I’m a month away from turning 43, and this time of year always makes me a little reflective. Did I hit my goals? What did I learn? And how on earth am I turning 43 when I still feel 28 most days? Seriously, how?
If there’s one theme that keeps showing up in my life, it’s this: Some things fall through, some things come out of the blue, and the best thing you can do is roll with it.
This past year put that mindset to the test in a big way. I lost a deal I’d poured myself into — I rarely get my heartbroken, but that one left me a little bereft — but in a blink, a new opportunity popped up. The universe works in mysterious ways, and I’ve learned to trust it over the years.
One of those good things is our new wholesale adventure. In two weeks, we officially launch our wholesale division at Dallas Market Center and couldn’t be more excited about it. This has been a long time coming and we’re giddy to get our custom hats, truckers, accessories, and other awesome offerings in fellow retailers’ hands.
Although I’m eager to open more stores, I’m not looking to open a ton of them. I know wholesale is the way to reach more customers that want our offerings – especially in markets that aren’t in the cards for our concepts.
If you’re at market this month, please say hello. I’d love to give you a hug and show you all the things we’ve been working on this year including a new line of hat accessories kits. I’ll spill more next week, but y’all are going to love these easy-to-grab boxes to gift others or build the hat of your dreams from home.
Last week, I road tripped to visit a future store site, where I happily “researched” the local food scene and people-watched for inspiration. I can’t spill anymore quite yet, but it was just one more reminder why I love what I do: the adventure, the discovery, the spark that comes from seeing something and knowing right away that it’s a great fit for The Original Hat Bar.
Meanwhile, our teams are in full holiday-prep mode. We’ve been working on some stunning store displays I can’t wait to share. I’m also sneaking in a quick trip to the fall show in Round Top next week to load up on vintage treasures for these installs as well as our hat bars and online store.
And because I love to work ahead (and keep life interesting), I’ve officially started planning my 2026 book tour. How To Style a Hat officially comes out in April, and I want to reinvent the book signing experience. Think: custom hat-making meets book party meets girls’ night out. We’re even launching a contest soon. I want Flea Style fans to help choose which cities I visit. If you want me to bring The Original Hat Bar to your hometown, stay tuned!
On the home front, I’m getting better at the elusive work-life balance thing. I’m picking up the kids after school some days, spending real time with them in the afternoons and learning that I don’t have to do it all. I’ve even got a little extra help this year, and it’s really been a game changer.
So, as I head into 43, I’m feeling grateful and grounded — despite the fact that my zodiac chart wants me to be a fiery Scorpio. I feel like I’m more of a practical Libra with a wide creative streak. Either way, I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be: trusting the process, learning as I go and still chasing what’s next — with a fun hat on, of course!
Love,
Brittany
