We were lucky to catch up with Katie Weaver recently and have shared our conversation below.

Katie , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Taking care of customers isn’t just good business – it is often one of the main reasons folks went into business in the first place. So, we’d love to get a conversation going around how to best help clients feel appreciated – maybe you can share something you’ve done or seen someone do that’s been really effective at helping a customer feel valued?

Being a competitive cowgirl myself, I understand the hard work, dedication, sacrifices, expenses, highs and lows, and everything in between when it comes to barrel racing, rodeo, and the general horse community.

I celebrate and acknowledge every client on my socials and put a spot light on their accomplishments, I recognize their wins and am genuinely so happy for them. Because Western Dove comes from my imagination first and then built with my two hands, I know how much love and intention goes into the tack I design, I am blessed that a tiny piece of me gets to be a part of so many success stories.

I am honored clients choose Western Dove to be a part of their journey, and I love getting to see the horses and the places my pieces go on to.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started Western Dove in 2008 as a Western boutique and Horse supply business. I was a competitive barrel racer myself and wanted to provide a service to my fellow horsemen and women. Within the first two years I realized I could not find a tack maker that created the type of product special enough for major rodeos and barrel racing events that were televised or on webcasts. Horse tack is typically leather based equipment that is used to handle or ride horses and in this case I am referring to bridles that go on the horses head and breastcollars that connect to the saddle to help keep it in place.

After some experimenting and failures, I developed designs on the leather horse tack by attaching Turquoise. I was inspired by a Navajo bracelet given to me by my husband on our wedding day, and I felt it was a true representation of the American West,

As the years went on and I designed countless custom requests, the patterns and color combinations of stones and gemstones evolved into a very signature artisan product. My biggest objective when creating is to remain original, to have balance and flow, and integrity in the materials I use. I want the final product to be eye catching and complex. I want it to look like a fine work of art, with beauty in the details that reveal themselves the more you look.

I have now created thousands of Western Dove tack sets that have been on some of the greatest horses of all time, won some of the biggest events in the world, and been a part of life changing events for cowboys and cowgirls across the US and in 7 different countries.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Western Dove is a brand that identifies a specific style and look of artisan horse tack. I have remained consistent in my branding, in the attention to detail, and quality of my product so my clients trust me.

When someone purchases from my webpage, messages me through Facebook or instagram, or inquires about a custom order, I am who they talk to, who makes the product, who packages and mails the pieces, and who posts on social media. I know my clients and their stories, I share in their successes, and I handle any issue that may come up.

As a competitor myself, I know the importance of horse tack, how it should fit, and what it must be able to withstand with wear and tear. I am the sole owner and designer which means I am involved in every single detail of the business. People can ride up to me in the warm up arena and talk about it. I can spot a set I made and remember who bought it. I always put a customers concerns or needs above profit because this is my community too!

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

Spending money on advertising and choosing who to sponsor is always a risk. Like most Professional sports, rodeo and barrel racing has elite athletes that become household names. I utilize the relationships I have with competitors to help promote Western Dove. I have been blessed to be included on the cover of magazines, featured on event posters, and even been part of ad campaigns for RAM, WRANGLER, AQHA, and other major companies.

. It’s risky deciding how to spend your advertising funds (if you even have funds to spare) because it’s very expensive. However it’s necessary to remain relevant and memorable along with product and name recognition. I love the artistic creativity that goes into digital and print advertising and luckily I have an amazing friend that
brings the ideas to life. I try to keep the branding of Western Dove consistent by creating bold visuals, heavy color saturation, and capturing the beauty of horses.

You only have one chance to stop someone from scrolling by or turning the page, so I want to spend as much money as possible to have the largest image that captivates the eye.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.westerndove.com
• Instagram: Westerndove
• Facebook: Western Dove

Image Credits

Bee Silva and Faith Skinner