Set in a historic 1891 building in Southern California’s Old Town district, Weld + Wool offers more than just hats—it delivers an experience. With a full-service hat bar, permanent jewelry, and a deep appreciation for American-made quality, Danielle has created something truly special. We’re honored to spotlight Weld + Wool and share Danielle’s journey in this month’s retailer Q&A.

Q: Can you share the story behind how Weld + Wool got started?

A: Weld + Wool is an answered prayer. I was working from home with an eight-month-old and missing that sense of daily connection with people. While visiting Nashville, God revealed exactly what I needed to start back home in Temecula. I woke up in the middle of the night with “Weld + Wool” in my head and texted my brother-in-law to start a branding package. The original logo we created back in 2022 is still what we use today.

Q: What’s the meaning behind the name “Weld + Wool”?

A: We offer permanent jewelry—which we weld—and we carry wool hats. It’s a simple name that represents the heart of what we do.

Q: What drew you to start carrying Western hats in your shop?

A: The Western lifestyle is already part of our home. I’ve always worn Western hats, and our space is full of vintage cowboy art and furnishings. My husband’s a hat guy too, so hats are a frequent conversation topic in our house. That made it a natural extension for the business. In the beginning, it was hard to find a hat supplier that was American-made, high quality, and accessible for a small business. It took some trial and error before I found the right fit.

Q: How did you first discover Master Hatters of Texas, and what made you decide to carry our hats?

A: I found Master Hatters of Texas through social media. We were getting ready for some big wedding events and needed a wider variety of styles and colors. The process of opening an account with MHT was so easy—your team was responsive, helpful, and quick to ship. When the hats arrived, I knew I had found exactly what my shop had been missing.

Q: What do your customers love most about the MHT hats you carry?

A: They love that they’re getting a quality, American-made Western hat at a great price. The hats shape well, decorate beautifully at our hat bar, and brand cleanly. Plus, our customers appreciate having access to higher-end felt hats, open crowns, and straws all in one place.

Q: Do you have a personal favorite MHT hat or color?

A: My 7X Military is my favorite—it always gets compliments!

Q: How do you typically merchandise or style the hats in your store or at pop-up events?

A: In-store, we use two eight-foot racks to stack the hats by color, with styled display pieces around the shop to show what’s possible through our hat bar. When we travel for events, we bring along a mobile wood bar to create a consistent experience.

Q: What types of customers do you usually serve, and what are they looking for in a Western hat?

A: We’re located in a historic district, so we get visitors from all over the world looking for an Old West experience. But what they’re really looking for is fit—then color and style. We take pride in educating every customer on material blends, proper fit, and how to personalize a pre-shaped hat to feel like it was made just for them.

Q: What qualities do you look for in a wholesale supplier?

A: Communication is everything. I want a supplier who feels like a partner—someone I can work with to grow both of our businesses. That, and product quality. When those two things are in place, everyone wins.

Q: What’s something unique about Weld + Wool that you’re especially proud of?

A: I went to hat shaping school in Denver for four days of intensive training. I came home with the confidence to shape any style, properly measure a customer, and help train my staff to do the same. That’s what sets us apart—we’re not just selling hats, we’re shaping them to fit people’s lives.

Q: What’s ahead for Weld + Wool this year?

A: We’re starting to create our own customization products to help other shops offer personalized options without investing in a ton of inventory. We’re also booked through October with hat bar events and weddings—it’s a full and exciting year ahead!

We’re grateful to Danielle for sharing her story and for choosing Master Hatters of Texas as one of her go-to hat suppliers. At Weld + Wool, it’s clear that every detail—from the product to the experience—is rooted in authenticity and care. If you’re ever in Temecula’s Old Town, be sure to stop in and see her work firsthand.

Note: Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and flow.