When Desstoni Holman founded FAB Firearms Academy, she was fueled by an experience that no one should have to endure — surviving gun violence. But what could have broken her spirit instead became the driving force behind a groundbreaking movement in the firearms industry. Desstoni saw a void — a gap where women, particularly Black women, lacked access to the tools, training, and community they needed to feel empowered and safe. She knew something had to change. And that’s exactly what she set out to do.
At FAB, women find a space created by women, for women. Desstoni’s experience with firearms training was starkly different from what she knew many women, especially those with no prior experience, encountered in the industry. “I built the space I wish had existed for me,” she says, capturing the essence of her mission — to create a welcoming, empowering, and judgment-free environment for women to learn the life-saving skill of firearms handling, all while embracing their femininity.
Empowerment Through Education
Since its inception, FAB Firearms Academy has already trained over 1,400 women across seven states, giving them the confidence to defend themselves when necessary and empowering them to take control of their own safety. Whether it’s first-time shooters, survivors of domestic violence, mothers, or professionals, FAB’s transformative approach to firearms education has equipped countless women with the skills they need to step into their power. But the Academy isn’t just about mastering marksmanship. It’s about mindset, confidence, and creating a community where women can lean on each other for support.
“The reason our students walk away changed is not just because they learn how to shoot,” Desstoni explains. “They walk away understanding how to move through the world with confidence, how to prepare for the unexpected, and how to protect themselves and the ones they love.”
FAB stands out because it doesn’t just focus on technical training. It takes a holistic approach to firearms education, addressing mental preparedness and real-world scenarios. By creating a space where women can ask questions, make mistakes, and learn at their own pace, FAB bridges the gap that has long existed in the firearms industry.
Breaking Barriers and Building Confidence
What makes FAB Firearms Academy unique is its ability to combine empowerment with practical education. The traditional firearms space, which has often been male-dominated and intimidating, doesn’t always meet the needs of women. That’s where FAB steps in. By intentionally designing a space with women in mind, FAB helps to remove the stigma and barriers that prevent many women from seeking out firearms training in the first place.
Many women who come to FAB for training are doing so because they’ve experienced vulnerability in one form or another, whether from past trauma, domestic violence, or the simple need to feel safer in an often unsafe world. FAB acknowledges those fears and provides a solution that is grounded in safety, confidence, and community. “When you step into our classes, you don’t just learn how to fire a gun,” Desstoni explains. “You learn how to take control of your life, your safety, and your future.”
The transformative power of FAB Firearms Academy’s approach lies in its emphasis on community. Women who train at FAB not only learn how to defend themselves, but they also join a supportive, tight-knit group of like-minded women who understand each other’s struggles and triumphs. The shared experiences of the women in the academy form a bond that goes beyond just learning how to shoot. It becomes about belonging, empowerment, and building the mental resilience that’s needed to navigate the world confidently.
The Impact of FAB Firearms Academy
FAB Firearms Academy has earned national recognition, being featured in prestigious publications like The Washington Post. Their collaboration with notable industry brands like Sig Sauer has only increased their visibility and impact. But beyond accolades, it’s the real stories of transformation that stand out. Women who were once afraid to even touch a firearm are now walking away as trained, confident shooters, ready to face the world on their terms.
One of FAB’s core values is teaching that being strong doesn’t mean sacrificing softness, and being confident doesn’t mean being hardened. Women who come to FAB leave with a renewed sense of self, ready to take on whatever comes their way.
Join the FAB Movement
FAB Firearms Academy is more than just a training facility. It’s a movement that is changing the firearms industry, one woman at a time. If you’re ready to step into your own power, learn life-saving skills, and join a community that has your back, then FAB Firearms Academy is the place for you.
Visit FAB Firearms Academy today to learn more about their classes, upcoming events, and how you can become part of the growing movement that is redefining what it means to be feminine, armed, and balanced.
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The FAB Firearms Academy is empowering women through firearms education and community-building, creating a safe space for women to learn and grow.
Photography by: Kayla Kimbrough
