Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jennifer Ioppolo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jennifer, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?
THE STORY BEHIND “ELECTRIC PONY”
My great grandfather, James Otto Hahs, of Sikeston, Missouri, invented the first coin-operated mechanical horse that began as an idea for a Christmas gift to his six children (also referred to as the “Electric Pony” in published articles). It helped his six children learn to ride different gaits. The enthusiasm generated by J. Otto Hahs’ invention spread worldwide. I wanted to honor my great-grandfather, his love for horses, and the electric pony!
Our family has been restoring an original version found in an old mansion. Be sure to check out our Instagram page to see the restoration.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
JENNIFER IOPPOLO: FOUNDER AND VISIONARY
Jennifer, the visionary force behind Electric Pony, is more than a horse-crazy Colorado cowgirl. She’s a bridge between the wisdom of nature and the tangible world of horse care. Raised on Elk Falls Ranch, her early days were spent with a herd of horses, instilling in her a deep understanding of the “language of life.”
A seasoned certified aromatherapist and herbalist, Jennifer’s connection to horses finds its expression in the Pony Perfector, a testament to her commitment to enhancing the lives of both horses and humans.
WE ARE ELECTRIC PONY. SKIN & COATS, WHERE IMMUNITY STARTS.
Electric Pony began by asking why aren’t we using good, gentle ingredients for our pet’s coat, too. We avoid harsh chemicals for our own skin but we then apply junk on our sensitive pets.
Inspired by the rugged beauty of our Colorado environment and the genuine connection between humans and their horses, we wanted a simple product that keeps a pet’s coat healthy while also hydrating our skin during grooming.
Our founder, Jennifer Ioppolo, a seasoned aromatherapist and passionate horse enthusiast, started blending oils for herself and her mare. Jennifer’s pursuit of a gentle, natural, and multi-tasking grooming solution led to the birth of our flagship product – the Pony Perfector.
Jennifer also wanted something that didn’t leave Roxie, her sensitive mare, and her hands full of intense chemicals. Each bottle captures a commitment to transcending the ordinary, nurturing the equine coat, mane, and tail while cultivating a sense of calm.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been to focus on the niche aromatherapy for horses market. Facebook ads that target those who have an interest in horse care and plant ingredients have been powerful. I’ve taken robust Facebook ad courses and run my ads. I’ve learned that you need to test multiple pain point hooks based on hours of research on other product reviews.
D2C offers a direct line of communication to potential customers. I know that I can offer honest and reliable customer service to my customers through my website. I’m considering using Pinterest to help grow my email list from educational content about aromatherapy for horses.
We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.
I’ve manufactured aromatherapy products for the medical/dental industry and know how challenging production can be. I wanted to use seasoned experts to produce products for Electric Pony.
Years ago I worked as a cosmetics scent formulator in a larger lab for some private-label projects. I worked with knowledgeable chemists, formulators, R&D directors, and production specialists in this lab. I reached out to two of those specialists who started consulting and a small lab. I was confident they would help me create a solid product for horses, as they were respected human formulators.
Starting with a small lab for smaller, fresh batches has been helpful. We’re able to tweak formulas and materials more easily as we grow. We all understand that you must roll with the punches and do your best to make it all come together. Being flexible while striving for excellence is our goal.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://electricponyco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/electricpony.co
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/electricpony.co
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-ioppolo/
Image Credits
Chelsea Charnock Ashlee Burke of Lovejoy Photography