My love affair with fashion has always been about finding unique fashion accessories that compliment my current mood, personality, and attire. I have always been a hat fanatic – fedoras, beanies, trucker hats, cabbie hats, baseball caps, sailor hats, race day hats, I have worn them all. Although some hats are less functional, some are worn as a symbol of status, wealth and power.
In honor of Black History Month, we want to highlight #FliptheHat, a Black female owned hat brand based in Texas. Every hat is made with prayer, hair, yarn and fibers to create a unique hat that flips in many styles. Unique never looked so good. With so many styles available, it is hard for me to narrow down a favorite.
We spoke with the owner of #FliptheHat about her fashion journey, how she has been managing her brand throughout the pandemic, and her upcoming projects.
Q: How did you get your start in the fashion industry?
I designed my very first hat in 1995; The Original Hair Hat is named after a very special woman Marguerite, she came in my life and allowed God to use her. This assisted me with Life skills through Jesus Christ. It went through some transitions, let me explain. The first hat was made with braids, glued to the cardboard packing, then I added a decorative braid in the front with gold Christmas beads and the people were floored. She wore it to church and it gave the illusion of the goddess braids hair style. The church members would ask her, is that your hair?… and she would take it off and reply, “no, it’s a hat.” Priceless.
Q: How have you been managing your brand during the pandemic?
The pandemic contributed downtime for me to develop, structure and connect with others. Individuals or businesses I wanted to network with were just a click away (in most cases). It gave me the occasion to focus, complete my patent and build my inventory.
Q: Which fashion designers do you admire, past or current?
Levi Strauss, who founded the first blue jean manufacturing company Levi Strauss & Co. began 1853 in San Francisco, California. #FliptheHat has a blue jean line that is named after my Grandmother, Norma Jean – The Norma Jeans Collection.
Q: Have you experienced any setbacks as a Black fashion designer?
As an African American woman, I’ve learned to understand a setback is a setup for success. #FliptheHat is a passionate mission of mine because I dealt with negative thoughts that brought about depression, lack of motivation, low self-esteem and mental blocks. At the beginning of my journey, it was challenging keeping a positive mindset, but Flipping negative thoughts into positive vibes helped me.
Q: Can you share some of your career highlights?
The first time I saw #FliptheHat being worn was in a 2007 fashion show I felt excited and overwhelmed but humbled. I also escorted 3D Confidence Fashion Modeling Youth Group to Rip Da Runway in Los Angeles, California and BET 106 & Park in New York. I believe in the Law of Attraction, if you see it for yourself, believe it for yourself well, you can have it for yourself. Link.
Q: What advice would you give someone who is looking to become a fashion designer?
Go for it and Just do it! Be positive in thinking and speaking over yourself as a future fashion designer. You are what you say you are. It’s ok to say, No. Knowledge is Power, do your research. Take precautions. Don’t fill out forms if you don’t understand; get some assistance. Don’t sign any contract or application without understanding the agreement or legal document. Keep up with the new trends. Do your best every day in your personal and professional life. When you analyze your business, it connects like a puzzle. Think about it. Write it down. Then Connect; it’s your personal life to the business world. This is a great starter tool when structuring your brand…. Think about it. Write it down. Then Connect.
Q: The world will never be the same after Covid-19. How do you envision your brand during a post-pandemic world?
I believe that #FliptheHat will gain more exposure and notoriety in a post pandemic world, and that expansion will be very possible. I am looking forward to being able to do much more product placement and events where people are able to safely enjoy themselves.
Q: Do you have any upcoming projects you’d like to share with our readers?
Yes, there will be a virtual #FliptheHat I.N.T.R.O Fall Collection Fashion Show August 2021 on YouTube subscribe for notifications and updates:
Q: How can people connect with you for business opportunities?
Facebook: facebook.com/thehairhat
Twitter: @Tamara3D
Instagram: @TamaraFliptheHat
Email: flipthehats@gmail.com
Phone: text FliptheHat to 855-474-3621
