After Spirit Airlines shutdown, former flight attendant, mom of 8, launches fundraiser to open family restaurant

Kamille Carter, a Georgia mother of eight, is rebuilding her life after Spirit Airlines’ sudden shutdown left thousands of employees without jobs, paychecks, or benefits. Carter, a former flight attendant, has launched a GoFundMe to help turn her lifelong passion for cooking into a restaurant that can support her family.

Spirit Airlines’ Abrupt Shutdown Leaves Workers Scrambling

Spirit Airlines’ collapse pushed thousands of employees into unemployment overnight after a failed $500 million federal rescue proposal. The shutdown left workers across the country without income or benefits and forced many to seek emergency support.

Former flight attendants are turning to GoFundMe to cover rent, groceries, and basic bills while they search for new work. Many describe the layoffs as sudden, disorienting, and financially devastating.

Georgia Mom Kamille Carter Turns to Cooking After Losing Her Job

Carter spent four years as a Spirit flight attendant before the shutdown. She said the loss pushed her to rethink her future and pursue a dream she had long set aside.

“I’m not afraid of hard work—I’ve spent years caring for passengers in the air, and now I’m ready to build something meaningful on the ground for my family and my community,” she said.

Cooking has always been central in her home. She describes food as her way of bringing people together, showing love, and creating joy. Now she hopes to turn that passion into a business that can sustain her family.

GoFundMe Campaign Aims to Launch Her Restaurant

Her fundraiser, “Building a Future: Kamille’s Restaurant Journey,” outlines the first steps she hopes to take toward opening a small restaurant or food setup.

According to the campaign, donations will support:

• Licensing and permits
• Kitchen equipment and supplies
• Securing a small location or food setup
• Marketing and outreach

Carter says she draws inspiration from community‑focused restaurants like Rans, which showed her what local food businesses can achieve.

A Growing Wave of Fundraisers From Former Spirit Staff

Carter’s story reflects a broader trend among former Spirit employees. Dozens have launched fundraisers since the shutdown, many saying they have “nothing” and are unsure how to rebuild. Several describe losing not only their income but also the identity tied to their work in the skies.

A Community Steps In

Carter says every donation brings her closer to stability and a future she can build for her children. Her message ends with gratitude:

“Thank you for believing in me.”