completed Sustainable Clothing course through the London College of Fashion. This framework guides the Abode Outside environmental strategy.
2020
Launch
Abode Outside Launches with a one product website and a goal to use knitwear to create clothing and accessories that are less wasteful with more versatility and comfort for everyday outdoorspeople.
2026
Present
Today, we're in more than 40 retailers nationwide and growing, with a sales team growing to match. For SS27, we're launching a 100% natural, plastic-free lightweight yarn collection.
To My Mother
This page is dedicated to my family — my brothers, my father, my wife, my dog and above all, my mother, Charleen Baller, who has supported my career more than anyone in my life and who deserves far more recognition as a female business leader and a working mom than she will ever ask for.
