Hey, Wildlings, Denver here.
The following is my origin story:
To begin, my name is Denver, and I am the heart and hands behind Wayward & Wild. I grew up a dirt-stained tomboy in a small Southeast Alaskan town (local population around 1000), where I fell in love with wild landscapes and the art of natural, handcrafted goods. Perhaps the memories that hold the most impact in shaping who I am today were those of family canoe trips in the depths of the Yukon wilds. These days were packed with building forts in the forest, climbing the surrounding mountains full of wild berries, and training our family dogs to be perfect adventure companions, a passion that would carry over to sled dogs later. Making friends at this age was challenging, especially because while other girls were experimenting with makeup and having slumber parties, I was cleaning my own trout and picking thorns out of my hands. I always had my dogs. These early experiences instilled in me a deep connection to nature and a passion for outdoor living that has shaped my journey (and why I always have a dog with me. 💚
My teenage years were marked by significant milestones and the discovery of new passions. At 16, accompanied by my grandfather (who was the catalyst of many camping / canoe trips), I participated in the 444-mile Yukon River Quest, an experience that tested my endurance and deepened my love for adventure. The following year, I ran the Junior Iditarod at 17, navigating snowy trails with my lead dog, Eggs, and a team of 9 other dedicated sled dogs. This was when I truly found my calling with sled dogs, captivated by their strength, loyalty, and connection with wild living. These formative experiences not only honed my skills in perseverance and leadership but also cemented my dedication to life intertwined with nature and her animals.
After high school, I attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) to study wildlife biology while successfully running Styrkr Kennel, my sled dog kennel for 4 years. Balanacing my education with my passion for dog mushing was challenging (especially financially) but incredibly rewarding. Due to mental health strain, I decided to drop out of university to pursue dog mushing full-time, turning it into both a sport and a job by contracting with tour companies. During this period, I was engaged and living my mushing dreams, but as life would have it, my partner's intentions and future plans shifted. After the breakup, I had to make some difficult decisions, including rehoming my kennel.
The onset of COVID-19 pandemic brought additional challenges. Homeless for a few weeks with 25 dogs and unable to return to Southeast Alaska due to closed borders, I found refuge in a rental cabin while my dogs lived with a fellow musher. After the rehoming of the last of my race team, I plunged into the veterinary field to distract myself from the grief of losing my kennel. It was here that I shifted my working dog interest from vocal, sketchy sled dogs to loud, bitey Belgian Malinois. These years were transformative, and it was during this time that I met Josh through a dating app. Our connection was instant, and we soon moved in together - a period my mom jokingly refers to as our COVID Romance.
Josh and I knew we didn't want to stay in Fairbanks, but were unsure of our next decision. We moved to Skagway and considered staying, but the engorged housing prices and limited land availability prompted us to look elsewhere. We ultimately decided on Michigan, drawn by the opportunity to be closer to Josh's family and the promise of more land options while maintaining a similar landscape and lifestyle.
So what now?
Wayward & Wild started as a small soap business, born out of my love for natural, handcrafted products. Over time, my vision expanded beyond suds to encompass a holistic homestead. My goal is to create a homestead that supports multiple "ecosystems": our lovely soap shop, an apothecary, market garden, bakery, rental cabins, and hosting opportunities. I aim to inspire and educate others about homesteading, sustainability, and holistic living, creating a space that fosters creativity and self-sufficiency.
Looking ahead, I see Wayward & Wild Homestead as a vibrant, bustling place where multiple businesses flourish in harmony. I envision a cohesive homestead where artisan goods, community outreach, and self-sufficiency seamlessly integrate. My goal is to create beautiful, inspiring content that showcases the many skills and talents involved in building a homestead, demonstrating that someone neurodivergent can create something complex and beautiful.
I invite you to follow along as we embark on this exciting adventure. Subscribe to the blog, follow us on social media, and join our community of Wildlings! Thank you for your support and enthusiasm as we take Wayward & Wild to new heights!🌿