Despite its name, the Outlaw Woman retail store at 1720 N. Ash has always been on the right side of the law.

Though her formal education and training was in advertising and finance, business owner Tamra Brannon says she’s always had compassion for the disenfranchised and victimized. It’s how Outlaw Woman came to be in 2015. A place where women could come and shop – or design and create their own handmade jewelry – in a safe setting.

“Outlaw Woman was founded on empowering women,” Brannon says. “The need to feel inspired and have purpose.”

But changing circumstances have led to an alteration in Outlaw Woman’s business model. Brannon recently was hired as a crime victim advocate for Spokane COPS (Community Oriented Policing Services), representing the West Central neighborhood.

Brannon already is in a long-term lease-to-purchase agreement with building owner Jess Lill, and Spokane COPS now is in the process of moving the West Central station from 1901 W. Boone to Outlaw Woman’s space on Ash.

Outlaw Woman will exist in name and online presence only moving forward. Brannon says she will always need a creative outlet.

However, the soon-to-be COPS shop is taking self-empowerment strides that she says are unprecedented in the 27-year history of the effort.

Recently certified by the National Office of Victim Advocacy, Brannon will be teaching self-defense classes for women. Brannon’s Release Insecurities & Stand Empowered training sessions will be based on her certified training.

A former Krav Maga martial arts instructor herself, Brannon will be working in tandem with defense trainers from the Spokane Police Department and Washington state Department of Corrections. The programs have been backed by state grants and will be offered for free, Brannon says.

Brannon says she still chuckles to herself when she thinks about the fact she was not the original selection for her current job.

“I was encouraged to apply for it, but on paper, I didn’t think I had the formal background for it,” she says.

The position was offered to another candidate who ultimately turned it down, according to Brannon.

“I love what I’m doing; helping others,” she says. “I was absolutely made for this job.”