By Jodi Stemler

What happens when you mix 30 women from all over the country with different backgrounds and varying skills with firearms? A whole lot of laughter, learning, and lessons—and new friends for life.

In late March, SIG SAUER hosted the first ever ROSE Retreat in Nashville, Tennessee, bringing together a mix of women from around the country with varying levels of experience with firearms. The ROSE program takes women step-by-step through the process from the first time holding a pistol all the way to the first time at a range. ROSE is also a community of women, coming together to help and encourage each other, to share stories and learn from one another. ROSE includes everything a woman needs to start on her firearms journey, or to continue on that path as she develops more skills and confidence.

The collaboration between 8-time world champion shooter Lena Miculek and SIG was launched earlier this year with almost immediate accolades from women across the country. The package includes a SIG P365-XL in 9mm or a P365 in 380 with a Vaultek lockbox, two magazines, magazine loader, dummy rounds, and access to training curated by Lena. The brand is rapidly evolving to include concealed carry gear from Crossbreed holsters, Arrowhead Tactical apparel, and a growing list of ROSE-branded items.

In addition to the product offerings, ROSE has already become a rapidly growing community of women who are supporting each other no matter where they are on their own firearms journey. During the ROSE Retreat in Nashville, there were women (like Lena and Paige Roux) who were literally born into the firearms industry with years of skill and experience. There were also complete beginners, victims of abuse and violence, as well as women who may have shot before but haven’t yet crossed the comfort level to be confident in concealed carry.

The event included direct training at the range by Lena and SIG’s training crew led by former law enforcement agent Hana Bilodeau. New shooters learned proper techniques at the range as well as how to break down and clean their gun, while experienced shooters and instructors polished their skills and found new ways to teach women how to shoot. In the afternoon, the sessions focused on concealed carry techniques and gear as well as a fashion show with apparel designed specifically for women for daily carry.

But it was the evening events where the magic of the ROSE Retreat shined brightest. On our first evening, the elevators taking us up to the White Limozeen at the Graduate Hotel were wrapped with the slogan for the ROSE, letting us know that our journey began here—and no words could be more true. We were all strangers that evening but the over-the-top pink décor, Dolly Parton impersonator, and maybe also a few first-rate cocktails put us all at ease. We mingled in small groups and expanded to meet others. We quickly realized that despite first impressions thinking how different we all appeared to be, we were united in this opportunity and experience. That evening allowed all participants to feel comfortable enough to open up about our own personal firearms journey throughout the course of the retreat.

By night two at Nashville Underground, we were no longer strangers but building strong foundations for friendship. If any lingering reserve remained, it was wiped away quickly with the incredible food offerings (including the make-your-own ramen bowls and remarkable charcuterie table) and line dancing lessons. Rocking our country attire, most everyone joined on the dance floor mastering the steps—or at least giving it our best. Perhaps those lighthearted moments made it easier for a group of us to try our hand at the mechanical bull downstairs.

But it was the formal Gala on the last night of our Retreat where everyone glittered like diamonds amidst the beauty of the ROSE. Throughout the events, the branding in all facets was remarkable with table and bar coverings, a ROSE-themed backdrop for photos and the fashion show, and always beautiful fresh roses. In the stylish simplicity of The Cordelle, all the ladies shined in their fancy attire and the glow of the experience we had all shared. We listened as Lena gave an even more personal overview of her reasons behind approaching SIG to start the ROSE program and we all were touched by her honesty and the support we saw from her beautiful mother and sister. It was a fitting capstone to a truly magical, industry-first event.

I’ve done several women-only hunting events in the past and every time I attend something like this, I realize that there is a band of women out there that may have different life experiences or skill levels, but we all find common ground in our love of hunting and shooting. In recent years, the industry has come to recognize that building and marketing women’s specific products fills a growing need. However, often women who shoot or hunt can feel isolated when they can’t find other women who also enjoy these pursuits. In addition, the learning curve can be intimidating and women can feel out of place in male-dominated shooting facilities.

An effective way to address these concerns is to organize events where women with similar interests can spend time together to learn new skills and bond. Participants can find a like-minded band of women that may have different life experiences or skill levels, but all connect while building their comfort and skills at shooting.

One stone thrown in the water causes ripples to extend far wider than the original point of impact, moving further and enveloping others in the wake. Reactions to the event were unanimously positive as most women said they felt invigorated and inspired. Look for events like this again in the near future as SIG looks to expand its growing https://www.facebook.com/groups/rosecommunitysigsauer.

Choose from a variety of ROSE items including:

♦ ROSE OFF-BODY CARRY FANNY PACK

♦ ROSE P365 MODULAR HOOK & LOOP CROSSBREED HOLSTER

♦ ROSE EAR MUFFS

♦ ROSE WOMEN'S CONCEALMENT JOGGERS (Gray and Black)