Slightly overwhelmed at the impending Christmas season? Cooking, gifts, batteries for dangerous looking children’s toys. And what about your client gifts? Not thought of ’em yet right? This week we’re proud to interview the dashing Leonie Henzell of  Bockers & Pony. Beautiful, thoughtful and not a touch of raffia in sight – these are gifts that will impress and endear you to your clients. Repeat and referral anyone? Here’s the downlow on what inspired Leonie to create this unique business in Melbourne.

1. What makes your business magical, setting you apart from other competitors?

We deliver high end quality gifts Australia Wide fast! We guarantee same day delivery in the Melbourne CBD or your gift is free. We take the business of creating, packing and delivering gifts very seriously. I don’t think we are magical, I just think we are focussed on the process of constantly trying make our internal operations more efficient and making sure that our customer service is always friendly, helpful and reliable. Perfectly presented gifts upon arrival every time! Sometimes it does help to have a little bit of ‘nice girl’ fairy dust in your wand…

2. What are your maddest ‘ninja skillz’?
 
I am a little on the crazy side of the bell curve, but I have standards! I love the details and the finishing touch. 

3. How did your lightbulb moment in creating your business come about?

Bockers & Pony was born in 2004 from an inability to send a quality gift to friends and family living interstate. Things have changed a little now, but 6 years ago the online gift companies were littered with water crackers, pretzels, supermarket food, cellophane and cane baskets. I just wouldn’t …and couldn’t… send such caper to someone that I actually cared about.
4. What is your earliest memory?
I am not sure whether I can isolate my earliest memory. I do know that my family loves to tell stories, but they aren’t really that interesting.
5. What would your last meal be?
Oh I am really in trouble if I am having my last meal… I don’t think I am that hungry.
6 What is your best tip for recruiting staff or choosing business partners?
 
I am no expert when it comes to this. I have definitely made my fair share of mistakes. I tend to give respect and then see if its earned….a bit upside down and sometimes fraught with danger. For me actions speak much louder than words and some people are just really good at selling the dream and the reality can turn out to be very different. So I guess if the dream isn’t turning into a reality, then its time to wake up, face the facts and take some action!
 
7. What is your favourite sound?
 
Sleeping babies
 
8. Who would you like to invite to dinner?
There’s a saying that I like to use….. “Keep it Real”  I don’t dream about dining with famous people. If I meet someone new that I really like or just need to catch up with friends, then great food is always in style. Caught up with some friends on Friday night at www.sapore.com.au in St Kilda, ate some duck and did some giggling.
 
9. Who has inspired you to be a better ‘Business Ninja’? 
 
I feel as though I am really lucky to be surrounded by a lot of really inspirational people in my life. I marvel at clever people with very specific, drilled down, quirky interests. I studied a Masters of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Swinburne University before starting Bockers &Pony. Being surrounded by like minded crazies for a few years helped me to feel confident to move from Physiotherapy into a whole new world.
 
Find out more about the Bockers and Pony range at their website.