I never set out to build a big club. Truthfully, I just wanted to create a space where women could train without feeling judged, rushed, or intimidated. In almost every class, when I’d ask, “What brings you here today?” I heard the same story over and over.
They’d taken a class before, but never practiced afterward.
They felt uncomfortable training on their own.
They wanted a refresher because they forgot everything they had previously learned.
And almost all of them said they felt so much more relaxed in an all-women environment.
They wanted a place where they could ask the “dumb” questions without feeling dumb, laugh when something felt awkward, and learn without pressure. That’s why I created the Lynchburg Arms Ladies, to give women a safe, comfortable way to keep practicing, growing, and building confidence together.
What I didn’t expect was a community. But that is exactly what it has become.
Where it began
I had already built the idea for the club before I ever announced it, but I still remember the first women’s class where I pitched it. Ten women sat in that room, and the energy was completely different from any mixed class I had taught. They were lighter. Happier. Curious. They asked the questions they were usually afraid to ask. They weren’t worried about “looking dumb.” They encouraged each other, relaxed, and genuinely felt like themselves.
When I introduced the idea of a women’s club, eight of them signed up on the spot. The other two told me they wanted to, but needed to check their schedules first. I remember thinking, “Eight members… that’s a club.”
That was the moment I knew women needed this space. Not someday. Not eventually. Right now.
A safe space for courage to grow
Firearms can be intimidating, especially when you are new. I’ve been there. Even becoming an instructor in a male dominated world came with moments of doubt and pushing through fear. I know how overwhelming those first steps feel, and I also know how empowering it becomes on the other side.
I created this club so women would never have to walk that path alone.
When I work with a student, I can see the nerves instantly. The way they hold their shoulders. The way their hands shake. The way their voice softens when they admit they’re scared. But as we go on, something shifts. I can literally watch their confidence build. Their body language changes. They start to stand taller. They breathe deeper. Their grip tightens. They’re less fearful of the firearm. They begin to trust themselves.
I will never forget one student who carried deep trauma around firearms. Her first shot with me was shaky, and then she turned, smiled, and said, “That was fun.”
That was her taking her power back. And I got to witness it.
From an Idea to a Community
I thought this would be a nice group. Maybe twenty or twenty-five members. A fun club of women who wanted to grow together.
Then it hit the news.
I was proud, excited, and honestly terrified. Sharing a piece of my personal story felt vulnerable. But if it helps even one woman feel seen or empowered to protect herself, then maybe that fear served a purpose
And that is when I realized this wasn’t just training. This was culture. This was community.
Some women showed up just to hang out. They didn’t even plan to shoot. They just wanted to be there and be a part of it. That meant more to me than they probably know.
At one of our brunch meetups, I told the group I had an interview with a reporter the next day and wanted to make sure we had some good photos to share. We started taking pictures and joked about whether the mockmosas should be in the shot or not. We ended up taking both versions just in case the news wanted something more “serious.”
They chose the photo with the mockmosas. And honestly, I loved that. It showed exactly who we are.
Serious about safety and growth, but not afraid to be real and enjoy the moment.
More than shooting
Women join because they want to learn. They stay because they feel seen, supported, and capable.
They come in nervous, sometimes shaking. They leave proud, smiling, and confident.
It is more than just shooting. It is empowerment. It is strength. It is giving women a place to feel safe while they grow strong.
Every time a woman walks out standing taller than she walked in, I feel honored. That trust means everything to me.
Growing into the role
This club has changed me. It made me a stronger leader. It built my confidence too. And it showed me that when you follow your passion, doors open, people show up, and purpose reveals itself.
I never imagined I would be leading something like this. But I know without question I am exactly where I am supposed to be.
Looking ahead
Looking ahead, my hope is simply for this community to keep growing in a way that feels meaningful and supportive. I want more women to hear about what we’re doing and feel comfortable enough to take that first step, whether they’re brand new or coming back after years of hesitation.
For me, it isn’t about becoming the biggest club. It’s about creating real impact. My goal is simple: help women feel confident, capable, and prepared.
A note to the woman who is scared to start
If you are nervous to take your first class, I get it. That fear feels loud right now, but it is not the truth. You are capable. You can do this. And you might even surprise yourself by how empowering it feels.
Sometimes confidence does not show up first. Courage does.
And courage grows fastest in community.
Learn more about the Lynchburg Arms Ladies and join us.
Join a class or schedule a private lesson.