Stock On You – Meet The Creator
Meet the creator behind Stock On You.
We were delighted to interview Andra Dobson, the founder and creator behind the beautiful and quirky dressage stocks from Stock On You. A small business set in North Wales, launched to add a dash of personality into rider’s competition wear, Andra’s unique designs definitely caught our eye. Sourcing materials locally and donating a percentage of profit’s toward a chosen charity, we could not wait to find out more!
Here, we learn out more about Andra, delving into her inspiration to kickstart Stock On You, how sales aid local business and charities, and future plans for Stock On You.
Hi Andra, first of all, can you give us quick introduction of yourself and your business?
This is possibly the hardest of all of the questions. What can you say about yourself? Here goes! I’m fast approaching the half century, have way too many four-legged family members and a very understanding partner. Martin – my partner – likes to refer to me as Muckheap Barbie as I seem to end up covered in mud even when there is none.
I love being outside with my horses and hounds. With the way the world has been in the past twelve months, they have been my sanity. For this, I am incredibly grateful. Not all have had this opportunity and I know of some who have found the lockdown to be particularly stressful.
We were fortunate enough to move to a small village near Wrexham a few years ago. This sadly meant I had to leave my job as a music tutor for Wigan Music Service, but the new home was too great a pull to miss out. I took the opportunity to start doing something I’d wanted to do for a long time – work with my hands. I love making things, no matter what the material.
Even since my school days, I’ve always loved sewing. I even made my own dress for a May Ball at university. I still have it and one day I may even be able to fit into it again! Once I get an idea of something to make, it’s like a niggling itch you have to scratch. I wanted to make a hat – a flat cap – so I did and I loved it so much that I made some more to sell. Eventually, this lead to Stock On You being created.
What inspired you to launch Stock On You?
I love competing on my horse – Groot. He makes me laugh…most of the time! We are desperate to get out and about again, like so many others, but have to wait this out. I’m sure it won’t be much longer. We aren’t very good but we try and have a go. I was once told by a dressage judge that coming last is important as someone has to support the rest of the class. I’m happy with that…
It got me thinking about what’s out there for riders to express their own personality in the dressage world and beyond? It’s all very safe and conventional. Why? Why should be not add a bit of colour and something which says a little bit about us? If the current situation has taught us anything, it’s that we should enjoy what we have and be who we are. Yes, I know there are rules about a few bits and bobs in the BD rulebook, but stocks are fair game.
Another thing I have had musings over is the whole Brexit malarkey. Wherever possible, I try to buy British to support our domestic economy. Recent news reports have shown the increases in import levies that end consumers are having to pay just to receive the goods they have already paid for! Bonkers. I want to be a teeny part of an industry where the goods are made in the UK, using materials from small UK businesses. A lot of my material comes from the local material goddess that is Amanda Smith from Amanda’s Fabrics in Mold. She has the most glorious cottons and is such a lovely lady.
Can you sum up Stock On You in three words?
Handmade, bespoke, and quirky!
Your eye-catching and unique designs are what drew us in and why we love the brand! What’s your favourite design?
This is tough! Each time I make a new one, that becomes my new favourite. That being said, Baby Yoda does just about win….
A percentage of your profits go toward supporting Ark Angels Animal Rescue! Could you tell us why you chose to support their work?
This rescue was founded by one of the ladies who works for my small animal vets. They do the most amazing work. Kelly zips all over the place at all hours of the day rescuing all sorts of furry friends – be them small or large. Covid has had an impact on how charities are able to collect much needed funds, so I wanted to be able to contribute towards their costs.
For each stock sold, £1 is donated. There is an offer of one stock for £15 or two for £25. Buy two and the charity gets £2. Keeps it simple for my old brain.
I’m hoping that, as the brand grows and sales (hopefully) increase, I’ll be able to expand the charity base to include another charity close to me – Candy and Tibby Trust. We have three of their cats. To be able to support both of these would be amazing.
What are your plans for the future of Stock On You?
It would be phenomenal to head to a competition and see someone I didn’t know wearing one of my stocks. The brand was only created at the end of 2020, keeping my ambitions small at the moment. A friend of mine has been kind enough to allow me to have my stocks in her treasure trove of an equestrian shop – Acre House Equestrian in Denbigh (North Wales). That’s very exciting! If there are any other shops who would be interested….
I’m gradually increasing the range. Quarter sheets and saddle pads are being trialled and more is to be added over the next couple of months. Who knows where it will end. Am always looking for ideas. My buddy Jane (who gets me up to all sorts of horsey shenanigans) is incredibly creative and keeps giving me challenges of things to make. She certainly is keeping me on my toes!
Finally, how can we get our hands on one of your beautiful stocks?
The easiest way is to send me a message either via Facebook @stockonyouuk or Instagram @stock_on_you_uk. Or you can email me at andra@theruralpanda.co.uk.
I’m in the process of setting up the website. That’s going to take some time!
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