Camo Queen
Wanda Gaines
Shingle Springs, 916-532-3735

Describe your business. Did you find it, or did it find you?

I was born a “city girl” and grew up in the Bay Area, but my life changed when I married and moved to El Dorado County with my husband in 1985. Living here exposed me to the outdoors, and I fell in love with it. My husband worked in the outdoor industry for over 30 years, and my daughters and I had the privilege of hunting, fishing and participating in countless other outdoor-related activities; yet many of these activities were male-dominated and women were often viewed as tomboys. The idea of creating the business came to me in 2009. There was a huge need for a women’s apparel line that allowed females to look and feel great while enjoying their outdoor passions. Two years later, I launched Camo Queen, "the elegant outdoor woman." Regardless of whether your outdoor interest is hunting, fishing, camping, horseback riding, four-wheeling, wine tasting, or just a drive through the country, the goal of Camo Queen’s apparel is to make you enjoy your passions with a true feeling of pride and elegance.

What life accomplishments are you most proud of?  

Marrying my husband and having the privilege of raising our two beautiful daughters, Brooke and Brittany.

Where do you go when the going gets tough?

Prayer.

What’s your hidden talent?

Music—playing the piano and/or the keyboard.

Where do you and your family go locally to have fun?

Boating at Folsom Lake.

If you could be in any other profession, what would it be?

Marketing. I love connecting with people.