Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Tina & Her Pony of Marshall (near Asheville)

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Tina & Her Pony. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Tina & Her Pony, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Having a garden for the first time in many years! Growing lots of vegetables, fruits and flowers. It has been such a joy to slow down and literally watch things grow and change day by day.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Tina Collins. I am a singer/songwriter and my music project is called Tina & Her Pony. I call my music ‘indie Appalachian Folk’. Whether solo or with a band, my aim is to bring soulful presence to every stage I step on and to bring my listeners closer to their emotions with raw, authentic storytelling and soothing vocals. I am currently based in Asheville, North Carolina but I have lived many places- including Tampa, FL and Taos, NM. Since I perform full time, I have toured even more places! I’ve been refining my sound for over a decade and I am in love with what I do. I have a group of songs I am ready to record and I’ll go into the studio in early 2026 to begin that process.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My relationship with my Aunt Jenny Bird is very important to me. Even though we didn’t live close geographically when I was young, she’s had a huge impact on my life. She is a touring singer/songwriter and recording artist and has been since she was a young teenager. I always knew I wanted to sing even as a young child and it was invaluable to have her come visit my family and me when she’d come through on tour and to be able to see her perform. It showed me that there was something in between where I was as a child with a hope and a dream and the stars I saw on TV. Eventually in my mid-twenties I decided to go stay with my aunt for a while in Taos, NM where she lives. She mentored me through the process of recording my first album and playing my first paid gigs.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You can do it, and you will do it.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Good music, good friends and good food. It’s the ultimate trifecta. Also my cats 🙂

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am doing what I was born to do. I absolutely believe that my spirit came into this world wanting to SING. In fact, that’s actually where the name ‘Tina & Her Pony’ comes from. They say every little girl wants a pony, but I never wanted that. All I wanted to do was sing, play music, travel, have a band, perform on stages. Now I get to do all that. This thing of singing for a living is my ‘pony’, my little girl dream come true. It’s been a strong pull for me as far back as I can remember. Nobody told me to do this. As a kid I sang a lot and I’m very grateful I had to outlet I did to sing in school choir. I also had access to instruments and tried a few in school band and orchestra. As a teenager I would get really emotional and sometimes cry when I saw female singer songwriters perform. I didn’t understand the emotion at the time, but looking back I think it was just a matter of seeing what I wanted to be doing in the world and not knowing how to get there or express that myself. I feel a deep sense of satisfaction in what I do. Of course there are parts of touring and being in the music industry that are frustrating- no line of work is perfect, but overall I am happy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tinaandherpony.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinaandherpony
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tinaandherponymusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/tinaandherpony
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/tinaandherpony
• Other: https://tinaandherpony.bandcamp.com/music

Image Credits
Elizabeth Linn
Brennan Henshaw
Evoke Emotion (Kristi Knupp)