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Am I passionate about equestrian business? OH YES! I love business and I get plenty of opportunity to work with some of the most incredible equestrian businesses out there. In this section of my blog, I write about tips for equestrian businesses, speak to people behind the brands that we all know and love in the equestrian world, and get to help equestrian businesses thrive on their social media, in terms of their content… and these ideas can help them succeed from a profit point of view too.

The equestrian business tag is added to quite a bit of content – whether I am talking about tips and skills to help support your business, or I’m talking about businesses and sharing their story.

Tag Archive for: equestrian business

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A few minutes with… Sarah Johnstone – Apt Cavalier

Sarah Johnstone Apt Cavalier copyHave you heard about Apt Cavalier? This fairly new equestrian brand gained a sizeable following pre-launch on Instagram, and has continued to deliver on social media and in product since. Headed by Sarah Johnstone, a fashion design graduate and self professed determined eventer, Apt Cavalier is definitely a brand to watch. In this blog, I catch up with the lady herself…

Tell us about you and your background What made you want to start a business?

I started Apt Cavalier because it simply “made sense”. I graduated with an Honours Degree in Fashion Design and have lived in the heart of the equestrian world for almost 20 years, so combining my expertise in clothing design with my knowledge of the competitive riding industry just seemed like my logical career path.

How is Apt Cavalier different?

Now, my answer to this is a bit unorthodox, because essentially it probably isn’t all that different. I’m not going to delude myself into thinking that I’m filling a gap in the market, because truthfully there are hundreds of equestrian clothing brands out there who do a great job. However, equestrians (including myself) tend to live and breathe this lifestyle, it’s more than just a sport or a hobby, it’s who we are and what we love. So, I firmly believe that there will always be room in the market for another service to the horsey world.

What makes your products special?

Sarah JohnstoneAh, now this question is exciting as we may not be all that different but our products sure are special! Our line of performance wear is designed to solve real life problems, primarily in Eventing. Take our Performance Skins for example; designed initially for wearing cross-country but can also be worn during training and around the yard. Personally, my biggest problem on the cross-country course was that I was too hot; when I finished my round, I was red in the face, uncomfortable and desperate to get my body protector off. So, I wanted to create something that eliminated this discomfort meaning the only thing I would have to think about at the end of my round was how amazing it was. I wanted to create something that meant my attention was first and foremost on caring for my horse, and cooling him down, rather than having to dart into the lorry to strip off!

So, what really makes us special is the fabric technology and innovative design that goes into each and every product and provides solutions to real equestrian problems!

If you had to sum up Apt Cavalier in five words, what would they be?

A brand for the riders!

Do you have a motto or ethos?

To make all our business decisions according to what it best for the riders.

If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring business owner, what would it be?

Just get on with it! You can plan and plan and plan, but planning doesn’t achieve results- taking action does! Just remember you can learn and adjust along the way!

One thing that helps you run Apt Cavalier more effectively 

Buffer to schedule social media posts and Airtable to make lists, split those lists into different sections, prioritise and make yet more lists.

Apt Cavalier Performance Skin copyBest thing about running a business?

That amazing feeling when someone places an order –  someone actually wants to wear something that I created!!! I don’t think that feeling will ever go away!

Worst thing about running a business?

Knowing that if it all goes tits-up (excuse my French), it’s on me!

Top business blog you follow?

What I really like to do is search a keyword or topic in the ‘Posts’ section of LinkedIn. For example, I might search “small business growth” and there will be two or three really inspirational posts- I like to read articles by lots of different people, from different backgrounds as they all have different insights.

Top business book you’ve read?

Does the Eventing Life magazine count?? Let’s call it market research!

One thing we might not know about you?

I came up with the initial concept of Apt Cavalier when I was bored and signed off work – my lovely SuperCob got very excited in the field and ended up kicking me in the hand, shattering two of my bones as well as kindly removing my tendons. The doctors rebuild my bones using calcium and said I might not be able to ride as I would struggle to gain full use of my hand again – but determined as ever, I was back on within 12 weeks and here I am just two years later competing at BENovice!

Top business achievement?

Watching an accomplished four-star rider gallop around Burghley wearing one of our Performance Skins!

Where can people follow Apt Cavalier online?

www.aptcavalier.com

Facebook : Apt Cavalier Ltd

Twitter: @aptcavalierequestrian

Instagram: @aptcavalierequestrian

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Five things to look for in an equestrian PR agency

Five things to look for in an equestrian PRIf you’re looking to work with an equestrian PR agency, then this blog is a must-read. Although I used to work exclusively in equestrian PR and marketing before my client list grew to include country and canine (and now I’ve sidestepped a little!), I don’t think all businesses need external help. Many can do an exceptional job themselves or with a little bit of a helping hand or a plan. Actually, I put together a blog all about equestrian PR and if you can do it yourself. But I digress.

Do you need help with your equestrian PR?

If you don’t have enough hours in the day, if you’re not enjoying the PR and marketing side of your equestrian business or if you feel that it’s not where you need to spend your time, then getting something to help you with your equestrian PR and marketing could be a really good call. There are a number of providers out there, but not all are created equal. This is why I wanted to give you some top tips to help you sort the wheat from the chaff, to back a winner from the start. I know there are many, many more puns I could use, but let’s crack on…

  1. How do they come across on their platforms? Equestrian PR people should have a number of social media platforms of their own up and running, and a good website too. How do they come across on these platforms? Are they focussed on the clients they serve? Does it help educate and inform? Or does their content have a rather egotistical tone? I’m not saying people shouldn’t promote themselves, far from it, but I am saying that I think clients should get a fair shout too. Also, what’s their tone like on social media? Is it informative and friendly or patronising and a bit superior? This person could be representing your brand. If their tone, manner and nature don’t fit your brand, they might not be a good fit for you.
  2. Do they know their subject? Seems obvious, right? But you would be amazed if I told you that some equestrian PRs are not all that equestrian… and as a niche industry, it really matters. They don’t need to ride each day or have competed at Badminton, but if they don’t know a forelock from a fetlock or a surcingle from a stifle, they are probably not a great fit. Of course, if you’re making equestrian clothing, for example, this might not be as important. That being said, if you’re marketing a range of clothing for superior comfort in the saddle, it does help to have an understanding of what features these products need to have.
  3. Are they well connected? An equestrian PR should be well connected. Historically, they would need to be connected to all the equestrian magazines out there, but now they also need to be connected to bloggers and influencers as well as websites. The strength of their connections and the relationships they have built with these publications and individuals will either increase or decrease the chances of your product or service getting coverage. It’s simple as that.
  4. Look for examples. Want to know what your equestrian PR can do for you? Look for examples of their work. This might be things they talk about on social media that they have done for their clients, or it might be press clippings and articles that they have that show what they have done and what they can do.
  5. Testimonials. Let’s be completely honest here. Life is way too short to work with people that don’t do the job they’re meant to, don’t perform and who are full of hot air and little action. I could tell you my cooking skills would rival Jamie Oliver’s, and unless tried my culinary creations out, you wouldn’t know that that isn’t quite the truth. However, having a good testimonials page on the website with information from real live people who have actually encountered your PR, ideally from a few different angles, can be useful. Of course, you want to make sure they’re good at their job and will get you valuable coverage, but I also like testimonials because you usually find out things about the person’s character that you wouldn’t necessarily know.

So, if you’re looking for an equestrian PR agency to help you increase the profile of your brand and the exposure your products receive, have a look at the above and keep this in mind in your search. And if you’re in need of any help or support in looking after your own equestrian PR and marketing, or even choosing someone to work, just get in touch and I will do my very best to help you.

 

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Why I love… why the new blog series

Why I love... my new blog seriesI’ve been trying to think of a way to share with you the numerous gems I come across in my travels… because I am lucky to find a lot. This might be a book (and I read a lot), or a podcast, or a gorgeous bit of stationary or maybe something even more special in terms of a stunning or clever product that I’ve bought, been given or have helped to promote. I promise that everything in the ‘why I love’ series will be something that I genuinely love. I do get to see a lot of lovely products in my equestrian and country PR and marketing role for a couple of key brands, and even more in my business coach role, but I want to give you my take on some of my top finds in this blog series. It might seem self indulgent and that really isn’t the intention. And I’ll explain my reasoning…

Why I want to share what I find with you

You know those people who find something extraordinary and then hide or keep it to themselves? One of my children is currently going through this phase with small rocks and acorns. You see his face light up when he uncovers a dirt encrusted rock and he’s delighted… and then you see the sneaky little devil go and stash it in the seat of his push along quad thingy or the hole that the parasol fits down on his sandpit. Why? Because he’s not too keen on me, his Dad or his brother touching, looking at or finding out about his ‘precious’. He’s really into rocks. Anyway, I’m pleased to say that the things I get excited about are ever so slightly more useful that rocks or acorns (well, to adult humans anyway), and I like to share. If it’s a resource I have found that has helped me learn something, I want to share it with people I think will benefit. If it’s a lovely ‘thing’, well, I just like to share the knowledge of things I have found, bought and adore with people I think will love them too. And if it’s a client product that’s jaw droppingly gorgeous, well, I really, really want to tell people about that. I know it’s sad cliche and everyone says it, but that thing about raising others up and helping them progress and improve? Yeah. I’m all in on that score. And I also really like it when people tell me about brilliant things that they have found that  they think I might like. Recommendation for someone you know and trust is a big thing for me, so I am extending that to you. Equally, I would LOVE to hear about things you recommend. I am planning to cover one ‘thing’ in each post, and anything connected to that thing that you would recommend would be brilliant.

Will be be all business things?

Nope. There will be a good amount of things I love that are connected to business. I have a vice for business books and have a collection that could rival Amazon, and there are lots of other lovely business-y things I do like from Apps and software to podcasts and other businesses… but I also love well made products with a story, brands with a heart and the brilliant people behind them. I find the detail and design of some products completely amazing and I find it equally gutting when no one knows the story behind why something is as it is. So I have adopted the role for the things I love. To share with you why they’re special and why I love them.

So, that’s it – the reason behind the ‘why I love…’ series. And if you have something you think I’ll love, or know of something you think it right up my street or could be of benefit to my clients, friends, Small & Supercharged VIPers and more, Well, I would love to hear from you.

Stay tuned for the first one next week… I just thought giving you an explanation to the thought process was a good idea. I’ve been struggling with the Monday blog theme for a while now, but I am hoping that this ticks all the boxes. Here’s to ‘why I love’. I hope you love it too.

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Exciting times with Countryside magazine

NFU CountrysideIf you follow me on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook you may have seen me post about Countryside magazine. Why? Well, the September issue (which is the one that is out NOW) sees my first monthly business column. I’m a bit excited about it.

Why Countryside magazine?

I have worked with the team at Countryside magazine, with various clients, for… I don’t know… 10 years? Maybe a bit longer?! I love the magazine, get each issue and read it from cover to cover. It’s also one of the few magazines that comes into the house that my husband also reads (and discusses articles at length… today he told me he’d read you shouldn’t trim a horse’s whiskers… and I know where he read it!!). It’s wholesome, it’s interesting, it’s useful and I love the content. The feature about harvesting in this issue is particularly fascinating as it looked at different crops… but I digress. With my small business coaching, Small & Supercharged and Small & Supercharged VIP group, the vast majority of the people inside it have some connection to the countryside or equestrian industry. This could be that they live in the countryside, own a horse, spend every minute they can with nature or sell equestrian, canine and country products. The groups are open to everyone but, I think because I’ve been in the equestrian and rural industry for so long, I’m best known there. And that’s fine by me. Well, it’s more than fine.

So, the column in Countryside magazine?

Ah yes, the column. I understand this magazine and regularly speak to the editor, the brilliant Martin Stanhope, and with Small & Supercharged growing at an alarming rate, now seemed like the time to share my expertise, put myself out there and help people by sharing a bit of knowledge that they can apply to their business. I really REALLY love helping small businesses, and being able to potentially help even more is incredibly exciting and something I am really grateful for. So thanks so much for the opportunity, Countryside.

What’s the first one about?

The first column is all about collaborations (because it’s not a secret that I’m a fan of the good old collab!), and next month’s is all about influencers… so definitely have a look out for that…

I’ll be writing a monthly column in each issue of Countryside magazine. I hope you enjoy it. If you want to find out more about Countryside magazine, have a look here.

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A few minutes with… Robin Roadnight – Robin Roadnight Equestrian Art

Robin RoadnightI stumbled across the lovely Robin Roadnight on Instagram and then purchased one of her pieces of art – Horsepower. I love what Robin creates, so much so I took the opportunity to ask her a few questions about her business and what she does… and she’s this week’s ‘a few minutes with…’ focus…

Tell us about you and your background

I grew up very influenced by my incredibly creative Mum, who also shares my passion for horses. From as early as I can remember, I spent every spare moment at the stables. Financially my own horse was never an option until my early teens, so I would ‘work for rides’ every weekend, and before and after school. Around the age of 13 I found a wonderful little competition yard near home, run by a very supportive and talented family, who enabled me to keep and compete my own horses. Immersing myself in that world fuelled a lifelong passion for eventing and showjumping that has inspired my work.

What made you want to start your business, Robin Roadnight Equestrian Art?

For me I think I have always worked best on my own, where I can give my imagination a completely free rein. I started painting commissioned portraits around the age of 12, and I’ve always known that this was what I wanted to do.

Robin Roadnight Equestrian ArtHow is your business different?

I think my business is very different in a way that equestrians in particular may recognise. Although my passion is centred around horses (well anything equine!) my work is inspired by equestrian sport, and every painting or design is a considered study of that. I remember growing up, you would find ‘horse’ inspired designs, paintings and fabrics everywhere, but so rarely would I see anything that captured how I felt about showjumping, eventing or dressage.

What makes your products special?

I work very hard at it, and I hope that fellow equestrian sport lovers can feel the spirit of their sport is captured in my work.

If you had to sum up Robin Roadnight Equestrian Art in five words, what would they be?

Inspired, Classic, Spirited, ‘Country’ and Uplifting.

Do you have a motto or ethos?

I hugely value my customers, and find it really important to action everything swiftly and keep people fully informed. I think the buying experience is as important as the product itself.

If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring business owner, what would it be?

To take the plunge and keep at what you feel passionate about. Don’t worry about what others think, you are not alone, if you believe in something enough, there are many others that will believe in it with you, and appreciate your work!

One thing that helps you run your business more effectively

I spend an awful lot of time keeping everything meticulously organised, if I feel that everything (within reason) is completely under control, I find it hugely enjoyable, even if I’m frantically busy! My work space has dozens of perfectly sized shelving units and cupboards, to keep everything visible & organised (thanks to my very handy step father!) and as much as I prefer using my iPad, I still can’t move away from my giant laptop, I have a folder for everything, and although my paintings are done on the easel, they are all scanned for the fabric designs to be worked on in Robin RoadnightPhotoshop and Illustrator, the two key things I could not work without!

Best thing about running a business?

The complete freedom to be as creative as I like. I never have to run my ideas by the boss to get the go ahead!

Worst thing about running a business?

You never really clock off, my poor husband will second this, even on a Sunday evening with a glass of wine and Poldark on tv, I will still be answering emails, taking orders and running back and forth checking stock numbers. Switching off is much easier said than done!

Top business blog you follow

I wouldn’t say a blog specifically, but Instagram is my go-to for inspiration. I could spend hours on there!

One thing we might not know about you

Not uncommon with artists I’m sure, but I’m incredibly introverted, as much as I love meeting wonderful people, I could go on forever in my own company, and will often shun a get together in favour of a good book or a lovely day in the garden!

Top business achievement

I used to think my art didn’t count unless it was hanging in the best gallery, but nothing has felt like more of an achievement than starting from nothing and growing to over 30,000 loyal Facebook followers. I often receive emails and photos from happy customers showing off my work in situ, and there is nothing more humbling or motivating than that.

Where can people follow you or your business online

I can be found on Facebook, and I have recently started Instagram, where I am really loving sharing more lifestyle and inspirational photos, together with my new designs as they’re released. My website is updated almost daily too www.robinroadnight.com

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A few minutes with… Karen McConnell

Karen McConnellIn this week’s ‘a few minutes with…’ we catch up with Karen McConnell from KA Equestrian. Karen is a complete star and is incredibly forward thinking in the way she approaches her business. And she’s an incredibly talented and thoroughly lovely person too!

Tell us about you and your background I’m Karen and I own and run KA Equestrian, a busy backing, schooling, training and livery yard based in beautiful Perthshire, Scotland. I was born in Surrey as my parents were living there at the time but they’re both Scottish so a few years later we moved back to Scotland and settled in the outskirts of Edinburgh for most of my school days. I was lucky to have ponies growing up and loved all Pony Club activities and generally messing about on the horses. Dressage was definitely not on my radar in those days! When I left school I went to work on a dressage yard, studied for my BHS exams and learned to start horses and school them on and that is where things changed for me. All through University and other ‘real’ jobs, I always had horses for training on the side until the summer of 2009 when I got ill and was signed off work for three weeks with suspected swine flu! After a few days I felt better but had to stay off work just incase. I set up a website and a FB page, pulled the name “KA Equestrian” out of thin air (my maiden name was Anderson hence the A in the KA) and it just took off. No planning whatsoever. There have been HUGE learning curves along the way but eight years on, we’ve grown massively and are thriving.

On a day-to-day basis, in addition to running the yard, managing the property, training horses, coaching riders, competing in the dressage arena, and creating lots of content for our blog and social media channels, I’m a mum of two young children, Cora who’s five and Callan who’s three. I have this nagging ambition to become a Grand Prix dressage rider and now that the kids are a little bigger, I’m actively pursuing that goal. Life can be a bit of juggling act at times but I’m so lucky to be able to do what I do.

What made you want to start a business? I’ve always liked to be in control of my own decisions and anyone who knows me will tell you I’m not great at being told what to do (!) so being my own boss was always inevitable. KA Equestrian was born out of a love of training horses, teaching them new skills and watching them develop.

How is your business different? KA Equestrian has evolved over the years and what made us different in the beginning, a business whose sole focus was starting young horses, has also changed. We have a number of niches – our backing process ‘The Right Start’ is still very much a core part of the business but we’ve also developed a few other niches – retraining ex-racehorses, and coaching young riders. What KA Equestrian has become is a family-friendly yard where everyone is welcomed and respected and help is tailored to their individual needs and dreams. 

What makes the services you offer at KA Equestrian special? The services we offer are special, I think, because we pay attention to the details and KA Equestriangive real consideration to whether our clients are benefiting and if not, we find out how can we change things up to better meet their needs. When it comes to the horses in our care, to ensure we don’t bend to the pressure sometimes applied by owners, I always ask myself “What would I be doing if this was my horse?” and go with that. That way I can know we’re doing the very best job, making the right, not always easiest, decisions and I can sleep better at night!

If you had to sum your business up in five words, what would they be? Quality, Friendly, Training, Coaching (and) Livery

Does KA Equestrian have a motto or ethos? Our tag line is “Home of Happy Horses” and that applies to both our livery and training clients. Happy horses, to me, are well nourished, cared for, respected, loved, protected from harm and abuse and given every opportunity to thrive. It’s important to me that our little bubble here at KA Equestrian is also home of happy owners and riders, but that doesn’t have the same ring! My top priorities at the yard are to maintain and develop an excellent facility and to ensure everyone feels welcome and respected.

If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring business owner, what would it be? I know the sensible advice is to plan and prepare BUT I like to think big and move fast. Be brave, and if it feels right go for it!

Tell us one thing that helps you manage KA Equestrian more efficiently I simply could not run my business without my phone and I can’t imagine using anything other than an iPhone. I’m on the yard most of the day and without the means to make calls, take pictures and videos, reply to messages and post to social media, the business would grind to a halt (or I certainly would as I’d have to do all that in the evenings once the kids are in bed!)

What’s the best thing about running KA Equestrian? Gosh, there are so many good bits – the freedom to think big and make a bold move, the flexibility to fit in the school run, a hair appointment or a day away, and the fact I get to do what I love every day – there’s never that Monday-morning feeling.

And the worst thing about running a business? Hmmm, I used to take things very personally when things didn’t go the way I’d hoped and it took a lot of work to put that in a good place in my head. I think when you are your business, it’s very hard to not take things personally if a client isn’t happy with what you’ve done or a project you’ve been working on hasn’t worked out – there’s no corporate structure to hide behind. That’s been my biggest challenge to date but I think I can now see the difference between things I have a legitimate reason to be disappointed with myself about and those that are more to do with the circumstances or a particular client.

KA EquestrianTop business blog you follow Well, obviously Rhea’s blog along with all the amazing help and advice she gives me as one of her coaching clients (thank you :-)), but I also love Marie Forleo and Seth Godin – both seriously positive and motivational.

Best business book you’ve read I don’t really engage with text books but I LOVE autobiographies from business people – I want to know not just how they make the decisions they make and the strategies that they use but how they live their lives and how they fit it all in. I really liked Tamara Mellon’s book ‘In My Shoes’ as it was very honest, she wasn’t afraid to appear flawed.

Something we might not know about you I once shared a helicopter with Pierce Brosnan in Monte Carlo – doesn’t get cooler than that right? Well, if I had my pick of Bonds it would have been Daniel Craig!

What’s your top business achievement? Oh gosh, you know I’m really not sure… nothing massive YET! But I’m really proud of the busy yard I have now, I’ve worked hard for it and I know we do really good work, offering real value to our clients both human and equine.

Find Karen McConnell and KA Equestrian at…

Website – www.kaequestrian.com,

Facebook www.facebook.com/KAEquestrian,

Twitter www.twitter.com/KAEquestrian,

Instagram www.instagram.com/KAEquest

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A few minutes with… Samantha Hobden – Haynet

Today’s ‘a few minutes with…’ is all about Samantha Hobden from Haynet. Haynet is a fabulous community online created for bloggers.

Tell us about you and your backgroundSamantha Hobden

I am a half Finnish mum born in the seventies running two businesses, two terriers, a handful of chickens and one huge horse! I have always worked with the public sorting out problems through customer services or promoting companies through marketing and PR. These industries have ranged from the banking sector, hairdressing and medical companies to the car industry. I have also worked in a partnership with a clothing and accessories business. I am now working within the equestrian industry talking all things blogging and social media, which I definitely enjoy the most.

What made you want to start a business?

Having worked for many big companies and sorting out their client’s problems, I knew that I would rather be working for myself utilising these skills and helping smaller businesses. This has now expanded to the rural industry where they are experiencing tough times, so to help with their social media marketing I find hugely rewarding.

How is your business different?

I think because I own and run my own social network it enables me to give my clients and the work I do an extra audience. I would say the experience in running this business over the last few years enables me to use a wider network and encourage them not just to use the basics in social media but help them with content and trying to be just that little bit different.

What makes your product special?

As I don’t sell a product but a service, I would hope that my experience running a social media network would make an extra impact to potential clients needing help. with their social media.

If you had to sum up your business in five words, what would they be?Haynet

Telling your stories from the stables to the fields!! Sorry that is nine…..

Do you have a motto or ethos?

I cannot emphasise enough to have respect for your clients and work colleagues. Just be nice and friendly. There are times where mistakes are made, so say sorry. Don’t make excuses and own your errors. This builds respect and that goes a long way in business.

If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring business owner, what would it be?

Well as the saying goes “Rome wasn’t built in a day” and I think that applies to any new business. Give it time, put in plenty of research and thought and go with your gut feeling. It also takes time to gain a reputation and all the hard work you put in when starting will be worth it. However, it just may take some time, so be patient.

One thing that helps you run your business more effectively

As my business is totally online, I would have to say I would be lost without my iPad. I do all my work on a desktop and this is invaluable but my iPad takes over when I am away from home or away from my desk, it continues to work for me. Software wise I am a massive fan of Canva. I am no graphic designer but this piece of software has made my life so much easier. Photoshop made me cry…. So thankfully I discovered Canva before booking on a Photoshop course!

Best thing about running a business?

It is totally flexible and you only answer to yourself. You make the decisions whether they are right or wrong but the buck stops with you. It is also a massive learning curve being responsible for your own income and growing your business. However, it is a great learning curve!

Worst thing about running a business?

Being responsible for your work and this is potentially a tie. You cannot clock off at 5pm and having time off from it can be like organising a military operation. If you work from home like I do, it is not recognised I think as “proper work”. I think perception of working from home is sitting in front of the tv with your iPad watching Phil and Holly!

Top business blog you follow

I suppose it will have to be Andrew William Smith on Facebook. Every now and then you need to take a moment and listen to his video tutorials to make sure you are keeping an eye of the ever changing world of running a business, especially through social media.

Top business book you’ve read

I will side track from a business book and say The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. If you are ever thinking life is not going your way or work is getting you down, please read this book. It will change your outlook completely!

One thing we might not know about you

I love psychic mediumship and all things about it. I have read so many books on the subject and love seeing mediums and have been on workshops too. So make the most of this life before you move on to the next one…

Top business achievement

It has to be Haynet and the recognition and following I have with this now. Someone was talking to me the other day and one sentence from our conversation made me smile and think that running Haynet is all worth it. She was visiting a yard with her work and one of the liveries was telling her how she loved Haynet and had learnt from the blogs and content that was featured on it. She also said what a friendly equestrian place it was online. It may not sound much but it made my day!

Where can people follow you or your business online 

Haynet: http://www.hay-net.co.uk/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/haynetblog
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haynetblog/

 

 

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A few minutes with… Michelle Charman – Forelock Books

Forelock BooksMichelle Charman in the lady behind the brand Forelock Books. Forelock Books publish a range of books for children, but the beauty is that all members of the family can enjoy the stories – they’re true family books! With some fabulous authors and great stories, Forelock Books is a really great brand to look into. And Michelle is completely lovely too. Here’s a bit more about her.

Tell us about you and your background. What made you want to start a business?

I grew up in Snowdonia during the 70’s/80’s. Everyone had a pony, or a bike. I had a bike for quite some time, until I’d driven my parents mad by ‘trotting’ everywhere and answering questions in ‘neighs and whinnies’. I never really learnt to ride, I was just told to hang on by my granddad, who used to be a jockey.

By the time I was about nine, my best friend and I were spending all our spare time riding over the Welsh mountains and along the beaches, dreaming up new adventures to go on, pretending to be highwaymen, princesses, cowgirls, show-jumpers and other equestrians.

My imagination, confidence and sense of adventure grew with my love of books, I was always being told off at school for ‘daydreaming’, wishing I was out riding.

Michelle CharmanI moved to London in 1990 to study Business Studies and Print Management and eventually got my first job with Hamlyn Books. I worked for various publishers over the next 20yrs including, Octopus, Dorling Kindersley, Penguin Books but by 2013 publishing had changed so much, many of the publishing brands we all know and love had merged together, publishing was big business and great stories were passed over for celebrity authors and fashionable topics.

I’ve always encouraged ways of getting more people reading, but for me, nothing beats a great story, whatever your age.

Realising that there were very few pony stories that would appeal to and inspire today’s young riders, being published in the UK. I decided to set up Forelock Books.

How is your business different? What makes your products special?

Forelock BooksPublishers at Penguin Random House felt that equestrian fiction aimed at young riders was too niche, they wanted to appeal to a much broader market of children and young adults worldwide, whether they rode or not. I felt that there were enough riders and pony enthusiasts to warrant a brand of modern equestrian family fiction; Great stories, by the best authors, for the whole family.

I wanted to create a distinctive brand, I love physical books and still have my favourite hardback books I read as a child, some have inscriptions in them from family and friends who gave them to me as gifts. So many things these days are meant to be short lived, upgraded, thrown away, replaced, I wanted to create things that could be treasured.

If you had to sum up your business in a few words, what would they be?

Creator of Equestrian Dreams: Inspirational, Adventurous, Traditional, Reliable, Quality.

Do you have a motto or ethos?

Creating dreams for others to follow.

If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring business owner, what would it be?

Go with your gut, if you think too hard, you may never take that first step.

One thing that helps you run your business more effectively

Photoshop. It’s not cheap and I’m no expert, but it’s great for putting together interesting social media posts, memes and creating impactful images.

Best thing about running a business?

Good feedback. Just hearing that someone loved reading a story that I believed in makes all the hard work, expense and disappointment worthwhile.

Worst thing about running a business?

The quiet periods, where no money is coming in and you’re just not finding your market, or worse you’re finding your market, but failing to convince them how good your product is.

Top business blog you follow

Haynet and Sophie Callahan. I’ve only just been introduced to Sophie’s blog via Small & Supercharged and I’m amazed at how much time she spends putting together really useful supportive blogs without expecting something in return from the reader – however, I’m constantly impressed by her images, and I suppose when I need a photographer she will be at the top of my list.

Top business book you’ve read

Upping your Elvis Factor by Chris Barez Brown. I met him when I worked at Penguin and he was the person who convinced me to follow my dream.

One thing we might not know about you

I’d love to move back home to Wales. I’m on an amazing journey, but Snowdonia will always be HOME and it’s where I’ll return.

Top business achievement

Being ‘Highly Commended’ by BETA is something I’m very proud of but I consider every sale as my biggest achievement. Selling a book means that I have found the right story, produced it well, found the right market and convinced the buyer to part with money for the promise it holds and that to me is success.

Forelock Books

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A few minutes with… Emma Dyer – Equine Careers

I’m lucky to meet a lot of fabulous small business owners and find out all about their businesses. But not everyone does. So I thought, to help more people learn about them, I’d use my blog to showcase some of Equine Careersthe businesses I love. Here’s the first one-  Emma Dyer at Equine Careers. I’ve known Emma for years and have been lucky enough to work with her too. Emma’s business has really changed recruitment in the equine and rural industry – she’s a game changer, and I’m very excited to be able to share a bit about this fabulous lady (and her business) with you…

Tell us about you and your background – I have always ridden, and worked with horses for the first few years after A Levels, but then moved into sales and more commercial roles. I found it hard when I was successful only to have managers move the goal posts on me. So maybe being self employed was always on the cards but I was used to the security of a salary. I am a people person and love being around others or part of a team.  

What made you want to start a business? I didn’t really, but my hand was forced when I was made redundant back in 2008 and I had already had the idea of Equine Careers – so it seemed it was forced upon me, that could be a good thing or Equine Careers may never have taken off.

How is your business different? Equine Careers is completely unique, it started off just as an advertising portal for commercial roles within the Equine Industry (not grooms or riders) but office jobs, Sales, Marketing, Admin etc and has grown from there. I met a few sales reps who were not horsey and felt it must be so difficult to talk the lingo if you don’t use the products – I know that I can do a better job the more passionate I am – so I wanted to promote these types of roles to those who were familiar with the products but did not want to work in a practical yard role.

What makes your service special? Our uniqueness and that I am a sole trader, I can provide a personal service. Nothing is too much trouble. I want to help whether it’s a client or a candidate. I want to provide the careers advice that was not available before in our specialist market.

If you had to sum up your business in five words, what would they be? Unique, professional, personal, efficient, trustworthy.

Do you have a motto or ethos? Honesty and professionalism above all else.  

If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring business owner, what would it be? Go for it, don’t over think – just do it. Believe in yourself and your idea.

One thing that helps you run your business more effectively–  Common sense and being well organised.

Best thing about running a business? You are your own boss, there is no one to move the goal posts on you and the glory/recognition is all down to you.

BETA International Emma Dyer Equine CareersWorst thing about running a business? Being wholeheartedly responsible with no one to bounce things off , sometimes it can be lonely.

Top business blog you follow – James Caan Recruitment

One thing we might not know about you – in a previous role as sales and marketing manager for an equine surfacing company, I sold sand to the Arabs (artificial surface for a covering pen in Dubai)

Top business achievement – Won a BETA Innovation Award in 2010

Where can people follow you or your business online:

Equine Careers website

Equine Careers Facebook page

Equine Careers Twitter

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