BEING A LEADING WOMEN IN THE SKI INDUSTRY : WORDS FROM MAMMA STEPH

For 27 years, I have owned and operated a large rental and retail shop in Mt. Crested Butte. Those early days were eye-opening, to say the least. It was a boys club.....and getting an invite to the clubhouse took me years. But I kept showing up.....and year by year, earned my place. How did I "earn" it? I never gave up. I simply had to prove myself.....by keeping my head down and not falling to the bully competitors that tried to take me down....But now they're gone and I'm still here.....hmmmm

I realize I have the unique opportunity to address these issues in my own way, based on my own experience and this is what I continue to do. I try to be the change I'd like to see in this industry and it all starts with my people. Every woman that works for me is trained in every aspect of what we do here......It's a priority for me to pour into them, every lesson I've learned on this uphill journey.

None of this changes because we wish it so.....Be the change you'd like to see. Keep your head down and prove it. My gender might have gotten in the way for a little while, but I also know I'm not entitled to shit. I know I’m just two stores, but that in itself can make a huge impact as my girls go out into this industry. Ready to kick ass and take names. So honey, if you are on the fence on joining the “boys club” that is a ski shop- F*ckin do it. And make it your own. Xoxoxo, Mamma Steph