Today we’d like to introduce you to Hailey Campbell.
Hi Hailey, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
After seeing videos online of people in other states creating custom hand painted and burned hats, my friends and I started looking for someone local who offered a similar experience. We couldn’t find exactly what we were looking for, so I decided to try to learn how to do it myself. Ive always been a creative person, and after spending countless hours researching, practicing, and refining my techniques, I began creating hats that family and friends wanted to purchase.
As demand grew, I officially started Pistol Pete Co. The business is named after our dog, Pistol Pete, who also serves as our logo and mascot. As I began attending local vendor events, more people discovered my work and started reaching out to book me for their own events. That growth opened the door to fairs, rodeos, vender markets, sip and shops, and private events such as weddings, girls’ nights, birthday parties, and corporate gatherings. What started as a creative hobby quickly turned into something much bigger than I ever imagined. I am also incredibly grateful to work alongside my grandpa (we call him Poppy) at our family owned and operated business, Nading Industrial Services. The flexibility of our family business has allowed me to pursue my passion with Pistol Pete Co. and because of that support, I am able to participate in longer, multi day events like the Platte County Fair and continue growing my business while balancing both roles.
One of the things I am most proud of is how much this business has grown with the support of my family. In the beginning, I borrowed my husband’s truck, set up under a simple 10 x 10 canopy, and displayed my products on a few folding tables. Today, I operate out of a fully renovated two horse trailer that Poppy and I transformed into my dream mobile hat shop that I pull with my own Pistol Pete Co Jeep. My mom attends many events alongside me, and my husband, family, and friends are always there to lend a hand when things get busy.
Looking back, it’s incredible to see how a simple idea inspired by a Tik Tok video has grown into a business that allows me to meet so many wonderful people, create one-of-a-kind hats, and be part of some truly special moments in my customers’ lives.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the biggest challenges has been learning an entirely new craft from the ground up. When you’re passionate about something, you naturally want to be great at it right away, but creating quality work takes time, patience, and a willingness to learn through trial and error. There were plenty of moments of frustration, but each mistake became an opportunity to improve and grow.
Another challenge has been balancing everything that comes with building a small business while working full time and keeping up with everyday life. Since every hat is individually burned by hand, each one takes a significant amount of time to create. While I love that every piece is unique, it also makes it challenging to keep up with inventory, especially during busy event seasons. Running a business doesn’t end when the workday does, there are late nights making inventory, answering messages, preparing for events, and constantly thinking about what’s next.
Thankfully, I have never had to do it alone. I’m incredibly fortunate to have family and friends who believe in me, encourage me, and are always willing to step in and help. Having a strong support system that truly wants to see you succeed has made all the difference.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I create custom, hand designed cowboy and flat brim hats for men, women and youth. I provide a build your own hat experience where customers can personalize their hat by choosing from a variety of bands, feathers, flowers, charms, matches and other western inspired accessories to create something that is uniquely theirs. If they prefer something ready to wear, I also provide several predesigned options in both felt and straw that are ready to go.
While I offer several styles, I specialize in hand burned felt hats and have become most recognized for that style. During the summer months, I also create hand painted straw hats, giving customers a variety of options. Another thing that makes my hats unique is the use of an elastic inner band rather than traditional hat sizing. This allows for a more comfortable and versatile fit while also making custom hats a more accessible and cost-effective option for customers.
What I’m most proud of is how much my craftsmanship has grown since I first started. Every hat has challenged me to improve my skills, and I take a lot of pride in the level of detail and precision that goes into each design.
I believe what truly sets Pistol Pete Co apart is that every design is created completely by hand. I don’t use laser machines, stencils, or templates. Every burn is freehand with a wood burning tool and every painted design is done by hand with a paint brush, because of that, no two hats are ever exactly alike. Each one is an original piece of wearable art that reflects both my craftsmanship and my customer’s personal style.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
As I have already mentioned, one of the greatest blessings throughout this journey has been the incredible support system I have behind me. Whether it’s helping at events or working behind the scenes, I am never short on people willing to step in and help.
Setting up and tearing down for an event is a huge part of what I do, and it can be both time consuming and physically demanding. I am so grateful to always have someone willing to show up, lend a hand, and help make everything run smoothly. If I were to list every person who has helped along the way, we would be here all day because the list is truly that long.
My husband Colton, and Mom Crystal have been two of my biggest supporters from the beginning. They help brainstorm hat designs, load and unload the trailer, and handle countless behind the scenes tasks – even though neither of them ever officially signed up for a part-time job with a hat business. My Poppy and Dad have also played a huge role in bringing this dream to life. They spent countless hours with me at the beginning of the year transforming a bare bones two horse trailer into a fully customized mobile hat shop that perfectly fits my business.
Those are just a few examples of the many people who have helped me along the way. From setting up/tearing down events, making last minute deliveries when I forget something (happens more than I would like to admit), or simply encouraging me through the process, every bit of support has made a difference. It truly takes an army to build something like this, and I’m incredibly thankful for the people who continue to show up for me and believe in Pistol Pete Co.
Pricing:
- Build your own hat bar – starting at $75
- Private Events – 5 Hat Minimum
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @pistolpeteco – https://www.instagram.com/pistolpeteco/
- Facebook: @pistolpeteco – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556770972718
