So every year, I love to show a little love to purchasers of my goods, makers of things that I hold dear, an artisan that I just can't get enough of, or an incredible business person with heart. That's why I chose Elle to be my first interview of the year. She's all this. I can't wait to see what you think of her story. Handmade in Powderville, MT. Without further ado...Elle.
Who are you, what's your business name and what state do you live in? My name is Elle McGill. I’m the owner of Powder River Cowboy pads in Powderville, MT.
Can you tell me the story behind why you started this business? What started as my 2 younger brothers and their good friend asking me to build them a pad, has now turned into a full time business with currently over 100 orders I am working on building. It’s takes me roughly 12-14 hrs to build a pad. With some as many as 20 hours.
What's the biggest challenge in your business? The most challenging part of this business is finding the time to build them while running and ranch with my husband and raising our 2, soon to be 3 boys. But I enjoy building them and I do truly believe that for the cowboy lifestyle of hours upon hours, mile after mile, these are the best pads you’ll ever find. They sweat a horse evenly and are made of 100% natural wool and canvas. And are 100% handmade.
Favorite order you've made? I think my favorite pad to date, I was asked to build by a gal from where I grew up. She wanted eagle fathers on it. I thought it was for a birthday present. Come to find out, it was for a family friend of ours for his wedding. A traditional crow Indian wedding. As challenging as it was, and being my 4th pad, it turned out great. And to asked to make a gift for a traditional crow Indian wedding was something I never thought I would get to do.
What motivates you? Creating quality working gear for these cowboys that order them gives me a pretty big smile. These cowboys work hard every day, and they and their horse deserve quality gear. They are why we can have a steak for dinner tonight!
These would make beautiful gifts, are there any upcoming new pads you'd like to share, or show's you're going to be at? I’ve got a show coming up the first part of December here in Montana. A working cowboy gear swap and sell. As well as about 10 shows and or horse sales this coming spring/summer and fall where I will have pads available.