Kelsey and CJ Rathjen opened WYLD Adventures in July of 2022 and have had their eyes and hearts focused on their future in downtown Sheridan ever since. The couple felt motivated to open a store in Sheridan for several reasons. During the pandemic, after spending more time together as a family, the couple realized the best way to maintain the lifestyle they wanted was to start their own small business. In the process of planning, they decided that leaving Colorado and moving back to Sheridan where they grew up was the best path for them to take as a family.
Kelsey and CJ wanted to create a business that offered people the ability to get outdoors in an economical way. This concept inspired CJ to start a rental department on the Adventure side of the store that includes paddle boards, snowshoes, kayaks, altai skis, and camping gear for backpacking and car camping. While Kelsey runs the WYLD side of the business with clothing, accessories, home goods, and art; CJ runs the Adventure side of things. The two are settled into their space enjoying small business life and constantly expanding their inventory.
Kelsey says genuinely kind things about the brands and local products she carries and with her magnetic personality, she attracts pretty great individuals to sell their brands at WYLD Adventures. “We try to support other women-owned businesses. Jewelry with Becki Butterfield is now available too!” Kelsey said with a smile. Not only does she carry locally-made jewelry, but she also has Home in Wyoming art and furniture, G Soul Co clothing, houseplants by Green Buffalo, and The Front Porch hat design section at the store.
“Come shopping here because we have something for everyone, from kids to adults. Our products cater to everyday Wyoming life and most of our gear is higher-end, but the products we offer last a really long time.” Kelsey said of their inventory. In fact, if you bring in an old kid’s or junior’s coat or snow bibs that you purchased at WYLD Adventures, they allow you to trade in the item for new gear at a discount! “We want to keep the kids warm out there and we know they grow fast!” CJ said of the coat program.
