We were lucky to catch up with Celeste Roberts recently and have shared our conversation below.

Celeste , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

In general my mission in life is to leave less carbon footprint in our world. Up-cycling, repurposing and salvaging materials not only gives them a second life, but also prevents overflow in our trash on earth.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a creator & an interior designer. I’m an owner of a hat bar service which began over two years ago. Since, I have collected through the years many textiles, trim & craft supplies I wanted to create an experience for others to explore their creativity then collaborate in making one of a kind hats; as unique as their personality.

I sell felt, suede & wool hats and consult one-on-one with each client to select accessories, hat bands, feathers and pins they are drawn too so we can work together to create their hat. Additional services include; free-hand burn designs, iron branding, painting on the hats as well as, hat restoration and cleaning services.

What sets me apart from other hat designers is my attention to details, by having an interior design background it allows me to mix and match unexpected pattern combinations.

I have collected throughout the years fabric scraps from high-end projects to make custom handmade hat bands, and re-use vintage jewelry to create hat pins. Most feather accessories, and jewelry are made from ethically sourced feathers from local farms. All of these are done with the mission to create less trash while creating art.

I am a huge believer in supporting local causes therefore, I am often donating my hat designs or hat bar services to help raise funds for horse therapy ranches, animal sanctuaries, schools, sports, and other non-profits.

My proudest achievement to date was collaboration with Mor Furniture a few months back to design two spaces that merged both my interior design expertise with my hat business by adding my a collage of hats as wall art.

You can find me at local pop up shops throughout San Diego and my info is on my instagram bio or you can contact me direct via message for my services.

Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?

My goal is to create hand made hats however, the process to make hats is not as easy as it looks therefore, I started my business by sourcing hats during sales from online manufacturers.

I started with a small investment and bought hats & materials. Through the years, I have found a variety of vendors that I supply my hat shop with merchandise that are located around the world; in USA for wool or felt Mexico for suede or palm hats, and Overseas for felt.

A lesson I have learned is to do a large bulk order as shipping plays a big role in the cost of goods.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Honestly I think it’s because I wear my heart in my sleeve and have a smile on my face with an open mind to talk about your day and life while we create.

I am honest, hard working and creative no matter how big or small the task is at hand. If a client wants an expensive custom burn hat; I walk them thru the process whether it’s a virtual consultation or in person and I add extra care to the finishing touches.

Regardless, if I have a small sale of just a single feather you will still get my attention to detail and I will add a metal trim to the feather to make sure it looks professionally done.

I believe, these small gestures give me a reputation of being a thoughtful artisan and why I have repeat clients.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/azulcelesteartisanal?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azulcelesteartisanal?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/celeste.roberts.designs?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits

Celeste Roberts
Mor Furniture