We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Halee Smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Halee below.

Hi Halee, thanks for joining us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

I wanted a space-themed name and thought about ‘Rocket Straps.’ But then the idea of ‘Rock-It’—as in ‘rock it’—came to mind. I also wanted a unique spelling so it wouldn’t just be ‘rocket.’ —I knew I didn’t want to be stuck to making JUST guitar straps, ‘Rockit Music Gear’ felt like the perfect fit with room to branch out—and that’s the name that stuck.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started playing guitar when I was 10 and joined my first band through our local School of Rock at 13. By my teens, I was running their social media—way before it was cool to be a “social media manager.”

At 17, I made my first light-up guitar strap for my guitar teacher and I. That idea turned into Rockit Music Gear, which I officially launched in 2017 at age 20. In 2021, I started Girls Smash Guitars — and today, I run both.

But I always say we’re more than just a music gear company. From custom straps to 3D-printed accessories, I try to create gear that reflects the creativity of the musicians who use it. Nearly everything we make is built in-house, and I plan to keep it that way. I’ve worked with manufacturers in the past, but no one could quite keep up with my ideas or make things the way I see them. Honestly, Trying to explain how I make a guitar strap has literally felt like rocket science—which is kind of perfect, considering the name.

Beyond gear, I’m super involved in our local music scene. I host four band practices a week (each two hours long) at the RMG HQ, all for youth and young adult bands. I also organize all-ages shows and do this work entirely on a volunteer basis. — but it’s fulfilling, and I’m happy to do it. My family is very involved as well, my dad runs sound for the shows, I have learned how to do it as well, but it’s nice to just have to worry about playing when I’m doing both. Mom takes videos for social media, and keeps everything in line cause I’m doing multiple other things show days.

Girls Smash Guitars

Girls Smash Guitars (GSG) started in 2021 as a passion project inspired by a short film from Nick Loux of JHS Pedals, featuring his daughter and a nod to Phoebe Bridgers’ iconic guitar-smashing moment. I loved the energy and message behind it. After talking with Nick — who was fully supportive — I got to adopt the name for my own project.

Nick designed the very first GSG strap, and for every one sold, we donated another to a girls rock school. Even as a small business, we managed to give away around 50 straps — a small act with big meaning.

In the beginning, I handpicked four girls to record music, shoot a video, and, yes, smash some guitars. That project got us featured in Guitar World — still one of the wildest moments for me.

Now, GSG is doing more than ever. I’m working with a new group of girls, and we’re pushing the creative boundaries even further — from music and mentorship to full-on performances and production. Part band, part creative collective, GSG is all about empowering girls and having fun.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I started Rockit Music Gear with $200 and a roll of flip sequin fabric. Sequins probably weren’t the smartest material to learn to sew with — but I made it work (after a lot of trial and error, lol). Every dollar I made, I reinvested back into the business. No investors, — just creativity, hustle, and a lot of late nights. Today, I still operate with the same hands-on, self-made approach — driven by creativity, commitment, and a love for what I do.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Big companies have copied my work more than once. It stings — especially knowing they have teams of people and huge budgets, while I’m over here doing everything myself, piece by piece. But I keep creating. Because what I make isn’t just a product — it’s built with intention, with care, and with love. No copy can match the quality, the creativity, or the heart I pour into every single piece. That’s something you just can’t replicate.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rockitmusicgear.shop/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockitmusicgear
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ROCKITMUSICGEAR
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rockitmusicgear/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rockitmusicgear

Image Credits

William Harris Photography
(For single shot pictures with Hello Kitty guitar)

Blue guitar photo by Michael J Mangano Photography

Rest our my own.