Building a Brand Through Community: Kelley Wren on the Success of VNTRbirds

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelley Wren and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelley, what do you attribute your success to?
For VNTRbirds, the success of our brand cannot be attributed to just one factor; it’s the result of a combination of contributions and inspirations. However, if I had to pinpoint the most important driving force, it would be our community. Building a strong, supportive community is crucial for any small business, and at VNTRbirds, we put a huge emphasis on that. We actively engage with our community by offering events, courses, and workshops that cater to their needs. Specifically, we’re dedicated to creating a space where women and femme individuals in the outdoors can thrive, learn, and connect. VNTRbirds is continuously working toward not only meeting these needs, but also exceeding them, by introducing fresh ideas, new instructors, and diverse mentorship opportunities throughout the year.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
VNTRbirds is an outdoor education and adventure company dedicated to empowering women and femme-identifying individuals. We create spaces where people of all backgrounds, body types, and financial means feel welcome in the outdoors. Our mission is grounded in the belief that everyone belongs in nature—and we’re here to make that possible.

What sets us apart is the holistic approach we take to outdoor education. While we offer traditional courses designed to build outdoor skills, we also host free workshops to help women become more self-reliant with their gear and equipment. On top of that, we’re incredibly proud of our extensive scholarship program, which supports women in accessing the outdoors, gaining leadership skills, and growing through mentorship and grants.

Building this business has been anything but easy. Running a business with so many moving parts—especially in the outdoor industry—requires constant adaptation. From coordinating with educators to securing permits in multiple locations, we’ve had to overcome many logistical challenges. But with each hurdle, we’ve learned and grown. VNTRbirds is run by two sisters, Kelley and Leanne Wren, and we handle every aspect of the business ourselves. Some areas we excel in, while others have been steep learning curves—but through it all, we’ve remained committed to growth, both as individuals and as a business.

We’ve learned countless lessons along the way, but the biggest takeaway has been the importance of community. It’s the foundation of everything we do, and the support we receive from our participants, mentors, sponsors, and partners has been key to our success.

Above all, we want the world to know that VNTRbirds is more than just a company. It’s a movement to make the outdoors accessible, inclusive, and empowering for women and femme folks everywhere. We’re here to lift each other up and ensure that the outdoors becomes a place where everyone can feel capable, confident, and inspired.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting the area, I’d want to make sure they had the best time possible. First thing’s first—we’d definitely check the avalanche forecast before heading out on any backcountry adventures. Once we’ve got our route figured out, we’d hit the mountains for some fresh powder, away from the crowds. There’s nothing better than enjoying the quiet, untouched snow and feeling like we’ve got the whole mountain to ourselves.

After a big day of skiing or snowboarding, I’d take them to Aurum in Breckenridge for a little après-ski. The vibe there is perfect for unwinding—good food, craft cocktails, and mountain views. It’s the perfect way to recap the day and relax before we dive into the next adventure.

The next morning, we’d probably want to recover a bit, so we’d book a massage at Breckenridge Mountain Massage. After a full day in the backcountry, it’s nice to let someone else work out the kinks. Then, once we’re feeling refreshed, we might take a stroll through downtown Breck—pop into some shops, grab a coffee, and just enjoy the day at a slower pace.

There’s so much to love about this area—whether it’s the outdoor adventures, the great food, or the sense of community. It’s all about creating memories, enjoying the moment, and making sure the whole experience feels like one big adventure.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
VNTRbirds wants to give a heartfelt shout-out to all of our incredible supporters—whether you’re a client who has taken one of our courses, a sponsor who believes in our mission, or one of our talented coaches and educators who make the VNTRbirds experience truly unforgettable. We couldn’t do it without you!

Website: www.VNTRbirds.com

Instagram: @vntrbirds

Facebook: Facebook.com/vntrbirds

Image Credits
Katie Young