Today we’d like to introduce you to Audra Stanley.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Audra. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
On a rock climbing trip in Utah, my husband and I met an awesome couple who invited us to 5 point film festival in Carbondale, Colorado. Upon attending, we met Aisha Weinhold, founder of No Man’s Land Film festival, a festival that solely celebrates female athletes. We were both so inspired, and I mentioned to Mario, “Hey, wouldn’t that be cool in Dallas?”
Thus, BAWS, Bad Ass Women in Sports, was born. We had our first festival, including educational classes in rock climbing, and No Man’s Land Film Festival films in August. Already growing and branching out, we are hosting another festival in April in Dallas and May in Ft. Lauderdale. We are in the process of becoming a non-profit organization and are so excited about the opportunities moving forward!
Has it been a smooth road?
No matter how smooth the road is, it seems there are always bumps in the road when you start something new. Some of my struggles have been concisely explaining the vision and fleshing out ideas, for example, the best name for the non-profit, how to reach all the amazing women in Dallas who are athletes, have careers, and are moms, and searching for women-owned and operated businesses.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Our mission is to spark intelligent discourse through festivals, community service, and workshops to EMPOWER all women to be bold. We love the outdoors. It is a great equalizer- Mother Nature doesn’t care who you are. She plays equally with all races and sexes. At BAWS, we want all women to feel comfortable and confident to go outside and make their dreams and aspirations come true or help them find that goal that they didn’t know they had!
In Dallas, we have some tremendous female athletes! Why do people not know about them? I think this is because they also have careers, families, and other responsibilities that keep them occupied. We want to open the platform for discussion, find a place for these women to share their expertise, and inspire others!
Our vision:
The Bad Ass Women in Sports Festival, or BAWS for short, is a collaboration of like-minded individuals to enhance the presence of females in adventure and sport. Through hosting a series of inspiring short films, climbing, and mental fortitude clinics that are geared to inspire women to get out and do something bold.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Dallas is an amazing city for businesses! If you are starting out, the cost of operation is relatively low with great potential for success. The support I have gotten from other women has been amazing.
Pricing:
- Tickets sales begin at $25.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bawsfestival.com/
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bawsfestival/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bawsfestival/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/bawsfestival
Image Credit:
Trent Wheeler @sunriseradventure
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