Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandi Horne.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My life started as a city girl who was born & raised in Dallas, Texas. I spent the majority of my time as chair gala within the philanthropy world. In 2018, after a close friend of mine was killed in a car accident, I took a moment of pause and realized that I was in service to everyone but myself. My biggest reflection was that life is short and I did not want to waste any more time not doing what made me happy to the core.
Fast forward to February 2020, the pandemic hit the globe and my husband and I decided to stay at our part-time home in Aspen, Colorado. Facing a wide range of limitations that was put upon us all, I began to feel like a prisoner and the only way I could escape that feeling was when I would visit a local hat shop. I found myself making new connections and helping people choose what color hat, what shape, and what style of hat they should invest in. Over time, and after receiving a multitude of compliments for my creative eye, I started to play with the idea of making hats myself. I noticed the hat shop did not have many color options and I saw a window of opportunity, so began Liberty Ranch Hat Co.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has certainly not been a smooth road. Learning all of the skills of the trade are very challenging, especially because I’m self-taught. I was very fortunate that when I called other people in the industry for guidance, most were willing to answer questions for me. There are several trade secrets that hatters keep tight-lipped about though. I finally found a Hatter who was willing to help teach me what he knew. I already knew how to make hats at this point but wanted to fine-tune my skills and learn new skills to make better quality hats for my customers.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a custom hatter, I make quality men’s and women’s custom hats by hand, starting with blank fur felts. I am known for my timeless, elegant & classic designs. I want my hats to transcend time and be transitional pieces in my client’s wardrobe. In addition, the relationships I have built with my clients has allowed me to go into their world and hear their stories and what inspires them. I encourage them to bring me items they treasure to incorporate into their design. Every part of the hat is customizable and fits them like a glove. Once the hats are complete, I cleanse the hats with Reiki which is a practice that helps people feel more connected to the divine source of energy. I want my clients to feel self-love and confidence when they put a Liberty Ranch hat on their heads.
What were you like growing up?
I was always a very curious child, asking questions about everything while seeking as much information as possible. This is one of the reasons as to why I have become a successful entrepreneur. Humor has also played an important role in my upbringing as my home life was rather unstable growing up. When I look back and think about the instability, it truly prepared me to be an independent thinker and how to learn things on my own. This gift is truly how I started making hats because it always goes back to me taking ownership of my dreams.
Pricing:
- Custom hats start at $850
Contact Info:
- Email: Brandi@libertyranchhatco.com
- Website: www.libertyranchhatco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/libertyranchhats/
Image Credits
Karina Monsivais Desiree Keelty
