We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Matthew Herring. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Matthew below.
Matthew, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
My life began when I chose to become an artist. A regular job? Never again.
Before all of this, I was an aspiring songwriter and musician, had earned a degree in Communication & Mass Media, and spent over a decade working as an advocate for adults with developmental disabilities at a non-profit. I loved encouraging them to discover and pursue fulfilling interests through art and music, outdoor adventure activities, and socially driven community integration. I, on the other hand, was unfulfilled and too preoccupied with living paycheck to paycheck to do anything about it.
I think a lot of artists remain stifled by the cyclical, mundane life-map that we’re taught is our purpose. So, for many practical people, art will only ever be a hobby. And sure, the path to artistic fulfillment unfolds gradually and differently for all of us. But the bold, almost unnerving leap from the safety of my 9-to-5 life into the vast unknown was as swift for me as flipping on a light switch. And that’s exactly what it felt like. Suddenly, that scary dark room of buts and what-ifs was illuminated, and everything was possible.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Matthew Herring. I’m 35, and everything I’m about to mention literally started four years ago. So I hope this inspires other artists to realize it’s never too late to bet on yourself and take the leap.
I’m a jewelry artist and the owner of Hallett Peak LLC, supplying high quality, small-batch, handmade hat accessories to retailers across the country through wholesale. I pride myself on offering all-original, innovative designs with simple, creative styles that everyone can pull off. From hand-selecting authentic American-mined turquoise to building each product by hand and all the business that follows, I run a one-man show.
My primary focus is contemporary jewelry and hat accessories within the Western industry. I’m the inventor and owner of the Brim Biter™ Rattlesnake Hat Clip, Fletch Feather Holder for Hat Bands ©, Phoenix Feather Hat Pin (made popular by Shorty’s Caboy Hattery), and a whole lot more. I’m also represented at Malouf On The Plaza in Santa Fe, NM, for my larger one-of-a-kind jewelry designs.
The Brim Biter™️ gained significant attention when it was featured on the Ralph Lauren Spring 2023 Fashion Show Runway, styled by Lena Koch on a Stetson hat worn by model Akon Changkou. Lena’s support has been crucial in boosting the popularity of my work.
As an artist, securing opportunities like this has hinged on forging genuine and lasting connections with supportive individuals in my industry. In addition to Lena, other key figures in Western fashion have been instrumental in elevating my work to wider audiences. People like Lili Sutton and Marcella Barrett of Teton Ridge / Cowboys & Indians Magazine, Alberto Hernandez of Meshika Hats, and Johnetta Boone, costume designer for ‘Yellowstone,’ have had a huge impact on my growing success. Their support, along with that of many others, has led to so many amazing opportunities. This industry is brimming with remarkable and encouraging people.
Through connections like this, my designs have been embraced by notable personalities such as music artists Lainey Wilson and The Castellows, actors and actresses Hassie Harrison, Nicole (Muirbrook) Sheridan, Eric Nelson, and Jeremy ‘JP’ Gauna, comedians Bert Kreischer and George Lopez, designer Jeff Hamilton, and more.
As for how I got here in the first place, the short answer is cowboy boots.
In 2020, I was doing a bit of modeling for brands like Pendleton Whisky and Tecovas.
It was a Tecovas ad campaign for cowboy boots & pearl-snap shirts that took me to Santa Fe, NM, for the first time. My brother, Heath Herring, was the lead photographer, and his friend, PRCA bullfighter Colt Oder, was collaborating.
Colt introduced us to the gallery Malouf On The Plaza, where I was captivated by the wild, edgy, and elegant designs of jewelry artists Rebekah Chamberlin and Nick Cunningham.
That same evening, Colt invited the artists to have dinner with us. Nick was quite the character – an incredibly entertaining storyteller. And Rebekah, well, she was even more amazing than the awe-inspiring jewelry she created.
Little did I know, I had her attention just as much as she had mine, and my whole life was about to transform.
Fast forward to 2024, and Rebekah and I have been together going on 4 years. A master silversmith, she taught me the art of jewelry making and introduced me to this industry. Now, we have the privilege of working independently yet alongside each other, traveling the world and meeting amazing people along the way who believe in us and propel us forward.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
In April of 2023, a fire destroyed my home and studio. It was a duplex property where my neighbor accidentally started the fire. He lost his life.
It’s hard to explain the impact this had on me. A man I knew was suddenly gone, and so was the place I lived and worked.
Adding to the crisis, I didn’t have renter’s insurance. In retrospect, that was definitely the dumbest decision I’ve ever made (or didn’t make) for my business.
I was in the middle of completing several large wholesale orders for multiple retailers when the fire happened, and suddenly I didn’t have the means to finish any of it. This could have been the end of my business, but I chose not to allow that.
My degree in Communication & Mass Media coupled with many years working for a non-profit organization meant I was familiar with grant writing. I got busy reaching out to disaster relief organizations and found support in CERF+, the Craft Emergency Relief Fund. Recognizing the urgency of my situation, CERF+ quickly provided necessary assistance. Partnering with Rio Grande, a jewelry supply company, they helped me get back on my feet. I took action, swallowed my pride and accepted the help I needed, and within a month, my business was back on track.
From this experience, I encourage my peers to be proactive: purchase insurance to safeguard your business, accept help when it’s offered and necessary, and never stop pushing forward.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Freedom.
Freedom to hit the road at the drop of a hat, whether I’m doing a show or just meeting up with friends and fellow artists halfway across the country.
Freedom to push pause and go explore Thailand for a month. Get a tiger tattoo from a monk… Walk with elephants…
Freedom to know that even though I have the discipline to get up early in the morning, I don’t have to.
The list goes on and on.
As long as I put in the work and I make smart business choices, I can basically do whatever I want whenever I want. Looking back at how I used to live, I wholeheartedly believe that anyone can do the same.
I never knew freedom like this when I was punching a time-card five days a week and asking for permission to take a few days off for myself once or twice a year.
I won’t say it’s easy or instantaneous, but it is absolutely possible to live and enjoy life on your own terms as an artist. And the beauty of it is, with your hands on the reigns, the path will perpetually lead to more and more opportunities, connections, and amazing experiences.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.HallettPeakLeather.com
- Instagram: @hallettpeak
Image Credits
Photographers:
Heath Herring, Jenna (Denney) Fago
Models:
Shaley Ham, Natalie Kovarik, Marijka Hunsaker, Blaze Stewart, Jasmine Pankratz