It took me years to come back full circle - to plan and lead trips just for women. I traveled on my own to the Himalayas, Indonesia, and Latin America, led trips throughout the U.S. and eventually worked as a river and mountain guide in New Zealand. I have gotten used to the initial shock of a group when they realize they're trusting their lives and limbs to a woman. As a guide, I watch people discovering the pleasure of being active and outdoors. After completing an activity they never imagine possible, people feel good about themselves and empowered to try more.
Many women realize they have strengths and abilities they'd never tapped into before.
I spent over 10 years helping other companies set up and lead trips. I think that many other guides in my situation ultimately decide they want to do it for themselves. I started wanting more time to spend with friends and family, although I admit I started my business with ignorance and naivet . Being a woman has not made running a business more difficult, rather it has been my lack of hard business skills that has made the road bumpy. I'd rather take a walk in the woods with my dogs than study cash-flow charts, and I'd rather read a book in a hammock than flesh out a marketing plan.