Empowering Women in DIY: My Unforgettable STIHL Summit Experience
The summer of 2017 marked an extraordinary chapter in my journey, as I was privileged to attend the exclusive women-only STIHL Summit. This wasn’t just another trip; it was an immersive adventure into the world of power tools, craftsmanship, and unyielding female empowerment. Imagine wielding chainsaws, delving into the intricate art of power carving, and even throwing axes alongside a cohort of inspiring, trailblazing women. It sounds like a scene from an action movie, but it was real, and it was undeniably one of the most remarkable sponsored brand events I’ve ever had the honor of experiencing, hosted at the prestigious STIHL USA headquarters in Virginia Beach, VA.
If you’ve ever pondered what goes on behind the scenes at a major brand event or wished for an insider’s look at how such powerful tools are brought to life, then join me as I recount the exhilarating details of this unique summit. It was a profound opportunity to not only engage with cutting-edge outdoor power equipment but also to connect with a community of incredible women who are redefining the landscape of DIY and professional trades.
The Groundbreaking “Women of STIHL” Summit: A Deep Dive
My invitation to the STIHL US operations headquarters in Virginia Beach last summer was an exciting prospect. Brand events of this nature typically follow a straightforward premise: they serve as a crucial touchpoint, often at the inception of a partnership. These gatherings are meticulously designed to familiarize influencers with the brand’s ethos, products, and vision. Participants are given hands-on experience with the tools, complete with comprehensive safety lessons—an absolute necessity when dealing with powerful machinery like chainsaws and trimmers. Beyond product engagement, these summits also foster invaluable networking opportunities, bringing together a diverse group of creators, from seasoned bloggers to burgeoning YouTubers, all united by a passion for home improvement, DIY, and outdoor living.
The level of planning and coordination that goes into orchestrating such an event is truly staggering. The team behind STIHL’s women-only summit orchestrated every detail to perfection, resulting in an experience that was nothing short of a blast. Despite less-than-ideal weather and an itinerary packed to the minute, leaving little room for conventional sightseeing beyond our arrival day, the summit offered an unparalleled deep dive into what STIHL stands for. It was an educational journey, revealing the dedication, innovation, and passion that fuel this iconic brand. More importantly, it was an empowering platform where I had the privilege of connecting with some truly remarkable and inspiring women, forging bonds over shared experiences and mutual admiration for robust outdoor power equipment.
As you delve deeper into this recap, prepare for a visual feast – a picture-heavy post that truly captures the essence of the event. And yes, you’ll notice a lot of orange! It’s not a newfound obsession with the color, but rather a testament to the safety gear provided by STIHL. Surprisingly, despite orange not typically being my go-to hue, choosing between these photographs – each capturing moments where I felt more confident and empowered than any fancy prom dress ever could – was incredibly challenging. For someone who genuinely relishes any excuse to dress up, that speaks volumes about the transformative power of this experience.
Arrival in Virginia Beach: Friendships Forged and Renewed
Typically, these tightly scheduled events mean flying in and out quickly to minimize disruption to one’s regular routine. As someone who often feels a mix of excitement and exhaustion from travel, I secretly hoped for a moment of calm before the summit’s early morning start. My arrival at the airport quickly dissolved any pre-event jitters. Stepping off the plane, I serendipitously encountered April Wilkerson, the incredibly talented YouTube-famous DIY woodworker. A simple bump-in led to her asking if I was also there for STIHL, marking the delightful beginning of new friendships. We briefly searched for our ride, soon finding my dear friend Jocie from One Project Closer waiting for us – a wonderful reunion as she and I share a long history in the DIY blogging community. Our small group immediately bonded, chatting animatedly as we made our way to the hotel. I quickly reached out to other friends I knew would be attending, including Emily from Merrypad, a kindred spirit I’d known for years online but never met in person until this trip. There’s an undeniable comfort in knowing you’ll be surrounded by friendly faces when embarking on such an adventure!
We had a brief afternoon to ourselves before the official meet-and-greet later that evening. Eager to make the most of our free time, we quickly ran into a few other attendees and collectively decided on an immediate plan: a leisurely stroll along the Virginia Beach boardwalk. We savored the feel of the sand beneath our feet and the salty air, soaking in the serene coastal atmosphere. It wasn’t long before we found a cozy bar, where conversations flowed as freely as the drinks. These moments are precious – where new acquaintances like April become instant friends, existing friendships deepen, and everyone makes a concerted effort to absorb every ray of sunshine, knowing the weather forecast for the rest of the trip promised less brilliance. It was a perfect prelude to the high-octane days ahead, cementing camaraderie that would make the hands-on experiences even more enjoyable.
Exploring the Power: The STIHL Lightning Battery System
The next day demanded an early start for the official commencement of the STIHL summit. The agenda was packed, beginning with introductions, essential safety demonstrations, and then, the moment we’d all been anticipating: hands-on engagement with STIHL’s impressive line of equipment. While the precise order of events might blur in my memory, the sheer awesomeness of the experience remains vivid. STIHL had meticulously set up various stations, allowing us to rotate in groups and thoroughly test different tools from their revolutionary Lightning battery line. We explored everything from powerful hedge clippers and precision trimmers to the fascinating robotic lawnmower – oh my! It was genuinely astounding to witness the incredible power and efficiency these battery-powered tools delivered. STIHL offers three distinct tiers for their battery system, ingeniously designed to cater to various yard sizes and user needs, with the largest capacity tailored for professionals or extensive properties. This innovation truly impressed, showcasing how battery technology is transforming the outdoor power equipment industry, making it more accessible and user-friendly for everyone.
Among all the incredible tools, my absolute favorite—and perhaps not surprisingly—were the chainsaws. There’s something uniquely empowering about feeling the controlled power of a chainsaw, especially a battery-powered one that offers both impressive performance and enhanced maneuverability. It felt like unlocking a new level of DIY capability.
Comprehensive Demos and Vital Safety Training
The day included several engaging product demonstrations and, crucially, in-depth safety training. We received practical instruction on how to properly handle, operate, and even maintain chainsaws, including the essential skill of fitting a new chain. This hands-on guidance was invaluable, instilling a profound respect for these powerful tools and ensuring we understood the mechanics behind their safe and effective use. The emphasis on safety, coupled with expert instruction, made the experience both educational and incredibly confidence-inspiring, allowing us to fully embrace the power at our fingertips.
Beyond the typical yard tools, my adventurous spirit led me to insist on trying the concrete saw, or cut-off machine. There was an undeniable allure to wielding such a formidable tool, even if it meant my favorite jeans would be gloriously splattered with concrete sludge for the rest of the day. The experience was exhilarating, a testament to the raw power and versatility of STIHL’s professional-grade equipment, and a memorable deviation from the usual DIY projects.
Captivating Chainsaw Artistry with Griffon Ramsey
Speaking of chainsaws, STIHL introduced me to an entirely new realm of fascination that day: chainsaw artistry. Watching the mesmerizing work of chainsaw artists instantly sparked a new interest to follow on Instagram! The incredible precision and artistic vision required to transform a rough log into a delicate sculpture is truly captivating, pushing the boundaries of what these powerful tools can achieve.
Witnessing Griffon Ramsey in action was a masterclass in skill and artistic prowess. Her ability to swiftly carve an intricate library book deposit bench from a raw cedar log in just a few days was nothing short of astonishing. This live demonstration ignited a burning desire within me to try power carving someday. While I may never reach her phenomenal level of artistry, knowing I’ve already ventured into wood carving makes me even more determined to attempt chainsaw carving. It’s an art form that blends raw power with delicate precision, transforming robust wood into elegant, detailed masterpieces.
An Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Facility Tour
On what I believe was the subsequent day, we embarked on an enlightening tour of the STIHL facility itself. This wasn’t merely a walk-through; it was a comprehensive journey into the heart of their operations. We had the pleasure of meeting countless STIHL employees, each one incredibly friendly and passionate about their work. The tour offered a rare glimpse into how “everything” is meticulously crafted, assembled, and tested. It was a fascinating testament to precision engineering and dedicated craftsmanship. Believe it or not, this particular segment of the trip would have absolutely thrilled my mom. With her extensive background in quality management, she possesses an “inner geek” for understanding intricate manufacturing processes and operational excellence. The tour truly resonated with her professional interests, and I was delighted to find that Emily from Merrypad shared this enthusiasm, making the experience even more enjoyable and insightful for all of us.
Embracing Raw Power: The Axe Women Loggers of Maine
One of the absolute highlights of the entire summit, another firm favorite, was the incredible opportunity to meet and learn the art of axe throwing from the legendary Axe Women Loggers of Maine. And no, I’m certainly not talking about body spray! These timber sports athletes were nothing short of astounding to watch. Their strength, precision, and fearlessness were truly inspiring. The photo captures one of these formidable women standing atop a log, which they strategically race to chop between their feet – a breathtaking display of skill and daring. They meticulously demonstrated their comprehensive safety gear, which even included specialized chainmail socks designed to protect their toes from potential injury. It was a powerful reminder of the dedication and intense training required for these unique and physically demanding timber sports.
I managed to capture two of their electrifying competition demos on camera. If you’re ever in need of a powerful jolt of motivation, these videos are guaranteed to deliver; it’s impossible to watch them without feeling an urge to conquer the world! Their raw energy and incredible prowess are truly infectious. Once their awe-inspiring demonstration concluded, each of us had the thrilling chance to try our hand at throwing a full-sized axe at a target. I proudly hit the target twice, an achievement that filled me with immense satisfaction and a surprising sense of accomplishment. It was an exhilarating, empowering experience that truly underscored the physical and mental strength of these remarkable women.
Here’s a snapshot of one of the videos: it begins with the skilled Axe Women demonstrating their technique, followed by my own attempt – make sure to watch until the very end for the exciting result!
It was fascinating to observe Cassity from Remodelaholic, who showed incredible natural talent for axe throwing right from the start. Perhaps it runs in her family, as her father’s beautiful wood carving is proudly displayed at the STIHL headquarters, connecting her to a legacy of craftsmanship and skill.
The journey home was just as wonderful as the summit itself. Cassity, April, and I shared seats on a flight back to Atlanta, where they had connecting flights. This extended time together provided a fantastic opportunity to delve into conversations about our various businesses, sharing insights and experiences. They are both incredibly generous with their knowledge and expertise, and I walked away feeling truly inspired and enriched by their wealth of valuable information. The connections forged during the STIHL Summit extended beyond the event, creating lasting professional and personal friendships.
Reflections and Future DIY Adventures with STIHL
My two days at the STIHL Summit were nothing short of phenomenal, and I am immensely grateful for their continued sponsorship this year. My yard is currently undergoing some truly significant outdoor transformations, and STIHL’s new battery-powered line is already getting an intense workout at the Ugly Duckling House! I’ll be sharing more detailed updates on those projects in an upcoming post – because you can’t possibly have just one chainsaw post, right? These innovative tools are head and shoulders above the refurbished and often half-broken yard tools I’ve been managing with for the past few years. The efficiency and reliability of STIHL equipment have not only streamlined my DIY efforts but also made life considerably easier for K, who handles most of the yard work until the dreaded pollen season finally subsides. This summit was a powerful reminder of how quality tools can truly empower, enabling projects that might otherwise feel daunting.
Wasn’t that an incredibly cool experience? I’m curious to know: is there anything from this empowering STIHL Women’s Summit that you would have been eager to try out yourself?