Samuel has always had a thing for hats. As a kid, he was drawn to them - fascinated by the way a hat could completely shift someone’s presence, add an edge, or make a quiet statement. Like many people, he didn’t think he looked particularly good in one until the day he actually tried one on. That moment changed everything. It didn’t just look right - it felt right. From that point forward, Samuel knew there was something special about hats.
Years later, that early fascination evolved into something far deeper. Samuel didn’t just want to wear hats; he wanted to create them. What began as a creative outlet slowly turned into a soulful journey. Hat making became his art form, a way of expressing himself and helping others do the same. For Samuel, hats weren’t just accessories - they held energy, meaning, and the potential to unlock something within the wearer. That belief pulled him in and continues to fuel his work today.
Samuel’s approach is intuitive and personal. He begins by connecting with the client - sometimes through a conversation, sometimes just by spending time together. He tunes in to their energy, and from there, ideas begin to take shape. Often, people come in unsure of what they want, but when they see the finished product, it’s as if it was exactly what they were looking for all along. It’s a process rooted in trust, connection, and a little bit of magic.
What truly sets SamBrero Hat apart is what happens after someone puts on their custom creation. Most people expect to walk away with a cool hat. What they don’t expect is the shift in how they see themselves. Samuel has watched clients look in the mirror and pause, stunned, realizing they’re seeing a version of themselves that feels new - but also deeply familiar. Some people tear up, others start strutting with newfound confidence. One client even said it felt like he unlocked a side quest in life. Samuel believes it’s because the hats he creates are more than just stylish - they’re an extension of identity.
Of course, every custom hat comes with design decisions, and Samuel is the guide who helps bring ideas into focus. While he encourages creativity, he also knows what works - and what doesn’t. If a particular vision doesn’t quite align or flow, he gently redirects it into something that does. For him, that’s part of the fun. It’s about finding the sweet spot where imagination meets craftsmanship, where someone’s vision comes to life in a way that’s both beautiful and wearable. Even with creative boundaries, there’s always room for something extraordinary.
When it comes to materials, Samuel works exclusively with two felts: rabbit and beaver. Rabbit felt starts at $800 and offers durability, structure, and style - perfect for anyone looking to experience their first custom hat. Beaver felt, on the other hand, is what Samuel calls “generational.” Starting at $1,250, it’s naturally water-resistant, exceptionally durable, and built to last a lifetime. It’s the kind of hat you wear for decades and pass down, carrying stories and memories with it.
Samuel’s journey into hat making began in 2018, shortly after a trip to Burning Man with his wife. That experience sparked something in him - a creative fire he couldn’t ignore. Inspired, he returned home and dove headfirst into hat making, teaching himself everything he could through research, sketching, and YouTube tutorials. Once he got his hands on real materials, he knew this was more than a hobby. It was something he was meant to do. Hat making became his passion, his craft, and in many ways, his calling.
One of Samuel’s proudest creations is a hat shape he designed himself, known as “The Bull Block.” Inspired by the silhouette of a bull skull, this unique crown shape had never been done before. Samuel collaborated with a Turkish hatmaker known as The Sailor Hat to bring his vision to life, and the result was a striking, original design that quickly became a signature of SamBrero Hat. For Samuel, seeing The Bull Block come to life was a full-circle moment - a tangible symbol of how far his creative journey had taken him.
From the moment a client books with Samuel to the day they receive their hat, the process typically takes four to six weeks. Each piece is made by hand, crafted with care and intention. Samuel stays consistently booked, and that timeline ensures each hat receives the attention it deserves. For him, this work is never rushed. It’s about honoring the creative process and delivering something that feels as good as it looks.
As for trends, Samuel has an appreciation for the way they draw more people into the world of custom hats. He loves seeing creativity flourish, but his personal style leans more timeless than trendy. He prefers classic shapes, intentional details, and designs that feel personal rather than gimmicky. Trends come and go, but a well-made hat that truly reflects the wearer’s essence? That’s forever. Samuel often guides clients toward styles that feel authentic and won’t feel outdated in a year. Ultimately, it’s all about what feels true to the individual.
Color plays an important role in Samuel’s process, too. Each combination tells a story - some loud and bold, others quiet and refined. The right color is never about what’s popular - it’s about what resonates with the person. Samuel works to ensure that every hue, tone, and detail aligns with the energy and intention behind the hat. That’s when the design truly comes alive.
The name SamBrero wasn’t something Samuel brainstormed for months. It came to him during a casual hangout with his brothers - a “meeting of the minds,” as they called it. Samuel was sharing his excitement about his new passion for hatmaking when his brother Datz, without missing a beat, said, “SamBrero.” It clicked instantly. The name felt right, and from that moment, it became the brand’s identity.
Not long after, Samuel reached out to a hat tool maker named Randal Alan via Instagram. He flew to Philadelphia to meet him, ask questions, and soak up knowledge. At the end of their visit, Randal gifted Samuel his very first hat block - a tool he still uses to this day. That moment solidified everything. SamBrero wasn’t just an idea or a creative whim - it had a name, a purpose, and now, the tools to bring it to life.
Today, Samuel continues to create one-of-a-kind hats for clients around the world, each one handcrafted with care, intention, and a little bit of soul. For him, this journey is about more than just making hats - it’s about helping people see themselves differently, step into their power, and wear their story proudly.
“People think they’re getting a cool hat, but it ends up shifting how they see themselves.”