Today we’d like to introduce you to Casey Russell
Hi Casey, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I moved to Texas a little over two years ago and immediately fell in love with the culture and community in San Antonio—there’s a deep sense of respect, hard work, and tight-knit connection that I truly admire. I’ve always been passionate about fashion, but something about cowboy culture resonated with me on a whole new level. One day, I made a custom hat for myself and fell in love with the experience—it was more than just an accessory; it was a way to express identity and individuality. That moment sparked my curiosity, and I started researching how I could serve others in my community who, like me, connected with cowboy culture but didn’t necessarily grow up on a farm. I wanted to create a space where anyone—whether they were born into Western life or drawn to its spirit—could craft something that felt uniquely their own. That’s how Wild Pony Hat Bar was born, a place where tradition meets personal expression.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey of building Wild Pony Hat Bar has been anything but smooth, but every challenge has pushed me to grow. One of the biggest obstacles has been finding the right people to join me—those who share the same passion, vision, and drive to create something truly special. Trustworthy partnerships are crucial, and it hasn’t always been easy to find collaborators who are as invested in the brand’s success as I am. Marketing and gaining traction have also been challenges, especially as a new business trying to stand out in a competitive space. Getting people to not only discover Wild Pony Hat Bar but also understand and connect with the experience takes time and strategy. On top of that, supply chain issues and sourcing high-quality materials at a reasonable price have been ongoing hurdles. But despite these obstacles, I’ve remained committed to the vision, learning, adapting, and finding creative ways to push forward.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Wild Pony Hat Bar?
Wild Pony Hat Bar is more than just a custom hat company—it’s an experience. We specialize in creating high-quality, handcrafted hats that allow people to express their individuality, whether they’ve grown up in cowboy culture or are just discovering their love for it. What sets us apart is that we’re a brand for everyone. You don’t have to be an expert in cowboy hats to create something meaningful with us. We guide each customer through the process, helping them design a hat that reflects their personality, style, and story. From branding and burning techniques to curated accessories, every detail is intentional. What I’m most proud of is how Wild Pony has become a space for creativity and connection—where people walk away with not just a hat, but a piece of themselves. Whether it’s at a private event, a pop-up, or a corporate gathering, we bring the Wild Pony experience to life, making custom hat-making accessible, fun, and unforgettable.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned on this journey is the power of resilience. Entrepreneurship is a rollercoaster—full of highs that make you feel unstoppable and lows that test your commitment. There have been moments of uncertainty, setbacks that made me question everything, and challenges that seemed impossible to overcome. But each obstacle has taught me the importance of adaptability and perseverance. Whether it was navigating supply chain issues, figuring out how to market Wild Pony Hat Bar, or finding the right people to help bring my vision to life, I’ve learned that success isn’t about never facing difficulties—it’s about how you respond to them.
Through it all, my tribe and the community around me have been my greatest source of strength. In the darkest moments, when doubt crept in, they reminded me why I started. Their encouragement, belief in my vision, and willingness to show up—whether by spreading the word, offering advice, or simply being there—have made all the difference. Building something from the ground up isn’t just about hard work; it’s about having people who lift you up when the road gets tough. That unwavering support has fueled my resilience and made every challenge feel surmountable. It’s a reminder that success isn’t just a solo journey—it’s built on the people who walk alongside you.
Pricing:
- Hats start at $95
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wildponyhatbar.com
- Instagram: Wildpony_Hatbar
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildponyhatbar
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/shorts/EeM_idkTgLk?feature=share
