Behind The Skida x Wild Rye Collaboration

To get an exclusive look at our new collaboration, we sat down with the founders of Skida and Wild Rye to talk everything from the inspiration behind the new Shroom Bloom print to tips for getting through the pandemic as small women-owned businesses. Check out how Cassie and Corinne came up with the idea for their 4th annual collaboration. 

What was the inspiration behind the Shroom Bloom print?  

Cassie: Shroom Bloom is a fresh take on a floral print with bold, retro colors that bring a sense of nostalgia. The print was inspired by the lichen that grows on the trees across the PNW, New England and beyond.

What does this print mean to you?

Corinne: To me, this print feels punchy and retro in its colors and form. The palette and shapes nod to the energizing nature of a living thing in bloom!

Cassie: The bloom symbolizes a fresh start after a roller coaster of a couple years for women everywhere. The bold colors indicate strength and determination to persevere and come out on top!

What does a partnership mean to you? Any future collaborations we can look forward to?

Corinne: This partnership with Wild Rye represents a flourishing friendship and alignment between two women-led businesses in the outdoor space. I've always admired Wild Rye's inclusive voice and welcoming nature, which is so important to get more women doing the sports and activities that we love! My favorite thing is the discovery that our collective customers get to experience as they learn about this partnership and our respective brand missions.

Cassie: This is our 4th year of collaborating with our friends at Skida, on the east coast! It means so much to bring together two very like-minded, women-led brands and offer our communities something we’ve created together. Both of us as humans and brands are dedicated to inspiring confidence and getting people outside, into nature with respect and reverence for our natural world. Corinne and I have worked together in various capacities for five years and I just love and admire her energy and leadership!

What is one major challenge and one major success from 2021 so far?

Corinne: While 2021 has held a more positive outlook than its predecessor (IMO), this year has certainly brought a whirlwind of wins and challenges for everyone. One major challenge that I have been navigating personally is recovering from a major hip surgery that I underwent in April. One major success in all of that has been the implementation of new ideas and projects that have come from an unusual amount of downtime during my several months of rehab. 

Cassie: I’ve encountered no shortage of major challenges over the last year, but two of the biggest are also both major successes in my book. First, Wild Rye has grown from a team of one plus some amazing freelancers, to an in-house team of six rad women in the last year. With growth comes infinite new challenges. I also became a mom just before the pandemic hit, so that’s added a whole new layer to growing a tiny human while growing a business! On the flip side, both are also major successes and I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m so proud of our growing brand and the little guy Sawyer is growing up to be!

What is one piece of advice you can give to other women-owned businesses that has helped you get through the pandemic? 

Corinne: Remember that no one person on this planet has experienced a pandemic and its implications like this in our lifetime. Nobody in business has a set of experiences that could better prepare them to navigate this historic time. That being said, as a business owner, it is up to us to make key decisions to steer the ship. It is important to check in with your values, what's important to you, and how you can best support the people around you. It is a critical time to seek mentorship and advice, but perhaps importantly, to trust your gut and be confident in your decisions. We have to be both intentional and vulnerable in order to pay attention to our learnings with each hiccup and each win. We're all in this together. 

Cassie: Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize and protect your personal and business boundaries. Trust your gut to know when to say “hell yes!” to an opportunity and when to respectfully pass (no explanation necessary).

What are you most looking forward to this winter?

Corinne: Snow and skiing! I'm really excited to find a groove again with activity and fitness as I get back to 100% with the ol' hip.

Cassie: I'm excited to take my little guy skiing. We tried last winter, but the boots with his skis attached literally fell off his feet while riding up the magic carpet. I’m hoping for a better fit this coming winter! I’m also pretty excited to start getting back out into the backcountry with my hubby and girlfriends whenever possible. More specifically, my annual B.O.O.B.s trip - (Babes Out of Bounds - aka moms backcountry yurt trip). 

What is your current mantra for life? 

Corinne: Stay nimble!

Cassie: Teamwork makes the dream work!