CreekSide Hat Co. | Fairview, AB
Randi-Lynn Schischikowsky, a Hines Creek resident and seasoned hairstylist of 18 years, has taken her passion for style to a new level—crafting custom cowboy hats and fedoras.
Growing up in a western family where cowboy hats were a staple, Schischikowsky’s love for the craft runs deep. From her girls who barrel race to her husband who wears a cowboy hat almost daily, the western lifestyle has always been part of her world.
“I started out with burning hats and creating designs on them, and I steamed hats alongside my uncle,” said Schischikowsky. “That’s when I really started to get more interested in custom hat making and shaping.”
Her fascination evolved, and she began creating custom hats, a rare craft north of Edmonton. After building her skills from home, she proudly opened her storefront, CreekSide Hat Co. in Fairview on November 1, 2023, bringing a unique touch of western tradition and craftsmanship to the community.
Schischikowsky’s process begins with a consultation where customers choose their preferred crown shape, brim style, felt type and colour. Using a special tool, she measures and shapes the hat to fit each client’s unique head size before cutting the block for the sweatband.
“Customers have full freedom when it comes to choosing their shape and crown. The most popular one is the cattleman crown,” said Schischikowsky. “My favourite style is the tear drop with a twist in the front. It’s more feminine and fashionable.”
The hat is then steamed, pressed onto a block by hand and left to sit for one or two days to set the shape. After smoothing the felt, Schischikowsky burns, sands and brushes the hat before sewing in the sweatband, adding a liner and working with the customer on final touches like leather bands or custom logos.
“The entire process takes up to four weeks, depending on materials and customizations,” said Schischikowsky. “Most of my materials ship out of the US, so it takes a bit to get them in.”
For those wanting something less personalized, but still unique, Schischikowsky stocks pre-made hats from brands such as Rodeo King, Serratelli and Twister, which she ships in from Denver, Colorado.
“These hats come with an open crown, so I can still shape them to a customer’s preference,” said Schischikowsky. “This offers a lower price tag, but still gives the experience of choosing a crown and brim shape.”
While Schischikowsky says competing with big name stores can be tough, a lot of people enjoy supporting small businesses, especially if they’re local.
“The US exchange rate and importing costs for things like hat boxes have also created a few hurdles, so it’s important for me to balance fair pricing with my time and the value of my services,” said Schischikowsky. “To manage costs, I research and prioritize local and Canadian suppliers whenever possible.”
Offering plenty of options, especially for the holiday season when people want to purchase a one-of-a-kind hat for their close friend or relative, Schischikowsky has a few different price points to work with—as well as gift certificates to put toward a unique creation.
“If you’re looking for a hat that you only want burned, I always suggest one of our pre-made Twister hats,” said Schischikowsky. “They start at $155, and with extra details added on it usually comes to $220. They’re great if you’re looking for a totally personalized gift.”
For mid range budgets, customers can opt for a Serratelli hat with an open crown and flat brim to completely customize to their liking, which starts at $240.
“Prices increase depending on felt types. Rabbit hair felt hats start around $350-$400,” said Schischikowsky. “While the 250g beaver hair hats start at $950 and go up from there.”
Customers can also choose from one of the many straw hats Schischikowsky has in stock and get them shaped to their liking. These hats start at $120 and are ideal for those looking for a lighter hat to wear.
“To me, felt hats are perfect for Christmas because they’re warmer and can be comfortably worn all fall and winter,” said Schischikowsky.
One of Schischikowsky’s goals is to travel with her business more in the summertime, attend rodeos and work out of a trailer.
“Long term, I would love to have a bigger location with more stock,” said Schischikowsky. “Having a full store, with hat presses and steamers where I can teach my family the business is my ultimate goal.”
In the hat industry, many hatters tend to keep their skills close to their vests, but Schischikowsky has learned the best way to attempt a new creative passion is to research, and then, just dive in with both feet.
“You just have to go for it! Find as many resources as you can, and don’t give up if someone tries to shut you down,” said Schischikowsky.
CreekSide Hat Co. is located in downtown Fairview in the same building as Shorty’s Pet Supplies.
Appointments are needed when stopping in person because Schischikowsky also runs a hair salon.
Find CreekSide Hat Co. on Facebook at or online at www.creeksidehatco.ca.
Words by Dani Wearden | Photography by Tyrell Parenteau
Comentarios