Shantelle Girard | Rancher Hat Bar Founder : Transforming Western Fashion with Custom Cowboy Hats
In this lively episode of Western Fashion Behind the Scenes, Ashley Jackson interviews Shantelle Girard, the dynamic founder of Rancher Hat Bar, a rapidly expanding Western lifestyle brand.
Shantelle shares her inspiring journey from crafting custom hats at her kitchen table to building a nationally recognized brand with seven locations and a devoted following.
What began as a vintage camper turned traveling hat bar has evolved into brick-and-mortar stores across the U.S., including Folsom, Scottsdale, Denver, Waco, Dallas, and soon Nashville in early 2025. She also envisions Rancher Hat Bar as a global brand, with aspirations to expand internationally, starting with Canada.
Shantelle emphasizes Rancher's commitment to blending fashion-forward designs with respect for Western roots, a reflection of her upbringing split between rural and urban influences. Her early memories of crafting jewelry on her family’s turquoise-rich property in New Mexico and her teenage experiences at Country Thunder music festivals ignited her passion for Western fashion.
Managing rapid growth hasn’t been without challenges, from navigating state-specific regulations to running a business with a 50-member team, including operations, marketing, events, and retail staff. Shantelle credits her success to her team's dedication and her relentless focus on brand development, drawing inspiration from other female entrepreneurs like Sarah Blakely and Kimes Ranch founders. Her leadership style fosters collaboration, empowering women to thrive in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Listeners will love Shantelle’s candid insights into the highs and hurdles of building a Western empire, her vision of Rancher Hat Bar as synonymous with cowboy hat customization, and her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: stay driven, embrace challenges, and keep evolving. This episode celebrates the intersection of hard work, creativity, and community in the Western lifestyle space.
Key Highlights:
1. Shantelle’s Journey:
* Began crafting custom hats at her kitchen table before launching Rancher Hat Bar in January 2023.
* Innovated the “traveling hat bar” concept using a vintage camper trailer, creating an interactive and vibrant customer experience.
* Opened the first Rancher Hat Bar store in Folsom, CA, followed by six more locations, including Scottsdale, Denver, Waco, Dallas, and upcoming Nashville (opening February 2025).
2. Expansion Goals:
* Vision to have 15 locations by the end of 2025, with an international expansion starting in Canada (Calgary Rodeo is a key target).
3. Challenges & Growth:
* Overcame hurdles in expansion, including state laws, permits, and operational complexities.
* Shantelle is highly hands-on, leading a team of over 50 employees, including an office team managing marketing, social media, events, and warehouse operations.
4. Inspiration & Superpower:
* Passionate about brand development, having successfully built Rancher Hat Bar into a nationally recognized name in under two years.
* Influenced by trailblazing women like Sara Blakely and inspired by other Western industry entrepreneurs like Kimes Ranch.
5. Personal Story:
* Grew up blending Western and modern influences, with deep ties to the Western lifestyle through family roots in turquoise mining and New Mexico ranch life.
* Shantelle’s entrepreneurial spirit stems from a lineage of hardworking innovators, including her grandmother, Arizona’s first female skateboard shop owner.
6. Advice for Listeners:
* Stay persistent despite obstacles; each challenge is an opportunity to grow.
* Build a strong team that matches your energy and drive.
* Focus on creating a brand experience that resonates with customers while staying authentic to your roots.
* Guest: Shantelle Girard [https://www.instagram.com/shantellegirard/]
* Website: rancherhatbar.com [https://rancherhatbar.com/]
* Social Media: @RancherHatBar
* Host: Ashley Jackson
* Instagram: www.instagram.com/thebootbabe [www.instagram.com/thebootbabe]
* YouTube: The Boot Babes & Western Fashion BTS
