CheRee Eveland

I attribute my success to my ability to recognize a need and create a solution to fill it. I spent more than 20 years in the medical field before moving into event planning, initially on a part-time basis, and eventually building my own event-planning business. That same entrepreneurial mindset led me to create Valkyrie Arms Training. I identified gaps in women's safety and preparedness training and wanted to develop an environment that more directly addressed women's needs through personalized education and practical preparation.

Don't be afraid to do something differently just because "that's the way it's always been done." Some of my best decisions have come from questioning whether there might be a better way. And always be a "serial entrepreneur" :)

Ask questions. Lots of them. You don't have to know everything before you start, and you don't have to prove that you belong in the room. Find people who are willing to teach you, trust yourself, and don't be afraid to take up space.

One of the biggest opportunities is changing the way women think about personal safety. It doesn't have to come from fear. It can come from education, awareness and confidence. I think women are looking for places where they can learn those skills without judgment or intimidation, and that's exactly what we're trying to create at Valkyrie.

Integrity, kindness, loyalty and doing what you say you're going to do. I believe in treating people with respect, helping when you can and surrounding yourself with people who do the same. I also believe you can be strong and still be kind — the two aren't mutually exclusive.