Today we’d like to introduce you to Devin Norman.
Hi Devin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been riding horses all my life, and always had an affinity toward animals. I knew I would work with them in some way. I started riding professionally at 10. Fast forward to 2018 and I decided I wanted to become a veterinarian, so I texted a farrier friend and asked him if he knew of a vet I could ride around with. He asked me if I’d ever considered becoming a farrier, it’s less schooling and you make more money. I found a farrier to ride around with, and the rest is history. I loved working with my hands, working with all of the tools, basic and complex. I started out just cleaning shoes, and wow I was hooked. I apprenticed under farriers for about three years but started my own business in 2020. Ox-Head Equine Services is the name of my LLC, and under this name, I am a farrier, horse trainer, riding instructor, equine massage therapist, and PEMF practitioner. I have loved every day that I have been independent, and while this is probably the hardest job in existence, with it needing the labor of 10 men and the precision of a neurosurgeon, it makes me feel whole. However, things have taken a turn for me. In 2022 I got diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal ailment that affects the entire body. I have taken a huge step back from my career as it has been to physically demanding on my body. Since switching back I have begun to finally focus on my modeling career. Something I never thought I could do or be good at. Yet here I am, making the most of it. My goal is to use my platform to spread awareness of fibromyalgia and give my illness the recognition and validation it deserves. The road ahead is long and winding, and I’m not positive where it leads, but I know that no matter what, I will always make the best of it. I am a strong-willed woman with an entrepreneur mind, and I can do anything.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Some of the biggest struggles are doing such a physically demanding job as a woman in this career. Our bodies are built very different from men, and with me having male mentors, I had to figure out what worked from me. Specifically holding the horse’s foot in my lap and holding the tools. Also with being a woman in this field, you aren’t taken seriously, by other farriers and even customers. They think we are weak or don’t have an eye for it. Joke’s on them, women have some of the best eyes for attention to detail. Other struggles would be gaining clients and learning how to run a business. This is strictly a word-of-mouth enterprise. If people don’t know you, they don’t trust you with their pride and joy. You have to get recommended by a friend or post on Facebook, reviews do help though. Running a business is not something we are ever taught in school unless you go to business school. But I’d rather wing it.
As you know, we’re big fans of Ox-Head Equine Services . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Ox-Head Equine Services is definitely an umbrella company. I wear many hats when it comes to horses, this allows me to do all of those things. I specialize in trimming horses hooves, training them, and teaching riding lessons. I believe what sets me apart is my time management, you can almost never get a farrier to show up when they say they’re going to. I say that with love and compassion, you have to understand that when working with animals, things don’t always go to plan. I also always do my best, try not to cut corners, and have integrity. I do the same thing when someone is watching, and when no one is watching. I am most proud of my consistency and willingness to do whatever needs to be done. I am most proud of my work ethic.
I have worked 16-18 hour days, in hot humid, or cold and frigid weather. I’ve worked til I’ve dropped. I’ve worked until I cried. And unfortunately, I worked until my body broke down. However, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I gave my all into something and saw a wonderful return. I’ve helped lame horses become sound. I’ve helped their pain, I’ve educated clients, and I’ve made some of the best relationships. I want readers to know, if you own horses, or are thinking of owning horses, praise your farrier, treat them like royalty. We are a dying breed due to the demand of the job, physically and mentally. You as the client have a lot to do with us staying in the game. As for my new ventures, stay on the lookout for Ms. Devin Nikole, I take on the world of modeling and become a voice for those that can’t speak for themselves.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I’m really excited to move onto modeling and influencing. If there’s one thing that matters to me the most, it’s mental health. Without it, we fall. I have been diagnosed with anxiety and depression since 18, but I can remember having body dysmorphia and anxiety since the age of four. I’ve seen the detriment it causes in people’s lives and my own. I use my platform to share all the ugly in my life if only to show others that they are not alone, and to not be ashamed. I also discuss things that actually work for curing, that’s right not treating, curing my anxiety as and depression. I don’t think I can get into it on here, but it’s all on my Instagram. I’m just a huge advocate for mental health, and the truth behind it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @msdevinnikole
Image Credits
Modeling photos taken my @ariesmedia.style
