Featured Brand: Kirby Cove Active

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 Mariah Peters, the creator of Kirby Cove Active! This month we partnered to bring you the DB X KCA Tie-Dye Kit, and I know you'll love their full collection of hand-dyed, high quality activewear. 



Kirby Cove Active makes apparel inspired by adventure, travel, and living an active lifestyle. We believe that life should not be taken too seriously. We believe that dancing in your bedroom counts as cardio, and that one should always have the curiosity of a child. Whether it’s running errands, or running a race, we believe that what you wear should always look as good as it feels. We make apparel for your life on the go. 
 
Why did you start the business?
I’ve always been a creator and I’ve spent my career playing with fabrics, color and prints, working on all types of products from bags to apparel, and all types of brands, large and small. But I also come from a very entrepreneurial family and as long as I can remember I’ve always wanted to start my own brand. I love the outdoor world, and living a healthy, active lifestyle, so I wanted to bring those things together, to create product that inspired others to live their best, healthy, and inspired lives. 
 
What is your favorite thing about owning the business?
I love releasing a new product, and getting to have seen the process from start to finish, and then seeing others get excited out it. That’s why I do this. 
What has been the biggest challenge of owning the business?
It would have to be wearing *all* the hats. Most of my career has been in leadership positions at both large and smaller brands, so I’m used to wearing “many hats”, but it’s a whole different story when you are the creator and the sales rep., marketing team and the design team. And the problem is, I love all the parts, but it can be challenging at times. 
 
What is some advice you would give to entrepreneurs?
If you have an idea, just start, even if you don’t feel ready. Even if you don’t have the perfect story figured out or all the answers. I feel that part of the brand story can actually be building the brand, and if you wait to feel ready, it may never happen.
 
Tell us about some fun things customers can expect to see in 2022.
Color is a huge focus, so being able to bring more of our fun tie-dye pieces in more colors, and playing with color in new ways. We’re also working on an embroidery and graphic collections, and so excited to layer that into our collections. And we’re still such a young brand, I also want to get to know our people better, so we’ll be looking to learn more about them and what they are inspired by. 

Don't miss the LIMITED EDITION DB X KCA Tie-Dye Kit! Mariah is also offering special discount code for Dapplebay fans to shop her website! Use code DB20 at checkout for 20% off!