About Us - Location – TrueWestHats

Now Hiring

True West Hats is more than a retail shop—it’s a studio where craftsmanship, story, and individuality come together. We create heirloom-quality, handmade hats and invite each guest into a thoughtful, creative design experience.

As we open our Tlaquepaque location, we’re looking for someone who loves people, appreciates handmade work, and feels confident guiding others through a creative process.

This role is for you if you:

Enjoy meaningful, one-on-one conversations (not transactional sales)
Have a strong eye for style, proportion, and aesthetics
Are calm, warm, and confident helping people make decisions
Appreciate craftsmanship, natural materials, and timeless design
Love creating beautiful experiences as much as beautiful objects

No hat-making experience required—we train the craft.
Taste, presence, and people skills matter most.

What you’ll do:

Guide guests through the custom hat design process
Share the story, materials, and craftsmanship behind each piece
Help clients feel confident choosing shapes, colors, and details
Support sales of curated handmade bags, boots, jewelry, and accessories
Maintain a welcoming, elevated studio environment
Build lasting relationships with locals and visitors alike

Ideal background (not required, but helpful):

Art, fashion, interior design, jewelry, or styling
Boutique hospitality, luxury retail, wine tasting rooms, or spas
Gallery or artisan market experience
Someone seeking part-time, meaningful work in a creative space

Schedule & Compensation:

Part-time to start (20–30 hours/week)
Competitive hourly pay + commission on custom hats
Opportunity to grow into a lead or long-term role

Why True West Hats:

Slow retail, high connection
A beautiful, intentional workspace in Tlaquepaque
Work that values quality, artistry, and individuality
Be part of a brand rooted in heritage, creativity, and Sedona spirit
Boutique hospitality, luxury retail, wine tasting rooms, or spas
Gallery or artisan market experience
Someone seeking part-time, meaningful work in a creative space

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $22.00 - $28.00 per hour

Benefits:

Employee discount
Flexible schedule

Work Location: In person

Email: true@truewesthats.com

True West Hats About Us

Charlie - Owner/Hatmaker

Charlie, originally from Michigan, embarked on an adventure to the majestic mountains of Aspen, Colorado, at just 17 years old. Captivated by the area’s beauty and extreme sports/nature, he opened Colorado's very first snowboard shop in nearby Snowmass Village. Charlie became a pioneer in the snowboarding industry, catering to a growing niche with a focus on fashion, equipment, and rentals. After successfully running the business for seven years, he sold his share to his business partner and set his sights on South America. There, he purchased land in southern Chile and built an off-the-grid home, building piece by piece, embracing a new chapter of adventure and sustainability and raising cattle and growing his own food. From here, Charlie and April's paths crossed when Charlie returned for the summer to Aspen.

April - Owner/Designer

Her first major role was in a sports business, where she managed operations and marketing, earning recognition as Employee of the Year out of 300 staff members. She later moved to Phoenix, AZ, joining a startup company where she supported venture capital efforts and excelled in executive sales and client training. April then transitioned to the nonprofit sector, joining the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, where she became a top national fundraiser in corporate and individual giving. In 2015, seeking new life experiences, she relocated to Aspen, CO, to work at Kemo Sabe, a luxury Western retailer. There, she not only became the top salesperson but also began designing custom products such as hats, boots, buckles, and other unique items. It was in Aspen where Charlie and April’s paths crossed and their story began.

Our Story

It was in Aspen where Charlie and April’s paths crossed and their story began. After meeting, April joined Charlie at his off-the-grid home in southern Chile, where they raised cattle and embraced a rustic, sustainable lifestyle. Seeking to expand their adventures in South America, they relocated to Cafayate in Salta, Argentina, a picturesque region known for its wine, golf, and luxury homes. There, they opened Restaurante Colorado, catering to a growing community of expatriates in a high-end development called La Estancia de Cafayate. April began a career in international real estate, while Charlie focused on designing and building custom homes within the development. They extended their services by fulfilling the interior design needs of home-building clients. Together, they collaborated with local artisans to create custom cabinetry, furniture, and home décor, while also sourcing high-quality materials and furnishings from Buenos Aires.

Our Story Continued

Their shared vision and entrepreneurial spirit turned La Estancia de Cafayate into a thriving hub for creativity and community. In 2015, Charlie and April returned to Aspen and began consulting for a high-end Western store, taking on a pivotal role in developing the company’s branded product line. They spearheaded the installation of a manufacturing facility to produce custom hats, luxury bags, and premium leather goods. During this time, Charlie honed his craft as a hat maker, mastering the skills needed to create bespoke, high-quality designs. By 2017, after successfully establishing the production facility and increasing Aspen's store's branded product revenue significantly, Charlie and April decided to embark on their own venture. They moved to Paonia, Colorado, and launched True West Hats, combining their expertise in craftsmanship, design, and business development to create a brand that celebrates individuality and Western heritage. During the pandemic, April and Charlie relocated True West Hats to Sedona, Arizona, where they successfully grew the business. In September 2024, due to a family emergency, they made the decision to close their retail store in Uptown but since have opened a location in West Sedona with the design studio and retail combined to better accommodate a makers space and hat parties.