Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Stephanie Disse. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Stephanie, appreciate you joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

I started Mountaingirl on a whim during one of my trips to Montana about three years ago. Leaving the mountains always made me feel a bit sad, and that’s when inspiration struck. I thought, “What if I could take the spirit of the mountains with me?” I wanted to encourage others to find adventure wherever they are, even in their own backyards, as long as they keep an open mind.

The biggest risk for me was financial. Mountaingirl is a lifestyle and apparel company, and instead of taking out a loan, I decided to put my first clothing order of $7,000 on a credit card. This was a significant leap for me, as I typically wouldn’t put that much on a credit card. However, I felt incredibly confident and didn’t hesitate.

Within a few months, I made back all my initial investment, and I started using my proceeds to fund inventory. Fast forward a couple of years, and I decided to take another leap: I invested $10,000 on another credit card for a TikTok shop project with a company I had researched and interviewed. It felt a bit crazy, but I knew I needed to make a bold move to grow my business.

Now, about four months into the project, we’re collaborating with influencers, and the company has exceeded my expectations. While I haven’t seen profits yet, there’s been significant activity and momentum. I envision myself selling a lot of products and have let go of doubts.

When I made the leap with that $10,000 investment, I asked myself if I could afford to lose it. I concluded it was a small price to pay for the potential profitability.
I truly believe that taking risks is essential for growth in any entrepreneurial journey, otherwise, you risk being left behind in a world that rewards those who dare to step outside their comfort zones.

Stephanie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Stephanie Jo, and I’m married to my high school sweetheart, Jesse. We currently reside in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, and our family includes our two children, Samantha and Eli and his wife Brianne, three grandchildren, and four beloved dogs. Adventure has always been a part of our lives; we enjoy downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, biking, paddlebaording, and hiking through the woods, often going off the beaten path.
In July 2023, Jesse and I took a road trip to Whitefish, Montana, for a three-day music festival. One of our favorite bands performed a song called “MountainGirl,” which Jesse sang to me throughout the trip. Despite having lived in various mountainous towns and spending a lot of time in Montana, we had never visited Whitefish before, making this experience truly epic and filled with adventure.

On our way home, what started as a lighthearted joke evolved into an idea. I suggested we create a company called “MountainGirl,” and we both laughed.
Upon returning home, the idea didn’t go away; instead we both kept bringing it up to each other. We began sketching logo ideas on napkins and reached out to a friend for design help. Another talented writer friend, assisted me in articulating our vision, leading to our tagline: “Finding Adventure Wherever You Go.”

MountainGirl is a lifestyle and apparel brand that encourages and reminds individuals to embrace their adventurous spirit, reminding them that adventure can be found anywhere, even in their own backyard. We aim to foster a sense of belonging and community among adventurers, whether they’re seasoned explorers or just starting their journey. We believe adventure is for everyone, regardless of skill level or location.
We take pride in how this idea transformed from a simple joke into a brand that embodies our love for adventure. MountainGirl represents a lifestyle choice that encourages people to seek out and create their own adventures anywhere and take the “spirit” of the mountains with them!

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Throughout my journey as a business owner, I’ve faced numerous challenges, particularly when it comes to managing inventory. The cost of inventory can be daunting, and every decision about what to sell feels like a gamble. It’s scary to think about the possibility of not selling items, and during those times, imposter syndrome often creeps in, making me question my. There have been a few instances where I’ve tried new products or ideas that just didn’t resonate with my audience. Those moments often give me a queazy stomach, especially after investing time and resources into them. However, I’ve learned to view these setbacks not as failures but as valuable lessons.
While I appreciate the feedback and ideas from my customers, I’ve come to realize that I can’t just try to implement every suggestion I receive. I call these the “”you should””—things that sound good in theory but may not align with my brand or vision. It’s important to filter these ideas and determine what truly feels right for me and my business.
Through these experiences, I’ve learned to trust my instincts and stay true to my vision. Each challenge has made me more resilient, pushing me to adapt and find creative solutions. For instance, rather than overwhelming myself with numerous inventory choices, I’ve focused on a smaller, curated selection that I know resonates with my audience.
Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about learning and growing from every experience. While the journey can sometimes be challenging, it’s those challenges that ultimately shape who I am as a business owner. Embracing the ups and downs has made me more confident and determined to succeed.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I won’t sugarcoat it—building a social media presence has been challenging. When I first started posting my clothing items, I simply showcased the products without much context. Since I was new, many of my initial followers were friends and family who supported me, but I quickly realized that I needed to shift my approach if I wanted to grow.
As I gained more experience, I understood the importance of showing lifestyle pictures—real people using the products in everyday settings. This shift made a significant difference in engagement. Instead of just displaying clothing, I started sharing how the pieces fit into fun, adventurous moments.
Participating in vendor shows has also been crucial for my sales. These events allow me to connect with customers face-to-face, build relationships, and get immediate feedback on my products. It’s a great way to create a loyal customer base

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.mountaingirlmn.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18F6zLWfeK/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits

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