I’m Brandie Newman—the designer and creator behind Belle Star Hats.

I chose the name Belle Star because it represents who I am. Belle Starr was an American outlaw, known for living outside the rules and refusing to be what society expected. I’ve always considered myself on the outlaw side too—never following a set path, always doing things my own way. She also had strong ties to Fort Smith, Arkansas, which makes the name even more meaningful, since that’s where I was born.

Hat making started as a hobby—something I turned to for stress relief while running multiple businesses. Time in my workshop brings me real joy and gives me a break from the noise of everyday life. What began as a creative outlet quickly turned into a passion, and before I knew it, I was completely addicted to making hats.

My closet soon overflowed, so I started selling my hats at our country nightclub, Stampede. Once I saw how much people loved them, I kept creating more. That hobby grew into something bigger than I ever imagined—today, Belle Star Hats has an online store and is carried in multiple shops.

Every hat I make is rooted in creativity, independence, and a little outlaw spirit—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.