Reflecting on 2025 & Entering the Year of the Horse đ
As we close out 2025, I reflect on the year behind us, the values that have guided Stick & Ball since its earliest days and the enduring symbolism of the horse that has shaped our brand from the beginning.
This past year challenged many businesses. For us, it was an ever changing retail landscape, unforeseen tariffs (even in countries where we have free trade agreements), major factory delays on our knits, economic uncertainties and rising operating costs.
Both of my children experienced unforeseen medical emergencies, fortunately both better now. My sonâs path to a strong college football program has been trickier than expected - more on that soon as I contemplate the similarities of the college transfer portal and retail landscape. The only thing certain this year was my crazy Labrador Retriever â consistently hungry and needy of attention.
The Highlight Film
2025 tested me in ways I had not imagined, but, like football, there were many highlights.
At Stick & Ball, we achieved B Corp certification on Earth Day. It was a huge milestone! Having had sustainability as a core value since day one, it truly made my team and I proud to receive this mark. It did not shift what we do at the company, but now assists us to create a roadmap with checks and balances to remain sustainable as we grow. Our triple bottom line of people, planet and profit is working in conjunction with B Labs and its community of brands.
My kids are now both healthy. My daughter aced her first semester, junior year at Boulder and is off to Madrid next month. My son graduated from high school and I am now empty nest.
I met Martha Stewart. As a guest of the amazing Goldman Sachsâ 10,000 Small Businesses program, we convened in D.C. this fall and I had the opportunity to meet and speak with Martha. As a Gen Xer, I grew up with PBS and my loves were cooking, art and decorating. For sure, Martha had an influence on me growing up and it was a pleasure to get some advice from her. She told me, âdonât make ugly thingsâ! Noted!
And, on a very high note, I started playing polo again this summer- an empty nest present to myself. I was âin waitingâ for five years since I shelved polo for my kids' high school sports. With my son graduating in May, I stepped back into the saddle in June at the Wine Country Polo Club in Sonoma. Stone Tree Polo Ranch equipped me with beautiful horses and I felt, once again, like a kid. When I first climbed back into the saddle, I thought I would take it easy, building back strength and, perhaps, to begin a game in a month or so. But like any good polo player, when asked to join in a tournament the very next day, my answer was a solid, âheck yesâ! Polo has a way of creating Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hydes. For me, polo draws out an inner âno holds barredâ. I canât say no to a chukker and go all in. Perhaps that is why for the five years where I paused playing, I could not go to a field to sit and watch a single polo match. It is both a love and addiction.
El Año del Caballo â Looking Ahead to 2026
2025 was not an easy year for the fashion industry or my family. But it was a year that reinforced our why.
The Year of the Horse symbolizes resilience, independence, momentum, and forward movement guided by purpose. In spite of my Mr. Hyde on the polo horse, I think 2026 it is not about reckless speed, but about controlled strengthâknowing when to push forward and when to hold steady.
As we step into 2026, our 15 year anniversary, this symbolism feels especially relevant. We are entering the year with confidence, not because the market is predictable, but because our foundation is strong.
We are committed to being meaningful to those who value quality, sustainability longevity, and authenticity.
Gratitude and Forward Motion
To our customers, partners, and makers: thank you for walking this path with us. Your belief in fewer, better things allows brands like ours to existâand to remain true.
As we leave 2025 behind and enter the Year of the Horse, we do so with resolve, humility, and momentum. Grounded in who we are. Clear in where we are going. And committed, as always, to building something for you that lasts.
