Episode #29
Cat Brickey
Episode Title:
From Nursing Shifts to Glamping Dreams: How Cat Brickey Built WyldStay with Grit, Cows & a Vision
Episode Description:
In this unforgettable episode, host April Kemp travels to Greenville, South Carolina to visit WyldStay—a glamping and Highland cow farm experience created by the inspiring and resilient Cat Brickey. From an ER nurse and single mom to a full-fledged farm entrepreneur, Cat shares how she built a dream on land she visualized, funded herself, and grew with her own two hands (plus a few cow hooves).
You’ll hear how Cat turned obstacles—county permitting issues, financing challenges, and self-doubt—into stepping stones, and how she uses her space to help families reconnect with nature, and with each other. This episode is about risk, reinvention, and remembering that sometimes your dream shows up at 35...with a cow and a campfire.
Key Discussion Points:
[01:38] Discovering her dream at 35 during a glamping trip to Yellowstone
[02:37] How two Highland cows and a vision became WyldStay
[05:46] How building WyldStay changed her personally—and healed others too
[06:59] Pivoting from a 7-acre floodplain to a 30-acre dream property
[08:49] From vet tech to Clydesdale farm: how her early animal work helped shape her dream
[11:32] The moment it all felt real—standing on her new land with the vision taking shape
[13:36] The hardest challenges: financing, county permits, and the power of not giving up
[18:06] Creating her own “shero story” and inspiring other women to go all in
[22:30] The value of team, friendship, and building with others who believe in your dream
[24:48] Her approach to unforgettable guest experiences and “unreasonable hospitality”
[26:55] Advice for aspiring dreamers and future farmpreneurs
[28:34] Monetizing small farms: Cat’s vision to help others grow income from their land
[30:01] Final words: “If you’ve got a dream, it’s out there. Just go get it.”
Notable Quotes:
“Pick a big challenge. Do something scary. And make your own hero story.”
“Be your kid’s hero. Show them you can dream—and do.”
“When you find something that creates joy inside you, other people will want to be a part of it.”
“If you can make someone feel seen, you’ll have a customer for life.”
“Don’t wait for perfect. Start with passion and figure it out from there.”
Takeaways:
Dreams don’t have deadlines. You can start at 35—or anytime—with just a vision and courage.
Pivoting isn’t failure—it’s part of the journey.
Self-talk is powerful. Tell yourself you can do it—then prove it to yourself daily.
You don’t need a million-dollar budget. You need determination, grit, and a reason.
Hospitality is a superpower. Make people feel seen, heard, and cared for—and they’ll never forget you.
Connect with Guest:
• Website: https://www.wyldstaygreenvillesc.com/
• Instagram: @wyldstay_gvl
• Phone: 714-742-4748
• DM Cat for business, mindset, or farmpreneurship questions!
Connect with Us:
• Follow April Kemp on Instagram: @fanaticaldreamher
• Stay updated: https://www.fanaticaldreamher.com/
• Email: april@fanaticaldreamher.com
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