We were lucky to catch up with Jennie Milton recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jennie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

Over the course of my 20-year career as an extreme athlete in the sport of snowkiting, I’ve come to terms with the fears associated with wild weather, freezing temperatures, and remote locations. Despite these challenges, it was a different type of risk that became my most daunting fear: starting a business based on my passion.

As an Aussie, starting a business in the USA was a leap out of my comfort zone. I had limited knowledge and experience in this area. At one point, the fear of failure was so intense that I succumbed to feelings of impostor syndrome and backed away from my initial idea. Instead, I started a drop shipping business for fitness equipment. But deep within, I knew I was supposed to be on a different path.

Having my ideas validated by others made me reconsider my decision. I was left to ponder: could I really make a living teaching others to fly kites on snow, snowkiting? Could this be my niche, and more importantly, could I help others through this? My favorite way to inspire others became through Women’s Snowkite Camps, which allowed me to empower ladies with wind power.

I immersed myself in the world of online business coaching, keen to learn and grow. Meeting other entrepreneurs in the knowledge industry introduced me to life coaching. Surrounded by amazing individuals aiming to help others with significant problems in the world, I started to question my business concept. Could teaching people to fly kites be considered impactful or necessary in a world filled with so much pain and hurt?

This doubt was short-lived. One day, I received an email from Sarah, a participant of the Women’s snowkite camp. She wanted to share the positive impact attending the camp had on her life. Feeling empowered, she had overcome her fear of flying the kite and applied the same determination to conquer fears in other areas of her life. The experience had taught her to let go – both of the kite’s bar and lines, and of unnecessary burdens in her life. She also learned to manage discomfort, a skill that later helped her make difficult decisions in her business. Her favorite part, however, was the bond she formed with others who shared her love for skiing and the outdoors. This shared journey of empowerment led her to travel the world, kite, and confidence in tow.

Starting a business teaching people to fly kites has transformed my life and, surprisingly, the lives of many others in ways I never anticipated. Taking a risk on myself and my passion has proven to be the best decision I’ve ever made. So, go on, take that risk. It might just be the best decision you’ll ever make too.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Jennie Milton AKA Adrenajen. I have been snowkiting for over 20 years and have a HUGE passion for teaching others to fly kites on water & snow. I’m IKO & KA certified kite instructor, backcountry guide, ski instructor, nerdy gear tech, best friends with the wind and lover of sexy snow storms.

Over the past 10 years, I’ve been teaching people to snowkite on both sides of the world. Originally from Australia, I now spend most of my time in the USA chasing wind with my husband in both the winter on snow and summer in the water.

Frustrated with the difficulty of travel the past few years and feeling like I couldn’t help enough people learn this sport safely if they couldn’t travel to me. I decided to find a way to teach people to fly kites online.

Introducing the Snowkite Academy, where Adrenajen and her team are dedicated to empowering adventurous snowboarders and skiers who seek to conquer the backcountry with the exhilarating sport of snowkiting. The Snowkite Academy offers a range of programs and resources designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to be a confident and safe Snowkiter.

Join Jen’s signature program – Snowkite FUNdamentals, 4 steps to snowkite confidence. This is a great place to learn what you need to know. Plan – Forecasting and Location. Safety – Snow Safety to Kite Safety. Gear – Essentials for snowkiting. Fly – Kite maneuvers for the mountains.

Inside the Snowkite Academy you’ll find programs for beginners and people who already kite on water. Learn the basics or dive into the advanced programs for using foil kites, riding up mountains or taking your kite skills to the Next Level.

Safety is at the forefront of everything we do, and we prioritize teaching proper equipment usage, weather assessment, avalanche awareness, and emergency preparedness and more. Safety and Risk Assessment is covered in detail plus modules on finding courage and overcoming fear too.
Jen’s technical side comes out in the program on gear to use for snowkiting where she covers what to wear and also what to bring in your backcountry rescue kit.

Damaging kite gear on a trip could be devastating but after doing the Fix’n it module you’ll feel like a macqver. Plus there are no excuses not to be fit and ready for your snowkite adventure when the Snowkite Academy has a Kite specific fitness program.

What sets the Snowkite Academy apart is our commitment to empowering our students. Through in-depth lessons, live Q & A sessions, and personalized private coaching, we guide individuals on their snowkiting journey, helping them develop the necessary skills to handle diverse terrain and wintery weather conditions and also gain a deep appreciation for the natural beauty and serenity of the wind in the backcountry.

Adrenajen also has a Pro Shop for students to buy kites at special prices and a Dream List of Snowkite Adventure Locations around the world including Alaska, Australia, Idaho and in 2024 we will launch trips to France, Norway and New Zealand for everyone to join.

From a 14 year old ski instructor in Australia to the creator and CEO of the International Snowkite Academy is a life journey I am proud of and the story is far from finished.

Let’s go Snowkiting!

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

One of the ways I manage a team and maintain a high morale even when the weather is stormy or even worse, no wind! I like to make sure that every member of the team feels valued and is a necessary part of the business. Every team member is given the opportunity and freedom to be creative and enhance the experience for the customer. In Australia we don’t have tipping. So as an employer, I was taught to give my employees gifts or bonus’s when they do a good job and my profit or service increases. Giving a thoughtful gift means more than an expected tip and also makes them feel worthy.

Advice: Don’t just let your customers give appreciation to your staff. Give them appreciation too!

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Time and Consistency has helped my reputation in my market to be positioned as an expert. It is important to be qualified and provide testimonials but I also believe that my life is my marketing and being an athlete with achievements also shows that I set the example in life. Telling stories of set-backs and come backs is important like when I had a spinal fusion and 3 years later became Australian Kitesurfing Champion at 48 years old. Also setting the example that we are never to old to compete and have our dreams come true.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://adrenajen.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrenajen/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adrenajen
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrenajen/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@adrenajen
• Other: https://www.threads.net/@adrenajen

Image Credits
Arlin Ladue, Jennie Milton, Steve Maxwell, Steve Schumm