I put on my cowgirl boots at a young age and started down a road that has taken more turns than I ever could have imagined.

I’ve made good decisions and poor ones. I’ve changed direction. I’ve had to start over. Through all of it, I’ve learned that some of the most important things we can do are remain open to where life takes us and stay true to who we are.

A lot of that started with my family.

South Dakota Roots

I was blessed with a blended family and four wonderful parents: my dads, Duane and Raymond, and my moms, Sylvia—also known as Idaho Sue—and Alice.

My parents divorced when I was young and both remarried, but they shared a common goal: raising a loving family. Each of them encouraged me to work hard, be independent, and be myself.

I grew up around cattle and horses in South Dakota. Ranch life gave me a strong work ethic, a love for animals, and an appreciation for making use of what you have.

But there was another side of my childhood that was every bit as important.

My mom Sylvia was a musician and a free spirit. She had a radio show, wore incredible clothes, and had a style that was entirely her own. Some of my favorite memories are of playing dress-up in her closet with her clothes, shoes, and stage pieces.

She showed me that personal style could be creative, expressive, and completely individual.

I didn’t know it then, but those lessons would follow me for the rest of my life.

Music, Creativity & Finding Your Own Style

Music was always part of our home.

I eventually followed in my mother’s footsteps and played in bands myself. Over the years I sang and played piano, saxophone, clarinet, and guitar. Some of my favorite memories are of bringing my bandmates home for jam sessions with Mom—and, of course, a home-cooked meal.

Music taught me something I still bring into my creative work today: you learn the fundamentals, but eventually you have to find your own voice.

Style isn’t much different.

The things we wear can tell people something about who we are before we ever say a word. I’ve never believed everyone should look the same, and I’ve certainly never wanted my work to make people disappear into a crowd.

I want it to help people feel more like themselves.

When Life Changes the Plan

For a long time, I thought I knew exactly where my life was going.

I owned a successful business and had plans for the future. Then life took a sharp turn.

Serious illness changed my path and forced me to reconsider what I wanted to do with the time and abilities I had. It made me ask some big questions about why I’m here, what matters to me, and what I still want to accomplish.

Eventually, that winding road led toward creative work and, ultimately, Dusty’s Originals.

Before starting this chapter, I had worn plenty of other hats—sometimes literally and sometimes figuratively. I pumped gas, washed dishes, worked as a general contractor, owned consulting and optical businesses, and spent years working with designer Tasha Polizzi.

Every one of those experiences taught me something.

Giving Old Things a New Story

My love of repurposing also goes back to my roots.

Growing up on a ranch, we reused things because that’s simply what you did. As a kid, I didn’t always appreciate it. Later, I came to understand the value in keeping something good, respecting how it was made, and finding a way to give it another life.

That idea became part of my creative work.

One project that has always stayed with me involved an old denim jacket that had belonged to a client’s father. Instead of leaving such a meaningful piece tucked away, we reinvented it into something she could wear again.

The material already had a story.

My job was not to erase that story. It was to help it continue.

That same idea has found its way into my hats through vintage textiles, rescued jewelry, old buttons, found objects, and other details that deserve another chapter.

Be Your Original Self

I’ve traveled a lot of roads to get here, and I still love heading out without knowing exactly where the road will lead.

I love meeting people, hearing their stories, working with my hands, spending time outdoors, being around animals, and creating things that feel personal.

Most of all, I believe there is beauty in individuality.

You don’t need to look like everyone else. You don’t need to follow every trend. You don’t have to wait for someone else’s permission to wear something bold, change direction, or follow the thing that keeps calling you.

Be original. Be comfortable in your own skin. Wear the hat.

And whatever road you’re on, make it yours.

— Dusty