**Welcome to Wild Heart with a Warrior Mind**

Hi, I’m Nicole Gerard, and I’m so excited to welcome you to *Wild Heart with a Warrior Mind*! This blog is the start of something special—a space where I share my journey through farming, fashion, travel, small business ownership, fitness, and supporting veterans. Life has taken me down some unexpected roads, and I’m thrilled to have you join me for the ride.

**A Little About Me**

I’m an Army combat veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, and now my husband and I live on a cozy 1/2 acre that we’ve turned into our little sanctuary. While we’re not sure if we’ll move to start a full-on farm, we’re loving every moment of growing what we’ve got. With animals, gardening, and a healthy dose of adventure, we’re embracing the homesteading lifestyle in our own way.

On top of that, I’m co-founding a small business with my good friend Jason Savage called *The Local Market*, a year-round space that will focus on local food and handcrafted items from West Virginia and beyond. We’re passionate about building something that brings our community closer through food, creativity, and local support.

**What You Can Expect Here**

Here’s what you’ll find on *Wild Heart with a Warrior Mind*:

- **Farm & Homestead Life:** While we’re on 1/2 acre for now, we’re making the most of it! From our adventures with farm animals to learning how to grow our own food, I’ll share all the challenges and joys of homesteading.

- **Travel:** One of my greatest passions is exploring new places and finding inspiration along the way. Whether it’s a weekend getaway in the mountains or a bigger adventure, I’ll share travel stories, tips, and the experiences that broaden my perspective.

- **Fashion & Lifestyle:** I’m all about dresses that are both stylish and practical, especially with my busy hands-on lifestyle. Expect to see my favorite looks and tips on how to blend comfort with confidence.

- **Small Business & Local Love:** As we launch *The Local Market*, I’ll give you a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring a business to life. We’re all about celebrating local farmers, artisans, and makers, and I’ll share why supporting local means so much to me.

- **Veteran Life & Giving Back:** Having served in the military, helping other veterans is a mission close to my heart. I’ll be sharing stories and insights from my work supporting veterans, focusing on reintegration and brain health.

- **Fitness & Mental Strength:** Fitness and mental toughness are essential in my life, especially with my military background. I’ll be sharing workout tips, mental health practices, and how I keep both my body and mind strong.

**Our Journey**

My husband and I, both veterans, are always finding new adventures—whether we’re working on our homestead, traveling, or pushing each other to stay fit. We’ve got big dreams, and we’re figuring things out as we go. Whether we end up starting a full-on farm or not, we’re embracing every step of the journey.

**Join Us**

*Wild Heart with a Warrior Mind* is for anyone who feels the pull of adventure—whether it’s in farming, travel, or personal growth. If you’re a veteran, a small business owner, a travel enthusiast, or someone seeking inspiration for the road ahead, I hope this blog brings a bit of light and encouragement to your day.

So grab a cup of coffee (or whatever fuels your fire), and let’s dive into this wild, wonderful journey together.

Welcome to *Wild Heart with a Warrior Mind*—I’m so glad you’re here!