We recently connected with Elizabeth Welborn and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Elizabeth, thanks for joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

My passion for the intersection of design, business and sustainability has guided me since the inception of my brand. Supporting the development and advancement of sustainable textiles and practices and fostering opportunities for craftsmen and artisans are foundations of Stick & Ball. We strive to work with only natural textiles, such as vegetable tanned leather (from end of life dairy cattle), alpaca, wool, hemp canvas, silk, organic linen and organic cotton. We work with cooperatives of women to execute a large portion of our designs who bid on our work and set their own price, maintaining their independence and thereby earning fair wages. We incorporate handwork into many of our designs, believing in and supporting these ancient crafts that have been passed down through generations of families and can help to create economic empowerment.

Drawing inspiration from equestrian cultures in the Americas coupled with the aforementioned core values, my aim has been to craft an international heritage brand that catalyzes positive change with people and the environment.

Why does this matter? Fashion, in particular, is one of the most polluting industries on the planet, from the massive contribution of microplastics and toxic waste in the environment to massive carbon emissions from inefficient factories along with a history of exploiting human labor in impoverished communities. We’ve reached a critical juncture in the fashion and consumer goods industries, calling for the integration of diverse perspectives into our business practices. From re-evaluating our textile selections, base materials and production methods to refining our go-to-market approach and ensuring the longevity of our products and designs — every aspect of our operations demands scrutiny. It’s imperative to assess the entire lifecycle of our products and establish sustainable models that encompass every stage, from supply chain management to future growth strategies.

Elizabeth, 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?

I consider myself half Californian and half Louisianian. I have lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for 25 years, but I am originally from the deep south of Louisiana. I studied International Business at Spring Hill College in Alabama and Spanish in Central America. In my work post college in telecommunications, I traveled extensively through Latin America and lived and worked in Asia. Eventually, my work brought me to San Francisco where I now call home. I transitioned into wine and food shortly after my arrival in the Bay Area, working for Robert Mondavi – an awesome experience! Mr. Mondavi was very inspiring – reminding me of the importance of following your passions. It was shortly thereafter my work with his winery that I began Stick & Ball.

As a child, I had a passion to learn how to do just about everything, from sewing to pottery and painting to even making my own doll furniture. I also fell in love with horses as a child when I had the opportunity to ride and jump at a stable near my godparents. The feeling of bonding with a horse is like no other and had me hooked from the first encounter. Equestrian fashion – from riding clothes to boots and even the horse tack and smell and feeling of being in the barn, became “a few of my favorite things”. It was meant to be that I started my own equestrian inspired lifestyle brand. After happening upon a small, countryside polo club in Petaluma, I took the leap and combined my business acumen, love of design, sustainability, fashion, food and horses into my lifestyle brand, Stick & Ball.

Tying in Louisiana and California into current day, I grew up in a culture of slow food with my family and everyone I knew having had a great garden and fishing, hunting and cooking with friends are a way of life. This foundation and close, supportive family and community environment has always been my foundation wherever I have lived and continues to be important in my community here in the San Francisco Bay Area. It has also trickled into my philosophy in fashion and business. Understanding where I source things is innately part of my DNA and being in tune and community with my supply chain – the people and the materials – is imperative. If I know my sources, I can ensure I am making positive impacts with people and our planet.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I funded the start of my business by working another full time job the first few years, keeping my job as a part time venture while also raising my children as a single mom. This approach, while not easy, allowed me to learn the business and provide proof of concept while not going into debt from the start. Like many businesses, we were on a solid trajectory until COVID and the lengthy closures were very difficult. I leaned on the SBA’s assistance as well as guidance from SCORE, SBDC and the Goldman Sachs’ 10K Small Businesses program. I am incredibly grateful for these organizations and individuals and their support during this pivotal time.

To this day I am self funded, but just about to embark on our first round of friends/family/angel funding to launch our growth plan. One of the silver linings of COVID was the chance to strengthen my network. I had the opportunity to take a step back from the daily grind to join some business and industry groups. These resources helped to guide me in all aspects of my business operations, most importantly in finding expert and fractional assistance needed for financial planning. I can’t stress enough to other entrepreneurs the importance stepping away from your business to build your network and gain insight from as well as to support others.

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

Ha, yes! Starting a venture is difficult, but starting one while raising two young children and going through a rough divorce, particularly in Marin County, was close to impossible. My biggest experience share is that strong core values and faith will help to carry you through the roughest of waters. There were a few years of not seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, but I kept my head down and focused completely on my children and my work. This journey has blessed me with incredible resilience, wisdom, personal growth and the tools to to help others.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.stickandball.com
• Instagram: stickandball
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-goodwin-welborn-8322708/

Image Credits
Photos by Dominic James, Jaime Grenough, Maria Teresa Bravo