Meet April Edwards of Cactus Tails in Tonopah

Today we’d like to introduce you to April Edwards.

Thanks for sharing your story with us April. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Cactus Tails began as a sewing project for my daughter, Sarah. She is an avid horse lover and a barrel racer. She takes pride in the care of her horses and loves long, pretty manes and tails. She never could find a quality tail wrap that lasted and was pretty. So after several weeks of trial and error, I came up with my own pattern. I also had to do research to find the perfect material that would be lightweight and allow the horses to still swat flies. After making hers, they were perfect and we decided to sell them.

Cactus Tails began in October of 2017 and officially became a business. To this date, I have sold over 2000 Cactus Tails, all over the United States and they are now in Canada and Australia as well. It has been such a learning process, as I had no prior Business experience. Having a business was so much more than just sewing. I had to learn all aspects of running it properly and at times it has been very challenging. We grew so fast that I just learned and took on those challenges as we grew.

I have had a lot of support from my children in this growing process. From them running and grabbing supplies when needed to local deliveries and Post Office runs. For my Birthday this year, they all went in and got me an Industrial Sewing Machine. I cried as I could not have continued without it.

We are going to continue growing and taking this business as far as we can. I wanted a business that would be a Blessing to others in some way, I feel I have accomplished that. It’s such a Blessing to me to see my wraps all over and my customers so excited to get them. Our wraps are not only top quality, but they serve a great purpose. They help protect the horses tail against the natural elements and allow it to grow long and healthy.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Growing Cactus Tails has not been a smooth road and I definitely had some struggles. I had to learn a great deal about Marketing, which I found out I loved! I needed to get my Cactus Tails out there in order to grow. My 1st year, I spent a lot of time marketing.And it paid off! I have my wraps all over the United States, including Canada and Australia.

One of my Biggest Challenges was keeping on top of orders because they started to become overwhelming, I had to make a decision to continue working my regular job, or to turn Cactus Tails into a Full-Time job. That decision was a little concerning, but I know I made the right choice. I love making these wraps and helping my customers take care of their horses. Going full time, I am able to dedicate my time to my business in all aspects of it. Helping it to grow in a positive way and ensuring I am on top of my orders and my customers are happy. They love these wraps as much as I love making them.

Another challenge has been making the decision to hire more employees in helping with my production. Getting these orders out quickly and maintaining a quality product is a must. I am still challenged by my speed of production, but working on it.

Cactus Tails – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Cactus Tails is a Company that makes Custom Braided Tail Wraps for horses. These wraps are a great grooming tool that helps protect the tail against the natural elements and breakage. It helps to improve the overall condition of the tail and promotes tail growth. Our Wraps are well known for their Great Quality, lightweight Performance material, and made to last. We have Beautiful Prints for our customers to choose from to customize their wrap. We have outfitted several Horse Barns with their Barn Colors. We are also known for our great customer service. I take pride in each wrap I make and ensure my customer is happy with their order. Our Quality and Customer Service sets us apart!

Is there something we can do as a city to improve the outlook for businesses like yours?
The Rural Areas around Phoenix is a great home base for my business. Arizona has a lot of Horse Lovers! There’s lots of Horse Arenas and Horse Related Activities around the Valley. Great area for Barrel Racers.

Contact Info:

• Phone: 602-513-9917
• Email: cactustails17@gmail.com
• Facebook: Cactus Tails LLC
• Instagram: cactus_tails

Image Credit:
Image Credits: Chance Mayfield

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