We were lucky to catch up with Joli Summers recently and have shared our conversation below.

Joli , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I started Howdy Hanny because I saw a gap in the market for cowgirls who wanted stylish, high-quality, and functional clothing at an affordable price. Many Western brands offered either fashionable pieces that lacked practicality or rugged workwear that wasn’t flattering—but rarely both. I wanted to create a brand that blends classic Western charm with everyday functionality, ensuring that cowgirls can look great while working hard. By focusing on quality craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and accessible pricing, Howdy Hanny brings a fresh take on Western fashion, making sure women don’t have to choose between style and practicality.

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

Howdy! I’m the founder of Howdy Hanny, a brand born from my passion for vintage Western fashion and a desire to create clothing that blends classic cowgirl charm with everyday practicality.

I got into this industry because I saw a gap—many Western brands either focused on style without function or durability without flair. I wanted to change that. Howdy Hanny is for cowgirls who work hard, live boldly, and want quality, functional pieces that make them feel confident without breaking the bank.

Our collection features Western pearl snap shirts, embroidered jackets, vintage-inspired pieces, and practical yet stylish denim—all designed with thoughtful details, high-quality materials, and a timeless aesthetic. Each piece is made to be as functional as it is beautiful, ensuring it can handle everything from long days on the ranch to nights out on the town.

What sets Howdy Hanny apart is our commitment to craftsmanship, affordability, and a true Western spirit. We blend mainstream styles with a western twist.

Beyond fashion, Howdy Hanny is about spreading light and happiness—not just to our customers, but also to our employees. We believe that a great brand isn’t just about what you wear, but about the people behind it and the positive energy it brings into the world. Our goal is to create a company culture where kindness, joy, and a passion for Western heritage shine through in everything we do.

I’m most proud of creating a brand that celebrates the grit, grace, and style of Western women. When a cowgirl puts on a Howdy Hanny piece, I want her to feel strong, stylish, and ready to take on the day.

For those just discovering Howdy Hanny, I want you to know that this brand was built with you in mind—whether you’re out in the pasture, hitting the rodeo, or just embracing the Western way of life. It’s Western fashion, reimagined for the modern cowgirl. And always remember: “A cowgirl is not just a person, it’s a way of life.”

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

We self-funded the business through years of hard work and sacrifice, pouring everything into building our vision. When the time came to seek outside financing, we were incredibly blessed to partner with a hometown bank that recognized our dedication and integrity. They believed in us—not just as a business, but as people of our word—and were willing to work with us to help bring Howdy Hanny to the next level Me and my husband believe in each other and pulled our assets together to help secure capital also.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Yes for sure Fans First was life changing for me and the way I thought about my business. It helped me realize that my passion and focus is and should be more so turning transactions into relationships where people feel valued and not only my customers but also the Howdy Hanny Team.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://howdyhanny.com
• Instagram: howdyhanny
• Facebook: Joli Summers

Image Credits

Elise Abraham (EliseKennedyphoto)

Heather Marie (Kiese and Co)