By Michelle Scheuermann

At the lobby entrance of the chic hotel, you are immediately greeted by smiling faces and handed a large tote bag full of swag – all in SIG SAUER ROSE branding, of course. The guest of honor of the event, Lena Miculek, is at registration to welcome you and ask if you have any questions. You are nervous, but due to the welcoming nature of the hosts and your fellow retreat ladies, you are put at ease. 

That began the SIG SAUER ROSE Retreat in Chicago, Illinois, this past October. A retreat meant to bring women together for a unique, shared experience of learning about personal safety, all under the watchful eye of the guest of honor,  9-time world champion shooter Lena Miculek and SIG SAUER. This retreat was an immersive experience with SIG SAUER meant to make each attendee comfortable shooting their ROSE handgun, which was designed in collaboration with Lena, and to excite and empower each attendee over the course of three days. 

A DJ, A Stay-at-Home Mom, and an Esthetician Walk into a Pizza Joint…

Shani Barnett, a DJ based in Chicago (follow her @chitownshani), shared over slices of pizza on the first night of the retreat how she's been in scary situations in Chicago and wanted to learn more about protecting and defending herself. “I am here to learn some ‘nuggets’ of knowledge from one of the best out there (Lena) in person,” she shared. “And to learn more about concealed carry options for women, which I did!" 

Lori Stofman, an esthetic specialist helping breast cancer survivors from the Pittsburgh area, shared a story where an intruder broke into her houseboat while docked, and both she and her husband had their firearms in the nightstands. The result was no shots fired but a pivotal encounter, nonetheless. She carries all the time now, she said. Her friend, Susan Rodeheaver, attending the retreat with her, was carjacked, and that spooked her so much that she now carries. Both women were at the retreat to learn from Lena and others.

Ashley Smith, a stay-at-home mom who hails just an hour north of New York City, said she appreciates the community being built at this retreat. “I love how everyone’s experiences are different. And when talking to the women here, you learn from one another. That builds you up. We all have the same fears and feelings, we all have different occupations, but we are here together, and we want the same things. That sense of community is huge. And yes, how to shoot is important. But the community is even more so,” she shared. 

Female First

A common theme from the attendees was, "I have been waiting to attend this retreat." Arielle Gilbert (@aconcealedlife on Instagram) said she wanted to attend to connect with others who were also interested in firearms. “It's also quite the opportunity to train with Lena Miculek. I had seen the promos and knew I'd have FOMO if I didn't go,” she shared. “I really appreciated the social aspect of the event. Everyone who attended was so kind, and the staff cultivated an environment where they pushed us to connect with each other." 

Lena spent a whole day showing each of the 30 women at the retreat her best handgun shooting tips and techniques – things she was taught by her instructors – and she didn’t hold back. “One of the most memorable moments during the retreat was the time at the range with Lena,” said Guinevere Banks, who originally hails from Chicago and was pleased the event was in her hometown.  “It allowed me to realize my grip on the firearm was affecting my shooting skills. Lena's nurturing instruction style and skillset were the most helpful I have ever received.” 

Cheryl Nissen, who builds custom homes with her husband in Toledo, Ohio, also appreciated the format and style of the retreat. “My whole life, I have had men teaching me, and while there is nothing wrong with that, being a woman, I just wanted to learn from a woman's perspective," she said. "I figured the eight-time world champion was a good start. I also wanted to connect with women who are like-minded when it comes to firearms. I have friends but they are not into guns/shooting like I am so I wanted to establish a network of women who I can get excited about a new firearm designed for women."

Raising Confidence and Shattering Stereotypes 

One aspect of the ROSE Retreat that seemed to be appreciated by all attendees was the underlying confidence-building of being surrounded by other capable women, being comfortable asking questions, and being encouraged. "I've gained more confidence already just in this short time at this retreat, and I can't wait to get home to tell my friends and encourage them to learn more, like me,” shared Ashley, who is also building a gun store with her husband just north of New York City. "I'm a PTA mom and a Cub Scout Den Leader. I am that person. But I am also this person, too. We all have different backgrounds at this retreat. We all have the same fears and feelings, even if we came at this event from different roads.”

Susan Whitlock shared that the retreat was much more than she originally envisioned. "I learned quickly this group represented a diverse group of women who all supported the right to carry and are all very passionate about gun ownership rights and gun safety regardless of where they are in their journey of gun ownership. Quickly, my reason for attending just to obtain some training turned into a quest for community to meet other female gun owners that share a common thread.”

The collaboration between Lena Miculek and SIG was launched early in 2023 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.