We had the good fortune of connecting with Sandra Brigman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sandra, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My journey into entrepreneurship wasn’t something I planned—it evolved alongside my journey as a mother, especially as a single mother. Every stage of my daughter’s life has revealed a new need, a new gap, and has inspired me to create something meaningful to fill it, to grow and evolve, not just as a parent, but as a creator of spaces where children can thrive.

When she was a baby, I had to figure out how to balance being present for her while also creating financial stability. That led me to help my mother start a childcare business, allowing her to stay home with us while also supporting other families. As my daughter grew into a curious toddler, I saw how much she thrived in nature, and I realized how disconnected many children were from the natural world. That’s when I created Kidwings Nature School—a place where children could learn through experience, develop emotional awareness, and build resilience through nature-based education.

But then, a few years ago, something shifted. I had always envisioned creating a space where girls could learn about puberty in a way that was empowering rather than confusing or shameful. And yet, it wasn’t until my own daughter reached the age of transition that I felt the urgency to bring that vision to life. As a single mother, I knew that I was her main guide through this phase, and I wanted to make sure she had the support, knowledge, and sense of celebration that I never had growing up.

My own journey with my menstrual cycle was painful—physically and emotionally. Like so many women, I grew up with misinformation, embarrassment, and even shame around my period. I didn’t understand my body, and instead of seeing my cycle as something natural, I saw it as something inconvenient, something to hide, something that made life harder. It wasn’t until I was much older that I began unlearning these harmful beliefs and reconnecting with my body in a healthier way.

That’s how My First Moon Camp was born—not just as a program for girls, but as a healing space for mothers, too. Many of us didn’t have positive experiences with our first periods. We weren’t taught that our cycles are powerful, that they are deeply connected to nature, to our energy, and to our well-being. So at My First Moon Camp, we rewrite that story—for our daughters and for ourselves. We create a space where girls learn about their bodies in a way that feels safe, celebratory, and empowering. And just as importantly, we help mothers reconnect with this phase of life, breaking generational cycles of shame and misinformation.

Each stage of my business has been deeply personal, growing from my own experiences of navigating motherhood alone, healing my own relationship with my body, and wanting to create something better—not just for my daughter, but for all children. And what I’ve learned is that when we create spaces that truly support and nurture our children, we end up healing and transforming entire families. That’s the heart of my work, and that’s why I continue to grow this vision.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is deeply personal—it was born from both necessity and passion. When I got pregnant, I knew I was going to be a single mother. I had to start over after a successful career, and it was one of the hardest moments of my life. I cried a lot, I was broke, and I had to rely on government assistance just to get by. My mom was my biggest support system, and I did whatever I could to make ends meet—driving Uber at night while my daughter slept so I could be with her during the day.

When I started Kidwings Nature School, it wasn’t an instant success. For a year and a half, it was just my daughter and one other child. I worked tirelessly—handing out flyers while driving Uber, promoting it every chance I got, but it grew slowly. Then, when the pandemic hit, it was a blessing in disguise. Families suddenly needed what I had been building all along—a safe, outdoor, nature-based learning space. I was ready for the need, and Kidwings finally took off.

Now, I’ve expanded my mission beyond nature education with My First Moon Camp, creating a space where girls and mothers can embrace puberty as a powerful transition rather than something to fear. What sets my work apart is its focus on connection—to nature, to self, and to each other. I want the world to know that healing, education, and empowerment go hand in hand. I built this from nothing, and I want other women—especially single moms—to know that they can create something meaningful too. It takes persistence, trust, and a willingness to start small, but it’s possible.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d make sure they experience the best of San Diego—its nature, culture, and amazing food. We’d start with a sunrise hike at Rancho Peñasquitos Creek, exploring the waterfall before heading to Balboa Park for a stroll through the gardens and museums and visitt Old Town. A visit to Kidwings Nature School would be a must, also on a Saturday a fresh finds at the Little Italy Farmers’ Market and take it to Blue Ocean/ Harumama in La Jolla the best sushi in town.

We’d spend time tide pooling in La Jolla, then going North unwinding at my favorite spot—the Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens in Encinitas and then walking the Oceanside Pier. Another day we will be doing A scenic drive to Julian for apple pie and the rural charm would be the perfect day trip. And of course, no visit is complete without tacos, a sunset at Sunset Cliffs, and a final visit at Coronado Beach to soak in the beauty of the coast.

San Diego is all about balance—ocean, mountains, food, and connection. I’d make sure my friend leaves feeling refreshed, inspired, and deeply connected to the magic of this place.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely! My journey has been shaped by so many, but first and foremost, my daughter—she has been my greatest teacher. Every stage of her growth has inspired me to create spaces that nurture and empower children, from Kidwings Nature School to My First Moon Camp.”

I also want to recognize my mother, who taught me resilience and the importance of building opportunities that allow us to care for our children while creating something meaningful. Her influence helped shape my path as an educator and entrepreneur.

A huge part of my growth also comes from Dr. Shefali Tsabary and her conscious parenting teachings, which transformed the way I approach motherhood and education. And I am deeply grateful for my team at Kidwings, whose passion and dedication make our vision possible every day.

Lastly, I honor the women reclaiming menstrual wisdom and body literacy—their work has played a huge role in my own healing and in shaping My First Moon Camp. This is more than a camp; it’s a movement to empower girls and mothers, rewriting the narrative around our bodies for future generations.

Website: https://www.Kidwingsnatureschool.com

Instagram: @kidwingsnatureschool

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kidwingsnature/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kidwings-nature-school-san-diego

Other: Google reviews: https://g.co/kgs/EBZL3fw

Image Credits
Rebecca Marino
Tanya Gudiel

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