Her Story
About Tanya
Tanya Kemp is a seasoned entrepreneur who has spent the past 15 years building one of the more respected names in the Texas hunting and outdoor retail industry. Working alongside her husband they she grew the operation into a four-location enterprise—two flagship retail stores alongside two partnership satellite locations—that now generates more than $5 million in annual revenue. Her husband has since retired and in trusted the business to her.
Among her notable achievements is the transformation of the company's Cisco, Texas location, which she expanded from a modest roadside storefront into a nearly five-acre facility with interstate frontage, a project that speaks to her long-term vision for the business and her commitment to serving hunters and outdoor enthusiasts across the state. Holding a Master's Degree in Sociology, Tanya brings both an academic and hands-on perspective to her work, overseeing millions of dollars in inventory while staying closely attuned to what her customers need, from wildlife feeders and hunting blinds to protein feed and corn. She is known for being directly involved in the physical side of the business, regularly taking part in deliveries and installations rather than delegating that work entirely to staff. This leadership-by-example approach has helped her earn credibility and trust in an industry that has historically been dominated by men, and she is widely recognized for the barriers she has broken as a female business owner in this space. Her professional affiliations include the Chamber of Commerce, the Better Business Bureau, and the Texas Trophy Hunters Association. Tanya credits her achievements to a straightforward formula: hard work, resilience, honesty, and the ability to stay thick-skinned through both good times and difficult economic stretches. She views success less in terms of titles or recognition and more as a matter of personal contentment and customer satisfaction. Looking to the future, she remains focused on expanding the business's visibility, particularly through social media and digital channels, while continuing to explore emerging tools like drone-based wildlife surveys. Her story reflects a broader message she often shares with women entering her field: that patience, integrity, and a willingness to put in the work can open doors in even the most traditionally male-dominated industries.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tanya
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work and having thick skin. To succeed, you have to keep showing up and keep working, and you can't let setbacks stop you from going back the next day. For me, success ultimately means being content with my life—that contentment is what makes me feel successful.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
No specific advice was mentioned, though my career has been guided by a personal philosophy of persistence, consistency, and a willingness to do the work that others might avoid.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Choose a field you're genuinely passionate about and stay committed to it. Stay in your lane, work hard, and understand that nothing happens overnight—it takes time and consistent effort. Above all, do the right thing and be honest; that approach will always work in your favor.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges I face include operating in a traditionally male-dominated industry, managing the logistics of shipping large products for e-commerce, and selling discretionary items during shifting economic conditions. At the same time, I see strong opportunities in growing online sales and digital marketing, expanding service-based offerings like delivery and installation, meeting rising demand for skilled trades such as welding and diesel mechanics, and adopting new technologies like drone-based wildlife surveys.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me are hard work, honesty, and staying diligent enough to see things through. I believe success has to be earned through effort, and there's real pride in work that you've built yourself.
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