Today we’d like to introduce you to Tori Mellott.
Hi Tori, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Stabl Notes really started from a personal need. I’ve been around horses my entire life—growing up on a working cattle ranch and later showing in the English world—and I always struggled to keep my horse’s information organized in one place. I wanted a record book that was both practical and beautiful, something that felt worthy of the animals we love so much.
At the time, I was already running a small business with my husband building custom chicken coops, raising our kids, and managing life on the ranch. I realized that if I needed something like this, others probably did too. So, I started designing a record book that could follow a horse through its entire life—something you’d want to keep, not just for record-keeping, but as a keepsake.
Created by horse people for horse people, my goal has always been to make tools that feel both elegant and essential—things you’ll use daily but treasure for years. And we’re just getting started.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think starting and running your own business will always involve some struggles. Whether you are trying to manage your time correctly or dealing with an order error, you always need to be ready to pivot.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At Stabl Notes, I create thoughtfully designed record books, journals, and tools for horse lovers who want to stay organized while honoring the special bond they share with their animals. My work blends practical record-keeping with a sense of heritage and sentiment—offering equestrians a beautiful way to track everything from daily rides and training progress to health records and personal milestones.
I want my books to be as elegant as they are useful. My flagship product, the Stable Notes record book, was created so that horse owners could document an individual horse’s life all in one place. It’s part memory book, part management tool, and entirely inspired by the love we carry for our horses.
What sets Stabl Notes apart is the intentional design and emotional connection behind every page. I grew up on a working cattle ranch and showed horses in both Western and English disciplines, so I understand the lifestyle firsthand. I’m most proud that my work speaks to people who care deeply about tradition, craftsmanship, and their animals—and that these books are being used in barns across the country.
As the brand continues to grow, I’m excited to expand into new offerings—like record books for dogs and a playful, equestrian-themed word search book that brings a touch of nostalgia and fun, perfect for quiet moments at the barn or as a thoughtful gift for fellow horse lovers.
One of the things I’m most proud of is simply going for it—choosing to pursue a dream and build something from the ground up. Stabl Notes started as a small idea, and turning it into a brand that reflects my values and passions has been incredibly rewarding.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My biggest piece of advice is to just start. You don’t need all the answers or the perfect setup—you just need the willingness to take that first step. It’s easy to get caught up in comparison or wait until everything feels “ready,” but momentum builds when you move forward, even imperfectly.
I also wish I had trusted my own instincts more in the beginning. It’s great to learn from others, but don’t underestimate the value of your own vision. Your perspective and passion are what will set you apart.
Finally, don’t be afraid to pivot. You’ll learn so much along the way, and the idea you start with might evolve into something even better than you imagined. Let it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.StablNotes.com
- Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/stablnotes
- Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/stablnotes
Image Credits
https://www.karissaskyphotography.com
