Exploring Life & Business with Olivia Hoenig of Desert Down Ranch Wear

Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Hoenig. 

Hi Olivia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Howdy, I am Olivia Hoenig, 24 years old. Originally from Southeastern Iowa, but I now make my home in Western Illinois. I am the owner of Desert Down Ranch Wear, which until last October was an online only boutique. We now have a storefront in downtown Galesburg, Illinois. Everyone always asks us “Why Galesburg, Illinois?” and to be honest, my boyfriend’s job is here. Otherwise, you would most likely find us near Nashville, Tennessee.

Desert Down Ranch Wear was a long awaited venture for me. I had modeled for several companies in the past, pointing others in the direction of where to purchase this or that. I figured, why not create a collection of my own that embodies my personal style. It has been a very long learning process, emotionally and physically tasking, but it has all been worth it. I am very blessed to have the growth I have had over the last two years.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

The trip to where I am has been a bumpy one! There have been several times where the thought of “If these don’t sell, what am I going to do?” because I had invested every last penny I had. I have been emotionally and physically exhausted from eating, sleeping, and breathing my business. For the first year of my business, my personal life was pretty nonexistent. It has been 100% worth it in the end, but it did take a lot of determination.

My biggest struggle has really been learning to let responsibilities go and pass jobs I used to be so particular about onto my employees, but they are doing an amazing job and never fail me. With growth comes a lot of legal responsibilities that many small business owners do not consider, so I have taken the opportunity I have with the free time I have been given to conquer those obstacles and get everything legally right and prepare for more growth.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Desert Down Ranch Wear specializes in modern western-styled fashion. I grew up showing livestock and riding horses while also always having my own side hussle working as an entrepreneur. I wanted to combine my two styles and make a brand that supported the edgy cowgirl. Not every cowgirl is grit and grind, and not every chic gal wants to stick heels and suits. We definitely have altered the way women look at fashion and style themselves. Desert Down Ranch Wear is a full collection of women’s apparel and accessories curated by a woman who has worked in the western industry in boots and in suits.

I started my business with $3,500 to my name, in a year I purchased a house of my own with enough space for a warehouse to grow my business. 4 short months after purchasing the home, my business had taken off and I ran out of space. I signed a lease for a 3,000 square foot storefront in October of 2021 and hired 3 employees. Thankfully, I have been blessed with an amazing, hardworking staff that loves the fashion industry as much as I do. We really are a family here and it makes me so happy that I am able to share what I love.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is watching my parents run their own businesses and enjoy their lives. That is where my drive and passion stems from. They got to take us on trips, enjoy what they did for work (don’t get me wrong, they worked harder than I have ever seen someone work), and they got to be a part of me and my sister’s lives. That is what I want for my future family.

Contact Info:

• Email: ddrw.info@gmail.com
• Website: desertdown.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desertdown_ranchwear/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/desertdownranchwear
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/desert-down-ranch-wear-galesburg

Image Credits
Desert Down Ranch Wear LLC