Today we’d like to introduce you to Savanna Hodges
Hi Savanna, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I was 15 years old back in Florida, I began working at a wedding and event venue. This venue offered a wide range of services, including birthday parties, festivals, corporate events, and, of course, weddings. What made it unique was that it was a ranch with various animals, from horses and ponies to deer, pigs, and goats—even Clydesdales! We also started offering pony services for photoshoots and offsite birthday parties, which really enhanced the experience for our clients.
In December 2021, I made the bittersweet decision to transfer to the University of Georgia and start a new chapter in Athens. My time at the venue significantly shaped who I am today. I started as a basic ranch hand, but by the time I left, I had advanced to the role of event coordinator and was also assisting the owner. The owners have become like family to me, and even though I’ve moved away, they still invite me back to help coordinate various festivals and events throughout the year.
Fast forward to April 2024: I’m now in my junior year of college, eager to gain hands-on experience as an entrepreneur. I’m majoring in business management and pursuing an entrepreneurship certificate at UGA. Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, with both of my parents owning multiple successful businesses, has inspired me to follow a similar path. I have a lifelong passion for horses, and I even purchased two of my horses from the venue where I worked.
About a year and a half after moving to Athens, a woman at my barn, who managed a bar called Silver Dollar, asked if I would bring my mini pony to their Western Wednesday themed night. I was excited to participate, and the experience was incredibly fun! So many people came to see and interact with the pony, and some even brought him carrots when they heard there would be a pony at the bar. That night truly sparked my inspiration to create the business I have today.
When I launched Simply Magical Ponies LLC in April 2024, I felt a mix of emotions. I was nervous about the possibility of failure, but it has been an incredible learning experience. We offer services featuring two ponies and a draft horse. Our white pony, often referred to as the unicorn, is particularly popular and frequently booked for photoshoots and birthday parties.
I’ve also established a valuable partnership with Enchanted Events Georgia. The owner, Nicole, has been an amazing mentor, helping to promote my new business and collaborating with me on numerous events. Our businesses complement each other well, as Enchanted Events provides beloved children’s characters for appearances, creating magical experiences for kids. For instance, we hosted Cinderella’s royal wedding event together, where the unicorn served as the wedding gift for Cinderella and Prince Charming, allowing each child to have a special moment with the unicorn.
I have already learned many lessons while establishing my own business. It’s not as easy as it might seem! I strive to create magical experiences for our clients and have had to brainstorm additional services we can offer. Currently, we provide pony experiences that include meet-and-greet sessions or pony rides for photoshoots, birthday parties, and other events. While our ponies are miniature and have a weight limit for riders, we also have a draft horse available for pony rides to accommodate older children and adults. He has a great backstory, and not many people can say they’ve ever ridden a draft horse at a party!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been the easiest journey. I’ve realized that marketing, visibility, and networking are crucial for a new business, especially since I’m not originally from this area, which has made things a bit more challenging. I’m doing my best to promote the business in every way I can to raise awareness about who we are and what we offer. As a senior at UGA, I’m also balancing my coursework while ensuring I dedicate enough time to the business to support its growth and success.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We are a business based in Athens, GA, that offers magical pony rentals for a variety of occasions. Our specialties include captivating pony appearances, pony rides, and unicorn photoshoots, all designed to add a touch of enchantment to your celebrations. We also make an effort to dress our ponies to match the theme of your event whenever possible.
What really sets us apart is our mobile service. We bring the ponies directly to your home or event venue, making it super convenient for you and your guests to enjoy these delightful animals. We proudly serve North Georgia and parts of neighboring South Carolina, ensuring that our magical experience is accessible to many.
Our team is dedicated to making your event truly memorable, and we take pride in delivering exceptional service that goes above and beyond your expectations. Let us bring the magic to you and help create unforgettable moments with our enchanting ponies!
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
We would be thrilled to collaborate with anyone and everyone, particularly those looking to add a unique and memorable element to their upcoming events or children’s activities. Our ponies are the perfect addition for any occasion and are sure to delight guests of all ages.
I am also eager to establish connections with photographers for mini photoshoot sessions in the future. My goal is to increase our visibility and familiarize people with who we are and what we offer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.simplymagicalponies.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplymagicalponies/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558564185020
Image Credits
Photos by:
Dana Louise Photography
Photos and characters in photo:
Enchanted Events Georgia
