Case Study

When did you start your shop?

Shop The Posh Pony was something I started when I was working on my online degree in Interior Design/Architecture, it was a creative outlet at first to help with stress and offered me a little bit of money to help keep myself riding. I had been riding for most of my life at that point, but was not someone who had parents who could buy me the horse, pay for the shows, or take care of boarding. I wanted an outlet that was fun, creative and healthy, and allowed me to feel financially independent.

Do you make the treats and do the sewing yourself?

When I first started STPP (Shop The Posh Pony) I was doing everything myself, however at that time it was on a much smaller scale, a couple orders here and there, nothing frequent so it was easy to manage. About 2 years ago we broke into the wholesale market through an online trade show, this was during the pandemic so it was a great way to show potential stores what I had to offer. These days STPP is run by myself and my mom, who has become a tremendous support in helping me fulfill a much higher demand. We are in the talks to build the business further and bring on some more help, as we continue growing in customers and retailers.

How did you learn to sew?

Sewing was something I learned on my own through online videos and pure trial and error. I have this stubbornness that I think I can look at something and easily recreate it, which doesn’t always pan out. I often give up or forget about that so-called “passion” and move onto something else. That was not the case with sewing, it became something I really enjoyed doing, taking an idea I had on paper or in theory and creating something tangible and usable was such an amazing feeling. I’ve been asked by family and friends if I would ever do any more complicated things such as clothes, and though I am tempted, this business keeps me super busy. I joke that I never have time to sew anything for myself, which is often true. <

How do you choose your designs for the boot inserts?

I naturally have an eye for color and designs, I have a background in Photography and my degree in Interior Design/Architecture which helps me understand patterns, appeal, color theory, etc. When choosing potential patterns I like to imagine myself as the customer, and ask “would I buy this?” oftentimes when the answer is yes I purchase the pattern. That’s not to say there aren’t patterns that I would buy that don’t sell, or vice versa. I just remember hearing your best customer is yourself, you have to love your products, otherwise what’s the point. My motto for my store is “be different, be uniquely you”, there are so many products out there that work just like mine, but they all miss one key component – individuality. Everyone wants to be special, they want that piece that is unique to them or shows their personality, which is where STPP comes in to provide fellow equestrians with a way to stand out a bit. When it came to my Horse Heads pattern and the Hunter Jumper Pattern I was initially drawn to the art style of both designs, they aren’t super realistic and not overly cartoon. What makes this work is it appeals to both younger and older customers as they enjoy the simplistic design style. These two patterns have become my best sellers in my store and with my retailers.

Testimonial

Final Notes:

One thing I have learned from my business that I wasn’t taught in school, is how passion bleeds into others. I love what I do, and I am proud to be a women owned organization that has grassroots. I work hard to be inclusive in my patterns and designs, to make customers feel special when they recieve something handmade by me. I never imagined the joy it would bring when I get an instagram comment or dm saying how much they love their product, or this is my good luck charm, or my pony doesn’t like treats but loves his posh pony donuts. Business is hard, and it’s not for everyone, I applaud those who are working their 24/7 all day everyday job to keep up with the big guys (that’s me too!), because it’s not easy, and you can start to feel down on yourself when you start comparing. When business gets hard, and when I am feeling stressed I look back to those customers who took the time out of their day to send me their thoughts, and love, and support, because that keeps me going.

– Jenny, Owner of Shop The Posh Pony LLC

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