The WON welcomes new columnist Michelle Cerino to its ranks. Sponsored by Packing in Pink, Michelle’s new column, “She Shoots 2,” follows her on a journey to becoming a competitive shooter and hunter.
Have you ever wished that the men in your life would quit using your gear or that you didn’t have to always borrow theirs?
Did you ever lose an item at the range because almost everything is black?
Are you ready to set yourself apart from the rest of the shooters on the line?
I found a female-owned company that has just what you are looking for. I would like to introduce you to Packing in Pink (PiP) owned by Kim Page of Toronto, Canada. PiP carries ladies’ high-quality shooting gear with a great motto: “Just because you shoot like a man, doesn’t mean you have to look like one.”
Kim Page is a Canadian citizen with a passion for any kind of firearm. I find this kind of ironic, considering the firearms laws our neighbors to the north have. I know she has to work hard just for the opportunity to enjoy the shooting sports, since firearms are not as accessible as they are in the U.S. For those who have never met Kim Page, I can describe her to you in two words: HIGH ENERGY. Kim’s switch is always turned on and she is always going 100-miles-an-hour (unless of course she is in Canada, then it is 161 km/h). It is her work ethic and ambition that has made PiP successful in such a short amount of time.
The concept for Packing in Pink started back in 2007. While talking to women at various shooting ranges, Kim realized that for the most part, females were neglected in the firearms industry. There really weren’t many items made just for women out there. Lucky for us, Kim decided to do something about it. With the support of her friends and family, she made the decision to step outside her comfort zone, leave her job and start her new company.
Kim Page, owner of Packing in Pink, shoots the Barricade Event of the 2013 Bianchi Cup.
Photo courtesy of Chris Cerino
According to the PiP Facebook page, the mission of her company is “to empower all women and unite them through a network and a variety of specialty items that will embody the principles and values of today’s modern woman.” Since meeting Kim in the fall of 2012, I can attest to the fact that she lives her company’s mission daily. Kim constantly networks with other women involved in the firearms industry and influences others to become a part of it. Her passion for the industry is contagious and you can’t help but get excited about life while in her presence.
Packing in Pink sells a high quality line of women’s and girl’s clothing made right in the USA and Canada. It offers from yoga pants, hoodies and T-shirts (that are all cut for women) to various types of hats. Kim also carries a variety of protective gear: shooting glasses, earmuffs, trigger locks and my favorite, the Maglula Uplula. All items come in pink, of course.
Also, Kim sells a PiP duty line that is always expanding and growing. Currently PiP carries pistol belts with bright pink inner belts, magazine pouches, handcuff cases and glove pouches that are all made in black, but tease with a hint of pink stitching to give it a personalized look. All the items sold through PiP are quality tested for durability. Kim does not put the PiP logo on anything that has not gone through rigorous tests by many members of her family. Thus, it has taken a long time for her to get the perfect products on her website, ones that she is proud to have her logo on.
Michelle Cerino shoots the Moving Target Event at the 2013 Bianchi Cup. Check out that Blade-Tech holster!
Photo courtesy of Dick Jones
My favorite PiP item Kim is now carrying is the pink Blade-Tech holster. These tough, solid-color molded holsters are 100-percent Blade-Tech quality with PiP’s personalized flair. Made specifically for your gun out of solid, molded Kydex, this holster offers friction-style weapon retention. The custom-molded contours keep your gun secure, to give you peace of mind. This holster allows you to work on speed and a smooth draw, without having buttons to press or snaps to open.
My personal holster is a solid bright pink. It looks really great on my PiP inner belt. Kim is working with the folks at Blade-Tech to offer several pink color schemes created, and will include the ever-popular “Digi Cam,” in shades from white to bright pink. They all look great and are being sold for the most popular carry and competition pistols on the market today.
Just this year Kim created the PiP shooting team, and invited me to join it. Upon conception of the team, Kim let me know that she wanted women to have the opportunity to step out of their comfort zones, participate in a match and most of all, have fun doing it. The team debuted at the Midway NRA Bianchi Cup in May. You couldn’t miss us with our bright PiP team shirts and pink holsters. And yes, we all had a great time.
Team Packing in Pink.
Photo courtesy of Dick Jones
This past June, PiP announced the launch of their Blade-Tech and PiP NRA Instructor Dealer Program. PiP partnered with the National Rifle Association to offer NRA Instructors special dealer pricing on the entire product line. Kim is so dedicated to preserving the Second Amendment and firearms training, that PiP will also donate 10 percent of all sales directly to the NRA Training and Education Endowment Program. What a great way for a company to give directly back to the people who support it.
Packing in Pink is now the proud sponsor of She Shoots 2, a column written by Michelle Cerino that features her adventures into the world of shooting.
Michelle Cerino, aka Princess Gunslinger, first entered the firearms industry in 2011 as co-owner, president and trainer at a national training company. She immediately began competing in both 3-Gun and NRA Action Pistol, becoming a sponsored shooter. Michelle is currently a columnist and Managing Editor of Women’s Outdoor News, as well as owner of Pervenio LLC. She also manages social media for Vera Koo and FASTER Saves Lives. Michelle encourages others to step out of the comforts of home and explore. View all posts by Michelle Cerino
I have had the pleasure of spending time with Michelle, Chris, and the Cerino family. You have found a great, dedicated, devoted columnist. I am thrilled to see her join your team and will be following you more intently now.
What a great write up!! I love my PIP duty belt and get tons of compliments on it at local matches!! I met Kim and her staff at the 2013 NRA Conference and I fell in love with their products and staff!! Everyone is always so helpful and very positive!! Happy to see more women supporting shooting sports and businesses!!
Thank you for all you do!!
~Jamie
Norman, OK