Meet Katy Schlegel | Healer, Travel Intuitive, Podcaster & Founder of Mariposa Skies

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

Hi Katy, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
This whole idea of my online boutique- Mariposa Skies started with a series of happenings- what seemed like those insignificant moments but that all lined up in the end.

The story of how I started begins with a walk along a beach in Rio de Janeiro. Ipanema to be exact.

I was walking along enjoying the beauty of Brazil and listening to the music of Carnaval. Everyone seemed to be out that day and the city was alive with all the festivities.

As I was walking, something caught my eye down on the beach- it was a beautiful and brightly colored canga (also known as a sarong).

I walked by it at first, being that I was so very shy and spoke very little Portuguese. But as I kept walking, my intuition told me to go back and buy that canga.

So I mustered up my courage, put on my big girl pants and went back and bought it. Little did I know it would be the start of something amazing.

A year later I was on a road trip out to the east coast- I was at a gas station and the woman attendant behind the counter commented on my scarf (the canga) and how beautiful and colorful it was. She just loved it!

I thanked her and what always came next was this question…where did I get it? I told her I bought it while I was in Brazil to which she responded, “Wow- I wish I could go to Brazil and get one!” I smiled at the thought of this and how this one piece of fashion has been the start of many conversations with complete strangers.

As I got back in my car and headed back on the road that thought started to marinate in my mind. And that’s when the first inkling of an idea started to form. Though I didn’t even know it at the time.

Soon after that road trip, I was introduced to the TV show Mr. Selfridge. In the very first episode Mr. Selfridge comes on to the screen and tells the heads of his departments to scour the world for the finest merchandise to fill his store- go to Colombia for the best emeralds – France for the latest in women’s fashion- etc.

I remember thinking- man what a cool job that would be!

But it wasn’t until several weeks after watching that first episode of Mr. Selfridge when it happened. I was walking into my bathroom getting ready for the day when the idea finally downloaded.

I remember thinking out of the blue- I could have that job- but how…well I could create that job! And guess what- at that moment I was wearing my canga from Brazil as a wrap and when I looked in the mirror I knew this was it- this was what I’m meant to be doing!

So I saved up enough money to travel and go on buying trips to Morocco, Japan, Argentina and Bali. And it wasn’t until my final buying trip to Bali when I put all the pieces together to create what Mariposa Skies is today.

A unique shopping experience that connects women who want to be part of something that matters to our unique and beautiful accessories that are handmade by global- independent artisans, designers and small family owned businesses. With each purchase, customers know they are supporting the greater good.

What should our readers know about your business?
When I started my business, I didn’t realize how difficult it was going to be.

I thought if I build it- they will come, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. It takes a lot of courage to start a business, yes, but it takes a lot of moxie and grit to keep going, especially when you’re not having the success you want to have.

When I named my business Mariposa Skies, I didn’t realize how my business’ namesake would be a clue to the transforming journey it has led me on. Like the butterfly (mariposa in Spanish) goes on a journey of transforming from the caterpillar to its beautiful winged version, I too have experienced a similar journey of transformation with my business.

No one tells you that being successful in business is 80% an inner game. I had a lot of challenges to overcome and it’s taken me almost 6 years to get to where I am today. That’s a long time to stick with something that saw, at best, mediocre success each year.

I thought so many of the things that were going to turn my business into a success were outside of me, but then, just recently, it dawned on me- I’ve had everything I’ve needed within me to be successful. And that’s when my messaging, my mission, my why- came into alignment with my values. For me, if a business doesn’t align with your values, then most likely you won’t experience the success you want or feel fulfilled in the work you are doing.

But you know, in hindsight, I am grateful for the journey my business has taken me on and the challenges I have overcome. After all, I wouldn’t be the person I am today without experiencing those difficulties.

My business has allowed me to travel the world, shop in some pretty amazing markets, and learn about cultures in a new and different way- through the eyes of creatives and artisans all over the world.

And when you look at the world and all our differences through those eyes, I’ve learned that our differences don’t have to divide us, they can unite us and make us stronger.

As Dr. Wayne Dyer said, “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”

And that’s how Mariposa Skies is set apart from other fashion brands out there- I help people look at the world a little bit differently. Look at it in a way that helps them reconnect to it and really themselves on a more intuitive level and my hope is that it heals some part of them in the process.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I was born and raised in East County, San Diego. For some reason it gets a bad rap but I’ve seen some of the most amazing sunsets over these East County mountains. So if a friend was visiting me for a week, our adventure would start out in East County.

For the first day, we would drive up to Julian for an overnighter. We’d spend the afternoon at Volcan Mountain Winery- just outside of town. Then wander around Julian for a bit and do some local shopping and before they close- grab a piece of apple pie.

In the morning, we would head to the Julian Cafe where we’d spilt a cinnamon roll and an order of fried chicken and waffles with a mug of local Julian cider.

We’d head home after that and just relax for the rest of the day.

The next day, I would take them to Balboa Park, grab a cup of coffee and walk around- soaking in the sun and explore the international cottages or the Japanese Garden.

For dinner we’d hit up Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant in Kensington and devour their carne asada fries and street tacos.

On the third day, I’d take them down to Pacific Beach and get an early breakfast at Kono’s Cafe on the beach- grab one of their delicious breakfast burritos and eat it out on their deck that over looks the Pacific Beach Pier and watch the surfers.

We’d probably wander around the beaches for a bit, then go to La Jolla Cove to see the tide pools and end our day watching the sunset at Windandsea beach. On the way home we’d grab a bite to eat at one of my favorite East County local spots- Funky Fries and Burgers.

The next day we’d go to North Park and go to The Mission for breakfast. Then walk around and do some local shopping at one of my favorite shops called Pigment. After that, we’d check out North Park’s various vintage shops. By late afternoon we’d head to historic Old Town and walk around, snack on a churro or two and end our day sitting out on the patio at Casa Guadalajara sipping margaritas.

On our final day, I’d take them to the Point Loma Lighthouse around midday- walk around there for a bit, learning about San Diego history before heading over to Coronado to take in the sights. Just before sunset- we’d grab a spot and a bite to eat at the Hotel Del Sun Deck Bar & Grill where we’d toast to our time together with a glass of bubbly while watching the sunset over the ocean.

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?
I dedicate this shoutout to my mom, first and foremost. She was my #1 fan, executive assistant, travel buddy and everyday cheerleader- the driving force behind me that encouraged me to never give up on my dreams.

All my artisans, they inspire me to keep going and really keep me grounded in my why.

All my customers- I wouldn’t be in business if it weren’t for their support and love of Mariposa Skies.

Echo Bodine who taught me how to use my gifts and intuition.

Susan Bradley of The Social Sales Girls, her coaching and community of amazing coaches and online store owners helped me understand the numbers and analytical side of my business.

My friend, Jamie Dyke and all of our business development trips and conversations.

Katie Wight of Strong Brand Social, who in one workshop helped me bring my entire message into alignment.

As well as various books that inspired me to take the risk of starting my own business- such as Start Something That Matters by Blake Mycoskie, The Success Principles by Jack Canfield, #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso, and Start With Why by Simon Sinek.

Website: https://shopmariposaskies.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariposaskies/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mariposaskies

Other: Email: info@mariposaskies.com