Wow, that time of the month again already? That’s flown by.
I was touched by the amount of feedback after my first blog. Sharing what it’s really like to juggle running a business with being a horse owner clearly resonated, and I think that’s part of what makes EquiPacs feel so different. We’re not some mysterious company in a tower block, run by people who’d tack up with the saddle on backwards and a twist in the reins. It’s me. It’s my team. We live it. We get it.
July has been a tough one as a horse owner. It’s been hot, the ground has been rock solid, and the flies… I don’t even have words for them. My own horse, Atheby, has really struggled this summer. He bruised his feet and, after trying to manage it, I finally gave in and got him some pads fitted. I call them his Nike Air Maxes. They’re neon orange and honestly quite trendy. After a few weeks off, the skip in his step is definitely back. I’m slightly terrified to get back on... but hey, all in good fun, right?
EquiPacs has been buzzing. I can never thank you all enough for making that happen. Our Water Buffet range has been a huge hit this summer, and we’ve struggled to keep up with the demand. Seeing videos of horses exploring the different flavours is ridiculously satisfying. There’s nothing more frustrating than when you’re guzzling a bottle of water and your horse won’t even look at the bucket you’ve left out for them. These have really changed that, and honestly, they’re such fun to make. They also pack beautifully into their boxes, which sounds silly, but when you’re on your hundredth parcel of the day, those little wins really do matter.
The end of June also means the end of the quarter, which brings with it our big warehouse deep clean. It always starts off with enthusiasm and ends in existential dread as I find myself scrubbing baseboards in the back corner, staring at the metres still left to go. But when it’s finally done, and I get a quiet moment to myself as the last one left in the building, I look around and feel this huge wave of pride. This little unit just keeps making space for more dreams, bigger ideas, and bolder plans.
Some of my favourite moments are when customers visit the warehouse. Honestly, it means so much. They step right into the dream and see the real-life mess and magic behind the brand. And no one leaves without signing the wall. The wall is actually false so I can take it with me, wherever this adventure leads. That’s how much those moments mean to me.
We’ve also welcomed a new team member this month, Amy, who has joined to take on all things marketing. That was one hat I just couldn’t keep wearing. The imposter syndrome was through the roof. Amy’s hit the ground running and has already slotted into the team so perfectly. She gets it. She understands that unexplainable EquiPacs shuuuugsh that makes it all work. Watching it come to life through her eyes makes my heart sing.
August already feels like it’s going to zoom by. We’re getting ready for our first show of the year at Hickstead in September. It’s the place to be and we’ll be there, I really hope we’ll see plenty of you in person.
Until next time…
- Hannah