Category: Small Business Spotlight

I’ll be the first to admit I have a major custom bonnet obsession. There’s something about a pretty horse hat that just makes my soul smile. The problem for me has always been price: $100+ is a pretty tough pill to swallow. On the other hand, I’m really particular about the right materials and fit and colors, so just any ol’ off the rack bonnet won’t do. Then last year I discovered FireFly Bonnets and suddenly the possibilities were endless.

I started off buying one bonnet as a present for a friend, to match a custom baby pad that I’d had made for her. I fell so in love with the workmanship and attention to detail that before I knew it I had 4 of my own with plans for more. Because bonnets are like potato chips (or ponies): you can’t have just one. I’ve had bonnets from the well known “big name” brands before, and I have to say that the quality of the FireFly bonnets is, IMO, better. Plus you have all the same options for custom sizing, ear embroidery, embellishments, etc at a substantially lower cost.

Prices start at $55 for a basic bonnet, and increase with added options. Cording is $10 per row, rhinestones are $15 per row, custom beading is $20 per row, plain scallops are $5, scallops with crystals in center are $10, ear embroidery is $10. She can even embroider a logo on the bonnet for $10-20. Custom size ears are no additional charge, which is great for people like me who have both a little-eared creature and a donkey-eared creature… they each can have something made to fit perfectly without that excess ear fabric that makes me so batty.

New bonnet styles are still being added to the store, so if you don’t see what you’re looking for shoot them a message and they can definitely help you out. Nicole is fantastic (and so patient!) about working with you to design exactly what you want. She can even make mock-ups if you’re stuck trying to choose between a few different colors/designs. In my experience she really is dedicated to designing and producing an item that is perfect for you and that you will be happy with for many years to come. Keep in mind that as with all custom items, beautiful things take time, so allow up to 6 weeks until delivery. The good news is that if you DO need something in a hurry, they can make it happen for a small rush fee.

Nicole at FireFly was kind enough to give us a little more insight into her business:

1) When did you start this business?
I have been making bonnets for friends for years, but I started FireFly as it is today in November of 2013. FireFly is quickly gaining popularity throughout the US and Canada, and customers range from pleasure riders to grand prix showjumpers.

2) How many employees are there in your company?
I am the sole designer and creator here at FireFly. Unless you want to count the plastic horse head that models finished bonnets for customers.

3) Where did the idea for the business come from?
I’ve been crocheting since I was young, and I’ve always loved the look of fly bonnets on horses. However, it seemed like you could either have a cheaply made, $10 bonnet from the local tack shop, or you could spend half your paycheck on a bonnet from a custom maker. I decided to learn how to make bonnets so I could offer a show quality bonnet at a more reasonable price.

4) What is your background in horses and design?
I have been riding and working at barns since I was 15, but have never owned my own horse. I have a degree in Graphic Design, which definitely helps with the process of designing bonnets and helping customers visualize how the bonnet they envision will look in real life.

5) Any interesting notes about yourself, your business or your products that you would like for people to know?
FireFly bonnets are made by hand with a stitch that is different from that of other bonnet makers. The result is a more solid looking fabric that is very elegant. It does take slightly longer to produce a bonnet in this fashion, but I think the end result is worth it. Firefly also offers nearly unlimited customization options. Trim colors, beads, rhinestones, cording… All come in a rainbow of colors and can be completely customized to your liking. Want a bright yellow bonnet with purple trim, hot pink cord and orange rhinestones? Strange for sure, but no problem! If I can’t find the materials to create exactly what you have in mind, I will do my best to find something that is as close as possible.

I have to admit, I was particularly excited to do this edition of Small Business Spotlight because FireFly is a company that I really believe in and can stand behind 100% as a loyal customer. I really feel strongly that for custom bonnets, there is no one better than Nicole. Attention to detail is what separates The Best from The Rest, and her detail work is impeccable. They are without a doubt the best value custom bonnets on the market. Next time you find yourself fancying a new bonnet, or needing a fantastic gift for a friend, definitely consider FireFly.

Another Friday, another Small Business Spotlight. This one is a really fun one: Emily’s Equine Creations. If you’re active on basically any kind of social media, you’ve probably seen her products before. If not, you really need to like her on facebook and follow her on Instagram – you’re missing out on all the pretty things.

The most popular product at EEC definitely seems to be bridle charms. My personal favorite is the hand-stamped tag with a colored gem. Gone are the days of just a boring brass tag! It’s the perfect dual purpose item: a practical tag to mark your bridle plus some pretty bling for decoration. You can have the tag stamped with whatever you want – your name or your horse’s name or even just a word that means something to you. The gems come in light blue, blue, clear, light pink, magenta, red, orange, yellow, lime green, dark green, lilac or gray. If you’re not so into bling but still want a cool tag, she can do that too. The best part? These are only $3! At that price you might as well order one for every piece of tack you own.

She also offers lots of other charms, from crowns to clovers to anchors to initials. I think my next favorite item is the spherical balls of bling that I personally think would look really cute on boot zipper pulls.

If you’re some kind of weirdo who doesn’t like bling, EEC also offers custom hand painted brushes and stall signs starting as low as $15. Lots of things in her store would make great gifts for the hard to shop for equestrian, and your money goes to help support another fellow horse lover’s obsession. That’s my favorite part about small businesses like this!

EEC’s creator Emily (bet you never would have guessed!) was kind enough to give us more insight into her business.

1) When did you start this business?

I began my business as Emily’s Stall Signs. Which is exactly what I did, stall signs! It began in December 2013 when I was brainstorming Christmas gifts for my barn family that wouldn’t break my college student budget. My first 2 years of college were as an art major, so I thought I would give stall signs a shot. Turns out, when I posted them on Facebook, TONS of people wanted me to make some for them too, so I created a Facebook page and got to work. After a little while I started dabbling in different products and renamed my little business, Emily’s Equine Creations, in March 2014.

2) How many employees are in your company?

It’s just me, myself, and I. However, my boyfriend occasionally helps me with designing logos and prepping brushes. I also have 5 brand ambassadors who help with advertising and I also sponsor local riders and barns.

3) Where did the idea for the business come from?

I think I pretty much answered this in question 1, but I’ll expand on it a little. A lot of my basic product ideas come from seeing a need and want for custom products but what’s already out there is expensive. Horses are already expensive, and it’s nice to be able to get quality, custom products at an affordable price.

4) What is your background in horses?

I’ve been riding since I was 7 or 8, so around 14 years. I grew up in the hunter jumper world in the Midwest, and that’s where I’m strongest. But I also play in dressage, eventing, jumpers, and even show up in the western ring contesting and showing ranch horse classes occasionally. I own 1 horse, he’s a 17hh, 12 year old standardbred that I’ve had since I was 13. I also ride and train one of my trainer’s horses, a 7 year old Irish thoroughbred.

5) Any interesting notes about yourself, your business or your products that you would like for people to know?

I love making my customers happy and seeing people enjoying and showing off their creations is what makes me happy. I love what I’m doing and don’t plan on quitting any time soon. Running this business keeps me incredibly busy, and on top of a second job, riding, and school, it’s very stressful at times, but I wouldn’t change it for anything.

If you like her stuff – definitely go follow her on Instagram. Every 500 or so followers she does a giveaway, so there are regular opportunities to win FREE STUFF. Everyone loves free stuff, especially when it’s this adorable.

I’m super excited about this week’s Small Business Spotlight. One of the best accessories in the whole world is belts. I love a great belt, and Mango Bay Design makes some of the best.

Their canvas belts are so versatile – they look great with breeches or just with jeans. I love the flat ring closures because they lie FLAT underneath a show coat and they don’t loosen or slip open while you’re riding. Not to mention the wide range of style choices. From bold lime or orange to classic gray or tan, chevron patterns to h/j patterns to dressage patterns – there truly is something for everyone. And the absolute best part? The price! At only $18 you don’t have to worry about picking just one, you can get several. Must Have ALL. The. Belts.

I have the “Equestrian Collage pattern on cornflower blue” belt and absolutely love it. As I said before, it lies perfectly flat under my softshell coat (I really don’t need any extra lumps, thankyouverymuch) and fits perfectly into the belt loops of my Animo breeches. I’ve also worn it in a non-horsey setting with shorts and a tee, a subtle but fashionable way to still show my equestrian pride. All belts are available in sizes S-3X, plus they can make custom sizes if you so desire.

Now for the best part of this Spotlight: THE GIVEAWAY! Mango Bay has graciously offered to give a belt to one lucky reader. Any belt on the website could be yours! You can earn up to three entries: 1) Leave a comment on this blog post telling me what your favorite Mango Bay belt is. 2) Go to Facebook and “Like” MangoBay. 3) Follow MangoBayDesign on Instagram. To register your entries PLEASE CLICK HERE. If you don’t do that part, I won’t know you’ve entered. Please make sure to leave your email address with your blog comment so I have a way to contact you if you win. Also you must be a US resident to enter. Sorry foreign friends, I am bound by laws and such. The contest closes Sunday night at 11:59PM CST, so get your entries in soon! The winner will be announced on Monday.

Want to know more about the awesome company who is making this giveaway possible? Pam at Mango Bay was kind enough to answer some questions so we could get to know them better!

1) When did Mango Bay start?

I started my business 5 years ago in 2009. Had spent the prior 30 years doing artwork for Broadway shows – painting backdrops – the large canvas that’s in back of all of the built scenery.

2) How many employees are in your company?

Right now I have 1 employee who helps when we print and then does a lot of the sewing.

3) Where did the idea for the business come from?

Got the idea for my business because I love belts and was tired of the stereotypical preppy ribbon belts. I wanted to do an updated version, replacing the d-rings, which always loosen up, with flat rings, which stay closed. I really enjoy doing the equestrian designs, as I love horses and love going to the shows.

4) What is your background in horses?

I rode while in middle and upper school, then stopped in college, as it wasn’t “cool” to ride when one was going to design school, esp. in the early ’70’s. After college, I became addicted to sailing, owning and racing several boats when there were very few women doing that outside of dingy racing. I totally understand what it’s like to put all of one’s effort into excelling at something that most of the world thinks is as easy and elegant and painless as it appears in a Ralph Lauren ad.

5) Any interesting notes about yourself, your business or your products that you would like for people to know?

New products – more designs on wider fabrics, a steeplechase print for the fall, and have had many requests for an equestrian print scarf for holiday gift giving, (when size can be an issue with belts). Most importantly, and one of the reasons I love doing shows, is to learn what my customers need and want!

Whether you prefer classic, bold, fun or modern, Mango Bay really does have something to suit any style. In writing this post I perused their website again and am now obsessed with the denim chevron belt. I NEED THAT. Next time you’re buying a belt, give this small business a shot – I hope you like your Mango Bay belt as much as I do!

In the words of Lauren from She Moved to Texas: MONOGRAM ALL THE THINGS. Monograms are awesome in so many ways. Not only are they really pretty and stylish, but for those of us who board we understand that personalization can help prevent things from growing legs and wandering away. Put down your Sharpie, people – there is now a better way.

My featured business this week for the Small Business Spotlight series is Personally Preppy. If you have Instagram you have probably seen one of their fabulous helmet monograms by now, which have absolutely blown up in popularity over the last few months. They also offer glove monograms, breeches monograms, monogrammed whips, cell phone cases, etc etc. Just about everything a monogram lover could possibly dream up. The best part is that everything is very affordable – you can go crazy and stick a monogram on everything without breaking the bank. See their full line-up on their Etsy store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/PersonallyPreppy

As soon as I first saw their helmet monogram I knew I absolutely had to have it. I opted for black since it would be more subtle on my show helmet, but still a really cute and fun way to personalize it. As soon as I had that, I ordered a monogram for one pair of my show breeches and my show gloves. Last week I ordered a light blue monogram for my “junker” schooling helmet. Because… awesome.

You aren’t limited to only the things you see in their store. If you can dream it, they can probably create it. Custom orders are no problem. In fact, I am getting ready to submit my fourth (addiction much?) order, for a custom heat transfer to go on a new fly bonnet. We won’t talk about how many fly bonnets I have either.

If you’ve read any of my Small Business Spotlights by now, here’s the fun section you’re expecting: words from the business owners!

Next up in my Small Business Spotlight series is a UK based company: Bellequi. I first stumbled across this company on Facebook, somehow following link after link of pretty jackets before ending up on their page (search Bellequi on facebook). I spent a while drooling over their photos before wandering over to their website www.bellequi.com and was immediately blown away by the prices. AFFORDABLE softshell coats and tech fabric shirts? And the coats can be done in custom colors for only a few dollars more??? Be still my beating heart.

The coats come in a stretch polyester version (available in Black for about $145 USD) and a washable softshell version. The washable version currently comes in 4 base colors – navy, black, gray, and red (keep reading to hear about upcoming NEW coat colors) – all with black lapels plus nice contrasting piping for only about $160 USD.

Or you can get really fancy and go for the CUSTOM option (this is where I get really excited) and choose from a myriad of lapel colors for about $195 USD. Also with this option you can choose to leave the Bellequi logos off of the sleeves and back if you’d rather have a plainer coat. In addition, the owner of Bellequi tells me that it’s possible to choose a different button option if you prefer something more subdued – they will work with you to get exactly what you want. I have been planning my coat order for months and finally think I’ve got it figured out… happy birthday to me.

I do already own a Bellequi shirt, which is part of what has me so intent on ordering a coat. They have several shirt options available in tech fabrics, all with your choice of short or long sleeves. The long sleeve options are not shown on the website, but if that’s what you’re interested in – contact them. I have the Paige with long sleeves, which is a nice lightweight Coolmax type fabric, perfect for wearing in the summer and it has a nice flattering cut plus POCKETS. Best of all – these shirts start at only $30 USD. No that’s not a typo.

For those among us with inquiring minds, Cheryl, the owner of Bellequi, was kind enough to answer some questions about her business.

1) When did you start this business?

I started this business in 2013 after being a equestrian clothing stockist since 2009 selling all major brands.

2) How many employees are there in your company?

I work mostly alone with help from my husband.

3) Where did the idea for the business come from?

We started Bellequi after seeing a gap in the market for high end equestrian clothing at a affordable price. We wanted to create a modern funky brand that is not only functional (waterproof show jackets are machine washable) but also something that is a bit different.

4) What is your background in horses and fashion?

I have been around horses since I was five years old and left training to become a riding instructor to start my business in equestrian clothing. My husband works with the queens horses in the army veterinary corps.

5) Any interesting notes about yourself, your business or your products that you would like for people to know?

We want to make fashion on horseback fun and purse friendly but also practical. We have some fantastic colours expected by the end of June including fuchsia pink, purple, electric blue and spearmint. These funky colours will run alongside our current colours navy, blk, red and grey.

Yes, she said purple. Did everyone else’s inner kid just squeal shamelessly with delight? I might need one of those too.

As of right now Bellequi is only available in the US via their website, but they do ship here and they accept several forms of payment including Paypal. I’ve ordered from overseas more times than I can count and always had good experiences, so don’t be put off by that. If you’re looking for a fun affordable softshell that won’t break the bank, consider supporting a small business and take a closer look at Bellequi!