Born and raised in Brenham, Texas, Leticia grew up showing horses, participated in horse judging and the Horse Quiz Bowl through 4-H. Following her love of the equine industry she went on to graduate from Sul Ross State University 2005 with a Bachelor of Science with an Equine Science Emphasis and strong Ag Business Minor.
Right out of college Leticia worked with weanlings and yearlings at Banks Quarter Horse Ranch in Schulenburg, Texas. In spring 2007 she went on to work in the breeding barn at Wichita Ranch. She says, “This is still one of my favorite jobs to have had the chance to work at. Taking care of the mares and foals was awesome. Each stallion had his own personality and quirks. And working in a breeding barn will definitely bring you out of your shell, even when you didn’t think you had one.”
In August of 2007, Leticia started working at South Texas Tack. She was hired when there were only three full time employees and one part time! “I was told at hiring it was my job to know how to do everything, so I tried my best.” Leticia says. In 2009 with the first store expansion, she became an Inventory Control Specialist. She then in 2017, with the store growth, became Operations Manager. Leticia says, “It’s pretty cool to look back from when I started and to see how STT has changed and to be able to say I was a part of that. I can honestly say that I am super fortunate and blessed to be a part of the South Texas Tack family and that unlike many people, I can honestly say that I love my job.”
WesternWomen.com sat down with Leticia to ask her a couple of questions.
How would you define your style?
Eclectic. I’ve never fit into a bubble when it comes to my interests and I think my style also reflects that. I like to mix it up, but I will say 9 times out of 10, my outfit will start with what shoes I am wanting to wear. The rest just happens.
How did you first get into the Western Lifestyle?
I would have to say when I was 11 and bought my first horse. I showed pigs before then and absolutely hated it, it was my brother’s thing and not for me.
What is your favorite part about the Western Lifestyle?
The people. Working at South Texas Tack, you get to meet a ton of people living the Western Lifestyle and see what it is to them. Whether it’s simply dressing the part, decorating their homes, rodeoing, horse showing, or working on the ranch. There are so many different takes on what the Western Lifestyle means.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
I don’t remember who told me the first time, but it has definitely stuck. Never settle for less than you deserve, in every aspect of life and that the world owes you nothing, if you want it, you have to work for it.
Moment you’ll remember forever?
College graduation, May 2005. Supposedly sitting next to one of the best looking guys that went to Sul Ross while I was there. (Never saw or heard of him before that day). But couldn’t tell you his name or what he looked like, because Susan Combs was speaking and she made the following statement, “Well guys, tomorrow the real world starts.” It had not occurred to me until that very moment what happened after college. The rest of graduation was a blur.
What do you do to unwind?
Fish! On a boat is my ultimate happy place! A very close second is hanging out with my family and friends, wherever the wind may blow. Which usually blows someplace that I can be on or in the water.
What do you never travel without?
My skincare, hair product, and sunscreen. And if I’m being honest way too many shoes. (Ever catch a really early flight out of Vegas? Then you understand, why hair and skin are so important. Lol)
What advice or words of encouragement would you give to other Western Women?
Elsa said it best… “Let it Go.” Most things in life that we worry about or stay mad about aren’t even worth it. Don’t necessarily forget, because we don’t want history to repeat itself in all cases, but don’t dwell on it. Karma does her job, so you don’t have to.