Brand Feature: Euphoric Equestrian
In the spirit of community over competition, I'm excited to continue the Brand Feature Series. Each month, I feature another woman owned equestrian small business that I love. This month we get to know Alexa Skonieczny, the creator of Euphoric Equestrian!
Tell us about Euphoric Equestrian.
Last year, I set out to design fully functional AND comfortable riding apparel that is also great for day-to-day life. Personally, I want to stay in my riding clothes as long as possible but generally found myself going home and changing immediately after my ride. Whether you are running to work after you squeezed in a morning ride or meeting some girlfriends for lunch, I wanted everyone to feel confident and HOT. I know that’s not usually a word that goes with equestrian but, truly, you feel so good walking around in these clothes, I promise you won’t want to take them off!
Why did you start the business?
I’ve been riding my entire life but after college, I had to take some time off to become an adult and I sadly had to put down my heart horse around the same time. I missed riding so much but always knew I would be back. A little over a year and half ago, I got back into it and could not, for the life of me, find cute riding leggings (as an amateur rider, I am all about comfort!). I literally tried every pair on the market and some were fine for riding but I would never want to wear them out to run errands or go to work after the barn. I drew this horrendous sketch and brought it to an amazing manufacturer based here in Los Angeles and Euphoric Equestrian was born. I always knew I wanted elevated riding clothes that didn’t compromise on comfort and I’m confident in saying that that’s what I created!
What is your favorite thing about owning the business?
My favorite thing about owning Euphoric Equestrian is that I’ve met so many wonderful people/riders in the process.The equestrian community is a small one so it's been really cool to meet so many different riders of different backgrounds. When they send me little emails or DM’s on Instagram, it makes my heart so happy! And now I feel like I have relationships with so many of these ladies even if it's just online. It’s really nice to connect with people you wouldn’t otherwise.
What has been the biggest challenge of owning the business?
Oh gosh, everything! Somedays, I feel on top of the world and like I’m killing it! Other days, I wonder if anyone really likes my brand. There are some high highs and low lows when starting a small business that you’ve put so much love and creativity into! I do every job at my business which includes customer service, packing orders, design, social media, the list goes on…Sometimes, trying to keep up with it all can be creatively draining. This sounds so cliche but when you do what you love it doesn’t feel like work. This rings so true to every emotion I feel about this brand.
What is some advice you would give to entrepreneurs?
Go with your gut and stay true to yourself. At the beginning, some people told me to change my designs or that people wouldn’t like it. It can be easy to let a room full of people persuade you otherwise but I’ve really stuck to what I want to see in riding clothes and I think it always shows in the finished pieces. Oh, and also be nice and gracious to everyone!
Tell us about some fun things customers can expect to see in 2022.
I am super excited to be launching another bodysuit! I’m so surprised how much people have been loving our Splendor bodysuit (actually I’m not surprised, the fabric is SO comfy!). I will also be launching a unique sun shirt for the upcoming summer weather as well as some new colors in the classic leggings in the future!