Profile On: Sara Mariah, Writing Dressage

Equus Education has had a few chances to guest post over at Writing Dressage.  Today Sara Mariah of Writing Dressage has taken the time to answer some questions about what she does.

How much of your day/week is related to horses?
Not as much as I’d like, unfortunately. I still work part-time at a department store (not ideal), but when I get off, I get to work on my sites. Half the time, when I’m at work, I’m still thinking about my sites and working on fleshing out various ideas while I’m folding tables full of clothes. I’m working on making enough money on my blogs to quit the department store job completely and go back to riding.

What is it exactly that you do?
On my business blog, Writing Dressage, I offer coaching packages for new and struggling equine entrepreneurs, as well as a selection of coaching packages for aspiring professionals.

Some of my business packages discuss developing various parts of a business, like the business plan, marketing plan, and financial goals, while others have specific purposes, like reviewing a business’s online presence or helping someone rebrand their business. I also have a few fully customizable packages available.

My packages for aspiring professionals focus mostly on developing resumes, job applications, and scholarship applications.

Currently, I’m also nearing the launch for a new business, an online boutique selling apparel and gifts for equestrians called Stall 17.

In this field of work, is it possible to be a full time professional and earn a liveable income?
I’m sure it is, but I’m not at that stage yet. I just launched my services about two months ago and I’m still working through a handful of services I’ve given away as part of the launch.

What are the general steps taken to be employed in such a role?
Know business. Like, really, really know it. I went to college to study equine business management, and after realizing that, while helpful, the degree I sought was lacking in many areas, I continued reading and researching and teaching myself using the medley of resources available thanks to the Internet, all with the primary intention of starting my own product-based business. After that, I spent a few years helping out friends in the horse industry with their various businesses, learned A LOT more, helped improve their businesses, and realized there was a market for this sort of thing. (It also helps that I have a serious mind for business plus a creative streak a mile wide.)

Favorite horse memory?
Literally any show I ever took Sunny to. He was always such a gentleman. He minded his manners perfectly, always picked up the correct leads, put on his happy face, and we kicked butt. (Except that time we had to walk past the cattle pen at the 4-H state show… That was bad.)

Future goals?
Diversify my business ventures so that I’m not relying on any one income stream. Do some business coaching, speak at events, make and sell quirky equestrian apparel and gifts, branch out into breeches and show clothes eventually, and be able to offer scholarships for college and for showing.

Sponsor riders. Travel a bit. Ride horses on the beach and across the African savanna and the Egyptian desert. Have a nice upper level dressage horse (or two) that I can show. Try jousting and polo and maybe reining again. Maybe start an equestrian entertainment company and publish books, maybe a magazine, and who knows what else. I don’t know. Just do what makes me happy.

Best thing about your sport/profession?
I get to do what I love and I get to share it with people who are just as passionate about it as I am.