Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the resilience, innovation, and impact of women who are shaping our communities and industries. At WomenVenture, we are honored to work with and support women entrepreneurs who not only build businesses but also create lasting change. One such woman is Carley Kammerer, founder of Wildflyer Coffee and recipient of WomenVenture’s Women Mean Business Social Entrepreneur Award in 2023.
Carley’s vision for Wildflyer Coffee goes beyond serving up great coffee—it’s about breaking the cycle of youth homelessness through meaningful employment. Since opening in 2020, Wildflyer has offered a four-month employment training program, equipping young people with the professional and personal skills needed to secure stable jobs and leave homelessness behind. In just three years, the impact has been so profound that Wildflyer opened a second location in St. Paul in 2023.
But the road to social entrepreneurship is never easy, and Carley’s journey has recently been marked by immense personal loss. In the face of tragedy, she has had to navigate grief, leadership, and the responsibility of keeping her business running. Through it all, Carley’s story is a testament to the power of community, resilience, and the importance of planning for the unexpected.
Finding Strength in Community
In a candid interview, Carley shared how Wildflyer continued to operate in her absence thanks to her Board of Directors, leadership team, and an outpouring of support from donors and community members. After the sudden passing of her partner, she had to step away immediately, trusting her team to take over.
“The week after his death, we came together to discuss the fact that I would obviously need to step away immediately… I was in such a state of shock that my brain wasn’t functioning well. Thankfully, everyone else jumped in.”
This experience reinforced a crucial lesson: succession planning is essential for every business owner. Though Wildflyer had started succession planning before Carley’s loss, it wasn’t fully in place—a reality that made an already difficult time even more challenging.
“Succession planning sounds like one of those lofty terms—something you’ll get to. No. Everyone has to have a succession plan, and we learned that quickly and in the heat of the moment.”
Her advice to other entrepreneurs? Document everything, create contingency plans, and ensure your business can operate without you in times of crisis.
Prioritizing Self-Care & Sustainable Leadership
As Carley slowly returns to work, she is taking a new approach to leadership—one that prioritizes balance, sustainability, and self-care.
“I used to think I was stronger than others and didn’t need self-care, but I was proven wrong in a humbling way. If we want our businesses to thrive, we need to thrive first.”
From therapy to yoga, long dinners with friends to simply allowing herself space to grieve, she has embraced a more compassionate approach to work and life.
“I am equally as committed to using my life to accomplish great things for the benefit of others, carrying out a legacy of love, as I am committed to my health, sanity, and peace.”
How You Can Support Carley
During this difficult time, Carley’s NAWBO sisters launched a GoFundMe campaign to help her take a much-needed healing sabbatical. The funds are providing financial relief so she can continue prioritizing her well-being and return to Wildflyer when she is truly ready.
If you are moved by Carley’s story and want to support her on this journey, please consider donating: Help Carley Take a Healing Sabbatical
Carley’s journey is a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship is not just about business—it’s about resilience, community, and knowing when to lean on others. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s uplift women like Carley who are leading with purpose, adapting through adversity, and creating lasting change.
