One of the most frequently asked questions I receive is, 'How did you start an equestrian clothing brand?'
I believe that this market has grown significantly over the last five years, with many aspiring entrepreneurs looking to develop their own brand in the market. I was in the exact same position a couple of years ago—frantically searching for people to message and speak to about the process. Surprisingly, only a couple were kind enough to offer some advice.
So that’s something I always want to offer moving forward: advice and tips for anyone else who is looking to develop their own brand, whether that’s in the equestrian industry or something completely different.
Initially, you obviously need to begin with an idea (preferably something unique or aligning with a gap in the market). I began by thinking of a brand name and logo, really taking the time to consider what I wanted Gal-Up to represent.
After finalising the name and branding, we embarked on a mission to develop products that were unique and offered a solution to a problem I found in the market—truly versatile clothing. I always found myself changing outfits endlessly throughout the day, as my routine typically involves traveling between work, the yard, and the gym. I couldn’t find clothing that truly suited the purpose of every aspect of my daily routine. I also desired a brand that didn’t scream 'bright colors'—I was searching for something a little more subtle, and dare I say it, fashionable.
That’s where the Define and Train collection was born, with seamless sets that could be worn for multiple purposes. The design process is lengthy, and you have to be prepared to invest a lot of time and money into this. To begin with, you need to develop Tech packs, which will be sent as a reference to the factories. Then, you need to begin the sampling process. Our entire design process took over a year to get right, and I even trialed two manufacturers at the same time to compare quality and service. You need to be prepared to ride, work out, wash, and repeat your products a lot before you approve them, as this will save you costly mistakes in the future.
Once you’ve approved your final sample, it’s then time to order the bulk (this often takes a very long time!). So during this time, it can be a good idea to begin marketing your product online, in whichever way you plan on doing this.
I really hope you find this information useful—I know how much of a whirlwind it can be!
Sarah x