Western Atelier Magazine by Brandi Michelle

Western Atelier DARE TO BE DIFFERENT

Warbonnet Hat Works; Becoming a Household Name Bobbi Palczewski Purses

Keeping It Custom Vagabond Ranch Designs Round 2 Designs Featured Bloggers

Volume 1, Issue 2 August 2017

Cowgirl’s Closet

A Peach of a Boutique Master Stylist

Libby Gale Modeling With Haley Corkill

How to Get The Perfect Shot

Amanda Monk

What’s Behind Your Style

Andrea Thorp

Bobbie Tryan

Editor’s Letter….. Dear Readers, This has been such a fun project so far! I hope you all enjoyed reading last month’s issue as much as I enjoyed putting it together. What a great way to meet some of our favorite designers, businesses and bloggers! This month, the magazine has grown with several new articles and expanded topics! Everything from featuring new bloggers to home decor, to style and modeling tips, to mastering your hair! I hope to continue to grow each month and allow a glimpse into the “behind the scenes” of the Western Fashion Industry. If you have enjoyed Western Atelier Magazine, please share it with your friends, clients, followers, and strangers so that we can grow and meet some of the best in the Industry!

On the Cover...

Brandi Michelle of Western Atelier Photo by Pooley Photography

Again, THANK YOU to all involved in making this a reality, and thank you to the readers! If you or someone you know would like to be, or should be featured in next month’s issue, please reach out to me!!! XOXO,

Model: Alix Green/Salt Lick Sisters Hair/Makeup: Hat: Warbonnet Hat Works

Bobbi Palczewski Purses Keeping It Custom

Brandi Michelle

Taking the Fashion Industry by storm, mother-daughter team, Bobbi Palczewski and Jessie Palczewski-Longbrake create quality one of a kind pieces that have quickly become one of the most popular brands in Western Fashion today.

When you think of South Dakota, what do you think of? Culture, gorgeous scenery, history...or Bobbi Palczewski Purses? Using beadwork, fringe, high quality leather, and anything else you may want to incorporate into your custom design, Bobbi Palczewski Purses does not disappoint! Growing up in Eagle Butte, South Dakota on a cattle and horse ranch, Bobbi Palczewski, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, learned to sew at a young age from her grandmother, who was a professional seamstress. She began by sewing clothing for her dolls on her mother’s Singer treadle sewing machine at the age of 6. Bobbi continued to sew for fun throughout her child and in 9th grade, her father bought her an electric Sears sewing machine for Christmas which lead her to make and sell shirts for classmates and family members. With sewing always a part of her life, she continued to perfect her skills by sewing clothing throughout the years. When first thinking of starting a business, Bobbi knew that she wanted to have women’s individuality and style in mind. After several years of designing and creating custom belts, she decided to try her hand at purses and handbags.

Shaina Clifford for Bobbi Palczewski Purses Photo: Shootin Starz Photography “I wanted to make something for women. After a certain age, women don’t wear belts but still want to dress themselves up with accessories. Purses are perfect because they are functional accessories that show off personal style and creativity,” Palczewski said. 3

It all began in 2003 when Bobbi ordered a beaded belt that was to have her son’s name on it. When it arrived, she was disappointed in the quality and decided that she could make the belt herself, making craftsmanship a priority. She began creating belts for friends and family and noticed the orders were increasing through word of mouth. Bobbi was incorporating leatherwork done by someone other than herself into her designs in the beginning until a welcome gift from her husband, Paul changed everything. A leather sewing machine from Doug Post, a saddlemaker from Baker, Montana opened up a new world of possibilities, experimentation, and custom designs, making Bobbi Palczewski Purses what it is today After learning how to use the machine and about leather from Doug Post, Bobbi soon after began creating purses for friends and family.

Josie and Soni for Bobbi Palczewski Purses Photo: Shootin Starz Photography After a very positive response and countless, “where did you get that bag?” moments, it was time for Bobbi to share what she had been working on with the world, putting her designs on her Facebook page. Her daughter, Jessie Palczewski-Longbrake joined the business to help keep up with the ever growing beadwork and orders in 2016 and the duo have been hard at work ever since. Jessie is the oldest of Bobbi’s 3 children and is also a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. She graduated from The Black Hills State University with an art degree in 2003 then went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts Degree from The University of North Dakota in 2006. She resides and works as an art teacher in Dupree, South Dakota where her husband also raises cattle. With her mother’s encouragement and tutelage, Jessie began beading in 5th grade and excels at drawing and painting; talent that she will surely pass down to her own two children.

Arielle for Bobbi Palczewski Purses Photo: Shootin Starz Photography

Patti and Roz for Bobbi Palczewski Purses Photo: Shootin Starz Photography With her new creations and designs in full swing, Bobbi needed an official name for her business. Keeping in mind that she would have repeat clients, she stuck with a spin off to her Facebook page and chose Bobbi Palczewski Purses. Simple, yet not much else was needed for the up and coming household name. She knew with this name, her clients could find her and that it branded her work as her own. The Industry was about to be taken by storm with Bobbi Palczewski Purses full steam ahead.

Many businesses have begun to use Fashion Influencers to help promote their products as well, and Bobbi Palczewski Purses teamed up with Shaina Clifford who is not only a Fashion Influencer, but a member of the Fashion Posse, as well as the owner of Shootin Starz Photography. She has rocked many a Bobbi Palczewski creation in countless photoshoots helping to increase clientele and followers. Another member of the extended Bobbi Palczewski Purses family is Soni Clifford, who is also Miss Rodeo South Dakota and the sister of Shaina Clifford. Both Shaina and Soni have been instrumental parts of the entire team perfectly displaying each handcrafted item. Looking ahead, we expect to continue to see Bobbi Palczewski Purses carried by anyone who can get their hands on one! They hope to continue to grow and expand their designs and accessories, always with the clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own unique style and personality in mind! Be sure to find them on Instagram at @jessielongbrake and on Facebook at facebook.com/bobbipalczewskipurses

A typical day at Bobbi Palczewski Purses is anything but. Working around their full time jobs and duties, Bobbi and Jessie work on orders and products when time allows, always trying to keep up with the ever increasing demand for their one of a kind creations.Although life can get a bit hectic, Bobbi enjoys the flexibility and creativity of the making and developing products for her clients. With social media becoming a way of life, Bobbi and Jessie both post finished products on their accounts as well as advertising for the business.

Shaina Clifford for Bobbi Palczewski Purses Photo: Shootin Starz Photography 5

Warbonnet Hatworks;

Becoming a Household Name Wildly iconic or simple as can be, hats have always made a statement. Tucked away in Millsap, Texas, Warbonnet Hatworks has quickly become a household name and an industry staple.

Brandi Michelle Millsap, Texas...Population 431. Among those residents is Dan McIntosh, his wife Brooklyn of 8 years, and their daughter Lyla Pearl who is soon to be a big sister. The McIntosh family is the engine behind Warbonnet Hatworks; custom, handcrafted hats that have become a Western Fashion “must” for anyone passionate about a quality product. Originally from Central Oregon, Dan McIntosh was exposed to rodeo lifestyle at a young age, sealing his fate to eventually compete in several events including saddle bronc, steer wrestling, calf roping, team roping, and cutting through college and into his 20s. It was his passion for the rodeo lifestyle that eventually brought him to Texas to attend Odessa College 16 years ago. Working weekends for just a few short months shaping and building hats for Nab Hatters, Dan McIntosh was offered the opportunity to purchase the business and make it his own, and it was then that Warbonnet Hatworks was becoming a reality. After Nab Hatters officially closed it’s doors for business and handed the reins over to McIntosh, he moved all of the equipment to his father-in-law’s garage while he began transforming the race car trailer he recently purchased into the future headquarters of Warbonnet Hatworks which officially opened for business in November 2014.

Jessi Proctor For Warbonnet Hatworks Having a clear vision in mind for his business and staying true to that vision, McIntosh said, “When I started Warbonnet I really just wanted to make hats for the every day cowboy and cowgirl that were entirely customizable, because I feel like everyone has their own style, and I have always liked to have something no one else had.” 7

McIntosh and his family not only have a passion for what they do, they also have a passion for their clients. One of the things loved most by this family, is the people from so many different places they have had the opportunity to meet and get to know.

Buster Frierson For Warbonnet Hatworks Photo: Peter Robbins Choosing a business name can be one of the most difficult parts of starting and marketing a successful business for most, but not for McIntosh. When choosing the name Warbonnet Hatworks, he factored in something that is very special to him, his heritage. Drawing inspiration from war bonnets, the name given to the tall style of hats worn by men at war in Ireland and Scotland and also worn by a few men in Native American Tribes, Warbonnet Hatworks was born. Marketable, memorable, catchy, and meaningful, the name proved to be the icing on the cake of the top quality hats produced by McIntosh reviving the historical nickname but putting a twist on it calling cowboy and cowgirl hats, Warbonnets. Things at Warbonnet Hatworks can get a bit crazy on any given day. With McIntosh working a full time job in addition to building the Warbonnet brand, his family works as a team to keep everything running as smoothly as possible. Getting up early, staying up late, and working side by side with his wife and daughter is the norm, but he wouldn't change a thing.

Anyone on social media who has an appreciation for these gorgeous hats can drool over the constant display of gorgeous custom orders on the official Warbonnet Hatworks Instagram Page. This page is where 90% of Warbonnet customers contact McIntosh and keep in touch with the other 10% coming from the 2 shows they attend annually. At opposite ends of the show spectrum, the shows that the McIntosh family and Warbonnet Hatworks attend annually includes their local PRCA rodeo in Weatherford, Texas and the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada. Attending shows allows Warbonnet Hatworks to unveil new hat designs and collections, allow clients to see and feel the quality of the hats in person, as well as meet past, current, and prospective clients.

Danielle Keighley of The Wandering Rose Co For Warbonnet Hatworks Photo: Candice Camille Photography 8

As a hatter, McIntosh has the opportunity to experiment with so many different designs and components of custom hats. When describing his own personal hat style, McIntosh stated, “I used to be a black hat in the fall, and white straw in the summer kind of guy. My brim was always a 4 inch, wide shovel style, and the crown, a mid-height modified cattleman crown. Now that I make hats and get to try all styles on, I have branched out to shorter brims and more fashion styles with it all depending on where I'm going and what I'm going to be doing. I think a hat style has to fit your face and your personality as well as be functional to what you're doing.” Luckily, Warbonnet Hatworks has extremely creative clients that are not afraid to go outside the box with their custom hat designs. Working with their clients to make their ideas reality, McIntosh says that the fun and creative design ideas from clients usually spark added creativity and unique twists that make the hats a reflection of the personality of the person wearing them.

Salt Lick Sisters For Warbonnet Hatworks

Bobbie Tryan For Warbonnet Hatworks Every hat from Warbonnet Hatworks is handmade by McIntosh and his wife, without the use of any special presses or assembly lines from start to finish. Starting with raw felt fur bodies that have already been dyed at the factory, the felt body is then stretched over a wood block. The felt body is then ironed to the shape of the client’s head that comes from the Conformateur and formillion and then sanded until it reaches the finish they are after. The brim is then cut down to the desired width, and a sweatband stamped with the Warbonnet logo and any other custom inscription is sewn into the hat along with a satin liner. The trim is then applied to the hat, followed by a custom shape. With a few other small steps in between, a custom hat typically takes 4 to 6 hours without counting in the extra time for flanging, drying, and cooling. 9

With their brand taking the Western Fashion Industry by storm, Warbonnet Hatworks has the orders pouring in for these sought after creations, with each hat different from the next. Creating true one of a kind designs right alongside their customers is what fuels the fire to continue to push the envelope of style. As the brand continues to build, one of Warbonnet Hatworks’ proudest moments was building the first “Official Hat of Texas” which was presented to Texas State Representative, Marcia Farney on the State Rep floor as the bill was passed. Farney introduced a bill to make the cowboy hat the official hat of Texas. Looking ahead, Warbonnet Hatworks is planning to have a storefront to make their designs and products more accessible to clients as well as provide the opportunity to attend more shows annually. McIntosh also has plans to showcase several never before seen designs at the NFR in Las Vegas that will surely be the same top notch quality and craftsmanship that we have all come to know and love from Warbonnet Hatworks.

Shane Proctor For Warbonnet Hatworks

For more information on Warbonnet Hatworks, visit them on the web www.warbonnethatworks.com ______________ Visit them on Instagram @warbonnet_hat_works _____________ Visit them on Facebook facebook.com/warbonnetatworks ____________ Or give them a call! (817) 894 - 3327

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Behind Your Style?; Discovering and Enhancing Your Style Influencers

Everyone has a style from the most style savvy celebrities to the daily jeans and tee shirt girl next door. Where do you pull your fashion inspiration from?

Bobbie Tryan Photo by Hannah Hogner

Spending long periods of time on the road, visiting a different city or region on a regular basis, and having to pack strategically is something that blogger, fashionista, and rodeo wife Bobbie Tryan is no stranger to. Bobbie travels all over the country with her husband Clay and their three boys, Tyler, Braylon, and Dash. She has always had a love of all things fashion and believes in not letting a little rodeo dirt limit her personal style. ___________

Everyone has a style...What inspires yours? Do you find inspiration in the romance of the old west, an extraordinary fashion show in Paris? Perhaps the dirt runway of rodeo influences you. Or maybe you love the glamour of a red carpet and in some way add that into your personal style. Celebrity style is very influential for many, as well as friends and family. My sister Carolina has always been my fashion icon! Do you enjoy watching classic movies such as The Misfits, and immediately feel like throwing on a classic white button up and a vintage Stetson? Such an effortless but stylish look. Or maybe Woodstock Cowgirl is your thing and you live for the fashion in Almost Famous and love to mix hippie vibes and Western. I mean, who wouldn't want to wear that incredible shearling coat with cowboy boots!

Bobbie Tryan

Possibly the glamour and chicness of high fashion is what you love. Breakfast at Tiffany's serves up timeless elegance that makes you want to wear strands of pearls, amazing sunnies and black every day. Audrey Hepburn created hangover chic with those incredible looks.

Fashion bloggers and style influencers on Instagram and Pinterest pack tons of style inspiration in tiny squares. Incredibly fashionable people are sharing their personal style on these accounts. These talented individuals come from all walks of life and with so much diversity in their styles, it is impossible not to be inspired by their content. Unquestionably this is the easiest way to stay in touch with everything style and fashion.

Bobbie Tryan

With this column, I hope that I have inspired you to every so often, turn off your PC, put down your phone and curl up with a great magazine while watching a stylish show. -Bobbie Tryan

Great style isn't limited to just movies. There is so much remarkable fashion to be seen in television shows such as Sex and the City, Gossip Girl, Mad Men and Ugly Betty. If you love a great Western look, you might appreciate the costumes on Westworld. Even if you don't necessarily find the shows captivating, you might the fashion. The costume designers that work on shows such as these are incredibly creative at designing and putting looks together.

Find and follow Bobbie on Instagram @stylishly.tryan for more!

Next, there are countless publications. Magazines have always classically been the go to for all things fashion and style. From Cowboys and Indians to Vogue, those glossy pages are full of style and glamour that can't help but inspire. Brilliant styling, beautiful models and great columns, and only the top of the line makes it onto those pages. And along with inspiring you, they look very chic on your coffee table, though often in my case, on the dashboard of the truck! Bobbie Tryan

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Perfecting That Pose;

Tips to Get The Perfect Shot Every Time with Haley Corkill Anxiety, awkwardness, nervous jitters...These terms are frequently heard before a photoshoot whether you are a fashion influencer, celebrity, or professional model. Haley Corkill is no stranger to the lense and she shares some of her tips and tricks to nailing your photoshoot each and every time.

Haley Corkill

Hi! My name is Haley Corkill and I am the mom of two sweet boys, the wife of a rodeo cowboy, and a fashion super fan to say the least. Traveling, fashion and family is a big part of my life and for that, I feel extremely fortunate! ____________

Hello, hello all! I hope you enjoyed last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s issue, I know I did! I absolutely love reading articles my peers write because I think it's so much fun to see their personalities shine through in their writing and in their photos. This month I'm going to touch on modeling and outfits that photograph well. I really really appreciate good photography. The way some photographers can get the light to hit just right, or how one photo feels like it tells an entire story is truly amazing. My mom is a photographer, so I have been exposed to many beautiful photos and have learned so much from her.

Haley Corkill Angles, lighting and editing; she taught me that sometimes less is more. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate some good editing in a fashion photo, but you don't want to lose the moment that is the original picture, because that is the memory, not the photoshop. When I'm doing a photoshoot, I start my focus on the product.Weather it's clothing, jewelry, or a specific look, that needs to be the focal point. 15

Posing.... the awkward, uncomfortable, not sure how this looks... posing... My advice is to pick a few main poses that you've practice in the mirror and within those, add in a lot of tiny movements. Every click of the camera is a chance to move just a touch to get that perfect photo. For example, hold a pose with your body, but lift your chin or pout your lips. Hold your facial expression and slowly move your body from straight on to profile.

Haley Corkill When you model clothing, the object is to make the person scrolling through Instagram want the outfit you are modeling. You may have to use pins or other tricks so that the items you are wearing fit and photograph well. In person, an oversized sweater and ripped boyfriend jeans might be awesome, but in a photo, it might look extremely bulky and that isn't a selling point.

Just practice...take some time to look at yourself in the mirror and check out all of your angles. Everyone has looks and angles that work best for them and you have to be familiar with your strengths and weaknesses and how to utilize them to your advantage. One thing that never fails to shine through in pictures is confidence, and to me, that makes a great model! -Haley Corkill

You have to display the outfit, and in my opinion, that means a lot of movement to get every angle. Sometimes the most appealing photo of the outfit comes from a twirl or an awkward “arms in the air” movement or an “in motion” walking picture.

For more on Haley Corkill, follow her on Instagram @hcorkill

Haley Corkill 16

Featured Blogger The Rodeo Mrs.

Andrea Thorp __________________

Andrea Thorp

When I turned ten, I decided I really loved to barrel race and it turned from a hobby into a full on obsession. My parents hauled me around to barrel races across the state, region and eventually country to allow me the opportunity to compete on some amazing horses. I qualified for the National Barrel Horse Association World Finals six years in a row, and made the short round twice before graduating high school. Even though I was heavily involved in the barrel racing scene, I didn’t have a lot of experience with rodeo itself. I always loved it and couldn’t come unglued from the TV any time the PBR or NFR came on. I had always admired the sport from afar but it wasn’t until I met my now-husband, Marshall, that I had the chance to make it my world.

My name is Andrea Thorp, and I am the creator of The Rodeo Mrs. blog. I am 23 years old and reside in eastern Iowa with my husband, Marshall. I grew up on a hobby farm in Solon, Iowa where I first had the opportunity to learn to ride horses. It wasn’t until I was five that my parents agreed to buy my first horse and get me into lessons, but my grandpa, a horseman now 94 years of age, had already sparked my love of the western lifestyle and anything that put me on the back of a horse Andrea Thorp 17

I met Marshall my senior year of high school and fell in love immediately – he was from a very involved rodeo family, had been roping since he was a kid. I told him how much I wanted to get involved with the rodeo industry, and he helped me get connected with people at some small rodeos. Even though it was a major environmental change from the barrel races I was used to, I was totally hooked. We went to the same college after I graduated, him a transfer student, me a freshman. I had dreams of going to Texas to college rodeo but realized I wouldn’t be able to afford the out-of-state tuition. Right away, I got involved with the Iowa State Rodeo Club and served my first term on the rodeo committee that spring semester. Iowa State also hosts the last student run college rodeo in the nation, so I was able to dive into that right away. Through working with the rodeo committee, I discovered my passion for rodeo production and decided to run with it. On top of competing in college rodeo for Iowa State, I had the chance to do a work study under Barnes PRCA Rodeo Company, job shadow at the National Junior High School Finals Rodeo, intern at the College National Finals Rodeo and even move to Texas for a short time interning at Rodeo Austin. After moving back from Texas and graduating from college, I wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to take my career. I was bound and determined to work in the rodeo industry but had commitments back home that kept me from moving away to work in production. After spending a month wondering if I could make my passion for writing into a full time job, I took the leap and created The Rodeo Mrs. I immediately threw myself into it and just wrote new content for weeks on end. It came so naturally to me and that’s how I knew it was something I was supposed to do. I now work on The Rodeo Mrs. full time from my home in eastern Iowa with my husband, two dogs and a herd of barrel horses.

Andrea Thorp

The Rodeo Mrs. was actually the first name I came up with and it just fit. I got married during my junior year of college, making me the only wife on the rodeo team, and probably the only wife in the region. I had so many interesting experiences from that perspective, learning to balance my home life with being on the road all the time. My husband’s family is very involved in rodeo, but I was often on the road by myself chasing the dream of working in the rodeo industry or hauling with my college team. The Rodeo Mrs. represents my personal experience with the different hats we all wear as women in the industry.

After my work for the day is finished, I head out to the farm to ride my barrel prospect and help with barn chores. I try to keep my work contained within business hours so I have plenty of time and energy to spend with my family and friends.

Andrea Thorp

One of the best parts of blogging is having the freedom to do different things every day, although I love routine too! I start my day at five AM with a workout and breakfast with my husband before he leaves for work. I usually sit down to my desk around seven and write out my schedule for the day. I keep a master list of everything that needs to be done for the week and delegate it out one day at a time. My morning is usually spent answering emails, making phone calls, planning content and scheduling blog posts. Around noon, I take a break to run errands and grab a bite to eat. In the afternoon, I can usually be found taking and editing photos, working on my website or doing writing for freelance clients. These are things I do almost every week, but there are plenty of other things that get thrown in too, like working on the books, organizing blog trips and planning outfits for events.

Another favorite part about blogging is being able to have complete creative freedom and control over my success. I believe that no one knows your potential as well as you do â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I knew that I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be happy with my career until I was able to do something I was passionate about, act on my own ideas and make my goals into reality. I always felt unfulfilled waiting for someone else to promote me, put my work in front of new people and take on my ideas. Once I had a space where I was completely in control of my ideas and the success of my projects, I had the power to make it into something so much bigger than just posts about fashion and rodeo.

Andrea Thorp 19

Instead of trying to reach people through a boosted post or marketing campaign, I invest in my current readers who are actively supporting my work and bringing new eyes to my posts. Nothing is more valuable than those loyal subscribers who truly believe in what you do.

Andrea Thorp The first thing I do to keep readers coming to my blog is to post on a regular schedule. For the people who come to my site every week, they know to expect new content on Mondays and Thursdays. Always having new content out on time keeps people returning and sharing on their social networks. I also love to theme my content, so instead of doing a post that feels random, I include it as part of a series. A lot of reaching people is creating content that brings old readers back for the next installment who love and continue to share your work. I think the biggest thing that helps me reach out to readers and continue to grow is establishing a consistent, reliable brand that continuously puts out interesting content. Also, a huge part of reaching my readers is treating them like friends. I prefer to establish relationships with my readers whenever I can – I want them to know that I appreciate each one of them individually and they are the key to my success..

I would describe my own personal style as getting the most bang for your buck – being the best dressed in the room without spending hours in front of the mirror. Whether I’m grabbing coffee with one of my girlfriends or walking into Thomas & Mack in Vegas, it’s all about classic pieces that work with everything from jeans to a designer dress. My style follows my personality – I wear a lot of bright colors and dramatic pieces because I don’t mind standing out in a crowd. If I had to pick an outfit that defines my daily style, it would be a good pair of trouser jeans paired with a vintage tee. Add in a stylish pair of moccasins, custom leather accessories, sterling silver jewelry and top it off with a ball cap. If I’m going out dancing with my husband or hanging out at a local rodeo, I like to pull out a pair of mineral wash bells, add a fun top and layer on the accessories; turquoise, silver, leather – the works. I’ll probably be wearing a lot of the same pieces from my day to day look! Now, if I’m attending an NFR performance, I’m going to be over the top glam. I love wearing an elegant maxi dress with lots of western details. I think layers are the fastest way to spice up an outfit and give it more depth, so I’ll usually add on a vest or jacket, a belt, lots of jewelry – in western fashion, it’s really hard to go overboard.

I recently started working full time on The Rodeo Mrs., so I’m in the middle of transitioning it to function like a real business. By the end of this year, my goal is to be more established across my social platforms and see new readers come to the blog to read my content. I’m so amazed by how many awesome people I’ve met through the rodeo community in the last six months, and I can’t wait to connect with more in the last half of this year. I really want to develop more friendships with other western fashion bloggers and hopefully get to meet them at NFR! In the coming months, you can expect to see a lot of fun, new things coming to the blog. I recently unveiled a completely new website, which will help me carry my fashion posts as well as new sections for lifestyle and beauty. I also have been working on a project called “The Iowa Series” where I cover my home state pro rodeos and discuss western heritage from a Midwestern point of view. I also have a super exciting project with a large western brand coming up this fall, so stay tuned. I have a notebook full of ideas for my blog and the possibilities are endless, so you never know what could be coming next! The biggest challenge I’ve faced since starting my blog has been learning to trust my own judgment. When I’ve started new projects in the past, I always felt like I needed a set of step-by-step instructions on how to be successful. If there wasn’t a clear cut plan, I’d just be a frazzled mess trying to make sure I’m doing everything right and have no confidence in my own direction. From the day I opened my web page and posted the first article, there were no rules. There was no clear guidebook on how I could make my idea successful and my face was on the front page for the world to see if I failed.

For the first time, I really had to have enough confidence in myself to say that I was able to be successful on my own terms, no instructions included. I had to pick the articles, the outfits, the photos, how I manage my social media, what events I go to, how I interact with other bloggers and my own readers – it was all an experiment. I had to let go of my expectations, throw myself into it and trust that I’d come out on the other side one way or another. I really had to get past the idea that everything had to live up to what other girls in the industry were doing, like there was some kind of competition or they know something that I don’t. That’s just not the case! I’ve learned that the only thing you can do is put your best foot forward and work with the outcomes, there are no guaranteed successes, just a lot of learning through trial and error. Maybe I spent tons of time working on a post that wasn’t very popular, maybe I wanted to work with a brand and I got shot down when I reached out, maybe I was happy watching my numbers grow steadily when I saw another girl blow up overnight. It’s all about learning from your mistakes, taking hold of your own success and building others up on your way.

Follow The Rodeo Mrs. on Instagram @the_rodeo_mrs __________ Follow The Rodeo Mrs. on Faceook facebook.com/therodeomrs __________ Find The Rodeo Mrs. on the Web www.therodeomrs.com

Vagabond Ranch Designs; Decorating With Dreams…..

Brandi Pooley Your home is your oasis from the rest of the world and we all have different decor adorning our walls. In the Western Fashion Industry, our designers are dreaming bigger and expanding into home decor. Nestled away in Texas, Kristen Ferguson Nix had dreams of seeing her designs come to life and decorate homes everywhere. She acted on that dream and created Vagabond Ranch Designs. Always having a self proclaimed “artsy” side, Nix initially had trouble finding the time to dedicate to her passion and knew she needed to make a change in order to follow her dream. Inspired by the designs of others that she spent hours admiring, but found to out of her price range, her idea for Vagabond Ranch Designs was born. With her passion fueling her, she purchased a few supplies to try her hand at creating unique rustic inspired home decor at an affordable price. With her ideas in motion, she needed a name for her new business. The first idea for the business name came from an experience she had when searching for a vintage camper to one day put on her own piece of land.

Thunderbird Bed Frame by Vagabond Ranch Designs

Whether by chance or by fate, Nix stumbled across a 1946 Vagabond camper after seeing the original ad that was full of color and life. Nix describes herself as having a gypsy soul and feels that each and every person has a touch of that deep down inside. When reflecting on the Vagabond camper ad that ignited the idea for her business name, Nix stated, “It was ahead of its time. I want to bring a little bit of that era back into today where simplicity and originality are now highly needed.”

Find them on Facebook facebook.com/VagabondRanchDesigns __________

Find them on Instagram @vagabondranchdesigns __________

Check out their Etsy store https://www.etsy.com/shop/ VagabondRanchDesigns Sliding Barn Door Album and Buckle Display by Vagabond Ranch Designs While still working a full time job, Nix dedicates as much time as she can to creating custom home decor pieces. Relying on word of mouth and social media, she has caught the attention of many including several high profile country music artists who have since reached out. She doesn't advertise much at this time but feels blessed that she has had such a positive response to her designs. Spending a minimum of 4 hours on a piece is nothing out of the ordinary for Nix. She takes her time on each piece, making sure that every last detail is nothing short of perfection. She handmakes every piece and thrives on designs that hallmark her craftsmanship. With dreams of one day growing her business into a storefront and designing decor full time, she hopes to continue to build her clientele and gain more fans of her work while following her dreams. Contact Kristen Ferguson Nix at Vagabond Ranch Designs for all of your custom home decor needs. If you can dream it, she can build it.

Thunderbird Jewelry Display by Vagabond Ranch Designs

Barn Door Album by Vagabond Ranch Designs 23

Mastering Your Hair Game; Sitting Down With Master Stylist, Libby Gale

One of the most talked about topics in the Western Fashion Industry is hair care, hair styling, and hair trends. Western Atelier Magazine sat down with Master Stylist and Master Colorist, Libby Gale for tips, tricks, and how to get the perfect look. She is also the hair stylist for Brandi Michelle of Western Atelier. Brandi Pooley

Libby Gale is a Master Colorist and Stylist, expert balayage specialist, lead extensionist, Master Cutter, and does extensive bridal and event work. She spent the first seven years of her career in the beautiful and renowned Napa Valley, California where she attended numerous advanced educational hair classes. These classes included multiple sessions at the Vidal Sassoon advanced academy, along with multiple balayage and expert color classes. She has worked for top salons and had the pleasure of also working for one of California's number one, prestigious bridal teams, SHE Artists. She has resided Texas for the last several years, working in Fort Worth, Weatherford, and also and training and selling barrel horses. She resides in Weatherford with many horses, donkeys, and chickens! __________________________ Western Atelier: When the initial idea of becoming a stylist came to you, what was your inspiration?

Libby Gale Photo: Pooley Photography Libby Gale: My hairstylist I had since I was a little itty bitty girl in California was my main inspiration to become a hairstylist. I always looked up to her and wanted to be just like her! She was gorgeous, had a killer rockin style, was full of personality and made awesome money doing what she loved, making women of all ages beautiful! It just seemed like the dream job! We are able to make our own schedules which is also crucial to allowing me time for training and competing on my barrel horses. So with this job I get the best of both worlds of hair and horses, my two loves! 24

LG: I attended an additional week long course of advanced cutting at Vidal Sassoon in Santa Monica California as well a couple years later to further my education. They are by far the leaders in advanced courses and have paved the way for many creative artists. I attended Kris Sorbie's balayage/ombrĂŠ class in San Jose California. She is a world renowned leader in cutting edge hair coloring techniques and is nationally recognized for her creative skills.

Libby Gale Photo: Pooley Photography LG: I have always had an artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mind and doing hair allows me to bring out my creative side while helping women feel and look their best! There's nothing better then getting feedback from my clients that they have never felt as good as they do when they leave my chair! I love making women feel beautiful!

I have used different color lines through the years, and have attended color classes for all of them; from Framesi, Redken, GuyTang, Subtil and most currently, I use J Beverly Hills Colour mixed with the Guy Tang line for certain clients. I am also an extensions specialist, certified in Klix and Dreamcatchers. I had the pleasure of being on California's Bay Area's number one bridal team for 4 years before relocating to Texas. I was hand picked through some very competitive tryouts to join the team of SHE Artists owned by artist Sarah Hyde.

WE: Tell me about your education, industry experiences, and the path you have been down to this point. LG: I attended Le Melange Beauty Academy in Napa Valley to obtain my license to do hair in 2006. Since then, I have attended numerous color, balayage, extension, cutting, business and bridal classes. My favorites to name a few were when I attended a week long course at Vidal Sassoon in San Francisco California for their advanced cutting course.

Hair By Libby Gale 25

LG: We were a very high end team consisting of hairstylists and make artists for on site bridal. We even got to do quite a few celebrity weddings. We had a lot of fun and got to see some of the most exquisite bridal locations California's coast has to offer. Although I miss my time with the team, I still do quite a bit of freelance bridal work in Texas. I was also on the Halo Bridal team in Fort Worth, Texas for two years, and now do it on my own. I have worked with many photographers in San Fransisco with Jade Studios, owned by Philippe Lee being my favorite. I had the opportunity to do makeup for several shoots for a video game which was a lot of fun. Good stylists are forever learning and evolving with the ever changing beauty industry. Classes, courses, and the endless sea of knowledge will always be an ongoing education for me. WE: What is your typical day like as a stylist? LG: My typical day as a stylist always changes! I work Tuesday through Saturday with Sunday and Monday as my days off. My day starts at 10am and doesn't end until the last client leaves, which could be anytime. A typical day has me exhausted by the end, but I love every second as all my clients quickly become my friends. I have the best career, because I get to hang out and chat with my friends all day while creating masterpieces for them to enjoy for months. How many people can say they get to hang out with their friends all day at work? Beauty comes from the inside but we can all agree when our hair looks fabulous we feel even more fabulous!! That big hug they give me with that tear of happiness that I made their whole week with that big smile is the best reward!!

Hair By Libby Gale WE: What do you feel some of the color trends and styles are at this time, how does someone achieve those looks, and what is the process? LG: The most popular, timeless, beautiful look I get most asked for right now is still the Balayage freehand coloring technique. It can be as natural or unnatural as you desire as far as color combinations but the Balayage is traditionally made to be a very natural sun-kissed look. It allows clients to get away from that striped foiling look that leaves a noticeable grow out. With the balayage, clients can traditionally go further between appointments and looks naturally beautifully sun-kissed for summer or any season while still adding brightness around their face. I love it and it's one of my favorites to create. From warm browns to light coffee beiges to platinum silvers or plums and mahoganies. Beach wave styles go perfect with this color technique and are easily achieved with a wand curling iron and my favorite Kenra Hairspray whether you have luscious long locks or a sassy bob. 26

WE: What advice do you have to help a style last all day? LG: My advice for making a style last all day can really vary depending on the individual's personal hair texture and lifestyle. As far as heat styling, it's best to not wash your hair the same day. The night before is perfect so that your hair isn't too squeaky clean before the style you need.

Platinum Blonde Hair By Libby Gale

WE: Tell me about your own personal style and preferences? LG: I personally rock the long layered balayage look. I keep a light brown/dark ash blonde at my root to cover my glitter of silver greys (shhhh don't tell) and fade it into my platinum silver blonde midshaft and ends. I absolutely cannot live without my Kevin Murphy hair products such as shampoos, conditioners, and hair masques. My top “must have” favorite products from this line include Blonde Angel Shampoo and Conditioner, Restore Cleansing Deep Conditioner, Untangled Leave In Conditioner, and Young Again Oil and Shimmer Shine. I use the Young Again Oil even on my dry hair on “no shampoo days” before I brush out my hair. It is nourishing, lightweight and does not have the greasy look. In eleven years of doing hair, Kevin Murphy takes the cake in hair care and I sell it at my salon if anyone is in need or would like to try these products. These products are only available through professional salons, but through me, they are readily available.

I personally don't use heat protectants, as all of my Kevin Murphy products act as a good barrier already. If you don't use after shower products, I strongly recommend that you do use a heat protectant before heat styling. I also spray every strand individually before I curl with Kenra hairspray. After you curl, do not spray with anything until the hair is cool to the touch since spraying hot hair too soon will make it fall faster. If you have hair that is hard to curl, spray hairspray on your hair, curl it, and then use a hair pin to pin it up until it cools. Repeat this until your whole head is curled and pinned up; this is called "setting". Once your pinned haire has sat for at least ten minutes, pull out the "set" and spray your whole head with Kenra Hairspray and try to avoid touching it afterwards.

Kevin Murphy Products

WE: What professional hair care products do you recommend? LG: The Kevin Murphy line of products are by far my favorite line. This line is sulfate free, paraben free, water soluble (which means you never get an unwanted product build up on your hair as water washes out the product gently) and they are SILICONE FREE. This is very important when choosing what products to use. Silicones make hair "feel" smooth, but in reality, the silicones are just creating a build up on your hair without the nutrients being able to penetrate your hair shaft. Even the ever popular Moroccan oil is full of silicones. There are so many products and choices, but one of the main factors in having healthy hair is having a healthy scalp. Many people mistake dandruff as no big deal, when in reality, it is a fungal infection or another problem that is only able to be resolved with clinical products, and not dandruff products. Without clinical products, the “dandruff” will only continue to return. If you experience any itchiness associated with dry skin, it is usually related to another underlying issue which can be helped by your professional stylist or with help from your dermatologist. If you are experiences a change in your hair texture, increased dryness, hair loss, hair thinning, or any other issues with an unknown origin, contact your doctor to set up an appointment to have your thyroid and hormone levels evaluated. Abnormal levels are the number one cause of hair loss and unexplained change when it is not associated with a chemical problem at the salon. My last bit of advice for this month’s issue, is to familiarize yourself with Olaplex. If you are changing your color from light to dark wand back to light, do NOT allow a stylist to attempt the change without using Olaplex in your lightener, it will save your hair from excessive and severe damage.

Libby Gale Photo: Pooley Photography

Find Libby Gale on Facebook at facebook.com/LibbyGaleHairstylist ________________ Find Libby Gale on Instagram @libzgale ______________ Contact Libby Gale for more information or for an appointment (817) 599 - 6868

Round 2 Designs;

Repurposing and Bringing Outside Beauty In….. Combining repurposed treasures with Texas’s own natural beauty to create masterpiece designs for your home.

Brandi Pooley

California native turned Texan, Tenaya Lord turns one person’s trash into another person’s treasure. It wasn't always this way for Lord, with a long standing career in the horse industry, she knew she needed a change. After making the decision to be home more, she left the horse industry in January 2015 and set out to find a new career path in small town Buffalo, Texas where options are limited. Taking a part time job at the local plant nursery, she was elated to find the perfect combination of fresh air and nature. Within 3 months, she found a new passion at the nursery and set to work landscaping her entire home. She quickly found a love for unique pot and plant combinations that allowed her to express her own unique style through her new outlet. “Every bit of money I earned I put right back into my plants,” noted Lord. Being a Southern California native, Lord has always been drawn to succulents and cacti, her personal favorites. Working at the nursery was like Christmas morning as she picked through incoming plant shipments to continue her landscaping masterpiece at home. As time passed, she found falling in love with different textures and shapes of each individual plant she selected.

Designed and Created by Round 2 Designs

As her passion continued to grow, she joined as many Facebook groups as she could find with others who shared her new found and ever growing passion. Within these groups, she found creative inspiration with her now two favorite designers, Megan Boone with Nature Containers and Laura Eubanks with Designs For Serenity. Lord noted, “Both of these women are masters in their own right. I'm forever grateful for not only their guidance and help, but friendship as well.” 29

Designed and Created by Round 2 Designs

After finding her new passion in landscaping, Lord knew that she wanted to share her creations with the world, and Round 2 Designs was born. “The initial idea of striking out on my own was horrifying,” Lord remarked, however she took the leap anyways. The leap paid off and Lord has been gaining more and more attention with her unique pieces.

One of Lord’s most memorable finds was her first of that kind, a Tonka truck. She found this treasure at her local trade days and it took her back to fond childhood memories which she knew others could relate to. With inspiration from her find that day, she began to offer a unique option for anyone who has a keepsake toy from their children’s or even their own childhood. She repaints them, restores their life, and finds a way to re-incorporate them into the owner’s home. “I've always felt that so many of these items would've been forgotten or only enjoyed by a select few. What I am doing opens those doors for individuals to take them from a dark closet to the spotlight of their house,” said Lord. After Round 2 Designs started to gain popularity and interest, Lord left the nursery to focus on her new business. She went to Round Top, Texas and set up her designs for all to see in fall of 2016. “The contacts I made and positive feedback I received really pushed me to go out on my own,” noted Lord. Her husband built her a greenhouse this past January and she now has enough space to not only work and create arrangements, but keep loose plants as well.

Once p and running, Lord chose the name, Round 2 Designs for her new business noting that the name has a great deal of meaning for her. Lord added, “ I'm taking old forgotten items and giving them new life. So many containers I end up using would be in a landfill or forgotten in a garage, they all have a story to tell. I feel like I'm their voice.” Lord started out by scouring flea markets, hoarder houses, and second hand stores always on the hunt for a piece that speaks to her and emulates her unique style.

Designed and Created by Round 2 Designs

Working in her greenhouse 7 days per week, Lord feels at home. The greenhouse features a five foot by three foot chandelier and a mini bar on top of her work space. This space is a true extension of her own rustic and unique home, which was also built by her husband. Having a workspace like this has been one of her favorite parts of starting Round 2 Designs. Another favorite aspect of starting Round 2 Designs, is the opportunity for Lord to express her creative freedom. She constantly works towards making each design more amazing than the next. In creating these designs, she has learned what plants thrive in the Texas climate and how to manage them which she describes as a never ending process. With the climate being a learning curve for her, she said, “my goal is to let people know it's ok to struggle with these plants, Texas humidity, heat, and with growing conditions being so far removed from what most people deal with. I want to offer Texas what has really only been offered to California residents before.”

Designed and Created by Round 2 Designs

Lord’s favorite plant to work with is cacti due to their forgiving needs and slow growing nature versus succulents. The flowers that appear on cacti keep her amazed with their beauty and how unique each can be which she hopes to promote to clients even though succulents remain the most popular among buyers. When creating her designs, Lord arranges everything by hand. If using vintage truck or trailer planters, she tries not to alter them in any way other than with paint and a rust preventative. Some of the toys she is given to work with are highly collectable items and carry special memories which she tries to respect while creating a masterpiece. When talking about this process, Lord said, “I do my best to ensure that if the new owner decides the plants are not for them the truck with still be collectable.” 31

With her popularity growing mainly by word of mouth, Lord also utilizes social media accounts such as Instagram and Facebook to put her products on display. She does not ship her designs and has had clients drive over four hours to pick out arrangements to take home often times staying and talking for hours about plants. Lord takes pride in offering a product to Texans, made in Texas.

Designed and Created by Round 2 Designs With an at home wood mill at her disposal, Lord uses a lot of cedar and oak to create rustic boxes for tabletops which have been one of her most versatile and popular items. Continuing to outdo herself, she also uses items her husband, an Air Force pilot brings home as well as recently learning and honing in on her welding skills. Her husband has been a huge inspiration to her creativity, even owning his own business, Square 1 Repair. As Lord says, “Square 1 Repair and Round 2 Designs….they just go together.” Depending on the order components and size, time to completion varies with custom orders taking the longest ensuring plant selection and staging is precise to the order. Preparation of planters can take at least a full day, sometimes two to ensure they will last and remain as beautiful as they were on day one. When discussing these creations, Lord noted, “I take pride in knowing the product I am producing is one of a kind. There are no two exactly alike, I think the public likes that. Who doesn't enjoy having an original anything in their home? Lord feels that plants take the creations to another level and that the finished products bring a smile to buyers faces no matter the occasion.

With big plans ahead for Round 2 Designs, Lord will be attending several trunk shows, vintage market days, and other events with her designs. She must be selective due to the fragile and perishable nature of her products. She is also venturing into the bridal world, creating centerpieces for upcoming weddings showcasing her favorite, cacti. With the sky as the limit, Round 2 Designs brings a unique twist and a custom approach to beautiful arrangements that will bring beauty and character to any space.

Find Round 2 Designs on Facebook faceboko.com/Round2Designs __________________ Find Round 2 Designs on Instagram @round2designs _________________ Give Round 2 Designs a call (714) 394 - 5747

Featured Blogger Basic Barn Glam

Amanda Monk __________________ I took a massive leap of faith and decided to try my hand at something I hadn’t ever dreamed of doing, fashion blogging! Living in a mean girl world, I saw how amazing and supportive the women were in the Western Fashion world with my platform quickly becoming “women empowering women.” Being welcomed with open arms as a Western Fashion Blogger has been such a confidence booster in my life. I believe the success of every woman should mean paying it forward to another.

Amanda Monk

My name is Amanda Monk, wife of a farmer and rancher, and mom of three. I grew up down a dirt road in a town you've probably never heard of. Starting my own fashion blog was never anything I thought I would ever do. I had no idea how big of a world awaited me once I started. The answer as to why I began is quite simple; as a stay-at-home wife and mother, I became inspired while following boutiques on social media. Amanda Monk 33

Being raised in the country around a small town has definitely influenced my style. Growing up with such a strong background in 4-H, livestock shows, and agriculture has me describing my fashion sense as “barn basic glam.” It’s a mixture of easy practicality that takes a simple pair of jeans and a top that has bit of pizzazz, and then add the eye appeal and attention to detail with the jewelry, belts, and the styled messy hair. I believe that there is beauty in down home simplicity. Of bringing people back to the feeling of a small town girl and that less is the new more. I think for girls who still want to have the freedom to be a part of the day to day activities of country life while we pursue our hobbies, would agree that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. My typical day as a blogger begins early with a cup of strong coffee! I enjoy checking Instagram and checking what my blogger community has put together for the day.

Amanda Monk

Amanda Monk After doing my typical mom duties including breakfast, show cattle chores, and the hum drum house work, I can let my creative juices flow a bit! My favorite thing about blogging is letting women know that it’s ok to let their personality be their guide for style. Whatever I decide to throw on for the day is the look you are getting from me. Not forcing or overthinking outfit combinations is important to me. You lose your authenticity if you try too hard and I like the basics. A good fitting blue jean or pair of shorts is a great way to mix up pieces you already have. Us small town girls can, and will totally rock the Daisy Dukes. I like simple, oversized tops and neutral colors for everyday wear. Throw your hair up, toss in a pair of amazing boots and you are golden! Cute, but effortless, this look radiates all the small town vibes I love.

My mission with blogging is to have women feel inspired to be 100% themselves. Yes, I am a wife and mom, yes, I’m from the boondocks, yes, I play dress up. I’m just a girl who decided to go for it. My desire is to inspire women to have confidence by expressing themselves through fashion. To let them know that there is no need to be perfect in order to feel good about themselves. To bring them ideas about how to style simply while also giving them the building blocks to create the one-of-a-kind outfit that stands out in the crowd. Amanda Monk

I let my accessories be the exclamation point at the end of my fashion sentence. You will always see me with big pair of dangly earrings, whether we are working cattle, headed to a livestock show, or going out on the town. Big messy hair is my thing, and make-up is my first love; they always pull the entire look together. Cruising into an event that requires the glam factor, I go for it all the way, because why not? Country girls can dust the dirt off their boots and turn heads too! Lately, I’ve loved getting a little wild with some crazy skirts. It’s so much fun and completely changes the look. Killer heels, loose curls, and a bright pop of lipstick as an accent color will easily turn drab into fab. A good belt and concho earrings are my staples to give my glam look that little extra push from Downtown Cowtown to the uptown age and the golden years of timeless rhinestone cowgirls.

Is blogging hard in an age that is full of fashion bloggers? You betcha! I’m new and inexperienced in this world, but as long as God keeps opening the doors, I will keep walking through them. This year, I would love for my blog to reach more people. The challenge of gaining followers while feeling like a hot mess myself half the time, can be difficult as we all have lives outside of blogging. I firmly believe it doesn’t matter how many people are doing what you do, no one can do it like you. Just wake up with that whole purpose-driven cowgirl, princess-warrior kind of vibe. You can do it. Set goals. Make a plan. Work hard. Thank God and stay humble. Xo, Amanda Follow Amanda on Instagram @thatmonkgirl _______________ Follow Amanda on Facebook facebook.com/clintmonkslady

A Peach of a Boutique; The Cowgirls Closet…..

What started as a passion for fashion has turned into a mission of hope, courage, and a way to send their message into the world.

Brandi Pooley

As orders rolled in, the family knew it was time to take a leap of faith by opening a storefront; in 2013, Cowgirls Closet was officially open for business. Cowgirls Closet had a goal to bring cute, trendy, and affordable clothing to their valued customers all over the world. They also developed their own original clothing line, “Cowgirl Courage.” Being able to create this clothing line was an extremely special project for Cowgirls Closet. It was created after they lost a very special person from their Cowgirls Closet family to ovarian cancer.

Cowgirls Closet...a simply chic western boutique located in the small town of Zebulon, Georgia that was originated by three family members looking to expand their love of clothing through the retail industry. The Cowgirls Closet journey began inside an office attached to the family’s horse barn. Soon after opening for business, they began setting up as vendors at barrel races and festivals drawing attention and a fan base. With the business growing rapidly, they decided to expand in order to reach a bigger clientele and share their products without limitations. The Cowgirls Closet website and online store was created and launched.

The woman they lost was a very courageous soul and fought bravely against such a terrible disease. She wanted more than anything to find a way to help her doctors in their research for a more effective treatment and cure for ovarian cancer. Since then, it has been their mission to fulfill her wishes the best way they knew how. Each one of their Courage designs are created from their hearts right inside the store. Their mission is to set aside a portion of all proceeds collected from the sales of these items and donate to help find a cure for different cancers. With big hearts, big dreams, and big goals to make an impact on such a terrible disease, Cowgirls Closet continues their mission daily. 36

Aside from the enjoyment Cowgirls Closet gets from store traffic, they also thrive on being vendors at various shows and events and being able to reach new faces that way as well.

Cowgirls Closet believes clothing makes the world go round and with deep roots in the horse industry, they wanted to offer clothing that would not only keep women comfortable while riding and working, but also keeping a stylish and trendy look. The name, Cowgirls Closet stemmed from the idea of being in every cowgirl’s closet worldwide. Their “Courage” clothing line acquired its name from the belief that whether you are a man or a woman, you can show your “Courage” and support for those affected by cancer.

One of the most rewarding aspects for Cowgirls Closet is being able to see customers enjoying everyday life and wearing their clothing that they carefully handpicked and designed to feature in the store. With their “Courage” line being supported and purchased, Cowgirls Closet has been rewarded by knowing that they are doing what they can to help find a cure for cancer. They absolutely love introducing new designs and having new and repeat clients appreciate the cause and showing their support; it makes every second worthwhile for them. When it comes to rolling out new products or designs, they begin by inspecting each item for quality before offering it to clients.

A typical day for Cowgirls Closet includes running the store front from 10am to 6pm, Tuesday through Friday. During business hours they keep their social media accounts alive with posts ranging from great deals, new arrivals, and the occasional contest. The owners of Cowgirls Closet enjoy the busy foot traffic that comes through our doors and the opportunity to get to know and form a relationship with their clients. 37

Once all of the new items have been inspected, they are photographed, which Cowgirls Closet has said is one of their favorite fun things to do. The photographed items get sent out to their ever growing client email list as “sneak peeks” that include a launch date and time. Cowgirls Closet utilizes the ever growing world of social media and posts their new items to their Facebook page giving their clients the ease of purchasing directly from the page. They love the ease of Facebook because it allows their clients to not only make an easy purchase, but offers a chance for questions to be asked and answered quickly about style and fit of a particular item. Following the initial product launches on Facebook, they then take to Instagram and their web page giving people more access to their designs. The biggest challenge Cowgirls Closet has faced since opening for business is always staying positive and original when there has been a recent increase in boutiques nationwide. They pride themselves on keeping their ideas original and trying to offer clothing that isn't seen elsewhere.

With their “Courage” line being their pride an joy, creating a “hard copy” design to add to the collection takes, on average, a week or more but can take up to a month with changes and “tweaks. Once they are satisfied with the design, it can be transferred to a shirt in a little over an hour. Designs can be offered on a variety of clothing such as tank tops, long sleeve, short sleeve, hoodies, and raglans giving the option to represent in every season. The ultimate goal for Cowgirls Closet is expanding the “Courage” clothing line and continuing to raise awareness for the different cancers that affect many of us. Make sure to keep an eye out for Cowgirls Closet at horse shows and festivals! You never know what city or state they may show up at next! Follow Cowgirls Closet on Facebook facebook.com/CorgirlsCloset __________ Follow Cowgirls Closet on Instagram @cowgirls_closet __________ Visit Cowgirls Closet Online www.closetcowgirls.org 38