Sophie Mercer, Founder of Eqcouture
We are celebrating International Women’s Day by highlighting some incredible women and entrepreneur Sophie Mercer is a horse rider with a vision! An equestrian brand that started as a small side line hustle with just two boxes of riding leggings in the autumn of 2020, is now a brand on everyone’s lips. Having grown this small business from strength to strength, equestrian fashion clothing brand, Eqcouture has already sold in excess of 18,000 pairs of their riding leggings, which continues to grow.
We spoke exclusively to Eqcouture‘s Founder and Designer, Sophie Mercer, about the brand, her horses and life as an equestrian fashion designer:
Sophie, great to chat with you. Eqcouture has grown rapidly in a very short time. Were you surprised at the speed at which the business evolved?
“Yes, lovely to chat to you too! From my personal experience searching for quality, affordable, stylish riding clothing, I knew that these were difficult to find. I couldn’t find many garments that combined quality with stylish design at a price I was prepared to pay. The equestrian riding leggings market is saturated in the UK, but there didn’t seem to be THAT one brand which combined all three elements. From initial customer feedback on my first production run, I knew that I was onto something and the brand just snowballed from those early days. In fact, we have a huge 50% of returning customers month on month, which is incredible!”
“Going from starting a brand during lockdown alongside my ‘proper job’ to now concentrating solely on Eqcouture as my full-time job and career is something I never imagined. I feel so lucky.”
How has running your own business changed you as a person?
“I’m much happier now – I’m doing a job I love, and I’m my own boss! I have developed a thicker skin. If I faced a problem in the past, I would get upset and disheartened. These days, I’ve learnt that this is just business and to sort out the issue and move on.”
Your unique styles have a distinct sports luxe wear feel to them. Where do you get your inspiration?
“I love mainstream designer sportswear brands, and my husband heads up a global streetwear brand that sells through major retailers, so I think our influences are very similar as a couple. Translating that sports luxe ethos into riding wear just comes naturally to me because as a rider myself, I know what riders like and desire from their clothing, and fortunately, other riders love it!”
What inspired you to set up your own equestrian clothing brand?
“The bottom line was that I just couldn’t find what I loved at the price point I liked! I continue to strive to add new additions to the collection all the time to keep it fresh and on-trend.”
Since its launch, Eqcouture has built a loyal following from kids through to the 60+ age group, a testament to its design ethos, as Sophie explains:
“I believe that women of all ages can feel confident and stylish in what they wear, and why shouldn’t they? Modern clothing isn’t just for the younger generation! Our children’s range came about through the mums who loved ‘matchy matchy’ and children who loved their mum’s Eqcouture style, so we listened to our customers and launched the ‘Mini Eqcouture’ collection. ”
You’re a keen equestrian. Tell us about your horses:
“So I have Lissy, a thirteen-year-old 16.2 Mare (She’s the gorgeous bay in the model pics). I’ve had her since she was three years old. I broke her in and produced her myself. Lissy is the most versatile horse you could wish for. She’s a hunter, a team chaser and has show jumped, evented, dressage, done fun rides, hunter trials, you name it, she’s done it! She absolutely loves to jump and is very talented and careful, so she’s happy as long as jumping is involved! She’s definitely a horse of a lifetime. Also, she is an exceedingly good horse model, and the photographers and videographers love working with her as she always has her ears pricked!”
” Zeus is five years old (the grey in some model shots). I bought him just before the big first lockdown as I thought I’d work on something whilst we were all locked down! I broke him in myself again, and it quickly became apparent that he was one of the nicest horses I’ve ever ridden and would probably be something quite special, so he stayed! He will be brought on to the event.”
“Then there is Otto. He was born and raised on our family farm. He has exceeded all expectations as his dad was small, but at three years old, he is already 15.3hh! He is a very cheeky character and basically a charming companion for the other two at the moment! They are a lovely trio!”
What do you think your secret to your success has been, apart from the elements you have already mentioned:
“I think because I am a true horse person, I already felt like I had industry experience. I knew the market as I am one of Eqcouture’s target customers! I also don’t accept failure easily!”
Eqcouture by name and by design!
