It was a partnership born during a global pandemic.
Emily Garnett and her husband moved into a wooded neighborhood in far north Colorado Springs in 2019. They’d just met their next-door neighbors, Kiersten and Troy Ellis. A few months later, the world shut down.
The families decided to form a quarantine bubble. They hung out together nearly every day, sipping wine on their porches, talking about camping, travel and other adventures.
Fast forward two and a half years. The two couples took a road trip to Texas. Emily had been reading about how trendy wide-brimmed hats were and the women decided to design special hats just for the trip.
“We got tons of compliments on them,” Kiersten says.
They wondered aloud whether they could create a business out of helping people design beautiful hats.
Walker Road Hat Co. was Born
“We had 16 hours on the way home to brainstorm,” Kiersten says. “By the time we got home, we were doing it.”
They already had a shop. In fact, Emily and her husband had bought their property specifically for a sprawling outbuilding Emily could use to expand her existing local business – Native Instinct Co., which makes blankets, scarves, bandanas and more for pets and humans.
The next step was deciding what kind of hats to offer, then scouring local shops like “Who Gives a Scrap” for fabrics, ribbons and other new, vintage and antique adornments. At the moment, their hat inventory includes wool, felt, and rigid, shaped straw in various colors and price points.
Hats for Every Style
Kiersten loves cowgirl boots. Emily is more the combat-boot type. Their hats look great with both. They also complement heals, sneakers, hiking shoes, dresses, jeans and everything in between.
Western. Boho. Edgy.
“We can go super girly,” Emily says. “You can make it fit your personality. You don’t have to listen to country music and wear cowboy boots.”
The hats are terrific for men, too.
Brand it, burn it, distress it, shape it. Tie on a strip of velvet, chiffon or satin. Adorn it with a feather, bandana or leather strand. Top it off with the perfect vintage pin or decorative stud.
“Layering the different textures is huge,” Kiersten said. “Everyone wants leather. … You can wear (these hats) to a winery. They’re so versatile.”
Not sure what you want? No sweat. Take your time. Try different combos. Enjoy the process. Kiersten and Emily are there to help you create a hat that’s perfect for you.
Their website says it best: We believe a great hat can not only transform an outfit, but can also be a statement of who you are.
Parties + Events
Walker Road Hat Co. doesn’t have a brick-and-mortar store… yet. But watch for them around town. They’re hosting parties, private events and pop-ups.
They just finished the Bridal Expo and an event at Lost Friend Brewery. Upcoming public appearances include:
- April 22: Apricot Lane Boutique
- April 29: Kentucky Derby-themed “Brim and Brew” at Pikes Peak Brewing Co. in Monument
- July 11-15: Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo
- Aug. 27: John Denver Tribute event at Pikes Peak Brewing
In between, Walker Road is booking girls’ nights, birthdays, bridal events, corporate events and pop-ups at local businesses. They bring everything. All clients have to do is open the door and point this dynamic duo to where they should set up the beautiful custom hat bar.
“We will travel,” Emily says. “We’ll pop up anywhere.”
Website: https://wrhatco.com/
Instagram: @walkerroadhatco
