Building Businesses That Reflect Your Values with Abriana Johnson
Episode notes
What if the biggest opportunity in your horse business isn't another client or another lesson—but a completely different way of thinking?
In this episode of the Equine Business Edge Podcast, Jamie Birch sits down with entrepreneur, speaker, author, and brand strategist Abriana Johnson. Together they explore entrepreneurship, storytelling, representation, leadership, agritourism, and how horse professionals can build businesses that align with their values while creating new opportunities for growth.
Abriana shares her journey from growing up in North Carolina's Black trail riding community to founding Black Unicorn Creative, Black in the Saddle, Cowgirl Cameron, and the Kinship Conference. She explains why representation expands what's possible, why businesses should be built around values instead of trends, and how horse farms can generate additional revenue by thinking beyond boarding and lessons.
If you're a trainer, barn owner, breeder, clinician, or equine entrepreneur, this episode will challenge the way you think about your business.
In This Episode
02:40 – Growing up with horses and an entrepreneurial father
06:35 – The Black trail riding community many horse people never see
09:40 – Why representation changes what's possible
15:20 – The story behind Black in the Saddle
20:15 – Creating the Kinship Conference
24:20 – Honest conversations about inclusion and community
28:10 – Building multiple businesses from one creative idea
33:35 – Public speaking and sharing your own ideas
39:40 – Dreaming bigger and designing a lifestyle business
43:35 – Agritourism opportunities for horse farms
49:10 – Why horse businesses are really selling experiences
52:15 – Escaping the time-for-money trap
56:15 – Why alignment is your greatest competitive advantage
1:05:35 – Where to connect with Abriana
About Today's Guest
Abriana Johnson is an entrepreneur, brand strategist, speaker, author, and lifelong horsewoman. She is the founder of Black Unicorn Creative, creator of Black in the Saddle, founder of the Kinship Conference, and author of the Cowgirl Cameron children's book series. Her work helps organizations align their values, leadership, branding, and customer experience while creating a more connected and welcoming equine industry.
Connect with Abriana
Black Unicorn Creative https://blackunicorncreative.com
Black in the Saddle https://blkinsaddle.com
Kinship Conference https://kinshipcon.com
Cowgirl Cameron https://cowgirlcameron.com
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/abrianajohnson
Equine Business Edge is hosted by Jamie Birch and features conversations with horse industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts helping equine professionals build stronger, more profitable businesses.
Presented by EquineRevShare https://EquineRevShare.com