Company Profile: Land and Ladies

Company Profile: Land and Ladies

Georgia Business Engages Women with the Outdoors

Women-run businesses are popping up more and more throughout the outdoor industry. Women are studying things like landscape architecture, horticulture, forestry and arboriculture. They are leading the sales and finance sides of landscape businesses. They are often a part of the grounds crew working on the sites that are proudly displayed and enjoyed. What isn’t quite as common, though, are women-run businesses designed specifically for women. As more women find themselves in outdoor roles, the need for education, empowerment and community grows. Danielle Atkins is meeting this need through Land and Ladies, a learning, consulting and networking group specifically designed for outdoor women. Women are rapidly becoming the primary decision makers for large properties throughout the country, especially in the southeast. Some seek out this role, but many are thrown into it as they take over property assets that have been historically managed by men in the family. Often this comes following the death of a loved one, specifically a husband, father or even grandfather. They come to Danielle hoping to continue their family's legacy by making educated, confident decisions for their land.

Danielle Atkins, owner of Land and Ladies

“If your loved one was the person who managed your family’s property, then they’re not there one day, this huge asset doesn't feel like an asset anymore,” says Danielle. “There is so much jargon and technicalities that come with owning land. It’s a lot more than enjoying the woods for Thanksgiving retreats and hunting.”

Danielle is a registered forester in the state of Georgia, with a Bachelor’s of Science and Master's of Forest Resources from the University of Georgia. A love for animals and the outdoors led her to the field, and she spent years working with the Georgia Forestry Commission and various nonprofit outdoor groups. Then, a love for people led her to launch her own business. Through her work, she often interacted with new landowners who were unsure of how to approach the job, and she wanted to help.

“I heard a lot of common phrases, especially from women,” she says. “Things like, ‘I don't know what to start, I don't know what he did, I don't know what the plan was.’”

Danielle decided to take her technical experience and use it to help people understand the intricacies of the land around them. She engaged with land management training programs in other parts of the United States, learning effective ways to grow a network of female landowners and to teach those within. Eventually, she left her job and launched her own independent land consulting business in the southeast.

“I didn’t know I was going to make this a business,” Danielle admits. “It was on my heart for a while though, and I felt like God was pushing me in that direction.”

Now, Danielle hosts online programs that focus on different areas of forestry. Women in her programs tune in from areas across the south, including Texas, Florida, North Carolina and as far as Indiana. The diverse group has different knowledge levels, needs and goals. Some own only a small acre homestead, while others manage 40,000-acre forests. Some don’t even own land yet but they’d like to in the future. Her youngest client is in her late twenties and oldest in her early seventies. No matter the background, though, each lady is seeking direction and empowerment that starts with education and community.

“I try to provide women with the resources and questions to help decide what the right opportunity is for them,” Danielle says. “For example, someone approaches them to buy timberland. I help them know if they’re getting a good offer. I teach about logging and how it can be beneficial for the earth when done in a sustainable way. We also talk about things like forestry jargon, reforestation techniques, community engagement and local land ecology.”

Land and Ladies’ primary education format is online workshops. Danielle calls them “academies” that follow workbooks for several weeks, with each chapter focusing on a different foundation of land ownership. They also host in-person events throughout Georgia that draw in new students and strengthen the Land and Ladies network. Social media, interactions with nonprofit groups and word of mouth are also critical tools for education and growth.

“Oftentimes, people start with a half-day virtual clinic, then they sign up for the full-day workshop, then they sign up for the six-week program,” Danielle says. “Then, they’ll bring or share what they know with a friend. I am always updating content for returning students and have a 72 percent retention rate!”

Her grassroots growth plan is continuing to be successful as more women branch into the outdoor world. Danielle says she sees more women engaging in topics like wildlife studies or joining teams within outdoor-focused companies. She is watching women overcome work/life balance challenges. She sees ladies find flexibility, creativity and fulfillment through roles in outdoor fields. Ultimately, she is watching and supporting women who are boldly diving into a field previously dominated by men.

“Women are stepping into these roles because we're growing the confidence to go for it,” says Danielle. “Being willing to do something a little different, to raise our hands without feeling intimidated, to be a working mom and face the challenges that brings. If I do nothing else, I hope I help give women that confidence."

Just because it hasn't been done, doesn't mean you can't do it. Go into the field and give it a shot

Contact

Land and Ladies Brunswick, Geogia

www.landandladies.com