by Kidpreneurs 29 Nov 2021

Mia started making Power Pony when she was just five years old. A horse enthusiast, this young lady always wants to ride a horse, so she invented one that she could ride anytime! Imagined by Kids for Kids and built to ride like a real horse. Your handcrafted Power Pony is powered by our patent pending ZüME engine. It is iOS connected, fully interactive, and guaranteed to provide fun, smiles, and laughter on many exciting riding adventures.

Here is our interview with this young entrepreneur who is definitely going places!

First, tell us a little bit about yourself and your experience.

My name is Mia Monzidelis, and I’m the inventor and founder of Power Pony. I am 10 years old, and I’m in fifth grade. I live in Long Island, New York. I love horses, and ever since I was a little kid, I wanted to own a horse. Living where I do, I can’t own one because Mom and Dad said, we don’t have the space. I never gave up on my dream. So, I came up with the idea for Power Pony, something that rides like a real horse, that I could ride anywhere at any time.

What or who inspired you to pursue your ideas for Power Pony?

My absolute love and passion for horses made me want to create something that rides like a real horse. My dad has been the one who has inspired me. He loved my idea, believed in my dream, and helped me bring the Power Pony to life. My dad has been working so hard, and for so long. But now we work together every day on Power Pony. And we made it what it is today. I’m a very lucky girl.

What were the first steps you took to start your organization and brand? What did your family and friends think?

This was hard. We talked about a lot of versions of our name, and what we wanted everything to look like. Since the Power Pony is imagined by kids for kids, we wanted to have our brand be childlike and fun – just like me! Something that would connect with kids. My friends and family were blown away. With every sample we made and tested, the excitement just kept building.

What harder moments or challenges did you face as you began to learn about running your business?

That it takes a lot of time, hard work, and many failures to get it right. Failure is an opportunity to learn and get better. We tested many samples. And at times, it was frustrating, but we kept going until we got it perfect. I wanted the product to be great and the entire team spent so much time working on the Power Pony to make that happen. Being patient and finding solutions were sometimes tough.

How do you celebrate when you’ve hit a big goal or done something successful?

We have accomplished so many goals this year but launching the Power Pony was our biggest. And then when I got to be on the Kelly Clarkson show, I was so excited because it introduced the Power Pony to this world. Our family and closest friends have been behind us every step of the way. So, our celebrations always included them at Mateo’s, our favorite restaurant in town. We like to have a lot of fun there.

Can you tell us about one of your proudest moments as the founders of your organization?

Seeing amazing feedback and the reactions of everyone who has either purchased it or seen the Power Pony, including Kelly Clarkson and Joy Mangano. I was asked to be on the Kelly Clarkson show with Joy, who is an inventor and an entrepreneur. Joy and I have started to build a relationship so that she can teach me and helped me to become the best I can be. Meeting and working with Joy has definitely been the proudest moment.

What would you like to say to inspire and empower other Kidpreneurs that are thinking about starting a business?

It all starts with your passion and a dream. Keep your imagination alive, no matter how old you are. If you have something that you want, or something that you believe in, you should try your hardest to make it happen. And don’t be afraid to fail.

What words describe you and the way you work?

Determined. When I want something, I figure out how to make it happen no matter what the challenges. Social. Having the ability to speak to people, especially conversing with adults, has helped me to be able to communicate my ideas, my imagination, and my feedback. Fun. I try and find some fun in everything I do. As with every passion out there, you have to have fun and enjoyment in it.

What’s next for you in terms of your goals and projects?

We are in the process of bringing Some additional horses and unicorn options to our stables. And we are also pursuing various other animals. We have many more ideas for our ZüME product, and I look forward to sharing all of those with you guys soon.

What is the most important thing you have learned about being a founder of Power Pony?

Never underestimate a kid. Even though I’m a kid, it is possible to imagine something and bring it to life, with the help, belief, and determination of a great team. And we had the very best.

What are some of your responsibilities as the owner of your organization?

Assisting with the designs, testing samples, providing feedback, helping with marketing, video shoots, being the spokesperson, and much more.

What are some tips you can share for other Kidpreneurs wishing to launch their own business?

Starting your business is tough, but if you’re passionate about your idea, and you are determined, you will find a way to make it work. No matter the obstacles or challenges, there will always be solutions.