Kristy Lake
Founder and CEO of Dreamers & Schemers and ManeJane
Victoria BC / La Quinta, California
How long have you been part of the horse world?
Since I was 13 and I am now 41. It hasn’t always been consistent, but horses have always been in my heart.
What part do you play in the horse world?
I have worn a few hats — barn rat, working student, adult ammy, tack shop owner, founder of one of the first equestrian social media agencies and now, owning and running Dreamers & Schemers and ManeJane!
What’s your favorite thing about what you do?
There are quite a few and I feel so fortunate to love my job as much as I do.
The customers are just amazing. Knowing that our products put smiles on people’s faces is priceless. We aim to create products that let you express yourself and own your unique style, in and out of the show ring. 
Seeing photos of friends in their Dreamers & Schemers, helping people create special custom socks for life milestones and reading the little love notes in my DMs fills me right up with immense gratitude.
People can be so kind and kindness is what we need more of these days. I am also constantly delighted by the amazing group of small equestrian businesses that I have befriended. The support and care that they show each other is very inspiring. We aim to lift each other up — there is room for all!
And I also really like putting weird stuff on boot socks and everyone seems to like it as well!
What’s your biggest achievement?
I am very proud of our D&S DREAM & DO! program. We partner with charities, non-profits and various organizations to create custom boot socks, spur straps, masks and gaiters that we sell on our website. A large portion of all the profits are given back to the participating groups every three months. We are always looking to expand this program and if you know of an organization that could benefit, please email us! hello@dreamersnschemers.com
What are your goals for the future?
We are in the business of delivering fun, and we have a ridiculous amount of fun coming in 2021! We will keep adding amazing humans to our team. We will continue to prioritize collaborations with other brands and we will be launching three new categories in the new year.
What’s the best thing about your life?
The People. Hands down. The good and the not so good — you need a balance to grow.
Best-kept secret about what you do?
I often work from the bath.
