Black Friday

My first official Black Friday! Yes, I’m in Hickory Point Mall in Forsyth, Illinois, just outside of Decatur. I decided to try this endeavor after careful research and consideration about shopping/fashion trends, availability of space, and existing stores and their products. I have to say, I have been very well received here in Central Illinois, and the horse people have been especially welcoming. I love the reactions of shoppers as they come upon the store! What a surprise!

After this weekend of endless retail hours, I have a much better appreciation of what these folks do to get their stores ready for shoppers, especially around the holidays. Endless hours of work and preparation!

Black Friday was great here at Susan B’s. We sold belts, jewelry, shirts and décor. I’m getting a huge shipment of boots this week and I can’t wait to get them in the windows. As always, one of the best parts of working this type of business is chatting with the shoppers. I have heard all kinds of horse stories, Thanksgiving stories, and even a young couple came in to share their date night (Saturday) with me. I’d like to say that Susan B.’s is a casual, yet unique place where people feel welcome to hang out and check out the huge variety of products.

Thanks Forsyth and Decatur for welcoming me to your home. Stop in – I’m here through December 23^rd.

Happy Trails!

Over the past few days I have been in 10% of the country! That may seem impressive, but it’s really not. Last weekend we went to see our son for Parent’s Weekend at the University of Michigan. That’s four states away, but a quick drive! Although the home team lost their football game, the time we shared was fabulous! It was great weather for a November weekend, and we were able to take in the campus lifestyle. I have to say, on campus is one place to find out what young people find fashionable. Although temperatures flirted with the 70’s, boots tucked into jeans were all the rage. Also, lots of layering with tee shirts and hoodies. It is always fun to see how far “bling” has come, and it certainly is mainstream. Not only was there Michigan apparel with rhinestones, but also a slew of shirts and jeans sporting sparkle. I felt right at home with my attire!

Fast forward a few days and here I am in Southern California for a few days away and time to work from another location! I was honored to be asked to tag along with a company outing last night with my husband’s group. We went go-cart racing. Reliving my NASCAR days this summer, I smugly felt right at home. My confidence was quickly dashed, however, when I got behind the wheel and attempted to keep my “vehicle” on the track. Never mind that everyone was passing me (more than once, I might add).

However, in trying to find the bright spot, here are my observations:
• When coming in dead last, try to do so with composure.
• Use the glass is half full analogy whenever possible (I was “Most Improved” over the three runs!)
• Finally, it’s not always as easy as it looks! I’ll leave the NASCAR driving to those guys and gals we met this summer!

Hope you all find a bright spot in your day, and happy trails!

The word that comes to my mind recently is “Collaboration.” Seems we can’t get much done without it, or rather, not get as much done, or as well. I recently experienced collaboration with my business. As most of you know, I spent the month of October in Tulsa with the Tulsa State Fair, as well as the Arabian National Show. However, while I was there, I also had my business set up at Touche Salon in Libertyville, IL. I was honored to be asked to work with the folks at Touche in their endeavor to raise money and awareness for breast cancer. October, being the month that we typically acknowledge breast cancer, was the month they dedicated to fundraising for breast cancer research. Several businesses were asked to bring in products, and a portion of all proceeds were donated to this cause. All sorts of businesses were represented, including jewelry, shoes, stationary, etc. I was the only cowgirl-related business, not surprising being that Libertyville is a relatively urban area.

In conjunction with the month long event, there were in-shop specials on beauty products, and visits were made throughout the community by the staff for on-site beauty services. The money generated was dedicated to their breast cancer initiative.

Yesterday, I headed over to Touche, not only to get my hair done, but also to collect the rest of my products, to reconcile sales, and make my donation accordingly. I was pleasantly surprised to find that most of my products had sold! Had I turned a north shore suburb of Chicago into a cowgirl haven? Probably not. However, I think that Touche, as well as the other participating businesses were able to elevate the importance of breast cancer research and encourage patrons, and the community at large, to embrace the idea of collaboration. The smallest of contributions, when added to all the others, really can make a difference.

Thank you Touche, for allowing me to be a part of your efforts in this collective effort to make a difference for women. I look forward to working with you in the future!

Happy Trails!

The Arabian National Show is underway, and it is exciting! There is something very unique and utterly beautiful about these horses! This morning I was able to sneak away from the booth to watch cutting, and then stole away to see some western pleasure. My customers have stopped by to say when they’ll be showing in every different discipline imaginable, so it’s always fun to catch a glimpse if I can.

Each booth set up for Susan B. Designs is different. At this show, I am continuing the black and pink theme, and using the pony bike as a focal point. It sure is an attention getter (ponybike.com). With many children and grandchildren in mind, it makes a great gift idea for the show-goers. Also the Pink Pony Posse is making a hit, with the automatic donation to breast cancer research with every purchase. There are a lot of reiners here, and the Genuine Cowgirl reiner hoodie (my best seller) has been doing well.

I am set up right in front of the show office, and this week I’ve enjoyed watching trainers, riders, and families greet each other as they reunite at the National Show. It’s almost like a Homecoming! For those of you in the Tulsa area, come on out and see this great event and the beautiful Arabians! The show runs through October 31st. Come see me in the Ford Livestock Building. Happy Trails!

We just finished up with our booth at the Tulsa State Fair. Although this was the first event that Susan B. Designs has done at this kind of a venue, I have to say that it was a fun one!

A highlight of the fair was talking to the many customers who were there to show their livestock. Now, I’m familiar with the horse-set, but these young men and women and their parents were showing cattle, sheep, goats, chickens, rabbits, etc. They all were just as dedicated to getting their animals in tip top show shape as anyone in the horse world.

I eagerly heard about how they primp and gussy up their livestock, and with the cattle, how hard it is because those sweeties just want to lay down when they’re tired! I learned that there is show sheen even for the chickens! Each feather needs to be in just the right place. When watching the cattle judging, I was impressed not only with the handlers, but also the judges. Each class was evaluated, and the judge told the class and the audience why the animal placed in class where it did! My favorite class to watch was the heifer and calf classes! I never realized that those animals could be taught to set up like a horse in halter class.

I also heard how each young person competing through FFA or 4H has to learn to give their heart and soul to these creatures, and then part with them at the end. Their passion to show a steer to the highest level of competition, all too often results in a paycheck, and then handing over the animal to another function. And these kids do it with dignity!

Being on the road with the business is all about providing a fun and unique shopping experience for my customers. But each show brings with it a learning environment for me. In the case of the Tulsa State Fair, I learned about, and learned to love, the art of showing livestock. I think this piece of art sums up the pain and tears at any type of livestock show Pic of Art. I look forward to seeing you all next year, and hearing about your successes this school year! And parents, you too! Until then, Happy Trails!

Summer

It has been a hectic summer so far. I not only changed residences, (and states) but also spent two weeks in Milwaukee for Summerfest! What a great show, and a great time. For those of you who stopped by - thank you! It was fun being at the new location with a large shop. Shortly after my return, I headed off to Country Thunder. We were situated in a spot where we could see and hear everything happening on stage. As far as Booya is concerned, he and I attended the Wisconsin Ranch Horse Show in May, and a large reining event in Indiana. Right now we are getting ready for the county fair! Yesterday we took a break from training and worked on cattle! (Did I mention that we are riding English at the county fair?) Best wishes to all of you competing this summer. To everyone: Happy trails!

It's Spring!

Finally Spring has arrived, and with it, all things horse! I have had a wonderful time at Expos over the last month. At the beginning of April, I attended the Hoosier Horse Fair. We were very busy at the Susan B Designs booth. One of the highlights of this weekend was my being asked to be the "guest celebrity" at the Mounted Shooting Demonstration. I rode a trusted mount "Chisel" and managed to "shoot" most of the balloons! (ok, maybe I rode at a walk, but so what!) Very fun, and I can see why this sport is quickly emerging in the horse industry.

Next up was the Midwest Horse Fair in Madison. I consider this my "hometown" fair, as many people from my area go to this event. It was very heavily attended, and we had a great time at the booth! I also enjoyed speaking on interior design and had wonderful participation!

In early May I opened my shop at the Ironhorse Round Up, held at Sundance Saloon. Although I'm not exactly a motorcycle chic, I had a blast mingling with the cycle crowd. Great music and fun, combined with warm weather added up to a good time.

This weekend I will have my new Susan B. Designs trailer at the Wisconsin Ranch Horse Assoc. show as well as my horse Booya! Stay tuned for updates and pics!

Happy Trails!