Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jenna Lee. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jenna, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think it takes to be successful?
Don’t give up on making your dream a reality. We only live once, and we should spend that time being our best selves and doing what we enjoy. Lean on other business owners who’ve been at it longer to learn from their mistakes and get advice. Most people love sharing their stories! Take it one step at a time, and don’t try to take on more than you can handle at the beginning. Pace yourself for success.
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 worked in the hospitality industry for over 20 years prior to this, and I always enjoyed meeting new people and had a passion for creating memorable experiences. During COVID, the industry really took a hit. As Director of Sales, I found myself taking on various roles all over the hotel—from working the front desk to bussing tables, making beds, and running my own events that I had personally booked, all while doing my regular job.
After COVID, the industry took a long time to recover, and many things never fully returned to normal. To be honest, I got burnt out. I’m also a mom to three amazing kids, all 8 and under, and I wanted a change so I could be with them more. When my dad passed away unexpectedly, it opened my eyes to the importance of living a life you love. After all, our expiration date is undetermined. My husband and I took a leap of faith and decided on a “two-year plan” where I would stay home until my two youngest girls were in elementary school, relieve my mom (Gigi) from watching the kids, and work on a plan for my own business.
That’s when my passion for hats began. I struggled to find time in the morning to do my hair. As a mama of three kiddos (Elijah, 8; Savannah, 6; Norah, 4) and two fur babies. I always found myself grabbing a hat. The struggle is real!! I’ve always had a passion for decorating, crafting and hosting a good party, so when I first heard about a “hat bar,” I knew that was it.This inspired me to start Hat-tastic Creations.
Hat-tastic Creations specializes in custom-designed trucker hats, offering unique, personalized styles for any occasion. Each hat is carefully crafted to reflect individual tastes, making it the perfect accessory for self-expression or a great personalized gift. Whether you need hats to cheer on your favorite sports team, for a bachelorette party, to wear while hanging at the lake, to show holiday spirit, or for everyday use—I’ve got you covered.
The fun part is that you get to choose everything that goes on your hat! You can book a party or attend a pop-up event where I’m set up. The process is simple: pick out your hat, choose your patches and accessories, design your layout, and watch me bring your custom creation to life. I also make dog bandanas, koozies, and pencil cases for those who don’t wear hats. I have *so* many patches to play around with!
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
“The story of funding Hat-tastic Creations is truly a family affair, and it means so much to me. My mom and husband believed in my vision from the very beginning, and they were the ones who made the initial investment to help bring my dream to life.
Their support wasn’t just financial—it was emotional, too. From encouraging me when I doubted myself to helping with logistics, they’ve been my biggest cheerleaders. My husband’s steady belief in me and my mom’s constant reminders of my creativity gave me the confidence to take the leap.
Their love and encouragement continue to fuel me every day, and I’m so grateful to have built Hat-tastic Creations on a foundation of their endless support.”
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing Hat-tastic Creations has been leveraging Instagram and Facebook. By consistently posting on @hattasticcreations, I’ve been able to showcase custom designs and behind-the-scenes content that really resonates with my audience.
Another key platform has been the Nolensville 411 Facebook group. It’s an incredible local community that’s been instrumental in helping me connect with clients. Many of my customers have found me there through recommendations or posts about my work, and it’s been a fantastic way to grow my local presence.
Word of mouth has also been a game-changer—especially from moms and families who love gifting my hats for special occasions. Combining great customer service with unique, personalized designs ensures people feel valued, which keeps them coming back and recommending me to others!”
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hattasticcreations/profilecard/?igsh=djFsbnFwMHVxb3p0
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15e9BGZFgt/?mibextid=wwXIfr