Business Spotlight: River Road Hats

Interview by Angela Anderson

Soul of a Brand

River Road Hats…Infusing the love of fashion with the culture.

River Road Hats is more than a hat company. They pride themselves on their beautifully crafted handmade cultured hats. Produced to be long-lasting, these custom-to-order hats are known for their vibrant colors and unique patterns. These hats are high quality and embellished with Kente, Adire, or Bogolan African material.

River Road Hats has created an amazing space and environment for its colorful, attractive, affordable custom hats. They aim to build and market hats that will stand the test of time.

River Road Hats is satisfying customers from all over. Many enjoy the uniqueness of the fabric on the inside that sets River Road Hats apart from other brands. The quality of the hats and the excellent customer service adds to a tremendous hat-buying experience.

These quality hats are top-notch, from the Papa T, to the Jazzy, to the Uncle Bubba. Each hat is made with the utmost care and named with the richness and inspiration of family or special individuals in mind. Like “The Lillie Ruth.” This masterpiece comes in a big and small brim with a satin crown. In the words of Shonda M. Kelly, CEO, “It’s as vibrant, layered, and an eye-catcher as my mom.” Check out “The Quincy”; this hat represents royalty, brilliance, calm, and love. River Road Hats has many signature styles from the RRH by SK, Limited Edition, and a River Road Truckers and Snapback collection.

Heat Seekers Magazine had an opportunity to discover the story behind this amazing company that infuses the love of fashion with the culture through the joy of ones love for hats. Shonda M. Kelly gives us an inside look at River Roads Hats.

Angela Anderson: What inspired the birth of River Road Hats?

Shonda M. Kelly: River Road Hats was birthed out of me losing all of my hair to alopecia. As a result, I wanted to pay homage to my family and friends as I see them in color.

AA: What is the mission of River Road Hats?

SMK: The mission of River Road Hats is to encourage people, particularly little black girls, to know that we can live beyond our hair and that we are beautiful without it.

AA: What can customers expect from the River Roads Hats Brand?

SMK: Customers can expect the River Roads Hats brand to be ever-revolving and outside of the box for our products.

AA: How would you describe the River Roads Hats experience?

SMK: I would describe the RRH experience as mind-blowing and rewarding, from being introduced to our brand to owning one of our exclusive hats.

AA: What advice would you share for new small business owners just starting?

SMK: I would tell them to be committed to their vision, not to listen to the nay-sayers, and to trust God.

AA: What’s next for River Road Hats?

SMK: We have a bunch of cool stuff up our sleeves for the new year. We will be moving to more accessories and interior decorating.

AA: How can people stay connected with River Road Hats?

SMK: River Road Hats can be found at www.riverroadhats and on Facebook and Instagram @riverroadhats.