Welcome to the first round of our Small Business Spotlight Series at American Stalls!
It's currently April 7, 2020 – a time where we are dealing with the ramifications of COVID-19. We are not only dealing with this virus as individuals, but as a greater equine community. Our American Stalls team realizes just how much this virus will impact our communities, our businesses, and our day-to-day lives. For this reason, we wanted to begin this Small Business Feature Series to help feature fantastic equine businesses.
This week, we'd like to feature one of our e-commerce partners: Equivont.
Equivont, founded by Jaclyn and Jessica, is an online marketplace and directory service created by equestrians for equestrians.
Our American Stalls team began to advertise and sell our select product line on Equivont during the early Winter of 2019. Their online marketplace is a fantastic platform for other equine product businesses, sales and training operations, and a wide variety of equine businesses. Below is an example profile that one can set up on Equivont user friendly website:
We've had a wonderful experience with Equivont and believe it is a huge asset for many other equine businesses.
We recently had a chance to sit down with Equivont's founders, Jessica and Jaclyn, and ask a few questions about their story. Read more below!
Q: What are your backgrounds?
A: Jaclyn – I have been riding since I could walk! After college, I rode professionally for several years before joining Jessica in the tech world. I now enjoy riding as an amateur in hunter/jumper divisions and love connecting with other passionate equestrians!
Jessica - I grew up riding horses in Southern California. During high school and college, I rode professionally and decided to take a stab at the tech world after graduating. I spent many years in sales, business development, customer success and marketing roles in marketing software companies and would “sneak away” to ride horses early in the morning or late in the evening. I wanted a way to merge my software background with my passion for horses.
Q: How did Equivont begin?
A: Out of selfish need! We got frustrated trying to research equestrian services online when word of mouth didn’t work. We quickly realized how outdated information was. Searching on Google or Yelp were too broad for our needs. We partnered up to create an environment where equestrians could find what they are looking for by partnering with reputable service providers and businesses with high quality products.
Q: What products/services does Equivont offer?
A: Everything you would need for you or your horse. Trainers, stable supplies, farriers, vets, tack, apparel, equipment, horses for sale/lease, events and jobs.
"Now is the time to evolve and be creative. We get to help one another through these uncertain times. Now is the time to decide what really matters in life and in business."
Q: What do you enjoy most about operating Equivont?
A: Helping small equestrian businesses be found by the people who are looking for them. Oh! And talking about horses.
Q: How has COVID-19 affected Equivont so far?
A: So far we have seen an increase in traffic- people who aren’t used to working from home or having time off are spending more time on their computers and phones. Some businesses are having to pause production or the services they provide due to the COVID restrictions. A lot of these businesses are using this time to get organized and finally tackle the marketing/website development/etc that has been put on the back burner.
Q: What tip would you give other businesses similar to Equivont (i.e. online retailers, online tack shops, etc) during these tough times?
A: Keep going! Worrying has never solved any problems. Now is the time to evolve and be creative. We get to help one another through these uncertain times. Now is the time to decide what really matters in life and in business.
To learn more about Equivont and it's fantastic online marketplace, please check out the informational video below and check out their website here.
