When I first began my journey, I never intended to start a business—let alone create one that would empower women across the country to embrace adventure and outdoor exploration. In fact, what Her Wilderness is today was nothing short of a “happy accident.” It all began with one simple idea: to connect with other women who, like me, had an itch for adventure but no clear path to explore it.

Flashback to 2018, there I was the average 20 year old with an adventurous spirit, spending most of my time outdoors. I was passionate about hunting, fishing, and experiencing new challenges, but the opportunities seemed limited. Most of the outdoor spaces I ventured into were filled with men, and it wasn’t always the most welcoming environment for a young woman looking to learn. I either found myself tagging along with guys who had their own agendas or with older men who I just couldn’t relate to. I knew there had to be other women out there who shared my interests, but I didn’t know how to find them.

Then came social media—a blessing and a curse. It wasn’t long before I found myself connecting with like-minded women online. I went on a salmon fishing charter in Wisconsin with a group of women I met through Instagram, and that trip turned out to be the turning point. Little did I know, that one experience would spark a ripple effect that would lead to Her Wilderness becoming the empowering community it is today. After sharing photos of our adventure on social media, I was flooded with messages from other women asking to join in on future outings. It became clear: there was a massive demand for outdoor experiences tailored specifically to women, but no one was offering it. So, I took the plunge and organized a guided bowfishing trip in Southern Minnesota. To my surprise, 32 women showed up! That moment was pivotal—I realized I had tapped into something bigger than myself. Women wanted adventure, they wanted to step out of their comfort zones, and they wanted to do it together. At that moment, Her Wilderness was born.

From Uncertainty to Clarity: Our Mission Takes Shape

Starting a business is never as glamorous as it sounds. There's no "perfect plan," and it’s easy to feel lost or unqualified. I didn’t have a fancy background in business or a degree in outdoor education—what I did have was passion and a deep desire to create something that would make a difference in women’s lives. I’m living proof that anyone can create a meaningful life, regardless of their past or formal education. In the early days, I tried to follow the typical "business blueprint"—I networked with big brands, sought industry connections, and even considered going the nonprofit route. I thought I needed to create educational programs, offer classes, and follow the traditional path to success. But somewhere along the way, I realized I was losing sight of what Her Wilderness was really about. I wasn’t being true to myself or to the women I was trying to serve. It wasn’t about offering cookie-cutter trips or creating a rigid, formal mission statement—it was about creating experiences that empowered women to do what they thought was impossible.

Our True Mission: Empowerment Through Adventure

Through this process of trial and error, I found clarity. The mission of Her Wilderness is simple: to create opportunities for women to step out of their comfort zones and have incredible adventures. It's about encouraging women to challenge themselves, check off bucket-list items, and build lifelong friendships in the process.

Her Wilderness is about empowerment—giving women the confidence to: Fire a gun for the first time, Travel solo across the country, Try new things and put themselves first, without apology. We don’t need to rely on perfect, corporate mission statements to make a real impact. What we need is passion and a dedication to creating unique, safe, and supportive experiences that help women feel confident, courageous, and excited about their lives. Our trips aren’t just about the activities we do; they’re about the transformations that happen along the way.

Growth, Community, and the Future of Her Wilderness

As Her Wilderness continues to grow, so does the variety of trips and experiences we offer. From hunting and fishing trips to wilderness adventures, we aim to give women the opportunity to try something new, face their fears, and make unforgettable memories. But we also recognize that we’re part of a larger network of organizations with similar goals. There are nonprofits, niche groups, and other companies doing amazing work to get women involved in the outdoors. Some focus on specific activities like upland hunting, others concentrate on regional areas or their mission is simply education. We’re all in this together. And while we may have different ways of approaching our missions, we share the same goal: to help women find their place in the outdoors.

At Her Wilderness, we don’t claim to be the only path to empowerment. But we are proud to offer a space where women can come as they are—no experience necessary—and feel supported as they step out of their comfort zone. Whether it’s your first time holding a bow or your fiftieth time camping in the wilderness, we’re here to create a space for you to grow, challenge yourself, and make lifelong connections.

Why Choose Her Wilderness?

If you’re tired of waiting for “the right moment” to try something new, now is your time. Her Wilderness is not just a company; it’s a community of women who believe in the power of adventure. Here’s what we offer:

Unique, women-only outdoor trips that foster camaraderie and self-discovery.
An inclusive, supportive environment where you can leave behind self-doubt and discover what you’re truly capable of.
Opportunities to try new things, challenge yourself, and make lasting memories with like-minded women.

We believe that every woman deserves the chance to live boldly, step outside her comfort zone, and experience the beauty and empowerment that nature has to offer. If you’re ready to join us and take that first step, we’re ready for you. At Her Wilderness, we’re not just providing trips—we’re changing lives. So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced outdoorswoman, take that first step, sign up for a trip, and join a growing community of women ready to conquer the wilderness. Let’s make your adventure happen. Together.