C
CHN BUSINESS PERSON I
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Amanda Marshall of 3 Donkeys Ltd
‘A
fter another lambing season struggling to get in and out of my all-in-one coveralls, I looked for an alternative. I could not find anything suitable, so I set about designing one myself. It needed to be practical and feminine yet not compromising on function and the 3 Donkeys design reflects this. It is the only coverall which consists of a jacket and trouser which join with a full-length waist zip, it also allows them to be worn independently. My one main reason for making them connect at the waist was speed and ease of removal, also there are times when I only needed the trousers which meant that the top was tied at the waist and was bulky, especially when driving. All of our coveralls are made in Britain and our packaging is as reusable or
re-cyclable with the least amount of plastic possible.’
Do you come from a horsey background? I started riding when I was 4 and owned my first horse at 20. At home we have Jack our Shire, Tia my cob, Gem the Shetland and our 3 Donkeys Woolly, Teabag and Dave.
When did you start working in the equine
business? We launched 3 Donkeys in December 2018 at the West Country Equine Fair in Exeter. We chose the event because it is local and seemed the perfect platform for us. This was after 2 years of development and trials within both the equestrian and agricultural sectors.
What are your greatest successes? To date our biggest success has to be being invited and attending the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials in September. It was amazing experience and a huge opportunity for our coveralls and brand. We launched our new ‘Dartmoor’ Weatherproof Riding Coverall there and I could not have asked for a better reaction and such positive reception to it.
What are your ambitions? To continue growing 3 Donkeys and our range of coveralls. It is great to see the real difference that they are making to women’s day-to-day lives with their horses and livestock duties.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into your line of business?
Perseverance and belief in your design. It can be very challenging taking a new design from a basic drawing to a retail ready
product, especially if it is a brand new concept that bucks against tradition. I have been very fortunate to have had so much help during my 3 donkeys journey. My main piece of advice would be, however big or small the help or advice, is to take it and use or learn from it, and when the chance arises, help others who are also on their business journey.
Is there anything you don’t like about your job? I am thoroughly enjoying the whole experience, however I am still learning to be more confident talking to people about my product and designs, I have gone from being just a mum to business woman in a few months which is quite a large change.
What are the top products
you could not live without? It would have to be PG tips in my favorite Cath Kidston mug, a notebook (I have many dotted everywhere) and my antique school satchel which is big enough to fit everything from leaflets to samples regardless of what meeting I am attending, especially when I fly to Scotland to meet our manufacturer.
What or who inspires you? Anyone who has had an idea or dream, and has run with it without fear of failure. My children inspire me to be the best person that I can be, and I try to show my daughters that they can achieve anything if they have a mind to.
What has really worked for your business?
Listening with ears wide open,
accepting my own limitations and knowledge, but being open to advice and help. I try to always be available to answer any questions and above all be honest and open about my products and brand.
How do you relax after a long day of work? There is nothing better than sitting in front of our open fireplace surrounded by our dogs Monty, Hattie and Mollie with a glass wine or even a cup of tea.
How do you juggle your horses with work? I am very fortunate to have some amazing friends who help with the horses and collection of pigs, goats, alpacas and our cow Daisy. I do not get to ride as often as I would like, but Tia seems to be enjoying life as a rather muddy
field ornament.
http://www.3donkeys.co.uk/
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBR 2019
7
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