Amy Hess is the Columbia facilitator for A Girl and A Gun Club and founder of Prepared and Proficient, a small business dedicated to helping others learn about handguns. She has since become invested in teaching others, specifically women.

“They’re afraid. Most women didn’t grow up around guns,” Hess said. “Being able to make them comfortable and empower them to defend themselves should they need to is huge.”

Hess dedicates herself to self-defense with her handgun, so if the situation were to arise. she would be able to protect herself and the ones around her.

“Everything starts with safety,” Hess said. “If I ever save one life, even if it’s just from avoiding a situation, I’ve done my job. I’ve made my journey worth it.”