Jenny Hogin, Hatmaker
Bozeman, Montana
Interview by Michele of Trendy Earth
Tell us what you make!!
I make hats and hair accessories mostly right now, but I make lots and lots of stuff. I'm working on some patterns for winter coats next!
How did you first get into making and designing your hats, etc?
About four years ago, I was crocheting hats for friends as gifts and began to wonder how to make a hat using textiles, sewing a hat. I found a book from 1929 on millinery and began playing around. The first hat I made I gave to a friend of mine, she wore it to school and came back to me with three orders. People just kept approaching me asking for hats, and I kept making them. I then started a booth at the local farmer's market in Bozeman, shop owners saw my hats and approached me about selling in their stores. Then I opened an etsy shop. It just kept snowballing. I had no control.
Where do you get the materials to make them?
I get most of my materials from thrift stores, vintage fabric shops, ebay, etsy, and a local wool shop.
Where do you sell your stuff?
I sell my hats through my etsy shop at SuperJennyLove. I also sell at TART, a local shop. I sell at a handmade boutique called Studio 11 in Emporia, Kansas. I do retail shows several times a year covering land from NYC to LA. My favorite show to sell at is The Girlie Show in Oklahoma City, the gals who run the show are exceptional and the atmosphere is completely unique.
Tell us more about tart - especially if you have thoughts about why it has grown so much so quickly. Is there a new demand for handmade, recycled, or artisan apparel?
tart is an awesome local shop here in Bozeman. Anna Visscher, owner of tart is very hardworking and a master marketer. We have talked in the past about how it seems that in the midst of all the negative remarks on economy, handmade and local businesses are thriving. We decided that people are valuing their money more, and want quality goods and gifts. People love knowing who the artist is, and knowing that their money will be supporting that artist. It's a good feeling.
What are the rewards of designing, making and selling apparel?
The biggest reward for me is positive feedback, hearing how much people love wearing my hats, hearing how much they love giving them as gifts. I love being challenged and I love art. I am business-minded and obsessive, and what I do is a perfect fit for me. Also, being my own boss, setting my own schedule, and sleeping in.
What are the challenges?
How did you first get into making and designing your hats, etc?
About four years ago, I was crocheting hats for friends as gifts and began to wonder how to make a hat using textiles, sewing a hat. I found a book from 1929 on millinery and began playing around. The first hat I made I gave to a friend of mine, she wore it to school and came back to me with three orders. People just kept approaching me asking for hats, and I kept making them. I then started a booth at the local farmer's market in Bozeman, shop owners saw my hats and approached me about selling in their stores. Then I opened an etsy shop. It just kept snowballing. I had no control.
Where do you get the materials to make them?
I get most of my materials from thrift stores, vintage fabric shops, ebay, etsy, and a local wool shop.
Where do you sell your stuff?
I sell my hats through my etsy shop at SuperJennyLove. I also sell at TART, a local shop. I sell at a handmade boutique called Studio 11 in Emporia, Kansas. I do retail shows several times a year covering land from NYC to LA. My favorite show to sell at is The Girlie Show in Oklahoma City, the gals who run the show are exceptional and the atmosphere is completely unique.
Tell us more about tart - especially if you have thoughts about why it has grown so much so quickly. Is there a new demand for handmade, recycled, or artisan apparel?
tart is an awesome local shop here in Bozeman. Anna Visscher, owner of tart is very hardworking and a master marketer. We have talked in the past about how it seems that in the midst of all the negative remarks on economy, handmade and local businesses are thriving. We decided that people are valuing their money more, and want quality goods and gifts. People love knowing who the artist is, and knowing that their money will be supporting that artist. It's a good feeling.
What are the rewards of designing, making and selling apparel?
The biggest reward for me is positive feedback, hearing how much people love wearing my hats, hearing how much they love giving them as gifts. I love being challenged and I love art. I am business-minded and obsessive, and what I do is a perfect fit for me. Also, being my own boss, setting my own schedule, and sleeping in.
What are the challenges?
Oh boy, um my biggest challenge is keeping myself organized. I am a complete tornado and can never find things when I need them. It is also challenging to keep myself balanced, and to find time to be with friends.
What does "Sustainability in Fashion" mean to you?
Using your creative skills and brain power to make old things new again, recycling, upcycling, making quality products that will last many many years.
Personal question - Are you making a decent living doing this, or is it a side project?
This is my full time gig. I have been at it for four years, but quit my day job only two years ago. I am living the dream! (and bragging about it.)
Less personal question - Where do you buy your clothes and what qualities do you look for in apparel?
I get most of my clothes from thrift stores. It is amazing what you can find. I like clean lines, modern fits, and durable seams. I love anything with bright floral print!
What does "Sustainability in Fashion" mean to you?
Using your creative skills and brain power to make old things new again, recycling, upcycling, making quality products that will last many many years.
Personal question - Are you making a decent living doing this, or is it a side project?
This is my full time gig. I have been at it for four years, but quit my day job only two years ago. I am living the dream! (and bragging about it.)
Less personal question - Where do you buy your clothes and what qualities do you look for in apparel?
I get most of my clothes from thrift stores. It is amazing what you can find. I like clean lines, modern fits, and durable seams. I love anything with bright floral print!
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