#BossBabes

Meet Lisa
from
The Little Horse Girl

Can you tell us a little about you?

I live in New Lenox, with my fiancé, and our four little chihuahua dachshund cross dogs.   I have been involved in the equine world in some way since age 8.  My full time gig, however, for the last 20 years or so, is bank manager.  

Can you tell us a little about your business?

As someone who has been involved in the equestrian industry for close to 40 years in many forms – rider, trainer, competitor, and spectator – I became frustrated when trying to find items for my niece, who is just beginning her pony career, all in one place.  I decided there must be an easier way to help her, and girls like her, achieve the look they want as well as provide them with their pony lifestyle needs.  
The Little Horse Girl is a curated collection of riding apparel, accessories, pony care needs, and “Pony Lifestyle” items.  As a women owned small business, I am striving to provide products from as many other women owned small businesses as possible in order to better support our community.   

What made you want to start your business?

I started the business as a result of frustration with the equestrian industry's lack of support for small business, and a need to have a selection of children's items all in one place.  

Why do you think it is important for women to support other women?

I believe as women we are sometimes quick to either judge other women, or compare ourselves to them.  I feel we need to support one another more, rather than always look at it as a competition between "me and her."  There is plenty of room for everyone to play in every industry, and supporting one another helps open more opportunities not only for ourselves, but other women, and the young girls who look up to us.  

If you could go back in time and tell yourself one thing when starting out, what would that be?

To allow myself more time, and not rush the process.   I created an imaginary deadline in my head, and really pushed to meet it.  If any little thing went wrong, I became upset because it moved that deadline out.  Had I relaxed some, and allowed myself more time for various projects, I believe the start up journey would have been more enjoyable.  

What were some obstacles/challenges along the way?

The biggest challenge for me was finding the right vendors/suppliers to work with.  It as really important to me to support other women owned businesses, so there was a lot of research that went into deciding who I wanted to do business with.  

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Poland.  I am told it is amazingly beautiful, and the food is amazing.  

Which babe in history would you want to have lunch with, and why?

Michelle Obama.  She is strong willed, and inspirational, while still being relatable and empathetic.  

Why is it important to have a personal brand?

It tells the story of your business, and sets you apart from others in your industry.  It helps to create not only a first, but lasting impression of who and what you are.

Thank you Lisa for sharing your brand new business with us. We love that you saw a need in this industry and decided to do something about it. You have been working so hard to get this together and we are excited for the big launch. We wish you the most luck and know that this new journey will be a successful one.