We had the good fortune of connecting with Pamela Breece Illustrator & Entrepreneur and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Pamela Breece, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“Reach for the moon even if you miss you’ll land among the stars.”

I love this quote because it affirms my belief that we all need to Take. That. Risk. Whatever that means for you, believe in yourself, close your eyes, and just jump. There are a million “great ideas” out there, but there is no success with out action.

When I meet people and tell them what I do, I often hear “Oh you’re so lucky”. But it’s not luck, it’s just being brave, working hard, and not being afraid to fall. Life is full of wonderful opportunities, you just need to go make yours happen.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The first company I started was my stationery company, Starfish Art. In 2000, as a recent MBA with a love of drawing (but no formal art training), I quite brazenly took a dozen of my designs to the National Stationery Show in NYC and set up a booth for the four day show. I was a fish out of water, but I left that show with orders from all over the globe and a large licensing agreement in my pocket. I literally had no idea what I was doing but I was fueled with excitement. That first year I just figured things out as I went, facing each challenge head on, asking for help from experts, finding mentors, and just making it work. Since then, I’ve continued to grow and navigate the ever changing industry and economy.

In 2013 I took my other passion, horses, and created my second company, Pony Macaroni. As a lifelong equestrian, I felt there was a need for some punch and fun in everyday riding apparel. My closet was filled with tan breeches. So I launched a line of “Rockstar” riding tights, adorned in leopard, florals, tie-dye and galaxy prints. Most days, equestrians are not showing, so my thought was why not have a bit more fun with our schooling outfits. The line has expanded to other apparel offerings and into home and barn items such as stall signs, wallpaper, jewelry and gift items, all with a punchy equestrian vibe.

Something very important to me is to offer a line that was extremely cost inclusive. So many horse girls do not have a lot of expendable cash as our horses tend to eat money. So I work really hard to source my manufacturing so that my products are affordable for everyone.

Has it all been easy? Ummm nope. But each defeat or setback is a learning experience and I remind myself it’s a long game. I’ve cried, screamed and curled into balls… but then I wipe my tears, uncurl from the fetal position, straighten my crown and get back at it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Phoenix has so many incredible spots to explore, but my favorite place to take out-of-town visitors is the Buffalo Chip Saloon in Cave Creek. Just north of phoenix, Cave Creek is a classic western cowboy town, nestled in boulders and cacti. The Buffalo Chip, built in the 1950’s as a feed and bait shop, is a true western experience. The best nights to go are Wednesday and Friday for the live bull riding. For $20 you can place your guests on a real bull ride, while you sit and watch with a plate of pit smoked beef brisket and mashed potatoes with gravy. If your friends survive the bull ride, you can bring them back another night for live music and free line dancing lessons. They will love it!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The person that has encouraged and supported me the most in my entrepreneurial endeavors is definitely my dad. He started a construction company in the 1970’s and I grew up watching him work seven days a week, often leaving for work before I woke up and getting home after I was asleep. I’d go into work with him on the weekends and watch him grab a broom and sweep up the job sites, something he could easily have asked an employee to do. His work ethic, integrity and passion for everything he built is something I try to mimic in my own small business. Thanks Dad!

Website: www.ponymacaroni.com

Instagram: @ponymacaronilove

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ponymacaronilove

Other: Stationery website is www.starfishart.com

Image Credits
Macy Breece

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