Brand Feature: Veltri Sport
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 Lisa, the creator of Veltri Sport!
Tell us about your business.
Veltri Sport has been built around 3 main ideas. The first one, “Where fashion meets function”, is based around the idea of developing functional products with a modern feel that take the rider from work or school to the barn and then out shopping or to dinner. The second idea is “protecting the helmet that protects you”. I wanted to create a backpack that protects your helmet so that you know it can protect you. Our backpacks feature a concealed padded helmet compartment to keep them from being exposed and free of jostling and scratching. Lastly, "Responsibly made from recycled materials", I use materials made from recycled plastic bottles and containers. I feel it is extremely important (especially in this industry) to keep the environment at the forefront of our development decisions.This is more costly, but necessary!
Why did you start Veltri Sport?
My daughter is an equestrian and has been showing since she was 5. I am a fashion industry veteran with many years experience in the designer handbag and accessories industry. We found it difficult to find a more versatile riding bag that protected (but concealed) her helmet that she could use outside of the show ring. So I decided to create one myself and Veltri Sport was born!
What is your favorite thing about owning the business?
Being a business owner is full of learning opportunities and I love soaking up all the knowledge that’s out there and educating myself on all the different facets of entrepreneurship. Each day is a new challenge and it’s so exciting! I also love that I get to meet new people every day. The equestrian community is so welcoming and encouraging and finding like-minded equestrians and entrepreneurs has been an amazing experience.
What has been the biggest challenge of owning the business?
The biggest challenge for me has been that all the decisions and all the responsibilities are on me. Being a sole owner of the business is great in that you get to build it how you want but it also means that it all falls on your shoulders. You have to develop a tough skin for making mistakes and owning them. But I wouldn’t change it for the world.
What is some advice you would give to entrepreneurs?
I think it’s super important to remember that you are going to have good days and bad days. There will even be good weeks and bad weeks. But you have to stay focused and stay the course. It will all be worth it in the end.
Another reminder, that I often need myself, is don't beat yourself up. I am my biggest critic, as I’m sure a lot of people are, and I need to learn to be nicer to myself. We are all just doing our best and if you’re out there trying, you’re doing amazing.
Tell us about some fun things customers can expect to see in 2022.
There will be a new color way "Bright Navy" in June that I think is so chic! In addition there will be new styles and a new camo print this summer. I am also doing some fun collaborations with other equestrian brands that complement VELTRI and I can’t wait to share them with everyone. It’s been such a joy to connect with other equestrian brands and entrepreneurs.
Make sure to check out Veltri's BRAND NEW WEBSITE! Use code DAPPLEBAY to get 10% off your order! And stay tuned...because we've got a special collaboration coming out soon.
