Saddle & Soul: How Elizabeth Goodwin Welborn Built an Icon of Quiet Luxury

In the world of luxury fashion, few brands carry the soul and authenticity of Stick & Ball: a sustainable lifestyle company founded by designer, entrepreneur, and polo player Elizabeth Goodwin Welborn. Born and raised in Southern Louisiana and now rooted in California’s wine country, she effortlessly blends her love for equestrian life, global textiles, and slow fashion into every detail of her work. What started as a passion project in 2011 has become a U.S.-based, globally recognized brand built on timeless design, conscious craftsmanship, and meaningful storytelling. In my opinion, Stick & Ball is quintessential “quiet luxury.”

I first met Elizabeth in 2015 at a networking event in San Francisco. In a city known more for its tech bros than its textile mavens, I was relieved to find a fellow horse lover in a crowded room; thus, our friendship was born. She invited me to an upcoming polo match, and I subsequently took a few entry level lessons from her (not for the faint of heart!). Needless to say, I was hooked on both her approach to living and her lifestyle brand rooted in equestrian heritage and culture. 

Over a recent virtual wine date, amidst preparations for her youngest son’s high school graduation, I talked to her about the origins of Stick & Ball, the power of faith, and the hard-earned lessons of building a brand while raising a family as a single mother—and learning to get back in the saddle, literally and figuratively. She has woven a lifestyle brand that’s as intentional as it is beautiful, and I can’t wait for you to read on.

Rebekah Iliff: What makes Stick & Ball different from other lifestyle nd fashion brands?

Elizabeth: A few things set us apart. We have a deep knowledge of fine textiles and craftsmanship, and we approach everything through a sustainable lens. Our designs are inspired by the sport of polo and the equestrian lifestyle—but in an authentic way, not just as an aesthetic. We use clean, environmentally friendly, and toxic-free materials. Many of our products are heirloom quality—meant to last a lifetime.

RI: What do you think makes American consumers love your brand?

EGW: I believe it’s the originality. We don’t follow fast fashion trends. Our pieces are truly unique—luxurious but casual, timeless but grounded in purpose. Consumers today care about where their products come from, who makes them, and how they impact the planet. We speak to that awareness.

RI: What does the “American Dream” mean to you?

EGW: The American Dream brings me back to the farm. For me, it’s about being grounded—raising animals, growing food, and living close to nature. It’s about providing a healthy, meaningful life for my children and building something lasting that honors the land and waters around us.

RI: What is your company’s mission or purpose?

EGW: At Stick & Ball, our purpose has always been to inspire—through craftsmanship, quality, authenticity and timeless design. We create distinctive pieces meant to be treasured for a lifetime and beyond. Rooted in the spirit of polo and the beauty of equestrian living, our brand celebrates adventure, elegance, and conscious living. Through authentic storytelling and sustainable practices, we bring together a global community that embraces the sporting life—rooted in tradition, driven by purpose, and dedicated to living with beauty and intention.

RI: How and when did you fall in love with polo?

EGW:  I began playing polo in 2011, the same year I began Stick & Ball. The precursor for polo was when I fell in love with horses and that happened in 7th grade when I went to live with my aunt and uncle in Scotland—where I learned how to ride and jump. Polo came into my life in California at a beautiful club in the rolling hills of Petaluma. I first was involved with the club helping to host charity events and looked longingly at games, but didn’t think women could play. Then I came up with the idea of the brand, Stick & Ball, and planned a trip to Argentina to source and meet with artisans. I thought it would be a good idea to take a stick & ball take lesson for the company blog. A friend connected me to a pro in Argentina, and I was hooked after the first lesson.

RI: Does faith or spirituality play a role in your business and life?

EGW: Absolutely, every single day. I grew up with both faith and spirituality being the bedrock in my family and community in South Louisiana. It provided a foundation of meaning, core values, and inner strength that helped me to navigate many of life’s uncertainties, personally and in business. It grounded me in purpose and connection—both to something greater and to one another. 

In business, I operate with a reverence to our artisan community, farmers who grow our textiles, Mother Nature, and all involved. It feels spiritual as it is a woven tapestry of people and planet that have to rely on and believe in each other in order to work. And as a single mother, having that foundation helped (helps!) me to forge ahead in difficult times. Even with horses, faith and spirituality have meaning. I certainly would not have been able to play polo without faith and trust in the horses I ride. And I can’t explain the spiritual connection with a horse…it is magical. 

RI: What are some of the hardest lessons you’ve learned as an entrepreneur?

EGW: Almost every time I’ve stumbled, it was because I went against my core values or my inner voice. I’ve learned that when I make decisions in alignment with my values and trust myself, everything is in sync and becomes clearer —whether it’s about designing a collection, forging a new partnership, or raising my children. 

RI: What was your “big break”?

EGW: It’s been a thousand little things, honestly. But one major moment was doing a luxury collection for Banana Republic during the COVID era. It helped lift us out of a tough time, and I’ll always be grateful for their team.

RI: How would you describe your personal fashion style?

EGW: I’d say it’s timeless, understated luxury. Day-to-day, I wear denim, a button-down or tee, and boots. I love saddle leather, blue and white denim, and linen. When dressing up, I go for long, elegant gowns, Italian heels, and modern, sculptural jewelry. There’s always a bit of town-and-country in all my looks.

RI: What’s been the biggest challenge of being a working mom and entrepreneur?

EGW: Being a single mother while building a business has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. There were years I felt like I was failing at everything—work, parenting, even self-care. I’ve had to learn to be OK with imperfection. You can’t be 100% in every direction. Sometimes the business slows so you can show up for your kids. That’s life. You have to rest when needed and celebrate the small wins. Most of all, get back in the saddle when you fall.

RI: What advice would you give to someone taking a non-traditional path or starting their own business?

EGW: Here are my go-to four:

1. Find your people: Join business networks and entrepreneurial communities.
2. Keep structure: Start your day with meditation, exercise, and gratitude. Then dive into work.
3. Have a coach or mentor: Similar to sports coaches, my life coach has helped me navigate some of my hardest moments.
4. Stay curious: Curiosity has been the fuel for my brand and my growth. Most of entrepreneurship is learning as you go.

RI: What inspires and motivates you daily?

EGW: I draw strength from quotes, books, podcasts, and especially communities I’ve joined along the way. I love the quote: “Nothing works unless you do” by Maya Angelou. I listen to podcasts like Wiser Than Me and SuperSoul, and I always turn to my life coach, Lady Fuller, when I need a reset. The support of programs like Goldman Sachs 10K Small Businesses, Female Founder Collective, Dream Ventures, and Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) has been invaluable.

RI: What do you love most about being an American-made brand?

EGW: I see “American-made” as something that connects our hemispheres of the Americas, North and South. There’s so much richness in our shared equestrian cultures, indigenous traditions, and craftsmanship. Our products tell those stories. They honor art, nature, and a way of life in our region and around the globe that’s deeply meaningful.

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Elizabeth’s story is a testament to resilience, authenticity, and heart. Stick & Ball is more than a luxury brand—it’s a way of life rooted in heritage, connection, and purpose.

To learn more about the company or to purchase products visit Stick & Ball. Follow S&B on Instagram for equestrian-inspired style.