We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Andrea Kucharczyk. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Andrea below.
Hi Andrea, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
Life is undeniably a tapestry woven from the threads of risk and reward, yet only a few truly grasp the importance of seizing the opportunities that arise. In a world that often promotes safe choices and adhering to the lines drawn by societal expectations, it takes extraordinary courage to step outside of the familiar. Those fearless individuals who dare to play by their own rules often leave indelible marks on history. They remind us that greatness comes not from playing it safe but from the audacity to dream and act with conviction.
Personally, I’ve rarely considered myself someone who readily breaks boundaries; however, my desire to take charge of my life has always been instinctive. When I conceived the idea for AK Dressage, it began as a passionate dream to elevate the skills of fellow equestrians while ambitiously eyeing the Olympic stage. Yet, setbacks seemed to emerge at every turn, particularly after my divorce in 2021, which left me facing homelessness and unemployment. With a mere month to redirect my life and career, I found myself despairing as job applications fell flat, often incompatible with my responsibilities as a mother. It was then that I turned to the one passion that had never wavered: working with horses. With a bit of encouragement from a friend and the heavy burden of navigating a new life on my own, I decided to take that leap of faith.
Embracing my community became key to transforming my dream into reality. I rolled up my sleeves and committed to building rapport and trust with fellow equestrians. The journey was anything but smooth, filled with long hours, unpredictable weather, and a steady stream of self-doubt. Yet, through perseverance and dedication, I gradually cultivated a thriving clientele and, in just two and a half years, turned my aspirations into a successful business. Today, I not only support myself and my son, but also nurture our beloved pets—all while navigating this vibrant world of equestrianism alongside my best friend. It is a testament to the notion that while life may be fraught with uncertainties, taking chances can unlock possibilities beyond one’s wildest dreams.
and even though I have not hit that Olympic Stage yet. That dream just continues to get closer and closer
Andrea, 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?
AK Dressage was founded on a dream—a vision not only to unlock my own potential in the realm of equestrian arts but also to empower others on their journey with horses. For those who may not be familiar, Dressage is an artful discipline of training that emphasizes a horse’s ability to execute precise movements while using its body in a balanced and harmonious way. Its roots trace back to the Renaissance era, when it served as a method to prepare horses for the rigors of battle. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and an enduring passion for horses, I embarked on the journey of creating AK Dressage, where the worlds of physical fitness and equestrian skill coexist beautifully.
From the moment I took my first breath, horses have been integral to my life. Growing up on a small hobby farm, my family took in horses that others had deemed unwanted, and I quickly learned that riding was a privilege I had to work for. Each day was an opportunity to cultivate a connection with these magnificent beings, and through countless hours of hard work, I developed a deep respect for their needs and behaviors. My experiences shaped my understanding of the bond that can form between horse and rider—a bond that is built on trust, communication, and mutual respect.
Many of my clients seek not just to improve their riding skills but to forge healthy partnerships with their horses. I take immense pride in providing a welcoming and supportive environment where they can thrive. It is truly rewarding to witness the transformations that occur when riders gain confidence and skills, all while fostering the welfare of their horses. As we look to the future, I am thrilled to announce exciting developments at AK Dressage.
Recently, I welcomed a close friend to enhance our marketing efforts and broaden our reach both online and in person. Together, we are committed to sharing the transformative power of Dressage with even more individuals and horse enthusiasts, ensuring that AK Dressage continues to grow into a vibrant community where dreams are realized.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One of the hardest lessons I have had to learn in my business is that money is often what propels things forward. When considering growth, the reality is that it typically requires a meaningful investment in our future. Expanding a business often means purchasing new equipment, enhancing our marketing strategies, or hiring additional staff—all of which demand financial resources. This brings us to a fundamental concept: the money mindset. Reflecting on how we viewed money in our childhood can reveal much about our current relationship with it. In my experience, money was scarce, yet there was always a willingness to help others, regardless of whether financial resources were involved.
As I transitioned into adulthood, I came to the crucial realization that money is necessary for survival in our society. To live a fulfilled and balanced life, I needed to find harmony between my family responsibilities, business goals, and self-care. For those of us who instinctively want to assist everyone, it can be a challenge to remember that kindness does not pay the bills. Setting boundaries and charging what I’m worth has been a vital step in this journey. While I still strive to help others as much as I can, I constantly remind myself to prioritize my family and personal needs. This reflection prevents burnout and helps me maintain a positive outlook, ensuring that my efforts to support others don’t come at the cost of my own well-being. Ultimately, embracing a healthy money mindset has empowered me to foster both personal fulfillment and professional success
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
In recent months, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to expand AK Dressage by welcoming a new business partner who has already made a significant impact behind the scenes. Many of my clients are just beginning to meet her, but it’s important to understand that she has been the mastermind orchestrating everything that happens outside of the actual horse training sessions. Our paths crossed almost serendipitously; we chatted occasionally until one day, she approached me with a challenge she was facing with her horse. True to my nature, I invited her to come ride with me, suggesting that we could brainstorm solutions together. That first ride was a revelation for both of us; she was captivated by the experience, eagerly joining me each week to refine her skills.
As we spent countless hours discussing our ideas and aspirations, it became clear that our friendship was blossoming into a partnership. Each of us brought unique strengths to the table, which paved the way for a dynamic collaboration. What began as casual riding sessions evolved into Alex taking the reins on social media and rebranding efforts—transforming not only our business but also our vision for the future. I am genuinely excited about what lies ahead for AK Dressage and the deepening of our friendship that accompanies this journey. With her expertise and fresh perspective, I am more optimistic than ever about our potential to elevate the business to new heights.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ak-dress-age.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawEw_DVleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHfLjjQszdVI2uy232VynJm6l_NSsd8RlOGIuNgeZUR8vmE7e0uYUkBWV7Q_aem_ST_JRzQH9LCWjWsn6qdG9g
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ak.dress.age?fbclid=IwY2xjawEw_B1leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHbSMiOGZVFXHzDB0n5bopDoNbolRio03StTKceo3GHIS-1MJeLRekWvkYQ_aem_Ty6Y_RGGvTQXFVCFQ5VYMQ
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086736910320
Image Credits
Una Schade
Gene Divine