Article by Gina Moore
I got a message from Mike Donnel of the WRRA about a lady from South Dakota who is having a WRRA event with Native American cowgirl teams and he mentioned she has a successful business named Cowgirl Swank. I was able to connect with Cheyenne Glade Wilson who is a enrolled member of the Ogala Sioux Nation, a rancher, and business woman. Cheyenne has been busy the last few weeks preparing for opening her store Cowgirl Swank in Chadron, Nebraska on May 6.
Besides dealing with several recent subfreezing snow storms and spring calving at the same time, she, her husband Shane and their son Stone who is 4 years old, managed to make it through the storms without much loss of stock. This is life in America, the ranchers and people who provide the western way of life and produce some of the best beef in the world.
Here are some insights about Cheyenne, her rodeo experience, and her business.
What are the most popular items your customers like to buy? Custom caps is a big draw, as we open we’ll know more of what the customer’s want. What we are offering no one else has in town.
Grew up in a ranching family in Montana my parents are Cliff and Lila Glade. I lived in the cities and came home to ranching.
How long have you been riding? All of my life, my Dad was a rough stock rider, college rodeo,
Animals you own? 4 dogs numerous barn cats, all of our animals.
What events do you compete in? I worked all events, break away roping, pole bending, goat tying, team roping, Montana state high rodeo champion 90 and 91 for goat tying, break away and pole bending.
Championships? Montana state high school champion.
Horses you use to compete on? Right now my roping horse is Doc, black quarter horse, we have 10 horses. My husband doesn’t ride him, he goes back to Driftwood stud.
When is you WRRA event? July 20 and 21st. Cowgirl Swank Classic, first one, trying annual event. Where? Crawford Nebraska.
members of your team, Heidi and Jessica Cuny,
How many teams? I hope we are full, 4 people on a team, limited 16 teams, have to have 7 to go.
Which events are going to take place? Calf Branding, Trailer Loading, Doctoring, Sorting, and Mugging/Tie Down
Who will be providing the stock? Keith Lapp tentatively scheduled, cows and steers, calf branding.
Why did you start Cowgirl Swank? At the NFR seen bling purses and caps, thought why can’t I bling caps. I wanted to go to trade shows.
What advice would you give to a woman who wants to start her own business? Honestly my advice, if you have a dream, indicate yourself to go into it, if you have a support system and a dream, you should be able to achieve your goals.
When was the first time you seen a WRRA rodeo? Last fall, at the world finals, I have seen women teams, and I got to see the all teams online.
What is your ultimate goal for the WRRA? Make it to be a annual event.
Who is your favorite champion WRRA competitor? Billie Franks, she is one heck of a hand and advocate for the WRRA. She helped me get this up and running.
