Amber Haynes wears many hats as the CEO of outdoor women’s apparel company McKenna Quinn: marketer, hunter, angler, and designer are just a few. Whether in the field or stream, Haynes is dedicated to making sure women are comfortable and well-dressed.

We sat down with Amber to chat about being an ambassador for Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, her work in conservation and outdoor apparel.

Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with The Rifle & Reel. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started and how you got to where you are today? 

I launched McKenna Quinn in January of 2017.  I was fortunate to get to grow up hunting with my dad.  As I got older, bird hunting became a hobby that I really enjoyed getting to do with my dad and our dogs.  But I really struggled to find clothing that I felt comfortable wearing in the field.  Most of the option available either didn’t fit well or it wasn’t something I felt looked quite right.  McKenna Quinn started from a desire to have clothing I felt matched both the functional needs in the field and were fashionably acceptable.   

I’m sure you wouldn’t say your journey as a business owner has been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a smooth road? 

My journey so far has definitely been a lot of fun.  I have learned so much through this process and had several opportunities to reevaluate and rearrange my course.  I have been very fortunate to have several amazing people and groups come along side me and encourage and support McKenna Quinn along this journey.  I know McKenna Quinn would not be where it is today without their support.  

We’ve been impressed with McKenna Quinn, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others? 

McKenna Quinn is a Texas made ladies outdoor apparel line with a focus on wing shooting and shotgun sports.  The pieces are designed to be both functional in the field and gun club, but they are also designed to be elegant and tailored so that women feel comfortable wearing the pieces back to lunch or dinner afterwards. 

McKenna Quinn also hosts several events throughout the year geared towards providing opportunities for ladies to enjoy hunting and shooting together.  To date McKenna Quinn has had the privilege of hosting over 500 ladies in outdoor hunts and events.  In 2021, I had the honor of being named one of Texas Park and Wildlife Foundation’s Ambassadors which provided a platform to share how the blessing of spending time outdoors and hunting in Texas has shaped me and helped create this business. I feel so grateful to be a part of this program. Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation does so much to protect and conserve the Texas outdoors and provide opportunities to enjoy wild things in wild places – being a part of this campaign was truly wonderful. 

What’s one thing you never leave home without when you’re headed out to a hunt or a shoot?

My dog, watching her excitement when the gun sleeves come out makes hunting and shooting even more fun!  

So, what’s next? Any big plans for McKenna Quinn? 

McKenna Quinn has several new pieces coming out this summer and fall 2022 that I am super excited about.  I am also working with several amazing outfitters to create some really special ladies’ events this upcoming season.  You can see our upcoming shoots and hunts on our social media page and by signing up for our emails at www.shopmckennaquinn.com

Photo credit: Jonathan Vail