Influential Woman · Firearms instruction and self-defense training
Karen Hunter
Content Creator, Athlon Outdoors
Bowling Green, KY
Her Story
About Karen
Karen Hunter is a firearms instructor and owner of the Hunter Academy based in Kentucky, where she has spent nearly 15 years teaching women's self-defense, situational awareness, avoidance, confidence building, and preparedness using options such as pepper spray and tasers. She also holds a lead editorial role at Gunn University, part of Athlon Outdoors and Bleecker Street Publications, drawing on her background in writing and journalism. Hunter earned an associate's degree from her local community college where she minored in journalism and later completed two years at a Christian Bible college to become certified as a family counselor with a focus on teenagers. She has obtained certifications through Force Options USA and Gunsight Academy in Arizona. Hunter contributes to the 98 Foundation in Alaska and has been nominated for a Gundy Award for the last three years. She attributes her success to remaining genuine, honest, ethical, humble, and a forever student who never stops learning.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Karen
01What do you attribute your success to?
I believe it's being genuine, honest and ethical. I am very strict with myself to never have an inflated ego and to always know that you're a forever student, that you never arrive. There's always something to learn. And to stay humble. When you live your life like that, when you put that in your career, I think that's helped me immensely because people can trust me, they know I'm genuine, and they know that what they see is what they get.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My father told me: You're strong enough to do this, you're smart enough to do this. And when you succeed and you make it, the best thing you can do for your children is to show them what you're doing and how you're changing lives. Turn every no into a next. His support and advice fueled that fire in me even more.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be authentic, be yourself, and do it the way it makes sense to you. Do not let anybody tell you how to do it. You need to find your own way. Never ever lose your self-respect. Do not be afraid to set boundaries and maintain your self-respect. Follow your gut instinct no matter what.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
AI is a big challenge on the writing side because people are using it for copywriting and articles, losing authentic voice. On the firearm side, challenges include varying state laws where some states have lost Second Amendment rights, long permit wait times, restrictions on pepper spray, and red flag laws that can be abused. Also, lack of education leading to fear-based decisions even among pro-gun people.
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