Meet The Judges: Spark Awards – Entrepreneur Start Up
The 2021 Heels Down Spark Awards are officially open to creative individuals making their mark in the equestrian industry.
The Spark Awards is an international competition for inspiring individuals to recognize the creative talent brewing in the horse world. Hosted by Heels Down Media, the Spark Awards are open to equestrians, entrepreneurs, writers, graphic designers and more – basically anyone with a cool idea that touches the equestrian industry in some way.
The winners will be selected by a panel of expert judges (75%) and a public vote in the Heels Down Spark, our daily equestrian newsletter (25%). Apply by May 30. To get all the contest details, click here.
The entrepreneur startup category includes products, services, professional riders, sole proprietorships, freelancers, and nonprofits in operation for less than 2 years. Applicants must own at minimum 50% of the active business at the time of submission.
And now, to introduce our panel of expert judges for this category.
Entrepreneurship: Start Up
Sara Ladley is the owner and creative director of Hunt Club, a boutique lifestyle brand taking on the mission of combining traditional hunt-seat equestrian style with technical fabrics and modern designs. Since its start in 2014, Hunt Club has grown from humble roots in a college dorm room to an international business supplying thoughtfully designed competition and casual riding apparel to horsewomen everywhere. Sara was the recipient of the 2016 Heels Down U25 Equestrian Creativity Award in the Entrepreneurship category and is thrilled to return as a judge for the 2021 Spark Awards.
Kristina Lake owned a multi-million dollar Action Sports Sales Agency in Vancouver for years with her husband Bryn. They sold it and opened an Equestrian Boutique named Dapple Bay based in Collingwood Ontario. She started Dreamers & Schemers as a side hustle during the agency years. After 2.5 years she transitioned to D&S being her full-time hustle and her team have since grown the business to the 7-figure mark. She loves her weimaraners, whiskey, wine, instagram, books, interior design, baths and living on the Island.
Patricia Da Silva is the president of Ecogold and CEO of Heels Down Media. Selected as one of 25 of the most revolutionary leaders in the equestrian world by the Equestrian Trailblazers Summit, a multiple nominee and winner of Equestrian Social Media Awards, and the recipient of Equestrian Canada’s Media Award, Patricia is a well-known voice for innovative ideas.
The Spark Awards are open. Get the recognition you deserve. Apply by May 30 at this link.
