Posh Ponies:Pimp Your Pony!

Who is absolutely adorable, business minded and equally as cool? Charlotte mommy, Elizabeth Biber, Owner of Posh Ponies is...of course!

Her slogan "Pimp Your Pony" makes me what to whip out a disco ball and some platform heals. The simple black silhouette logo makes it clear that the pony in mention does not need to be ridden. Although those of us with long hair, know that our ponies might be as much maintenance.   Recently, I was lucky enough to have had the chance to find out more about this hip mommy and her ultra fun business.  I can also list her as one of Sweet Home Charlotte's newest sponsors!!!

1. Can you tell me a little about why you decided to start the business and what motivated you to develop the product?

The funny thing is, I didn't set out to start a business.  After 8 years of working as a project manager with Bank of America, I "retired" after having my first child, who is now four.  Ever since, I've wanted to do something on the side - something creative, fun, and flexible.  This little business has been the perfect answer!  After some trial and error last summer, I started making elastic hair ties for myself and friends.  They were a hit and every one wanted more.  I brainstormed ideas of how to make the product unique and started putting a “Bling” (bead, button, or jewel) on the hair tie so that it could be worn as a pretty, comfortable bracelet ready to be used as a hair tie.  I was getting my son's hair cut at Pigtails and Crewcuts in Cotswold when the manager of the salon asked me where I got my hair tie and told me she had tons of people asking her to carry them in the store.  That's when, on a whim, I told her I made them and asked her if she'd like to sell them in the store.  It's thanks to encouraging friends and family who motivated me to start the business and grow it.  Posh Ponies has expanded to 5 different hair accessories and are now sold in about 10 retail stores in the Southeast and on online from my Facebook page and Etsy.


2. What's the best part of being a small business owner?

Posh Ponies has allowed me to connect with new people and in new ways.  I love the flexibility of working from home and being on my own unique timeline... even if that means doing some work during odd pockets of time (nap time, after the kids are down for the night, while the kids ride bikes in the driveway, etc).  I also enjoy being able to use the business to support causes I'm passionate about by making hair ties in signature “awareness” colors to help promote the cause and donating hundreds of hair ties to young women in need in Atlanta.

3. What are some of the challenges that you have faced and how have/are you over coming them?

Lack of sleep!  I stayed up until at least 1am every night for the first three months to get the business off the ground (or more literally off my dining room table)!  There was a lot of learning on the job going on in those wee hours.  I’ve also been challenged by how to market the business and have experimented a ton with fun packaging ideas.

4. How did you come up with your sassy logo?

My tag line is "Pimp Your Pony", which still makes me giggle.  The phrase slipped out of my mouth when talking with my mom.  We were playing around with Bling ideas and I looked over at her and said, "Hand me your hair tie.  I'm going to pimp your pony."  We laughed so hard that I knew I wanted to use it for the business.

5. How did you land here in the Queen City? 

My husband and I moved to Charlotte almost three years ago after living in Charleston, SC for 8 years and Cincinnati, OH for one.  We love it here!  We have a 4 year old daughter and a 2 year old son and least I forget our cat and dog!  

6. What do the kiddo's think about "Mommy's" new career?

My daughter likes to “help” with the business, and I love that she sees me doing something different.  She calls our dining room, “Mommy’s office” and takes pride in helping shoppers pick out different products.  Despite my type-A-ness, I like to be silly and have lots of fun.  I love being active – if I’m not shaking it at a cardio dance class, I’m at barre class or practicing yoga.

*Check out some of Posh Ponies newest patterns and designs! 

Go to Posh Ponies etsy page to purchase online and be sure like them on facebook to see all the newest designs.