Happy Trails

Packaging with a bit of sass for the modern-day cowgirl.

By Leah Genuario, Editor

Feeling sorry for yourself? Perhaps you need a Get Over It soak. After you are done with the pity party, wash up with some Yeehaw Jasmine Soap or slather up with a sponge full of Dance Hall Bath Gel and get ready for a night on the town.

Featuring snappy titles and a wild west look, Side Saddle supplies beauty products for modern-day cowgirls. “The cowgirl theme is about women of today who have that trail blazing spirit. Cowgirl is a metaphor for strong, independent women who follow their heart and have courage,” said Mimi Kirk, the company founder.
The company started in 1997 with a women’s board game. Cowgirls Ride the Trail of Truth is a game that digs into participants’ experiences, thoughts and feelings and is for women aged 18 and up. After the success of the board game, Kirk extended the brand to include a variety of products, including beauty.

The idea to include themed beauty products in the mix came from Kirk’s own interests. “I wanted to have more products to create the cowgirl brand. Like most women, I love spa products. I thought the great photos and fun sayings would compliment the game and the sayings on the products make people laugh,” commented Kirk.
Side Saddle currently features a line of bath soaks, spa products, affirmation soaps and a trailblazer kit. The packaging in all four lines has a vintage feel. The labels feature women from a bygone era, many riding horses or wearing cowgirl hats. All the photos have a sepia or a black-and-white finish.
The packaging is not devoid of color, however. Color is often used in the product titles and the font gives the appearance of a vintage poster.

“Packaging is what it’s about. It’s very important to me to have attractive packaging. I think it really accounts for our success in sales,” said Kirk. “I believe it’s what catches someone’s eye long enough to stop and smell the product.”

The clever packaging also pays homage to small details. The bottles for the soaks are accessorized with small western-themed charms, like a sheriff’s badge or a boot. Sunflowers are tied to the spa line. And the trailblazer kit comes with Cowboy Joe the Cactus wrangler, which doubles as a razor.

For more information on any of Side Saddle’s products, visit www.cowgirlsgame.com.