An interview with the founder, Alexa Skonieczny EUPH O RIC EQUESTRIAN

from Equestrian Living - May/June 2023

CAV A LLERIA TOSCANA

In what capacity have horses been part of your life?

I started riding when I was 8 years old. My parents had nothing to do with horses. I just caught the horse bug. I rode through high school and college but then took a five-year break, which was painful. I always knew that when I could afford to ride again, I would.

You have worked for Samshield and owned an equestrian boutique. Did you always think your work would be in the equestrian space? Was fashion always a passion of yours?

I was a journalism major at the University of Arizona but realized that was not what I wanted to do with my career. After owning my equestrian boutique, I worked for Samshield for four years and got a lot of equestrian apparel experience when they launched their clothing line. I never thought I would be in fashion, but I love shopping. I always knew that as a sport and hobby, riding would make its way back into my life.

What were the driving forces behind the start of Euphoric Equestrian? How did it come to life?

I live in Los Angeles, and most people dress impressively here. I wanted to wear something that crossed over from the barn to lunch and shopping with my friends. I struggled to find apparel that made me feel chic. I love riding in leggings and was determined to find a fashion-forward equestrian legging that mimicked workout pants and combine that with classic equestrian style. Even though I am terrible at drawing, I went home and began sketching what I had in my mind. I basically drew the current “classic legging” that I sell. I loved the contrasting knee patch because it looked like classic equestrian style, like Ralph Lauren. I love the feeling of high-quality workout pants; I wanted that fabric, but needed them to function for riding. I was designing with the working amateur rider in mind who may have children and a high-powered job and ride.

After a Saturday morning lesson, I was walking my horse out and I felt complete euphoria. That was going to be the name of my company, Euphoric Equestrian. I had no idea how to get started, but I was very lucky, and I got connected by a friend with a manufacturer who makes highend athletic brand clothing. They had never done anything equestrian before, but they agreed to take me on. I wanted everything to be made in the United States because I wanted to be in control of how my products would be made.

What were some of the most challenging aspects of starting a clothing line, and how did you overcome them?

The hardest part to overcome was how to get my vision started. I am so lucky to work with a team of people who help me find the best fabric and fit. I tell them I need an incredibly durable but also luxurious fabric, and they steer me in the right direction. I have learned that I will not put a piece out unless I am incredibly excited about it. Trial and error are part of the process, and I personally take pieces to the barn to ride in and wash them several times before putting them out to customers. I do struggle with comparing myself and my brand with others. Lately, I have been putting blinders on to better focus on myself and embrace each piece I put out. It is so rewarding when I see people wearing my clothes.

What does your day-to-day work life look like?

First and foremost, my day starts at the barn. Then I typically head to the warehouse where I try on samples, work on fabrics, and then come home to pack and ship orders. Recently, I have been working on increasing my content for Instagram and the website. I feel that when owning a brand, having strong content draws people to your clothing.

What are your future goals for Euphoric Equestrian?

I have always wanted to see my collection items in more grand-scale stores like Kentucky Horse Park and Wellington International. I achieved this goal when my clothes were sold at Wellington International 2023. For any equestrian, you think of WEF as the premier place to see your products because there is such a high caliber of riders there. I want to create brand-loyal customers who keep shopping my collections.

What is your favorite part of running Euphoric Equestrian?

I love my brand and the people that it has connected me with. From customers to content creators who are in my court, I have loved seeing my brand come to life and bringing happiness to other riders. If you look good, you ride better.

What differentiates Euphoric Equestrian from other equestrian apparel brands?

I am a one-woman shop. It is me behind every piece of clothing and every shipment. I personally pack every order. It connects me to my customers, and no matter how big the company may get, I hope to always do that. I love being involved and truly enjoy writing personalized notes for every order. For repeat customers, I feel like I am writing letters to a friend.

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