We had the good fortune of connecting with Cariya Breemen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cariya, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
Designing for DQD and coming up with new ideas makes me happy! I am getting excited about new products and fine-tuning them and mulling over how to get something just right. It sounds a bit cliche, but it really makes me happy when I see something that just existed in my head turn into a real product that then gets appreciated by our clients.
And my horses!! Every day I see them I have to pinch myself that I have the privilege to be with them. They are so majestic and beautiful and strong – it is amazing to have the possibility to have them in my life, I am so grateful for that!!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The creative part of designing DQD items is the most rewarding part of the business for me. I love fine-tuning each detail to get it just right and then getting the feedback from our clients that I succeeded to create something special that is just perfect makes we very happy. Tuning into what is the next idea that will be a hit, finding a new color, creating a new pattern, which color combination is the most pleasing, it is so much fun. I just upgraded our signature riding coats from fleece-lined collars and pockets to velvet and it creates a much more elegant and luxurious feel. I just love all these aspect of the creative process, I am just a designer at heart!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are so many great places, things to do and people to meet all over the city, but a few especially stand out:
Old Town Mexican Cafe is absolutely amazing and a must, and Champagne Bakery has to be on the list as well!! If you are there during show season, don’t miss watching some of the top riders in a variety of disciplines compete at DelMar. And if you have time inquire about booking a photoshoot with Julie Davidson Shulman (Instagram account @juliedavidsonphotography) who is doing a lot of our creative content and has an incredible eye to set everything into beautiful light! Speaking of light, one of the best places to watch the Sunset is Portside Pier where you can also grab a drink and bite while enjoying the view. The Del Coronado Hotel is an obvious choice if the budget allows for it, but even just strolling along the beach to catch a glimpse of the gorgeous architecture is a treat! SD Flower Shop is fabulous for any kind of flower arrangements for every occasion and Haim Hair Salon is a great place to get your hair done!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Nobody is an island and no one succeeds on their own or by themselves, so yes, there are quite a few people who deserve credit for our success:
My husband Jason Breemen and his unwavering belief in my success is the number one contributor to staying on course and not stopping to believe that I can do it! Thank you, my Love!!
La-Shauna Pasmore from LRP Designs, who has been with me from the beginning and is the technical and creative genius behind our ad and marketing campaigns, website designs and all things digital. I couldn’t do it without her – thank you, La-Shauna, you are the best!!
April Bailey, our Sales Manager, who is with us for over a year now and represents us at horse and trunk shows, and never gets tired of highlighting why DQD is so wonderful – thank you, April, you rock!
Julie Davidson Shulman, who is the creator of many of our best video and photography used in our campaigns. She has an incredible eye and puts our products in the best light possible and makes them shine. She also started to represent us specifically in the San Diego area and we couldn’t be more grateful – thank you, Julie!!
And also a special thank you to all our influencers, sponsors and brand ambassadors, who are tirelessly out there promoting our brand – I am so grateful for you!!

Website: https://www.DressageQueenDream.com

Instagram: @dressagequeendream

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageQueenDream

Image Credits
Photographs 1 and 6: Shelli Wright Photography
Photographs 3 and 4: Will Wolf Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.